Follow the “why”
By: Kate Brandt: 2017 Citizen Science GIS REU in Belize alumna, 2018 Citizen Science GIS REU Staff
I was always interested in how people interacted with their environment, with each other, and how an experiences could shape community knowledge. My curiosity fueled my drive to seek out research opportunities throughout college, including research of riverine ecology, wetland restoration, food deserts in cities, and, finally, flooding and disaster management in Hopkins, Belize. These experiences shaped my beliefs about the roles and responsibilities of research and researchers. I was fortunate to participate in the Citizen Science GIS REU in Belize early on in my career, where I began to form my approach to and ethic of research. Working with Dr. Hawthorne, Dr. Graham, team members, and members of the Hopkins community impressed upon me the importance of centering the “why” when designing research and asking questions.
What do I mean by “the why”? I believe it’s the driving force behind a research project, the question that should come before all others. In other words, why are we as scientists and researchers doing this work? Questions like “what is the research question?” and “how do we answer this question?” that are generated from “the why” will lead to better research process and design.
Kate (middle in blue) with REU team members Michelle and Andrew on a boat in the Caribbean Sea outside of Hopkins Village, Belize.
After participating in the REU and graduating from Rutgers University in 2018, I started my graduate program in geography at UNC Chapel Hill studying the impacts of energy poverty in urban Zambia. Here I’ve been able to continue learning about research design, working with an interdisciplinary team, and refining my research skills. When I began as an undergraduate research assistant at Rutgers University years ago, I never imagined that this is where I would end up. The lessons I learned as a participant in the REU continue to shape my understanding of the role of research and importance of collaborating with people across disciplines and institutions, inside the academy and out. Academia is a wide and far-reaching field, so continue to follow your why and you will find like-minded collaborators and colleagues to continue the work with together.
Apply to our NSF REU/RET Site by April 9 at: http://www.citizensciencegis.org/nsf-reuret-site.
Kate kayaking through the lagoon in Hopkins Village, Belize.