Firmly in the middle of my research project, I picked up exactly where I left off- the long-awaited wavelength measurements.

Week Four

As the fourth week of my research arrived, I was finally able to do the measurements I had been waiting so long for. The constant flux of movement forward with the project added to my motivation, but the extra tasks that kept arriving took their toll. I decided to nip this in the bud and stop the stress before it grew: I started drafting the methodology sections of my report while I was still taking measurements, and continuing my literature review to prepare for the other sections. I no longer dreaded the blank page that awaited me after I had finished in the lab.

The rest of that week found me finishing measurements and turning to the other half of my research: the light pollution demonstration with volunteer participants. Having contacted Astronomy faculty to find timings to use the planetarium, tried out the dark sky image from Kielder Observatory, finalised the survey and collaborated with Outreach, I had done all I could. Now I had to wait for my poster to reach people. This period was infinitely harder than I thought. As mentioned in my first research reflection, I enjoyed the independence my supervisor gave me and trusted myself to get everything done. Relying on others and waiting for responses sometimes made me feel helpless, stressed, and worried I wouldn't find any volunteers.

Luckily, a group of people signed up and I was able to boost numbers with the help of some of my cohort. This obstacle, largely formed in my own mind, made me look back to some of the leadership training we did. Learning about the importance of collaboration was something I had to remind myself of, and patience is key when working with others. Throughout my Laidlaw journey and my future career, I'll undoubtedly have similar experiences, so I'll need to learn to balance my own independence with seeking and appreciating collaboration.

Week Five

In the fifth week, I carried out the participant demonstration and survey study. I had structured it in two slots on two different days, so while I was nervous on the first day this soon dissipated, and the study went smoothly with technical help from the wonderful Astronomy faculty members. I was happy with the survey responses I got, and I heard the volunteers actively having conversations about light pollution's effects, which was great to see. I've included a photograph, as I was proud of how effective the demonstration was as a small-scale simulation of light pollution.

Following the study, I began to go through the data and start analysing it. Having to learn about new statistical tests I hadn't heard of before was a little of a minefield, but I envision those skills will serve me well in later life- as a Physics student, I likely wouldn't have come across survey analysis in my degree alone. After a long meeting with my supervisor, including some classic physicist behaviour of drawing on a whiteboard and debating theory, he suggested my graphs would be stronger if I took some more measurements, and told me I could put this in my report as an improvement for future methods. However, I wasn't satisfied with that or my graphs- so I returned to the lab to take those extra measurements. Though it took a few hours away from my report writing, I couldn't have neglected improving my research. Over the past few weeks my interest in my project has turned into a real passion, and that is where I seek motivation towards the end of my time in Durham this summer.

Due credit must be given to the great socials I attended with my cohort- though I had to miss some due to part-time work, those I attended were incredibly fun and a great way for us to catch up and rewind.

Week Six

As I finish this reflection in the middle of my sixth week, I'm fully focusing on my report writing and will continue to do so when I go back home. I'll also make my poster after the report is finished- which as someone with a fairly keen interest in graphic design, I'm looking forward to. Watching my report come together makes me feel a great sense of achievement- yet there is still work to be done. My next post, I suppose, will be my actual report and poster- a terrifying but exciting thought!

Looking Ahead

I return to the (perhaps slightly trite) metaphor of a mountain from my previous reflection. There has been more obstacles as I continued to climb, but the summit is now in sight.