My experience of research- at 1st year BAMS

My Experience of Research.

 

Hey there! This personal blog will tell you about my experience with my first-ever research project - CCRAS SPARK, during my first year at BAMS. I won't be discussing the academic aspects here, as the academic article will soon be published. Research taught me many things - its pros and cons. I want to share these insights with you, as they might be helpful to you in some way. Research starts with a tiny spark in your mind, curiosity building up, and brainstorming ideas. However, any research truly begins when a capable guide corrects and approves your thoughts.

When I began my professional academic journey, I didn't expect to start research in my very first year. However, during the second semester, I learned about the CCRAS 'SPARK' studentship award for undergraduate students and decided to apply. I approached one of my professors, whose expertise and rationality I greatly respect, and together we came up with the topic of "Study of nerve conduction and association with Prakriti." I remember feeling prepared and eager when I submitted my research proposal. January 18^th,2024, I was walking out of my college campus at the end of the day, and the result popped up through my WhatsApp notification- I hurriedly checked for my code- and my name was right there at no 43, amongst the 100 selected projects for the award!

I immediately informed my favourite people and first thanked my guide. I was genuinely happy. My passion was progressing in a positive direction, but I was also feeling anxious about completing it. Soon, we started working on the project. One of the most valuable things I learned was gaining a deeper understanding of nerve conduction physiology and its parameters. Although I had previously read about the concept, now I was truly grasping the idea. I needed to thoroughly understand its essence to effectively apply the concept. Additionally, I was thrilled to delve into Ayurvedic literature. It confirmed one thing for me - there is still a lot to uncover from the Samhitas.

It was truly an enriching experience to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of Prakriti and its clinical assessments. This knowledge expanded my perspective on the practical applications of the Prakriti concept in Ayurvedic practices. Additionally, I had the opportunity to learn about the recording of nerve conduction parameters through EMG (Electro-Myography) and the underlying science from a neuroscience expert. I feel extremely fortunate to have access to such exclusive learning opportunities. Being involved in research processes has not only brought me praise but also boosted my motivation and confidence.

Challenges I faced :

Not much, but balancing between attending lectures, studying, and doing research work is the biggest challenge.

Travelling, arranging equipment, analysing data. [ I was fortunate to get a good statistical support]

Next, was convincing subjects for the clinical trials. And does data entry on Excel sheets count? Add that then.

I tried to study for extended hours of the night, but sometimes couldn’t. But I made sure whatever I am learning maybe from the textbook, or the practical skill, I must know where and why to apply it clinically.

What research gave me:

·       Patience- Completing the target of 213 volunteers- convincing them to help me out by being a subject, explaining to them the research topic, fun fact- many of them asked me- but why are you doing this?

·       Level up I can’t explain the amount of knowledge and skills it has contributed.

·       Platform to commit mistakes- Yes, I openly admit I made mistakes, and I think you know how important it is to commit mistakes!

·       Guidance- I declare myself blessed. I was guided by an intelligent, skilled, dedicated and kind guide. She not only guided me but taught me the approach a research student should have. She stood by me, showed confidence in me, corrected my mistakes, also, stood as a motivation when I used to feel low, or doubtful about something. My co-guide. being a reputed practitioner brought his best of expertise Then, big thanks to the person who trained me in the EMG technique explained to me how to read the reports, and taught me the neuroscientific relevance of those. Next, all my professors and the institute guided and supported me throughout. Of course, last but not least my loved ones were firm beside me, always.

·       Extraordinary vision and conceptualization- Well, this one is my favourite among all the perks. Once, you develop a research-oriented mind, you become rational. [In my case, I did become rational upon science, but as a personality, I am still full of emotions.] The process of research made me find logic, cause and source behind everything that happens. It developed good analogical skills. It increases your capacity to apply, imagine and correlate. So, I believe Research has certainly added to my brain power!

·       Gratification- It gave me a sense of satisfaction, thrill and productivity. To make things perfect for my research my brain compelled and motivated me to study more concepts in detail. My habit and hobby of reading also contributed morally.

·       Aptitude- Urge to know more, experiment, read more and research more. You become so humbled by knowing there’s yet so much of the unexplored ocean of knowledge, and things which you don’t know or haven’t done yet. This enhances the student mindset in you and keeps you grounded.

·       Better Understanding- This is a superpower which research gives. You begin to love understanding everything. No matter what it demands, time, attention or anything. You start understanding people, concepts, and situations in a better way.

There are many more things that my first research taught me, but I'll limit the details here. Just like every coin has two sides, taking on a project also has its drawbacks. One of them is that completing tasks like journals and notebooks might be difficult due to poor time management. When you're already working on challenging, thrilling, and rewarding research, why would you want to spend time scribbling dozens of pages? Well, maximum people will support you throughout. But few will make you doubt your decision to take up research work initially in 1^st undergraduate year.

I was hurt when somebody said- ‘Really, That work wasted your time.’ Well, that’s true, but nothing counts more worth than my learning experience.  Sadly, at times, you might miss out on classes. And Because it is your 1^st time researching time will limit the amount of work you do. But ignoring all this, I stand firm on my decision. The research project has given me more than what it made me pay. For an aspiring scientist like me, many young minds out there, in any field are full of ideas, clueless and perhaps stuck in the 9 to 5 routine and heaps of journal work.

 I believe the shared pros and cons of research will guide you in making your decision. People around you will present both aspects, and it ultimately depends on what you choose for yourself. Making mistakes is part of the learning process, and with time, you ensure not repeat them. This experience will enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your next project, balancing both your role as a classroom student and a UG Research scholar. Ultimately, it is all for the advancement of humankind, and this process has SPARKED a sense of magic within me.

 Now, the process of writing a thesis is very intricate and interesting. It involves crafting what you have found out. It required many hours per day. My guide taught me how to write academically, as I had zero experience in scientific writing. We completed the thesis soon, and I got the opportunity to present my research work at a national platform hosted by ICMR, in the presence of the Honorable Vice President of India, Mr. Jagdeep Dhankar. Then, on May 29, 2024, I submitted my research work. As I clicked on the submit button on my research portal, tears rolled down my eyes.

It came as a surprise even to me. I'm not one to react immediately to anything, but in that moment, it was clear to me that the joy of working hard for something and finally succeeding is unmatched. I gave myself a well-deserved pat on the back, took a deep breath, and made a promise to continue the spirit of research, regardless of people’s opinions or setbacks. As an aspiring scientist, it's crucial to always keep a focus on the positives. I'll make sure to keep you updated on my next venture!

 

 

 -Shrutika V. Patankar ©