First post in a series of posts written by members of the Qurit Team. Written by Cariad Knight.

Starting a new job, especially one in a scientific research context, is often not a glamorous endeavour at the best of times. In past I’ve always found the initial learning curve in research to be exceptionally steep. And truthfully this makes sense. Since the goal of research is to push the boundaries of knowledge, there is often a myriad of material to cover before arriving at a place where one understands not only the details of the research project in question, but also about where it fits into the broader picture of the topic, field, and scientific community as a whole. So, understandably the leg work required to arrive at the requisite understanding to tackle the questions being posed by the research is often extensive and filled with mis-steps.

This learning curve is no different now, during the COVID-19 pandemic. What is different however, is the hurdle required to overcome it. Normally, the way that I amass the information needed to tackle new research beyond reading papers is through speaking with coworkers, and (often repeatedly and extensively) asking my supervisors questions. This method of gaining insight is somewhat hindered during the present lockdown conditions as the casual avenues of communication have been replaced with the somewhat more formal and often less immediate format of email, messenger chats, and zoom calls. For myself, I’ve found this has made me somewhat less inclined to, how should I put this harass my coworkers and supervisors for the answers to my questions.

I actually think that this newfound hesitation in asking for clarification has been a good thing for me! It’s teaching me about myself and the way that I learn and problem solve. Gradually, I’ve noticed that I’m becoming better at, not only tackling the learning curve head on myself, but learning when and which questions to ask for clarification and help. I feel this knowing when and what to ask is an incredibly valuable and empowering skill in both research and life.

So, I suppose I am grateful for my unglamorous COVID-19 start to my new NSERC USRA job with the Qurit lab and new research undertaking, because I am learning much about myself – and as Socrates said, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.”

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