149 Research Reflection by Elisabeth Diaz

Faculty Mentor: Colleen James (Undergraduate Studies, University of Utah)

My research project in collaboration with the Edible Campus Gardens, has been a transformative and wonderful experience during my undergraduate career. Seeing the project from conceptualization to completion has allowed me to gain a well-rounded understanding of the research process. Conducting data collection and analysis has built my experience both with qualitative and quantitative research methods. Through using mixed methodology, I was able to see the strengths of both methods, and in turn, my project was more robust. Additionally, my project being a community-based research project has deepened my understanding of what role research can play to benefit the community. This research experience, while also personally fulfilling, has supported my intention to pursue graduate school for Environmental Sociology. I feel confident in my ability to succeed in a graduate program focused on research. Through my research experience, I have learned that I deeply enjoy working on community-based projects. I plan to continue doing this type of work and to continue building relevant and useful projects for the community at large.