Sydney Lewis
When I started my senior year of college, I had a daunting task before me: spending the next year of my studies writing an honors thesis. I had been intimidated by it since the start of college, but after Dr. Elke Kellner agreed to supervise my project, I was not afraid anymore. I had worked in Elke’s lab the year prior, and my experience of her careful guidance, support, and passion for her work told me I not only had nothing to fear – I would actually enjoy the process. As I reflect on my experience, I want to share a few aspects of Elke’s guidance that were integral to my experience.
Among Elke’s most memorable attributes was her commitment to the success of my project. Throughout the year, she went beyond expectations to make my project a success. For example, she invested more time in supporting me than I could have asked of her. We originally met for bi-weekly meetings, but after it became apparent that I needed more support, she made time to see me every week. Most of the time, she would also stay longer than our originally scheduled time to help me work through challenges. She even made time for our meetings during the holidays, when classes were not in session. I also saw her commitment in the way she showed up for our meetings. I had the impression that she always gave her undivided attention to me as I was sharing, and she helped create a productive environment by frequently asking questions and making suggestions to steer me in the right direction.
Despite her close guidance, however, Elke was committed to challenging me. I appreciated the way that she pushed me out of my comfort zone. She had a vision for the potential of my work that was much greater than I had originally had for myself, and she helped me to see that vision for myself. Within weeks of starting the project, she invited me to present my research at the WOW7 Ostrom Workshop Conference in Indiana over the summer. As the project was nearing completion, she invited me to give a second presentation before a panel of researchers at ASU. I hadn’t expected either opportunity, and I was also quite intimidated to both attend and present my work. That fear was exacerbated when I found out I was the only undergraduate student in attendance at both settings – and one of the few presenters. However, each experience was deeply rewarding. After successfully presenting my work and fielding audience questions, I found a new sense of confidence in myself and my abilities. Furthermore, I built new connections and gained insights that will undoubtedly support me in my professional career. I was honored that Elke saw my potential to present before research professionals – and her belief that I belonged in those settings. Taking it a step further, she assured me that my work had potential by encouraging me, with her support, to publish in a scholarly journal.
Elke also challenged me in the design of my project. For example, she suggested that I analyze my data using a complex framework that I was not familiar with. At first glance, I was not sure I could even understand it. I spent many hours reading through various online materials to make sense of it and how it could apply to my data. Slowly, and with Elke’s support, I was able to put the pieces together and apply the framework to my own project. That milestone also left an important mark on my understanding. Even now, it still serves as a reminder that I can accomplish hard things.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of Elke’s guidance was her deep passion for my work. It reflected not only in how she made time for me but also in the flow of our meetings. She always listened carefully and curiously as I shared about my project, and she often asked questions that demonstrated her interest. Her keen interest made for thoughtful, lively discussions that helped me achieve progress. Her passion for my work was also apparent through the ways she assisted me. For example, she spent time searching the web and talking to contacts within her network to find people I could request interviews with. Her demonstrated passion was infectious, causing me to find a growing passion for my research and an enthusiasm to continue.
Under Elke’s guidance, I was able to produce a successful thesis project that had exceeded my expectations. I am grateful to Elke for all the ways she supported me in my eort. Her support played no small role in my success and led to experiences that fostered my growth in myriad ways. Working in her lab, and especially on this project, has also helped me lay the groundwork for my career path. I am happy to say I left this project with a clearer understanding of what I aim to do professionally, as well as the tools I need to achieve success.