In the summer of
2018, as undergraduate, I participated in the OSCAR summer impact project Changing the Whole Mind led by Dr.
Danielle S. Rudes, GMU Criminology, Law & Society. As a member of her team
and working with a partner, I conducted countless interviews of staff and
inmates in the restricted housing units (RHU) within Pennsylvania Department of
Corrections institutions. Which is when I became interested in a certain
faction of data dealing correctional officers. Specifically, how all of the
correctional officers interacted and depended one another in the form of a
team. To date, my analysis of existing data suggests the success of the CO team
within a RHU are dependent on CO’s self-ability to adapt and develop functional
and relational skills needed to manage the unit. Correctional officers in the
RHU also listed several undesired behaviors which act as impediments to team
operationalization. On a weekly basis, I work on the project’s paper for
completion and future publication.
One thing I have
discovered this semester is how important the art of articulation is. At many
points this semester while composing my paper, I realized to describe such
riveting data with flat words did not do the data justice. There is a need to
transition from always thinking one word can encompass everything the data is
saying. Not to treat this paper as a class assignment, but rather a potential
peer-reviewed journal article. To date, I am still attempting to separate the
two methods of writing in my mind. As this is a new skill I am currently trying
to hone and hope as I continue to work in the world of research I get better at
being able to extend out what the data is saying with the proper words. I know
overall it’s a balance trying to find the right way to convey what the data is
saying and to do the best by the data. But to date, my experience working on my
spring URSP has been opportunity I am very grateful for.
