Sharing My Passion For Research

Author: Yodalys Aguilar | Major: Psychology | Semester: Spring 2023

Throughout my training as a researcher, it has always been important to me to integrate diversity and inclusion into my work. In the fall of 2021, I became interested in researching mental health among international students because I noticed a lack of research on this topic. While there are many studies on depression and anxiety among college students, there is not enough research on international students, a multi-ethnic sample. In my study, I investigate how adjusting to a new culture can be a significant factor in anxiety and depression among this population. I am currently conducting this project at the University of Arkansas, and I had the opportunity to share my preliminary results with other researchers at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). This was my first experience sharing my project with a broader audience, and more than just a conference, it was a place to build my identity as a researcher.

During the conference, I had the opportunity to listen to other researchers’ talks and presentations. Seeing how passionate other students were about sharing their findings and experiences motivated me to continue my journey as a researcher. I felt I was in the right place, surrounded by students, who have innovated new strategies to find answers to their questions. At the conference, I learned to enjoy the process of research, understanding that it is not a straight line from one point to the other. There are many steps in between that one may like or dislike, and all of that is part of the process of conducting research.

While presenting my project, I had an engaged audience that wanted to know more about my work. One student came to my poster saying, “I read that it is about international students, and I am one, ” and I said, “Me too”. It was fun to present research that represents me and makes the international community feel heard in the psychological sciences. One professor who approached my poster was willing to share my poster with his colleagues for a potential partnership. This conference makes me understand the importance of my project, and the importance of bridging the gap between psychology and the representation of minorities in sample matters.

I am happy to have attended this conference because it allowed me to share my project and meet other researchers in training like me. Also, I visited different tables promoting graduate programs, and scholarships. I learned about two graduate programs in neuroscience that I will apply to. I encourage other students to explore their academic career inside and outside their department to meet individuals who may serve as an inspiration to become a researcher, and one way to achieve this is attending to conference, as a presenter or visitor.