This summer, CHILD-BRIGHT also welcomed student Chloe Janse van Rensburg. Chloe participated in the studentship training sessions while working with CHILD-BRIGHT Parent Peer Mentor Carrie Costello and PIUO Family Liaison Laesa Kim on their project, which was funded by a CHILD-BRIGHT Collaborative Mentorship Grant. Their project examines the benefits and drawbacks of asking parents to use their personal networks (such as social media, email, and other connections) to recruit for research.
Here’s what Chloe had to say about the experience:
“I had a wonderful experience working on a CHILD-BRIGHT project this summer. Not only has my knowledge about the research process increased, but my eyes have also been opened to the worth of patient engagement in research.
Prior to working on this project, I did not have any research experience, so having the chance to see the ways in which a project progresses, as well as being able to work with an amazing team, was such a great opportunity. I learned many things, including how to thematically code data, how to identify important things to consider when conducting focus groups, and to value the importance of authentic engagement.
I hadn’t really considered a career in research previously, but after this experience it is definitely on my list of potential career goals. If not a career in research, I will most definitely be able to use some of the things that I’ve learned this summer in other careers! ”