Majors: Political Science & Philosophy (Law & Society)
UCI faculty mentor: Dr. Aaron Trammell
What advice would you give to your past self when you were just starting your research journey?
Get clear about the “why” behind the questions you aim to answer. Keep that front of mind to make your work more intentional and your findings more meaningful. When I was first invited to collaborate on a research project that was quite interdisciplinary in nature, I wondered how I could make my contributions impactful—both to the project itself, and particularly within the field of Political Science. By staying curious and stepping outside my comfort zone, I found direction and a sense of purpose in the work I was doing. My “why” is to advance emerging conversations in tech and behavioral health policy, and to help define the boundaries of governmental regulation—specifically, what counts as necessary oversight and what constitutes overreach. I think that for anybody engaging in research, getting in touch with the purpose and intentions behind their work can help them to stay motivated, to grow intellectually, and to create outcomes they are proud of.
