1. How have the workshops and discussions on leadership this week changed your understanding of what leadership means?

Before the workshops, I always thought of a leader of being in front of the group. The past two days have made me realize that there can be different types of leaders. You can lead "from behind," where encouraging others is a form of leadership, like Megan Rapinoe cheering on her teammates during one of the last games of her career. You can also lead "side-by-side," in a partnership with someone else.

2. How might you imagine applying one of the four ways of leading during your summer on campus?

This summer I'll be working in a lab as the only undergraduate student with doctoral students, so I think it makes more sense to think about my supervisors' leadership rather than my own for this summer. The PI and graduate student will lead me "in front" and I can think about how to best respond to that type of leadership. 

3. What is it you're most excited about engaging in as part of your research project?

This summer will be a completely new experience for me. I've worked in labs in the past, but it was always during the academic year when I had other classes and commitments. This summer, it's just the research project. I'm excited about the opportunity to focus solely on my research project, rather than managing my time in the lab alongside the rest of my schedule. I'm also looking forward to getting to know the graduate students in the lab and learn more about the lab environment.