Well, it’s time for another Grad Diaries. I’d say this one is a bit overdue, so grab a warm drink and let’s catch up!
RESEARCH PRACTICUM
Since my last Grad Diaries, I was not only able to find a site for my Applied Research Experience but I completed it!!!!
I ended up working with my advisor to build a project based on data he previously collected and state-level CDC data. I am not sure what I can say about my project, especially at this stage, but my project will fall under chronic disease and social epidemiology which is exciting. I did not expect to be working with these two disciplines, but I am looking forward to exploring them more. I wrote a literature review and IRB protocol as my product deliverables. Each presented its own challenge, but the IRB was harder for me since I had never written one. It is basically where you write an overview of your project, including what you plan to do, who will be involved, and what will be done with the data and research. The purpose for submitting one is to get permission to access a dataset(s) that you need for your study. It was definitely not easy working on this during the last few months. Working from home has not gotten any easier as we stayed home longer. Luckily, my preceptor was very helpful, but at this point we are still in the waiting stage.
I was also hired for a new job and had to go through training while my deliverables were going through the approval process. Then things got more intense with the start of the semester, so let’s just say I was pretty stressed out. Unfortunately, I don’t even have an update on the job front despite going through training, because there was a change in management which led to a lot of confusion for many of the employees. At the end of summer, I also left my research lab after 3 years. While this isn’t officially goodbye it was time to move on. It was a bittersweet moment saying goodbye to everyone, but I am still connected in many ways. My time in the lab has honestly been one of the best parts of undergrad experience, and it helped me to learn more about myself as an individual and a young professional.
The good news is I’ve now been approved for my Capstone project! 🥰 For this portion of my Practicum, I’ll be conducting analysis of the data and doing a formal write-up and my two deliverables are supposed to help this process. So far things have gone slowly and some of that is out of my control. At the moment, I am working a lot on the code to conduct analysis of the data. Although I’m actually spending a lot of time just working through errors, I think this is a good learning experience for me. It’s made me realize that getting an error doesn’t mean I’m not as good as other people in my field. This happens a lot, especially with code, and no one is expected to have all the answers in their head. There is this mindset in school that if you don’t know the answer you are a poor, unprepared student and behind your classmates. But in the real world you are expected to look things up, ask questions when you get stuck, and collaborate with others. It also doesn’t hurt that a few of my friends are also working on code and having similar issues. When we can we try to help or direct each other to resources. I’m also lucky that my preceptor meets with me regularly and is available to help me work through problems.
FALL TERM COURSES
This semester I’m taking:
- Capstone
- Public Health Essentials
- Intro to Outcomes Research
- Graduate Communications
Besides my Capstone project, the course I was looking forward to most was Outcomes Research. My advisor recommended the course to me based on my career and research interests, and so far it has been interesting. In terms of formal coursework this semester is one of the lightest ones I’ve had. But I have multiple projects I’m juggling and I am working to maintain balance.
It feels really weird that I am already towards the end of my program. 😳 It feels like I was headed to my orientation just yesterday! I’m both excited and nervous about, and trying to make plans for after my program ends. However, it is difficult since I am trying to focus on my Capstone project and the pandemic has changed a lot of the opportunities available right now. But I am planning to just take things one step at a time, and focus what I can control.
Until next time,
Tatyana x
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