Research

The learning objectives for the Research program element are based on a set of objectives that have been developed at UMBC to assess the learning of URA recipients, and on the Critical Agency AFC.

Experience

REU at UMBC - gold

Research Presentation

ajayi_URCAD22_V4.pptx

Experience Summary

I started working under the mentorship of Dr. Curtis Menyuk in the spring of 2019. In the beginning, most of the work focused on learning more about his research and when it happened in the lab. We later proceeded to learn more about some of the concepts used in the lab. The following fall, I work to develop a proposal with the mentorship of Dr. Menyuk. The proposal was developed to Model the Reduction of Amplitude-to-Phase Conversion in Charge-Compensated Modified Uni-traveling Carrier Photodiodes. After completing the project, I moved on to the current project that I am working on now to see if the moth-eye structure can be used in solar panels.

Learning Objectives

Integrity

Through this experience, I have developed my proposal to study some of the research questions and hypotheses with my research mentor. I was able to practice my inquiry and process of inquiry skills.

Perspectivism

To formulate many of the questions, I had to do a literature review to understand what is already done in the field. I also work to understand how my questions could benefit the area. I worked to bring my perspective to every question I was working to answer. I was able to develop my knowledge of my discipline.

Realistic vision

I have been able to be realistic in many of the solutions I have developed for the questions that I have so I can successfully communicate the findings within the discipline of my results to my research group.

Teamwork

Working with Dr. Menyuk’s Research Group has expanded my ability to work in a team, including effectively communicating my findings/completed tasks through our weekly meetings.

Persistence

Research is all about persistence because it takes time, but it is essential to understand the ethical conduct needed to conduct research. I learned this by first taking a research ethics class and always keeping in mind that I need to be always honest with my findings.

Flexibility

I have also learned that over time I need to be flexible when it comes to my time because not everything can work out immediately. I have also known that I have to be able to think creatively to come up with new solutions.

how does This relate to my grand challenge?

My grand challenge is making solar energy economical, which is similar to my research interest, especially what I plan to specialize in once in graduate school. Although the first project I worked on did not alight too well with my grad challenge, over time, I was able to work with my mentor to develop a project that works for me and my interest. This experience contributed to both my grand challenge and my future educational goal.

Reflections, & Future Plans

Overall I would not change this experience because this experience introduced me to research and helped me develop a great relationship with my research mentor. I also got the opportunity to establish a long-lasting relationship with new friends that I had kept in contact with since the conclusion of the experience.

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