Part Two of the Honors Thesis Journey: George Olisedeme-Akpu

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Part 2: Completing the Honors Thesis 

In the previous installment of this series, George described how he planned his Honors Thesis (a research manuscript) and the thought process behind it. Here, he explained the work he's done so far and the steps he's taking towards completion. Check out the progress George has made!

1. What is it like doing your thesis itself? How does it feel?

Working on my thesis has been a very engaging experience. I remember feeling a little uneasy about it, especially as it drew closer, but I have now come to enjoy it. 

I'm very excited to do research in a field I care deeply about and contribute to making teen driving safer!

2. What were some challenges you came across that you weren’t expecting?

It's a lot harder to get teenagers to commit to weekly lab visits than I thought!

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Working with human participants added an unexpected level of difficulty, especially in terms of planning and scheduling. Thankfully my thesis advisor, Professor Shannon Roberts, has been understanding about this and is able to work with me to find ways to work around these challenges.

3. How did you go about completing your work? What does your research look like right now?

Right now, my research is an iterative mix of data analysis and writing. I started off analyzing and visualizing data for a given set of independent variables, but writing made me consider different perspectives, and this has since expanded to consider effects on dependent variables as well, so as to better understand and communicate trends in teen driver behavior and their use of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). 

4. How did you balance your time between your thesis and other coursework?

It's quite the balancing act for sure! I prioritize based on workload, upcoming deliverables, and personal interest. It could get a little stressful at times, especially close to deadlines, but I have come to enjoy it because no two days look the same.  

5. Tell me more about the process of completing the research the work you planned to do from your proposal and what it looks like so far?

I set out to better understand changes in teen driver behaviors as they interact with ADAS. Not only am I doing that, but I am also getting to understand why they behave the way they do and how this influences their interactions with ADAS. 

I'm learning quickly that research is an ever-developing process. You can start off looking for something and find something entirely different! But it's teaching me to ask 'why' and 'why not' more often.

6. What were your conversations with your advisor like during this time?

Professor Roberts has been extremely helpful in guiding my research. While I am primarily responsible for my thesis, her insights have been invaluable in guiding my research, considering different approaches, and really just enhancing my overall thesis experience. 

Our meetings usually start with progress updates from the previous session, troubleshooting rising issues, and then setting goals for the upcoming week. We also have weekly lab meetings at the Human Performance Lab where I get to interact and learn from other students with a wide range of research interests. They've been very helpful in providing feedback and recommendations for my thesis. 

7. Anything else you want to say?

If you're a CHC student planning on starting a thesis, Have fun with it! I mean it, use it as an opportunity to explore concepts that interest and motivate you.