Working with our Mega Team project members as part of the 2021 CHILD-BRIGHT Summer Studentship Program, Shi Ping Lin learned how to conduct research study visits, gather consent from participants, as well as interact with study participants and families. Shi Ping also learned about methods and processes of data collection and the importance of incorporating patient-partners in the research study.
Here’s what Shi Ping had to say about the summer student experience:
“My summer studentship experience working on a CHILD-BRIGHT research project was nothing short of extraordinary! Throughout the term, I had the opportunity to work with an amazing group of researchers, eager participants, and parent-partners. Not only did I arrive at a deeper understanding of what patient-orientated research is and how to engage in active and authentic partnerships with researchers, patients, and health professionals alike, but I was also able to apply it in real time during research assessments.
Through the summer studentship webinars, I was made aware of all the different barriers to patient participation, which made me more mindful when engaging with families. My placement with Mega Team also allowed me to practice administering research measures in a standardized manner in order to collect quality data. Through this experience, I learned how to analyze data and how to exercise sound data maintenance by digitizing a collection of research files. Both the intra- and inter-personal development I’ve had in the past four months allowed me to grow as a person and have more meaningful interactions with others.
I aspire to become a teacher and the summer placement equipped me with the valuable experience of working with children affected by different neurodevelopmental disabilities and how to best care for them. Overall, I’m very thankful for the CHILD-BRIGHT Summer Studentship Program for the memorable experience and for the connection with all the wonderful people I’ve met in the process.”