INTRODUCTION.
My research journey started in my second year of university after taking a course called Introduction to Microbiology. Before taking this course I knew a little bit about research and what it was but didn’t know what or how to get involved. After this course I had a new area of science that I was passionate about and I wanted to dive deeper and learn more. I was fortunate enough to be accepted by my supervisor Naowarat (Ann) Cheeptham who helped me advance my skills in microbiology. Eventually my research projects took a turn and I realized how interdisciplinary research can be. I am currently combining fields of microbiology, physics, chemistry and political science in my most research project that is looking at microplastics in municipal composting and identifying bacteria that are able to break down the plastics.
The research projects I have taken part in are all community driven research that puts the cities values and concerns of the community at the forefront for the goals we create. This all started when a curious community member wanted to know more about the bacteria in her own personal compost. For this project I completed an Apprenticeship and Directed Studies at TRU. This project then evolved into next three projects in partnership with the City of Kamloops. I completed a UREAP, Mitacs Accelerated Internships and Honours thesis that continued to build off of the question, “what is in our compost?”.
I have been lucky enough that my research has been able to take me around Canada. I have presented at four national conferences and four TRU conferences. Of these national conferences I have gotten to go to London ON, Montreal QB, Bamfield BC, and Vancouver BC. Being able to travel, learn from others and be given the opportunity to talk about my research has been one of my favourite parts about my research journey so far.
THE STANDARDS.
Research is a process, so students are asked to demonstrate evidence supporting their engagement throughout their studies. This process normally involves generating a research proposal, engaging in recognized research activities, and sharing results via disciplinary-appropriate forms of knowledge mobilization. Students may submit evidence of research from a single significant research project (e.g., Honors thesis, UREAP project, NSERC USRA, Graduate Exhibition) or from multiple research activities (e.g., class research projects, research assistantships, volunteer research activity with a faculty mentor, etc.). Other relevant experiences may include the Knowledge Makers, Research Apprentice Program, Research Coach Program, Directed Studies, service-learning involving research, capstone projects, and major public performances.
Research at TRU takes many forms, so evidence that demonstrates students’ ability to understand the research process, evaluate existing research, analyze information, draw conclusions and disseminate new knowledge will vary by discipline.
All written evidence submitted must be clearly structured in Standard English, with few if any errors, and reference given to appropriate sources such as regulatory, professional, and scholarly works.
It is likely that multiple standards will be met based on a single research project; however, students must provide separate forms of evidence in order to demonstrate they have met the standards, even if they are all from the same experience.
Below you will provide detailed explanations of each criterion by editing the drop-down accordion, either directly pasting your evidence or by uploading PDF documents through the “file” block. That way, you will have all of your proof the way you want to showcase it and right here, on one concise page!
REFLECTIVE ESSAY.
Instructions:
Write a 1000-word limit reflection on the knowledge, skills and/or attributes you have gained as a result of your research activities.
What you need to cover:
- Describe your mindset and attitudes prior to your research involvement
- How did participating in these research activities change or shift your way of thinking, behaving, or communicating?
- Why are your research activities important?
- How will your research experiences impact you in the future?
Formatting for the essay:
- 12-point font, double-spaced, no more than 1000 words
What we DO want in the essay:
- Use the knowledge, skills, attitudes and awareness section for reflection
- Clearly communicate your learning or shift to us (the committee) by using explicit examples
- Proofread essay
- Follow the formatting guidelines stated above
What we DON’T want in the essay:
- We do not want a list of accomplishments
- We do not want anything exceeding 1000 words
- Please do not simply repeat events that are evident in the portfolio
Note: All of the instructions listed above should be replaced with your personal writing or deleted prior to submitting