Jennifer McAlister, a second year Psychology student researcher for Professor Michael Wohl gives you the need-to-knows about I-CUREUS in this Q&A session.
Q: What does the lab that you work in focus on? And how are you involved?
A: The lab focuses on a few different topics including gambling, social identity, and forgiveness. I happen to be involved in projects in each of the three areas. I am currently focused on running participants in a gambling study.
Q: Can you explain a little bit about what role you play in the research process?
A: I’ve had the opportunity to play many different roles in the lab. I have put studies online for participants to do through the SONA system. I’ve had the opportunity to input data and to help run some studies, which has definitely been the most interesting aspect of this opportunity. In those studies, I have been exposed to how important the details of a study are. I have also found the studies interesting and useful for completing course work.
Q: What do you feel you have gained from the experience of participating in I-CUREUS which you might not have gained from a classroom?
A: It relates really well to my research methods course and it has helped me to gain a better understanding of some of the concepts covered in that class. It’s also given me an insider view into the “real world” of research which is something you can’t really teach in a classroom. It is almost idealized in a classroom because you don’t get to see the nuances that go into the creation of a research project and how much effort and time goes into it.
Q: What would you tell future I-CUREUS participants about the program?
A: There are a few different things. This is my list:
- Gaining experience in a lab has been really important, especially since I got to do lots of different jobs.
- It also establishes a connection with a professor which can be really helpful for learning about grad school and the options you have, as well as making a great reference
- I know that I-CURES will be great for future job applications
- Having an accessible workplace is really helpful, especially if it is your first time having a real job
If you are interested in learning more about how you can be an I-CUREUS participant, please visit: http://carleton.ca/discoverycentre/undergraduate-research/icureus/