Research activities are a crucial aspect of higher education, providing students like myself with opportunities to develop valuable skills, knowledge and attributes.  My research experiences have enabled me to shift my ways of thinking about and communicating research, leading to a deeper understanding of my research subject matter and its practical applications.  In particular, my research activities examining data sampling and analysis methodology in Human Physiology, baroreflex sensitivity, and neurodegenerative disease through biomolecular condensate, have provided me with a chance to explore and contribute to the fields addressing some of the most pressing health concerns of our time.

At its core, research is about asking questions and finding answers, which requires critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.  And as such, the assets students gain from research activities are many and varied.  For example, through my research, I have developed a working knowledge of common physiology sampling techniques, learned how to develop and assess new sampling and analysis techniques, employed a variety of analysis techniques for physiological data, become familiar with curating literature reviews, extended my existing summarization skills, and improved as a teammate.  Furthermore, my research helped to develop my communication skills, including my ability to write clearly and concisely, present findings to a range of audiences, and collaborate effectively with others.

Participating in research activities has also shifted my way of thinking about research.  Instead of simply consuming information provided by others, I have been attempting to engage in the process of discovery and contribute knowledge to advance the fields I am working in.  This shift in perspective has allowed me to foster a deeper understanding of the scientific process, and to gain a greater appreciation for the importance of rigorous, evidence-based inquiries.  I know now, more than ever, that the importance of research activities in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases cannot be overstated; cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, affect millions of people globally.  Research activities in these areas offer students incredible opportunities to contribute to the growing bodies of research that are helping to develop new treatments and therapies, potentially improving the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Moreover, the research that I conducted on biomolecular condensates, related to neurodegenerative diseases, has also helped me to gain a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive the formation of these structures and their potential as therapeutic targets for treating neurodegenerative diseases.  Through this research, I have come to appreciate the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to research, as understanding the complex biology of these neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, requires a broad range of expertise.  It is often the case that solving complex problems requires knowledge and applications from multiple fields, and various research activities offer excellent opportunities to work with individuals from diverse scientific backgrounds and beyond.  In my research activities, by working with people with different perspectives and skill sets, I have gained new insights and been able to approach problems in novel ways.  These collaborative experiences have prepared me for future work in interdisciplinary settings and made me appreciate the value of collaboration in achieving research goals.  Without my research “teammates” and peers, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Research isn’t research, however, without those who participate in research continuing to apply their skills and knowledge in a variety of ways after project completion.  Some may choose to pursue careers in research or academia, continuing to push the boundaries of knowledge in their respective fields, and others may apply their skills in other professions, such as healthcare or biotechnology, contributing to the development of the medical field as a whole.  At this point in time, I don’t know which path I am headed down.  But I know that through engaging in research activities and developing a set of valuable skills and attributes, I am well-poised for success in whatever comes next.  In particular, the research experiences I have gained at TRU have put me in a position to make meaningful contributions to society in a variety of settings.

For example, the communication skills I developed through presenting my research findings could be applied in any professional setting, allowing me to effectively communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences.  The problem-solving skills I developed through designing experiments and analyzing data could be applied in a variety of settings as well, allowing me to approach complex problems with a structured and analytical mindset.  And, the critical thinking skills I developed through all of my research activities could be applied in any field, too, allowing me to evaluate information, analyze arguments, and make informed decisions.  Furthermore, the interdisciplinary collaboration skills I gained from working with a multitude of peers and supervisors from different backgrounds, through my UREAP and three Directed Studies, have prepared me for future work in a variety of fields, from academia to industry.  By participating in research activities, I have acquired a versatile set of skills and attributes that will serve me well in whatever I choose to do in the future.  I am grateful for the opportunities that research activities have provided me, and I look forward to continuing to apply these skills and knowledge in my future endeavours.

In summary, my research activities at TRU have offered me an unparalleled opportunity to develop as a person and as a professional in many aspects of my life.  Participating in research activities has shifted my way of thinking about and communicating research, enabling me to contribute to the advancement of my field and make meaningful contributions to society in whatever I may choose to do.  I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that research activities have afforded me during my time at TRU, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!