120 Research Reflection by Matthew Eisenberg

Faculty Mentor: Brian Codding (Anthropology, University of Utah)

Undergraduate research was a truly amazing opportunity. Taking on a research project allowed me to develop research skills that I acquired by working on a project outside of a typical course assignment or project, and apply skills learned throughout my journey at the University. Not only that, but I was also given the opportunity to collaborate and work with many different researchers and professors throughout the process. The opportunity was not easy by any means, and it allowed me to test my research skills and grow as a student. Undergraduate research also proved to me that academic research is something I am interested in and can achieve. In my earlier academic career, a project such as this would have been inconceivable to me. I used to believe that I did not have what it takes or was not smart enough to complete academic research. However, this opportunity has shattered that fear, and I truly believe that I can complete compelling research and have what it takes to pursue a post-graduate degree in the future.