For my STEP signature project, I worked as an undergraduate research assistant in a physics research group at the Ohio State University. My main tasks included mechanically exfoliating materials and creating Van der Waal heterostructures. I also assisted in the electronic and optical measurements of these devices.
During my STEP project as an undergraduate researcher, my view of research fundamentally changed. The experience led to a deeper understanding of the research process. While curiosity drives the motivation to explore various subjects and materials, realism plays a key role in recognizing challenges and managing expectations. It can be difficult to know how close you are to making an experiment work, and this uncertainty fosters persistence. What particularly shifted my perspective was realizing that research is less about immediate results and more about contributing to a larger narrative. Each step of the experimental process becomes a chapter in that story. This understanding reshaped how I approach setbacks and progress, helping me see the true value of the research journey itself.
An experience that shaped this perspective was when I would mechanically exfoliate and stack heterostructures, only for the process to fail near the end and yield no results. At times, it felt like I wasn’t contributing much, which led me to question the purpose behind what I was doing. These moments ultimately taught me persistence, as the work still needed to be done. If I failed, I just had to get back to it and try again. Research is not about immediate success; it’s about learning from setbacks and refining techniques. Each failure became a crucial part of the process, helping me develop a more realistic approach to research.
Attending group meetings also influenced my perspective. Watching other projects progress steadily showed me that research is not a linear process, and every project moves at its own pace. This realization helped me understand that comparing progress across projects is unproductive and that each one encounters its unique challenges.
Another impactful experience was participating in morning classes where we were introduced to new physics concepts I hadn’t learned before. These sessions made me aware of how much I didn’t know and how much more there was for me to understand. This awareness led to continuous learning and growth, not just from the classes, but also through conversations with graduate students. Engaging with them broadened my understanding and motivated me to seek more knowledge, knowing that the research journey is an ongoing process of discovery and improvement.
This transformation is significant for my career plan because I want to work in the research industry, where persistence and adaptability are essential. Understanding that research is not about immediate success but learning from failures and refining techniques has helped me build the resilience I will need in a professional setting. The ability to embrace setbacks and keep moving forward is crucial for long-term success in any research environment, where uncertainty and challenges are part of the process.
MBE