My first CULTNET conference (by Nahielly Palacios)

I was impressed about how many people attended the event and presented the different projects they are working on. Listening to other people’s experiences doing research helped me to ‘reflect in’ my current research process. It also helped me to understand that we share similar experiences and struggles. I valued how important it is to feel part of a group of people who are in the same boat [the boat of ‘researchers’] and how essential it is to be an active participant.

As a novice presenter I felt really nervous. However, the support of my supervisors and colleagues encouraged me to remain positive and with an open-mind to the feedback obtained.  About my topics ‘professional sojourns’, ‘the Mexican FLAP’ and ‘narratives’ I (re)learnt that they are in harmony. Reflecting-in-action [i.e. talking and thinking out loud] about these topics helped me to see the connection between them, connection which for some reason had disappeared from my mind. I enjoyed making sense of what I was saying. It was important for me to help people, who for the first time listened to the ideas of my project, to understand the message I was trying to convey.

From the questions and comments at the end of the presentation, I learnt that one needs to have a clear idea of what one’s study involves. I also learnt that one needs to understand the phase in which one currently is within this research process, in order to be aware of the potential or expected contribution of the project to the knowledge out there and the context involved.  

Last year, I participated in the ‘Bringing it Back Home’ that is performed at the UoM each June. I presented my previous PhD ideas, which of course have changed over time. I would be happy to participate one more time this following June and share my work in progress. The BiBH in comparison to the CULTNET conference embraces different projects from different disciplines and backgrounds. Both projects are important and helpful for novice and expert researchers who seek further professional development through the act of sharing their work with others.