Through my Brackenridge experience, I came to understand that research process is rarely linear. As a person digs into their research question, unforeseen problems and challenges often appear. These problems can feel overwhelming and insurmountable, but with careful time, attention, and effort, some type of solution can often be found. One part of my research…
Author: kmm312
Learning from Interdisciplinary Research
“Come up with a research proposal where everyone in the group can contribute a part of their expertise.” After hearing those words, my first thought was that was, quite simply, not possible. What topic could seven people studying seven completely different fields research together? How could we blend chemistry, biology, and math with political science,…
Meeting My Mentor
I met my research mentor, Becky Forgrave, because she was the instructor for my ecology lab, a graduation requirement in the environmental science department. I connected with Becky on a personal level first. She was extremely friendly and we would chat before class about similarities in our undergraduate pathway and Becky’s graduate work. Growing…
Translating Scientific Information
During my time as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, there have been several occasions where I’ve left the presentation of an expert in my field of study and been completely baffled as to what they were presenting on. In those cases, I left feeling confused as to the significance of the speaker’s research…
Connections Between My Cohort
After reviewing all the Brackenridge introductions, I’m amazed by the interesting and impactful projects on which everyone is working. The broad range of subjects covered makes me excited to see how fields of research that seem completely opposite of each other can actually be closely related. I can see this already within my cohort. Luke…
Using Fluorescence to Monitor Water Pollution
About Me Hello! My name is Katelyn Meyer. I’m a rising senior double majoring in chemistry and environmental science. I’m participating in this year’s Brackenridge Fellowship, and after meeting several of you and learning about your projects, I’m extremely excited to work with all of you. A unique piece of information about me is that,…