July 2012

GRAs Reflect on Their Experiences at ICI

Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) are an integral part of the Institute on Community Integration (ICI). They are University of Minnesota graduate students and 30 of them are currently bringing their expanding skills and knowledge to ICI projects, and in return are enriching their own professional preparation. FYI recently asked a number of GRAs to share some highlights of their past year of work at ICI. Here’s what they said:

• What stands out for me is an experience that truly represented community integration. As part of our research study, I interview folks in the community who have a physical disability or limitation. I interviewed a couple in their home last year and recently saw the man at his place of employment (a retail store in the community). We recognized each other, but it took a second for us to place each other. We then greeted each other and had a pleasant conversation.
  – Jane (“Beth”) Jones, Ph.D. candidate in Family Social Science
  
  
• I have had the exciting opportunity of being involved with the development of the revised [College of Direct Support] Frontline Supervisor competency set from the beginning stages, which has been the first time I have been so intimately involved with an applied research project. Through this meaningful work, I believe I have strengthened an important skill set that will be necessary to become a leader in the field upon completion of my degree.
  – Jen Reinke, Ph.D. candidate in Family Social Science
  
  
• One experience in particular that stands out to me is the work I have done on the IVARED project. I helped create an electronic Delphi study, where experts in assessment of English language learners with disabilities brainstormed ideas for improving the validity of assessment results.
  – Jenna Larson, Ph.D. candidate in School Psychology
  
  
• I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to work directly with students while gathering data for the NCEO GSEG South Dakota project. It was rewarding to observe the students’ creativity and determination. I have also learned a lot this year about qualitative research methods and analysis.
  – Tara Dillon, M.A. candidate in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology
  
  
• The most rewarding part of being a GRA at ICI this past year has been the opportunity to work on various projects at NCEO with staff members and presenting at the AERA conference on a topic related to the alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards.
  – Lynn Price, Ph.D. candidate in School Psychology
  
  
• This past year at ICI I was involved in research where I received wonderful mentorship from Amy Hewitt. I was fortunate to experience and learn about research impacting both long term and more immediate outcomes.
  – Kristin Hamre, Ph.D. candidate in Social Work
  
  
• The ICI provides me with meaningful and stimulating work while supporting my academic interests. I am grateful to be a part of an exceptional team who is committed to creating quality products, conducting useful and forward-thinking research, and providing technical assistance that has a community-level impact. The lessons and skills that I have learned here at ICI are tools I will be able to draw on for the rest of my career. It is a privilege to work here…
  – Kelly Nye-Lengerman, Ph.D. candidate in Social Work
  
  
• My experiences over the past year have been positive and I have enjoyed working collaboratively with others. I have also enjoyed getting to know other GRAs at ICI, especially GRAs from other graduate programs at the University. Having multiple perspectives at ICI helps enrich my graduate experience.
  – Jennifer Hodgson, Ph.D. candidate in School Psychology