180 Research Reflection by Gillian Ruppel

Faculty Mentor: Michael Gills (Honors College, University of Utah)

When I was a freshman, I had me first research experience. At the time I was a biology major and I was convinced that I was going to continue with this career course. I am now an English major. It was because of that initial research experience that I learned that I was in the wrong major and would only be unhappy if I remained where I was. If I hadn’t had that experience it is more than likely that I would never have made the switch and would have found out I was in the wrong field much later when I was already committed. The project I worked on through the university’s UROP program was just as impactful for me, albeit in different ways. I have learned so much more about my anticipated field of study by doing hands on work than almost any other class. It has reinforced for me the desire to pursue a graduate degree and confirmed for me that I’m passionate about what I’m doing. It was one of the most difficult things I’ve done, but by far the most rewarding.