What previous experiences prepared you to conduct your research?
I came into research out of pure interest to see what research is and looks like. As a first-generation student, I didn't know what professional research entails. Previously I had only done research in class for projects, which I highly enjoyed. There I had done some projects on hydrology and geology. I also had some minor research camp experience with the National Hispanic Environmental Council that I did in Fall 2022, where a group and I looked at the hydrology, fauna, and soil of the Pecos River in Pecos, NM. But this wasn't the research that my Professors do.
Who was influential in helping you design and implement your project?
I reached out to a Professor and he introduced me to his work and the projects he was working on. With him, I decided to work on a small portion of one of his projects. Something that I could still understand while incorporating the main aspects which would make it interesting for me to want to work on.
Who was most supportive of your research?
I was and continue to be very interested in research and the research that is happening in my field. Thus I heavily rely on my mentor to guide me through the concepts, what my data means, and finding the next step. My department is very supportive when it comes to undergraduate research and heavily encourages us to explore and present our work. I also have the opportunity to be a part of a research program such as McNair & ROP.
McNair & ROP and how they shaped my path to research
I started working on my research with the Leonard Research Fellowship from the Earth & Planetary Sciences department, and shortly after I also became a Research Opportunity Scholar. McNair & ROP guided me through research with other Professors and professionals who work in research and their projects and ways of tackling research. McNair & ROP is very detailed and provides lots of information and workshops on how to conduct research from the beginning to presenting at conferences. I was able to present at the McNair & ROP conference here at UNM and in Baltimore connecting with other students and professionals in various fields.