Development of Problem Solving Skills

This past fall semester with the DIY Diagnostics stream not only helped me to grow as a researcher, it facilitated the development of problem solving skills I would never have encountered. I was drawn to DIY Diagnostics because of its flexibility and potential for developing personal research ideas. This stream really focuses on learning important lab skills and promotes striving for scientific creativity. Some my best memories of DIY come from working on skill developments in the first semester. We were encouraged to work in groups while performing various lab assignment and it allowed us to branch out and meet other students. Between failed LAMP tests and DNA extractions, not only did those skill developments teach us valuable laboratory skills, it gave us a sense of comradery through all the groans and grumbles.

With the skills that I have learned in DIY Diagnostics, one that has proved interesting and valuable was learning the basics of coding. I am a Human Development and Family Sciences major and I was never exposed to Java script or HTML. At the beginning, I found coding to be confusing and tedious but as time went on, I came to really appreciate the complexity and method of coding apps. The exposure to coding inspired me to go out and try to figure out more about java script with peers.

Applying for FRI and DIY Diagnostics was something that I did on a whim. Before coming to college, I always told myself that I would not be interested being in a laboratory setting. I decided to apply to get an idea of what research was about and I am so thankful that I did. I connected with many peers to cultivate relationships that allowed for personal and academic growth. Because I was able to create/choose a project to research, I pursued a topic that I was passionate and interested about. One of the most inspiring takeaway points that I have learned thus far, was the idea of not letting my experimental failures define the extent of my project’s success. Over the last semester, there have been many experimental mistakes and failures, but I was able to learn and improve my techniques/protocols to refine my experiment.

Linda Bui