CURNcast

Episode 8: Spilling the Tea on Applications with Sylvia Gropp

It’s the season finale of the CURNCast and we’re closing out with a bang! In this episode, we are joined by Sylvia Gropp, MEd, the Research and Graduate Studies Coordinator in the Office of the Vice-President Research at Thompson Rivers University. We dive into the world of undergraduate research funding applications, specifically the Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program (UREAP).
Sylvia shares her expertise on the dos and don’ts of UREAP applications, including tips on how to make your application stand out from the rest. She also gives us insights on the evaluation process and what reviewers are looking for in an application.
If you’re an undergraduate student looking to apply for research funding, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in as we spill the tea on applications with Sylvia Gropp.
 
Show Notes
Interested in applying for a UREAP?  Click HERE for more information.   
TRU Romeo is a tool used by faculty and students alike to apply for and manage grants.   
The NSERC-USRA is another award that can provide funding for undergraduate research! 
Using the UREAP Help Guide will make sure you don’t miss any important parts of your application.   
Unsure about ethics in your UREAP application?  Check out the ethics section on our website, or reach out to Tricia Lawrie, the ethics compliance officer.   
UREAP Application Tips: 
Utilize the online Help Guide 
Make sure all parts of the application are filled out, and all the necessary files are attached 
Include a proper transcript, and remember, they take a while to get 
Don’t submit anything extra, just do what is asked 
Have UREAP questions this episode didn’t answer?  Email the research office at studentresearch@tru.ca.  

Episode 7: Grad Student Stories Part II with Saaransh Bhardwaj

Welcome back to CURNCast for Part 2 of “Grad Students Stories”! In this episode, we continue our exploration with our guest, Saaransh Bhardwaj. Saaransh holds a Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management from TRU.
Dive into Saaransh’s personal experiences and journey through grad school as he shares his unique insights, challenges, and triumphs. Gain practical tips and advice on how to navigate the application process successfully, including the importance of preparation, finding a suitable program, and making the most of networking opportunities.
Join us as we explore the post-grad school landscape and discover how Saaransh’s research experience has influenced his career path and professional life. Whether you’re a current grad student, a prospective applicant, or simply curious about the impact of advanced education, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
 
Show Notes
Find out about all graduate and undergraduate research opportunities TRU has.  
Interested in the intersections between economics and the environment?  Check out the program websites for the Master in Environmental Economics and Management, and the Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management.  
You Are Here was a Researcher-in-Residence exhibit hosted by the Kamloops Museum and Archives, that is informing the cities new Cultural Strategic Plan.   
Check out A Study of the Value of Kamloops Parks, the book Saaransh co-authored along with other members of his program.   
Saaransh’s Tips for Grad School: 
Balance between life, work, and leisure. 
Find a good supervisor.  
Branch out and explore different areas of research.  
Do not leave assignments or studying to the last minute.  

Episode 6: Grad Student Stories Part 1 with Dr. Lindsay Blackstock

Welcome to the latest episode of the CURNCast! In this episode, join us for an insightful discussion with our incredible guest, Dr. Lindsay Blackstock. Dr. Blackstock is an Assistant Teaching Professor at TRU with a PhD in Analytical and Environmental Toxicology from the University of Alberta.
Discover the ups and downs of the grad school experience as Dr. Blackstock shares her personal journey, challenges faced, and lessons learned during her time as a student. Learn about the crucial aspects of the application process for grad school, including finding the right fit, crafting a strong application, and building meaningful connections with professors and colleagues. Whether you’re considering graduate studies or simply curious about the world of academia, this episode offers valuable advice and perspectives.
 
Show Notes
Interested in doing undergraduate research?  Find out more about the professors Lindsay mentioned, and their research interests, here: Bruno Cinel, Sharon Brewer, Kingsley Donkor, Kent Watson.  
Xing-Fang Li is a Professor in the University of Alberta’s department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology.  Learn more about her research HERE.   
Check out one of Lindsay’s most recently published articles HERE.   
Lindsay’s Tips for Grad School: 
Identify your goals for grad school. 
Figure out future career paths you are interested in. 
Industry, government, and academia all require different skill sets. 
Participate in service activities. 
Network, grad school is about who you know just as much as what you know. 

Episode 5: Knowledge Mobilization with Dr. Lyn Baldwin

In this episode of the CURNCast, we are joined by Dr. Lyn Baldwin, a Professor of Biology at TRU, artist, and author. We discuss knowledge mobilization in research, exploring traditional and creative methods, including Dr. Baldwin’s use of art, and writing to communicate scientific knowledge. Tune in to gain insights on how to engage broader audiences with research findings!
 
Show Notes
Interested in seeing more examples of how Lyn mobilizes knowledge?  Check out her latest book, Drawing Botany Home. 
Robin Wall Kimmerer is an author and teaching professor at the State University of New York.   
Nancy Turner is an ethnobotanist and professor emeritus at the University of Victoria.  
Parker Palmer is an educational theorist, activist, and writer.   
Barbara McClintock was a highly renowned plant geneticist.  
Airini is a former Dean of the Faculty Education and Social Work.  She is currently the Provost and Vice-President Academic at the University of Saskatchewan.   
Things to Consider When Mobilizing Knowledge: 
Use your passion to inspire others. 
Inspiration to conduct research rarely comes from academic papers. 
All types of knowledge mobilization can be academic, they are just aimed at different audiences. 

