My time with the Mancini research group at Miami University has been both challenging and rewarding. Long days and nights spent preparing samples, collecting and analyzing data, and compiling results has been time well spent. While I'm still figuring out exactly what I want to pursue in my career, there's no doubt that the improvement I've experienced in critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and technological skills will serve me well no matter where I end up.
Going into this research experience, I had little prior knowledge of polymer chemistry. However, I was familiar with enzyme kinetics and assays from my biochemistry coursework. By combining my previous knowledge with the new information I was receiving everyday, I was able to enhance my critical thinking abilities and navigate unfamiliar territory.
This project often involved working with large amounts of data that needed to be analyzed in multiple different ways. Because of this, I quickly learned to navigate analytical technologies like UV-vis spectrometers and data analysis tools like Excel. My experience with these technologies will be a useful tool for my future jobs.
Joining the Mancini group, I met many new people with diverse backgrounds and research interests. Communication and teamwork became key factors in the progression and integrity of this project. Between the large data pool and collaborations with other projects and research groups, I've been able to work on having clear, open communication as well as accepting and asking for help or advice from mentors and team members when I need it. These skills can transfer to many parts of life and will be especially useful if I enter a field of work that's heavily dependent on teamwork.
Overall, I'm very grateful for the opportunity I've had to explore, learn, and grow, both personally and professionally, working with the Mancini research group. I've worked hard with my graduate student over the past academic year on this research and can happily say it's paying off. I look forward to seeing where this research goes in the next year or so, as this is only the start of a bigger picture.
- Karina -