How to Continue Research

Conducting research is a significant part of my work for my original work project, and I plan to continue researching until at least April. Having thorough and detailed research will ensure that my final original work project will be as successful as it can be. In my original work calendar, I’ve divided my research into a few sections that will comprise the body of my final report - these sections include materials, like wood, concrete, and steel, and other factors contributing to and affecting the implementation of sustainable materials, like transportation and government codes and policies. I have given myself about two weeks to research each of these topics, which I hope will be enough time to look into everything I need.

One of my main concerns regarding my research is how broad and vague my topic is. My mentor and I discussed this, and concluded it’s easy to get lost in the details and go too deep, but it’s important for me to remember that this is an all-encompassing report, and I can’t go too deep. I have to be able to see the big picture and prevent myself from spending too much time on one material or one topic.

I’m hoping that sticking to my deadlines and ensuring that I don’t spend too much time on any specific topic will help my research stay on track, and will allow my final product to be a report that can be understood by the general public, people who don’t already have extensive knowledge into civil engineering and construction.