Gaining inspiration sharing research on an international stage at WorldCUR-BCUR 2023 and in Reinvention: an International Journal of Undergraduate Research

Inés Robledo, Marketing Coordinator and Assistant Editor, Reinvention: An International Journal of Undergraduate Research, October 2024

Two student researchers, Lauren Dowdeswell and Halima Nabirye, recently published their research in Reinvention: an International Journal of Undergraduate Research Link opens in a new windowWorldCUR-BCUR 2023 Special Issue, Vol 17 SI 1 September 2024. The authors chatted to Inés Robledo about the joy of sharing their research at WorldCUR BCUR 2023 at the University of WarwickLink opens in a new window and why they decided to take the next step and publish with the journal.

Tell me a bit about how your research came about, how did it start and what made you write a paper about this topic?

Lauren: My research was for my dissertation. I knew I wanted to do actual in-person research instead of a questionnaire, so I spoke to my lecturer who specialises in anatomy, physiology and canine athletes, and she mentioned the idea of harnesses. I've always done research before buying my own dog a harness, so this was something that was really fascinating. In addition, I worked for “Pets at Home” which offered free harnesses so I knew I would have access to different harness brands. So, I went for it!

Halima: I was inspired to find solutions and create awareness about challenges experienced by women and children. While looking at different literature and current services available to women, I decided to look more into cancers, especially breast cancer.

In Uganda, most of the cases of breast cancer are diagnosed during the advanced stages. Breast cancer if detected early makes treatment more effective and increases the patient's quality of life and chances of survival. The most reliable and cost-effective strategy to detect breast cancer early is to have frequent Breast self-examination (BSE). I wanted to assess what information women have about this method, their attitude towards breast self-examination and what challenges they face that probably compel them not to practice it. This study would encourage the women within the community to understand and practice BSE such that in case of any unusual breast findings they report early to the healthcare facilities for prompt management thus reducing breast cancer morbidity and mortality.

What challenges did you face?

Lauren: We had to wait a while for some of the harnesses, which meant I did not get to complete as many trials as I wanted. However, I still managed to do more than most of the previous studies on this topic, so I am happy with that.

Halima: The main challenge I faced was obtaining literature relevant to my research. Most of the literature available was conducted among students from different institutions, yet my research focused on women within rural communities. Some of the articles required paying charges to access them which wasn't an option, so this meant I had to narrow my scope of review.

Balancing research with academic responsibilities and other commitments was also quite challenging from the time of writing the proposal, data collection in six villages to analyzing the data. I had to find a way of balancing my research project and other commitments and courses I had at the time.

What was your experience like at BCUR?

Lauren: I enjoyed BCUR! I took my assistance dog and my partner and we felt really welcomed and looked after. We were given a tour and shown where we could allow my assistance dog to toilet and exercise. Everyone was respectful and didn't try and distract him. It was definitely an experience being in such a busy environment with an assistance dog but I'm proud for pushing myself and doing it.

Do you see value in publishing undergraduate research?

Lauren: Definitely! I think [my research] will benefit many people when looking into harness choices for their dogs. I also know I would love to extend on this research for my masters, with different branded harnesses, maybe including head collars.

Halima: Yes, I think publishing undergraduate research is important for the students, the academic institutions and the broader research community.

Publishing research can motivate students to take ownership of their projects and work towards producing reliable and valid findings. It enhances their research skills from the development of the topic, writing the proposal, research methods and designs, and analysis to the dissemination of study findings.

To the broader research community, undergraduate research can make contributions to existing literature which can be used to make informed decisions in practice. This can also make the research findings more accessible to a broader audience, promoting knowledge sharing and dissemination.

What made you decide to submit your work to the journal?

Lauren: I think it's really important research that will make an impact in the canine field. 

Halima: I have always wanted to publish my research as part of my professional growth, so when I got home after WorldCUR-BCUR 2023, I worked on my manuscript to submit it to Reinvention. I was excited about the opportunity to share my research with a broader audience and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the health sector, as Reinvention is a multi-disciplinary journal for undergraduates with a strong reputation for publishing high-quality research it was the perfect fit for my work.

Overall, submitting my work to this journal was an important step in sharing my research findings with the broader community, and I look forward to the opportunity to engage with readers and receive feedback on my work.

Any advice for future researchers who are thinking of publishing their undergraduate research?

Lauren: I'd say go for it! It is nerve-wracking and hard work, but to have published research, it is worth it! 

Halima: Definitely! Some of the tips you can put to use in the process include; selecting the right journal that aligns with your research topic, preparing your manuscript early depending on your publisher’s guide, writing clearly, being persistent and open-minded, seeking feedback and making use of the constructive criticism to improve your work. Don’t procrastinate work otherwise it may become overwhelming, use the publication process to develop your research and critical thinking skills and lastly celebrate your achievement.

How did you find the publication process?

Halima: I found the publication process quite rewarding and at the same time challenging. It required paying attention to all the details from preparing the manuscripts, to making necessary changes as guided by the peer reviewers. The peer review process was insightful, it opened up my mind on the aspects I had to modify to make it more understanding to my audience and I really appreciated the constructive feedback from the reviewers which helped me strengthen my work.

The editorial team’s efforts, guidance and support throughout the publication process was invaluable. Their expertise and attention to detail ensured my research was presented in the best possible way. The publication process taught me the value of persistence, clarity, data management and collaboration which was a learning experience that has definitely prepared me for my future research.

What do you think about the interdisciplinary and/or international element of Reinvention?

Halima: I think the interdisciplinary elements of Reinvention are essential components of modern research. Collaborating with other disciplines brings diverse perspectives, methods, designs and ideas which contribute to the production of more comprehensive and innovative solutions. This allows the integration of different fields of study, fostering an easier way of understanding complex challenges.

An interdisciplinary aspect enables researchers to approach issues/ challenges from different angles, which draws the strengths of various disciplines to handle challenges that can’t be addressed by a single field alone.

Learn more about Lauren's and Halima's papers

Lauren Dowdeswell

Lauren studied at the University Centre Reaseheath and researched the biomechanical impact of assistance dog harnesses.
Read Lauren's paper: View of The Influence of Harness Design on Forelimb Biomechanics in Pet Dogs | Reinvention: an International Journal of Undergraduate Research (reinventionjournal.org)Link opens in a new window

Halima Nabirye

Halima is a Registered Nurse with a bachelor's degree in Nursing Science from Muni University, who researched Breast Self-Examination in Uganda.
Read Halima's paper:View of Knowledge, Attitudes and Barriers of Breast Self-Examination Among Women in Nyio Ward, Arua City | Reinvention: an International Journal of Undergraduate Research (reinventionjournal.org)Link opens in a new window

Learn more about the journal and student research opportunities in IATL:

Are you student interested in starting your research journey? Visit Student Research (warwick.ac.uk) 

Are you a member of staff interested in getting involved? Visit Student Research Staff Network Meeting (warwick.ac.uk)

Interested in publishing your research with Reinvention? Find out more at Reinvention: an International Journal of Undergraduate Research (reinventionjournal.org) or get in touch via reinventionjournal@warwick.ac.uk