Expectations
At the beginning of my senior year, I had no clue what I wanted to do when I was older. Scientist? Psychologist? Teacher? Tennis instructor? So, I decided to use my Senior Capstone to develop a deeper understanding of what I like to do: to do experiments.
Since I had a background in chemistry and biology because of my extensive AP courses at Hilliard Davidson, I wanted to try to do my senior capstone in scientific research.
Once I learned that I was accepted, I immedietly thought of all the new topics I would learn. I thought I would learn how to prepare an experiment and maybe even see the analysis of the data.
I believed that my exposure to research would help me decide what I want to major in.
Since I had a background in chemistry and biology because of my extensive AP courses at Hilliard Davidson, I wanted to try to do my senior capstone in scientific research.
Once I learned that I was accepted, I immedietly thought of all the new topics I would learn. I thought I would learn how to prepare an experiment and maybe even see the analysis of the data.
I believed that my exposure to research would help me decide what I want to major in.
Reflection
I've benefited greatly from my time researching at OSU's Aquaculture Lab. Prior to this experience, I was very shy and uncooperative in a group setting. However, this unique exposure to the team oriented atmosphere in a research lab has influenced my personality and helped me realize the importance of team work and cooperation. Without the help of the other students in the lab, I would have never been able to complete the monumental task of researching a completely new topic.
I've gained valuable lab skills and techniques, as well as new knowledge in statistics. This didn't just help my research, but my school work as well. Knowing content before it is even taught in my AP Stats class has allowed me to score well on tests and contribute in class discussions. The enormous impact that the research had on my school life is what classifies it as such a meaningful experience.
If I had to do it over, I would have definitely started earlier. With a head start, I would have been able to conduct more research that would make my abstract better and more likely for acceptance.
I've gained valuable lab skills and techniques, as well as new knowledge in statistics. This didn't just help my research, but my school work as well. Knowing content before it is even taught in my AP Stats class has allowed me to score well on tests and contribute in class discussions. The enormous impact that the research had on my school life is what classifies it as such a meaningful experience.
If I had to do it over, I would have definitely started earlier. With a head start, I would have been able to conduct more research that would make my abstract better and more likely for acceptance.