GRADvantage: Researcher

A researcher generates original, meaningful, and collaborative research (knowledge) to create, advance, and apply information locally, nationally, and globally.

As a graduate student, you are more than just a consumer of knowledge; you are also a producer of knowledge (via research and inquiry). During your studies, you will learn how to collect, create, analyze, and share knowledge. Actively working to build your skills in this focus area will enable you to contribute to advancing knowledge and research within your chosen discipline at Brock University and beyond.

A researcher will:

Conduct

Conduct effective and ethical research  

Think

Think critically and creatively about the information you take in 

Develop

Engage in scholarly activities to develop your expertise

Advance

Advance thought and knowledge in your field 

Researcher Development Areas

Research Development and Knowledge Creation

Through research development and knowledge creation, graduate students can generate original, meaningful, and collaborative ways of understanding through inquiry Students will identify key skills, including searching literature, knowing the best methods to use, and overcoming imposture syndrome.

  • Create, advance, and apply information, research, and knowledge locally, nationally, and globally.  
  • Understand how research benefits society, industry, and yourself 
  • Develop secondary texts and support searching, management, and citation skills 
  • Explore a variety of methodologies and approaches 
  • Build confidence in your expertise and experience

Knowledge Mobilization (KT/KMb)  

How will you tell your research story? What is your research impact? KT/KMb is the movement of knowledge into active use with the group/individuals who can best use the information – it is how you can help facilitate impact within your research. It is the push and pull of knowledge exchange through various strategies to encourage graduate students to share their research in new and innovative ways. 

  • Answer the following questions: Why are you doing your research? Who is your audience? 
  • Create an impact, whether personal, professional, or commercial  
  • Putting knowledge into action both individually and collaboratively   
  • Mobilize your knowledge for future careers
  • Understand how to present yourself for future careers best

Scholarships and Funding 

How do you brand yourself and your research? Finding ways to share your research, experiences, and skills with different audiences can help with personal and professional gains. Use oral and written communication to help secure financial resources to fund specific needs or projects.

  • Reflect on both academic and co-curricular skills you’ve developed 
  • Use both oral and written communication for proposals, grants, and other funding opportunities 
  • Represent yourself, your supervisor, and Brock through research (Tell your story) 
  • Develop key transferable skills and help build your resume and portfolio