PhD student gets accepted onto prestigious research development programme in the US
A PhD student at GCU has been accepted onto an American university research programme, designed to support students expand on their chosen fields of research.
PhD student Julius Cesar Alejandra, whose field of research focuses on “Blue Green Prescribing for a Healthier Population and a Healthier Water Environment”, decided to apply to the Mixed Methods Programme as a way to develop his current research.
The Mixed Methods Programme is provided by the University of Michigan and allows students to apply using the George McCune Scholarship Award; a scholarship that supports students from developing countries to train in the latest advances in research.
Julius was shocked but delighted to have been accepted onto the programme. He said: “I was surprised and felt ecstatic after receiving the email that I have been selected to participate in the Mixed Methods Programme with the McCune Scholarship Award.
I understand I have competed with experienced researchers from around the world who have been using mixed methods in their own research activities. So after sending in my application in January 2020, I completely put the idea on the shelf and did not expect for anything. I think that was kind of helpful since it did not stir up some anxiety and expectations which made the feat a surprising one.
Being accepted for opportunities like this is such a milestone for doctoral researchers' personal and professional development.”
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the programme will now be held remotely. Despite the complications, Julius is using the situation to stay focused on his research. He said: “It is saddening that I won't be able to travel to the United States and attend the programme in Michigan this coming summer but I would like to see it as a floating opportunity that will keep me motivated.
The programme that I will be attending this June will focus on developing our research project using the theories and the art of mixed methods. This is a new and essential learning opportunity for me and I would like to use this as a motivation regardless of the mode of training.”
He added: “Since the lockdown and the shift to online learning in GCU, I have realised that I developed a certain increase in my productivity levels as a researcher.
It is maybe because that the set of activities that I am doing for my research is one of the things that I have control of compared to the uncontrollable spectrum of things brought by the current pandemic.
I think I will be just driving my motivations from my current productivity coupled with the thought of learning something new and meeting different people with something to look forward in the future.”
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By Rachael McAlonan
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