Complexity Explorer Santa Few Institute

Years and names of programs & countries have been redacted for privacy.

During the summer of [year], I was a part of [program name]. Part of that experience was a research project, which I conducted on how nuclear microreactors could bring electricity to rural areas of [country]. I had a partner who was working on a similar question, but for urban areas of [country], as well as another group working on the same two questions, but for areas of [country]. Throughout the summer, the four of us exchanged information we found, talked about differing perspectives that helped guide our research, and helped each other learn about nuclear energy, which none of us had a background in. The biggest thing I learned about collaboration from this experience is that it’s not only okay, but necessary to admit when you don’t quite understand something so that your team can help you. On the flip side, it’s necessary to look out for other members of the team and make sure they’re comfortable enough to admit they need help without fear of judgment. I’m excited to take these lessons about collaboration into my future endeavors, and I hope to learn even more about how to be an effective collaborator as I gain experience.