This research study is part of a First Year Research Experience [FYRE] class project to examine how research opportunities have been impacted by the pandemic, and how to best leverage the online environment. Our specific study examined disciplinary perspectives of faculty and graduate students focusing on how they share their research outcomes beyond their research group, and how the pandemic has impacted this process. The study is relevant because it allows us to understand limitations, and how to best conduct research despite the restrictions. To conduct the project, our research group of four students conducted interviews with twelve graduate students and faculty researchers. The following disciplines were represented; computer science, education, psychology, english, social work, biology. We asked questions regarding their experiences attending online conferences, the advantages and disadvantages, and if the pandemic provided new opportunities that were better positioned to effectively communicate disciplinary research. The interview process gave insight on how researchers adapted to this new online environment.
Twelve interviews were transcribed, annotated, and compared to identify emerging themes. Our analysis showed similarities, for example that online research conferences were cheaper and easier to attend because of the lack of travel, although it was also disadvantageous because there is less social interaction and participation. Other themes were about the effects of the pandemic on research in general, many believing that it made it easier to conduct research with peers around the world, as well as helping people become more comfortable with using technology like Zoom to communicate. However, in person labs have had to change how they work, some even shutting down completely due to the Covid-19 restrictions. This data could be used to better understand the effects of the pandemic on research labs, as well as how to channel the advantages and work around the disadvantages of Covid-19.
Authors: Abbie Gannon, Jasmine Hinkle, Steven Long, Elizabeth Travis
Faculty Advisor: Joyce Fernandes, Biology
Graduate Student Advisors: Ally Tamez, Educational Leadership; Emily Deeds, Creative Writing Major
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