For 10 weeks during the summer of 2013, I was accepted to do research with Dr. Christina Falci, a Sociology professor, at the University of Nebraska Lincoln through the Committee on Institutional Cooperation Supper Research Program (CIC-SROP). My research topic was on the perceived fairness of tenure promotion decisions and resource distribution across race and gender, based on data from the Faculty Workload and Network Study.
Being able to research a topic that is very prevalent in academia, especially to those I relate to (women of color) was very rewarding, both professionally and personally. In the fields I am interested in, race, gender, SES and the intersectionality of these identities within organized institutions in the U.S. are essential, so I personally felt like my research was giving light into these matters.
Tasks Accomplished:
Leadership Capacities
Being able to research a topic that is very prevalent in academia, especially to those I relate to (women of color) was very rewarding, both professionally and personally. In the fields I am interested in, race, gender, SES and the intersectionality of these identities within organized institutions in the U.S. are essential, so I personally felt like my research was giving light into these matters.
Tasks Accomplished:
- Literature review
- SPSS work
- Research paper (Introduction, Methods, Findings, Discussion)
- Present poster at research symposium
Leadership Capacities
- Knowledge: Understanding of personal values, motivations, passions, purpose, and ethics, which guide ones behaviors
- Attitude: Willingness to examine one's social location/identity/power and its influence on one's engagement
- Skills - Intrapersonal: Ability to manage and cope with change and uncertainty
- Skills - Interpersonal: Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Skills - Organizational: Able to conceptualize and organize ideas in order to actualize programs, events, projects, etc.
- Skills - Transitional: Develop a relationships with mentors
- Behavior: Hold oneself accountable for both successes and failures
In terms of my current future goals, this research opportunity gave me a really good glimpse into my future and skills to sharpen before I attend graduate school. Being challenged to do something completely out of my area of expertise allowed me to gain confidence in my own capabilities and potential, relating to my academic and professional career. Especially at a time where graduation was right around the corner and the realities of entering the world outside of my undergraduate career was hanging over my head, this research opportunity gave me the self-assurity that I was ready for graduate school and I am capable of doing what I want to do.