RESL 1500 Winter 2026. Thompson Rivers University.
INTRODUCTION.
My name is Benjamin Sinclair and I am currently in my last semester of a BSc here at TRU, majoring in chemical biology. I have had multiple research positions during my time here and gained confidence in the research process, including formulating and testing research questions, working through challenges, and communicating results.
My first position was as a research assistant for Dr. Eric Bottos from January to August of 2024. At this time, I gained experience with basic molecular biology techniques and the process of lab research mainly by helping with other students’ projects. The next summer, I worked in the same lab under an NSERC undergraduate student research award on my own project, where I developed and validated primer sequences for three gene targets on the bacteria P. gingivalis. This project greatly increased my understanding of the research process, especially the resiliency required when inevitable barriers are met.
In the fall term of 2025, I began a directed study research project under Dr. Heidi Huttunen-Hennelly on a microbiology based experiment. This work has broadened my research experience to another topic, and presented me with new challenges of the research process. Specifically, I am continuing the work of previous students, which has many benefits but has also posed unique challenges.
Alongside these two main research projects, much of my coursework has given me practice in research skills like conducting productive background research, drawing meaningful and legitimate conclusions from data, and designing sound methodology. Group and partner lab projects in multiple courses have shown me the importance of communication and collaboration when researching, which I have brought into my other projects. All of these experiences together have given me a strong grasp on the research process including method design, data collection and analysis, and communication of findings.
THE STANDARDS.
Research is a process, so students are asked to demonstrate evidence supporting their engagement throughout their studies. This process normally involves generating a research proposal, engaging in recognized research activities, and sharing results via disciplinary-appropriate forms of knowledge mobilization. Students may submit evidence of research from a single significant research project (e.g., Honors thesis, UREAP project, NSERC USRA, Graduate Exhibition) or from multiple research activities (e.g., class research projects, research assistantships, volunteer research activity with a faculty mentor, etc.). Other relevant experiences may include the Knowledge Makers, Research Apprentice Program, Research Coach Program, Directed Studies, service-learning involving research, capstone projects, and major public performances.
Research at TRU takes many forms, so evidence that demonstrates students’ ability to understand the research process, evaluate existing research, analyze information, draw conclusions and disseminate new knowledge will vary by discipline.
All written evidence submitted must be clearly structured in Standard English, with few if any errors, and reference given to appropriate sources such as regulatory, professional, and scholarly works.
It is likely that multiple standards will be met based on a single research project; however, students must provide separate forms of evidence in order to demonstrate they have met the standards, even if they are all from the same experience.
Below you will provide detailed explanations of each criterion by editing the drop-down accordion, either directly pasting your evidence or by uploading PDF documents through the “file” block. That way, you will have all of your proof the way you want to showcase it and right here, on one concise page!
REFLECTIVE ESSAY.
Instructions:
Write a 1000-word limit reflection on the knowledge, skills and/or attributes you have gained as a result of your research activities.
What you need to cover:
- Describe your mindset and attitudes prior to your research involvement
- How did participating in these research activities change or shift your way of thinking, behaving, or communicating?
- Why are your research activities important?
- How will your research experiences impact you in the future?
Formatting for the essay:
- 12-point font, double-spaced, no more than 1000 words
What we DO want in the essay:
- Use the knowledge, skills, attitudes and awareness section for reflection
- Clearly communicate your learning or shift to us (the committee) by using explicit examples
- Proofread essay
- Follow the formatting guidelines stated above
What we DON’T want in the essay:
- We do not want a list of accomplishments
- We do not want anything exceeding 1000 words
- Please do not simply repeat events that are evident in the portfolio
Note: All of the instructions listed above should be replaced with your personal writing or deleted prior to submitting