Episode 4: Failure and What to Do When Things Go Wrong with Jenna Goddard

Welcome back to the CURNCast, where we explore the world of undergraduate research. In this episode, we’re joined by Jenna Goddard, Assistant Teaching Professor and Coordinator of the Writing Centre at TRU. With 15 years of experience teaching and a Master of Education in Adult Education, Jenna has a wealth of knowledge on learning sciences, decolonizing academic writing spaces and processes, antiracist education and assessment, and authentic teaching practices. Our conversation with Jenna focuses on the topic of fear, specifically failure, and how it relates to research. Jenna shares her insights into why we are so afraid of failure, the impact that fear can have on our research journey, and how reframing failure can be a powerful tool for growth and development. We’ll explore personal experiences of failure, and Jenna will provide strategies for using failure as an ally in research. Join us as we dive into the topic of failure with Jenna Goddard!
 
Show Notes
Want to learn more about the TRU Writing Centre?  Click HERE to visit their website.   
Find out more about Felicia Rose Chavez, and her book, The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop. 
STSS 1010 gives students the skills they need to be successful in their academic journey.   
View the current Statement of Commitment to Antiracism for the Canadian Writing Centres Association.  
Jenna’s Advice for students trying to move on from failure: 
Reframe it as a learning opportunity. 
Take it as a sign you are on the right track (if you fail and care). 
Work through negative emotions surrounding failure. 
Take Student Success 1010. 
Lean into failure and other things that scare you. 
Failure is honing ourselves. 

Episode 3: Fears and Imposter Syndrome with Keilin Gorman

Welcome to another episode of the CURNCast. In this episode, we’re joined by Keilin Gorman, TRU BSc. Honours alumni with a major in Biology and minor in Psychology, a former Research Assistant, and Research Ambassador. Keilin is currently a first-year medical student in UBC’s Southern Medical Program. Our discussion focuses on fears and imposter syndrome in research, a common experience that many students face when embarking on their research journey. Keilin shares his personal experience with imposter syndrome and provides insights into how he overcame these feelings. We’ll explore the reasons why imposter syndrome is so common in research and the impact it can have on students’ academic and professional success. Keilin will also provide tips and strategies for moving forward when you “feel like an imposter” and how to build confidence and resilience in your research journey. Join us as we explore fears and imposter syndrome in research with Keilin, and learn valuable insights to help you overcome these challenges.
Show Notes
UREAP is a scholarship for undergraduates doing research at TRU. 
Doing an honours project is another great way to get undergraduate research experience.  Click HERE for more information about the Biology Honors Program at TRU.
Naowarat (Ann) Cheeptham is a Biology Professor at TRU.  
Claudia Gonzalez is an Assistant Psychology Professor at TRU.  
Keilin is currently researching with Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury Through Research (SOAR). Learn more about his research HERE
Keilin’s Advice for New Researchers:
You supervisor will teach you how to do research, you don’t need to know everything right away.
When feeling imposter syndrome, reach out to friends doing research, they often feel the same way.
Have confidence in yourself, you are here for a reason.

Episode 2: How to Create a Research Network with Dr. Kingsley Donkor

Welcome to another episode of the CURNCast, where we delve into the world of undergraduate research. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Kingsley Donkor, a Chemistry professor and superstar research supervisor at Thompson Rivers University. Our discussion with Dr. Donkor focuses on creating a research network and the importance of networking in research. We’ll explore the basics of networking, including how to find a supervisor and the benefits of having a strong research network. Dr. Donkor will share his insights and practical tips on how to network effectively in research, and how to build meaningful relationships with potential supervisors and collaborators. We’ll also discuss the role of networking in advancing your career in academia and beyond. Whether you’re a student looking to start your research journey or a seasoned researcher seeking to expand your network, this episode is sure to provide valuable insights and actionable advice. Join us as we explore how to create a research network with Dr. Kingsley Donkor.
Show Notes
Interested in the research Kingsley and his students are doing?  Click HERE for more information.   
How to be a Good Candidate for Research: 
Have an idea of future career goals. 
Have passion for the type of research you want to engage in. 
Ask lots of questions during initial meetings with potential supervisors. 
Show your enthusiasm for research.  

Episode 1: Research Myths Debunked with Sukh Heer Matonovich

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Sukh Heer Matonovich, Director of Student Research and Public Engagement at Thompson Rivers University.
Our discussion focuses on the basics of research, debunking common research myths, and exploring who can participate in research and why we should be doing it. We’ll delve into the importance of research in academic and professional settings and discuss the impact that research can have on our lives and communities. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting out, this episode is sure to provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you on your research journey. Join us as we explore the exciting world of undergraduate research and debunk research myths with Sukh!
Show Notes
Check in finding out more about the opportunities available for research at TRU?  Click HERE for more information.   
Research Ambassadors engage in a variety of different ways to promote undergraduate research on campus! 
UREAP stands for the Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program.  Its one of the ways students can get funding to do research at TRU.   
Will Garrett-Petts is the former Vice-President Research at TRU.  
CURN is a resource designed by students, for students.  It has plenty of advice and information for students who want to start their research journey.