Research

To me, research has always been exciting. It is the chance for me to advance in my academic career, to step beyond my boundaries. It has allowed me to become interested in work that is going on around the world and for me to become a little part of it. I have been able to explore my interests and find mutuality in the interests of others.

 

I evaluated my ability to think critically and access information effectively in my Honors First Year Experience class. I learned the importance of ethical research: credit must be given where it is due. The circulation of research is valuable to the beginning researcher and the resources that an author cites are deep wells of advantageous information. I used my skills in research to write a research essay for Plant and Animal Biology, which allowed me to incorporate information into my learning. I developed a thesis statement and tested it through experiments involving the tolerance of radish plants to salt water. I also did a literature review to look into other research that was being done on my subject and the gaps that exist in the research: it helped me to understand the serious issue of the world’s water supply and agriculture and become interested in the world outside of academia.

 

I was a summer student worker for the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) for a summer, which was the most challenging research experience for me. I was thrust into a professional environment and expected to research and write a report. I researched the main streets of the downtowns on the Iron Range, composed a report, and incorporated others’ research on sustainable downtowns. I presented my findings and suggestions to the board. The experience was a constant stressor for me, but I grew as a researcher through the experience and gained confidence in my abilities. Working at the IRRRB allowed me to gain experience presenting my work.

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I have had many other opportunities to do original research. In my  Leadership and Interpersonal Communication class, I created a research questions and strove to answer it through a case study in which I interviewed a Mankato community leader. I had the opportunity to disseminate my research by presenting my case study at the URS, which I found to be very exciting as well as terrifying.

 

The most fun that I have when conducting research is when it involves literature. I wrote a literary analysis essay on how gender is represented in Shakespeare's As You Like It. I constructed a thesis statement and supported it by analyzing textual evidence. I also incorporated secondary sources to show how my argument fits into the world of literary research. I not only gained experience as a researcher, but I my love for evaluating literature grew and blossomed.

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Many people would only equate research with the scientific fields, but research is so much more than that. Research is the opportunity to explore interests and find other researchers that share those interests. Through research, I have not only found answers to my questions but have been inspired. I have learned so much through research and have had the opportunity to share my knowledge and original research with others.