Achievement

T. Kao, Cornell U. -- During my first year as an IGERT trainee, I participated in a technical writing module which resulted in an NSF Graduate Fellowship proposal based on the work that I plan to do as a graduate student. I received invaluable feedback in a constructive and friendly environment. I also designed a laboratory experiment targeted at my peers for our annual winter retreat on the synthesis and characterization of core-shell fluorescent nanoparticles. This experience solidified the spotty knowledge I had picked up in my first couple of months as a graduate student and I was able to deliver a complete picture to my peers. In our current module, I have created an educational video detailing my proposed work. In doing so, I have been forced to stop and think about the best ways to teach experimental science to students in other disciplines. I have begun to develop skills in scientific communication and outreach that I will use and continue to build on for the rest of my career.