This blog is from Dandan Li, PhD Research Programme in Education.
Recently, I had the valuable opportunity to attend an international academic conference in Denver, Colorado, in the USA, thanks to the generous support and funding from the Department of Education.
This was the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting. It was an inspiring and enriching experience that allowed me to engage with leading researchers, share ideas, and reflect on my own academic journey.
The conference brought together scholars from around the world to discuss current challenges and developments in the education field. I attended a wide range of sessions, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and paper presentations. Each session offered fresh insights and sparked meaningful discussions that deepened my understanding of the latest research trends and theoretical debates. Furthermore, I presented my own research at a round table session, which was both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking! The feedback I received was constructive and encouraging, and it gave me confidence in my ongoing work.
One of the most exciting aspects of the conference was meeting many students and scholars conducting research closely related to mine. Some even use the same theoretical framework I apply in my own work. We had in-depth conversations about our approaches and findings, exchanged feedback, and shared the challenges we have encountered. These discussions were incredibly valuable and motivating. As a result, we created a group to stay in touch and continue exchanging ideas after returning to our respective universities.
I also had the opportunity to participate in a mentoring session, where I met some outstanding mentors who provided valuable suggestions for enhancing my research. They encouraged me to look for creative angles by reading papers from top journals in my area and suggested that I attend conferences strategically. The mentors also advised me to expand my research interests into different areas, as this would help strengthen my career competitiveness.
Overall, attending this conference was not only a professional milestone but also a personal inspiration. I am grateful for the support I received from my department, and I look forward to applying what I have learned as I continue developing my research.
Respond
