Ever wondered what it’s really like to dive into university research?
For Camila, a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours) student, joining the Summer Research Program twice was a total game changer. These experiences didn’t just teach her the basics of research. They also helped her feel more confident about her future as a psychologist.
UQ’s Summer and Winter Research Programs give you a chance to roll up your sleeves, get hands-on with real projects, connect with professionals, and take your uni experience to the next level. Run by the UQ Student Enrichment and Employability Development team, together with research units across UQ, these programs let you work on projects that make a real impact.
Open to all UQ students, they’re a perfect way to explore your passions and gain skills that’ll stick with you through your studies and into your career.
Being part of a full-time research project let me experience what it’s really like to work as a researcher.
Exploring psychology through research
For Camila, diving into hands-on research has been a defining part of her psychology journey. Through the projects she’s been involved in, she’s explored fascinating areas of psychology in real depth, gaining new insights and discovering what truly excites her in the field.
“The first project looked at how to encourage kids to stick with practising,” she says.
“We all know it’s tough to keep practising things that don’t come easily! So, we asked 8- and 9-year-olds to imagine how good they’d feel if they succeeded in a competition.”
“The goal was to find out if picturing positive outcomes could motivate them to put in more practice.”
In the process, Camila learned how to conduct in-person experiments and follow ethical guidelines for working with children.
“It was a real eye-opener, especially when it came to making sure both kids and parents were fully comfortable and informed," she says.
"I realised how essential it is to reassure young participants that they can stop at any time."
Camila’s second research experience focused on something closer to her heart: how racial and ethnic identities impact our lives and relationships.
“As a woman of colour, I’ve always been drawn to understanding these dynamics,” she says.
“For this project, we examined how young adults from minority racial and ethnic backgrounds shared their stories, both the positive and the challenging, and how these experiences influenced their sense of identity and mental health."
She learned how to turn these personal stories into data for statistical analysis and even had the chance to contribute to writing a scientific article for publication.
“It really showed me how powerful it is to explore the meaning we find in our daily experiences. It’s not just about what we go through, but the growth we take from it that really affects our wellbeing.”
The power of hands-on experience
Camila’s first Summer Research Program was transformative, giving her a true feel for the researcher’s world.
“Being part of a full-time research project let me experience what it’s really like to work as a researcher,” she says.
Her first project happened during the pandemic, which brought unexpected challenges that put her adaptability to the test.
“I had to think on my feet and adjust quickly.”
Working under COVID-19 restrictions taught Camila resilience and creativity, qualities she now sees as essential not only for research but for handling life’s unpredictable moments.
“Because lockdowns and restrictions could change without warning, I had to adapt my approach when arranging lab sessions with parents,” says Camila.
“Frequent cancellations were common, so I learned to be flexible, understanding, and empathetic toward families whose schedules kept shifting. Building rapport with them was crucial to completing data collection for the project.”
These experiences helped Camila connect theory with practice, allowing her to see how skills like critical thinking, data analysis, and ethics play out in real-world research.
Beyond technical abilities, Camila picked up invaluable soft skills that she knows will benefit her beyond university.
“I learned to communicate well in all kinds of settings, whether it was with my supervisor, with participants, or collaborating with other researchers.”
Balancing multiple tasks taught her strong organisation and time management, which she refined through planning her studies, setting priorities, and keeping thorough records.
Her experience also gave her a clear view of the step-by-step processes in research and the importance of staying focused on the overall goal while moving through each stage.
“Even though I didn’t oversee a project from start to finish, I could see how every step fits into the bigger picture,” she says.
With guidance from her mentors and these real-world experiences, Camila’s understanding of meaningful research has deepened, setting her up well as she moves toward her honours thesis.
Supportive networks and collaboration
For Camila, one of the most memorable parts of the Summer Research Program was the connections she formed.
“I built meaningful relationships with my supervisor and other students,” she says, explaining that meeting peers at different stages of their studies gave her a real sense of community at UQ.
“Hearing about their diverse experiences opened my mind to different perspectives within the research world."
Camila felt truly supported by her supervisor, Dr Kana Imuta, who fostered a welcoming, open environment.
“I knew I could go to her with any questions or concerns,” Camila says, appreciating how this supportive atmosphere pushed her to think critically and explore new ideas in her research.
The mentorship she received was invaluable. Her supervisor provided guidance and feedback on experiment design, report writing, and data analysis.
“Their passion for the subject was contagious, and it inspired me to go even deeper into my research,” she says.
Reflecting on these relationships, Camila saw just how important collaboration and mentorship are.
“Building a supportive network is key in any field,” she says.
“The teamwork and guidance I experienced showed me how collaboration drives creativity and leads to innovative solutions.”
She’s confident that these connections will continue to inspire her as she moves forward in psychology.
A transformative experience
Looking back on her time in the Summer Research Programs, Camila sees it as one of the true highlights of her undergraduate journey at UQ.
“These experiences strengthened my desire to pursue research and boosted my academic skills,” she says, adding that she now feels much more prepared for future challenges in her field.
“No matter where my path leads, these research experiences have helped me build critical skills that are valuable in any area of psychology.”
An evidence-based mindset, she explains, goes beyond just understanding a journal article. It’s about having a deep grasp of how well-designed study methods and data analysis support the question being investigated.
“Taking part in these programs was incredibly rewarding because they aligned with my commitment to pursuing excellence in everything I do,” Camila says.
Curious about research?
If you’ve ever thought about what it’s really like to dive into hands-on research, UQ’s Summer and Winter Research Programs are a perfect way to find out.
Camila’s story shows how these programs can open new doors, building your skills, confidence, and connections to shape both your academic and career journey. It’s a chance to step outside the classroom, tackle real-world questions, and get a true feel for the life of a researcher.
Both summer and winter research programs also count towards the UQ Employability Award, giving you extra recognition for your efforts. Plus, many participants, like Camila, receive a grant to support their work, making the experience even more rewarding and accessible.
