1. Last week the trainings and discussions we had cut across the disciplines. How does the interdisciplinary nature of this program, the fact that students are focusing on such a diverse range of projects, help you think about your project and/or your academic interests more broadly?

I think that the interdisciplinary nature of this program is extremely helpful for me, as I am able to engage and collaborate with a diverse group of people with diverse interests, This has not only strengthened my own research capabilities and horizons, but allowed me to learn and grow from peers whose expertise delves into areas far beyond (and different from) my own. I have leaned on some of my fellow Scholars who are completing similar projects to gain insight on how to best conduct ethnography and interviews, which has been super helpful because in the process of uplifting my own work through collaboration, I have been able to learn about the interesting research topics that they are pursuing. 

2. As you begin your individual research projects this week, do you anticipate any challenges in getting started? If so, what are they?

My big(gest) challenge has been my late start to the IRB approval process which is burdening my timeline. However it has allowed me to fall deeper in to the literature, as I have sorted th5rough News articles, neighborhood archives, books etc. which have been super helpful as I embark on this project as I feel am at a better and more informed starting place then where I would have been.