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Coming into my supervisor’s lab at the start of my PURE Award, I knew I had so much to learn. I had previous experience working in the data analysis side of research, but this was my first research project in a wet lab. There was such a big difference between a research wet lab and a classroom wet lab! In class, experiments are like following a recipe in that the process and outcome are predictable so students can have a consistent learning experience. 

However, in research, you’re completely starting from scratch and learning through trial and error. I'd never experienced that before, and honestly, it's exhilarating. The unpredictability challenged me, and looking back, if research was like doing class assignments, I wouldn’t have been as interested. When things went wrong, I’d doubt myself and my abilities, but eventually, I realized this is what being a researcher is all about. You’re in charge of figuring out how to make something work and how to troubleshoot the unexpected, and sometimes your failures and mistakes are what opens doors to new ideas and opportunities.  

I’ve come to see that research relies heavily on collaboration and continuous learning. Recognizing my strengths and weaknesses, and being willing to ask for guidance, seek clarification, and work with others, has been essential for building confidence with new skills in a new setting!