Conducting research is extremely challenging and requires lots of balance and forethought. I would say that my understanding of the process definitely changed during the semester. I was able to get better at probing further if my results did not make sense. I also learned how to organize my investigation in a manner that makes logical sense and that can be easily understood by outside researchers. I would also say that I definitely learned quite a bit about time management. To make meaningful progress on a research project during the semester with classes and other commitments is difficult and requires students to plan ahead. To anyone planning on conducting research in the future, I would definitely say that understanding the time constraints you will have and adjusting accordingly is paramount.
Now that I have completed the CURF semester-long fellowship, I plan to continue my research. I will continue to work with Dr. Streipert throughout the spring semester and into next year. We will continue to examine different results from the project and hopefully gain further understanding and draw meaningful conclusions on leader-follower models. Next fall, I plan to apply to math PhD programs. I know that I will be able to use the CURF as well as my research experience throughout my time at Pitt to aid me during the process and my time in grad school.