The diary of a research student - part 3

by Katharyn Hall

Have you ever wondered what is involved in a research project?

You can find out by reading my regular online diary. I am a postgraduate student based at the University of Sheffield, and I will be working closely with Epilepsy Action throughout my project.

Part three

Beginning data collection is a major milestone for any research project and I think many researchers heave a sigh of relief when their project finally gets off the ground! Recently, I have been busy recruiting people to the study and have just tested my first volunteers. It’s very rewarding to see months of planning go into practice! Being able to look for volunteers through Epilepsy Action has been a really useful means of reaching people with epilepsy.

At times, I felt slightly overwhelmed by paperwork and wondered if I would ever actually get underway with testing; in the research field, that’s when you have to really motivate yourself! I find it helpful to focus on parts of the project that are particularly stimulating. One such part is an article I have written for Epilepsy Today magazine,about issues related to the psychological adjustment to living with the condition and the research we are currently doing at Sheffield. I have found this really enjoyable, as it’s been challenging to find a way of summarising research in an accessible style. It is important to discuss the issues I am researching without giving too much away; after all, in research studies like this one, you have to be careful not to influence anyone who might take part in the study.

With the departmental conference looming, I have been practising talking about my research. This conference gives each of the research students a chance to present their research, providing an excellent opportunity to get used to explaining its underlying theory and to answer people’s questions. Two of my supervisors from Epilepsy Action are attending my seminar, so I’m hoping that I won’t get too nervous. We are also meeting to discuss my progress, which is really important; it encourages good research practice – it is essential to have a good track record of finishing on schedule when securing future funding!