Students Interview 2024
NAME: Jihyun Jeong
YEAR: PEARL 4th
RESEARCH TOPIC: “The Effects of Japan’s 2019 Export Control Measures on South Korea’s Domestic Production of Hydrogen Fluoride”
“Difficult but worthwhile experience to pursue your research interest”
1. Why did you choose to take part in the Independent Research Project?
After taking several related courses in international trade during my undergraduate studies, I have developed a keen interest in how international events can affect the global economy. Thus, I decided to participate in the Independent Research Project as it provided a distinctive opportunity to conduct extensive research in any desired field of interest. I was also drawn to the program’s unique feature of interacting closely with the supervising professor, who possesses research expertise in the student’s chosen area of interest. This is the biggest difference from other research seminars, as each participant can engage in in-depth discussions and receive personalized feedback by working one-on-one with the professor throughout one academic year.
2. What was the most rewarding experience?
The most rewarding experience was the whole process of conducting and completing individual research in my field of interest. Although there were many challenges, as the Independent Research Project required the utmost dedication and individual efforts to bring the research together, witnessing the progress to the completion of the research throughout the weekly sessions with the professor was a remarkable experience. This experience immensely assisted the entire procedure toward reaching the research outcomes and provided invaluable insights into the initial goals of my research. More importantly, I experienced personal development and growth by encountering many academic challenges and learning how to overcome those challenges.
3. How do you apply what you have learned here to the future?
Participating in the Independent Research Project presented a valuable opportunity to acquire research skills and knowledge that can be applied and used in my academic journey as I attend graduate school. The rigorous procedures of conducting the research under the IRP program included refining the research focus, gathering relevant data in circumstances of limited data availability and accessibility, and learning how to use the new technical instruments to conduct data analysis. These experiences have equipped me with essential knowledge and a solid foundation for undertaking research and prepared me for the future, where I will be writing my master’s thesis.
4. A short message to future participants
To all prospective students considering participating in the Independent Research Project, I highly recommend this program for those seeking academic challenges and a deeper exploration of their field of research interest. There will be many challenges ahead, but this program provides a golden opportunity for you to make meaningful contributions during your undergraduate studies by diving deeper into your academic interests. Lastly, I advise you to plan ahead and use this opportunity wisely.
(Interviewed: September, 2024)
