Introduction

My name is Hannah O’Neil, and I am in my final semester of a Geography and Environmental Studies Honors degree, with a Minor in Biology. My current research reflects the interdisciplinary nature of my studies; I am exploring urban gardens through a qualitative and quantitative lens with techniques from geography and biology, in order to better understand the connections between humans and plants. I began my research journey by learning about the research process through my participation in a research assistantship.  This experience as a research assistant enabled me to gain a familiarity with the research process.  This prompted me to explore the other undergraduate research opportunities that TRU had to offer.  I became a research ambassador, research coach, and conducted a major research project through a UREAP grant and two directed studies courses.  As a research ambassador I was able to use my own experiences to build capacity for undergraduate research and humanize research and researchers.  My time as an undergraduate research coach showcased my understanding of the research process, as I mentored other students working on community engaged projects.  While working in the role of a research ambassador, I continued to further my research experiences through the completion of a UREAP project and two directed studies courses.  This allowed me to explore my own research interests, and learn how to design my own research project, work with supervisors, and communicate my results in multiple ways.  I have participated in many of the opportunities and programs available for undergraduate research students at TRU.  My wide variety of research experiences have given me a solid understanding of the research process.  This is evidenced not just by my successful completion of research projects, but also through the work I have done as an undergraduate research ambassador in order to build capacity for undergraduate research at TRU.  This portfolio showcases and evidences the many different research experiences I have had throughout my undergraduate degree, and explores their impact on my education and personal growth.