Weeks 1 and 2 (and maybe 3, depending on how we're counting)

September 21, 2008

Beginning this research project reminds me a bit of the classic light bulb joke: how many (insert target population to be made fun of) does it take to screw in a light bulb? My situation is more like: How many emails does it take to find and convince two incredibly brilliant, successful (and therefore ridiculously busy) people to agree to collaborate on a nebulous but potentially awesome research project involving bicycle transportation?

So far - a lot.

Let me back track for second however. I want to begin this research blog with a bit of a personal statement, because 1.) I function well under personal clarity and 2.) I think research has the tendency to become dehumanized, and researchers have the tendency to dehumanize themselves in the process. For all the standards and criteria and control mechanisms that come along with research, we are still people, investigating the human cause. Or perhaps the human situation. That said, here is where I am in my life, and what I hope to receive as a result of participating in this program:

2008 has been a hell of a year for me thus far: I spent spring semester abroad, experienced a minor health crisis, and upon returning to my life in Boulder and my studies at CU, decided I needed to re-write some of my personal expectations. I will always be self-motivated and passionate about school, and willing to put the time and energy into getting the final product that I want, but I can’t let it consume me. I’m striving for balance. I wish myself luck.

I know I am more than capable of getting in way over my head with a project like this. One of my main goals is to not let that happen. I want to conduct a meaningful yet manageable study. I think conducting a structured, guided independent research project will be an excellent exercise in honing my inquisitive and writing abilities. I also think that this will be an amazing networking opportunity. This is my final year of undergraduate studies, and now is the time for me to be making solid contacts and references for future internships, grad school, job opportunities, and general life… stuff.

Now that we’re on the topic of networking, I’ll get back to my ‘status update,’ which is probably the true purpose of this post. I’ve spent the first two weeks of this program trying to find a faculty advisor and a professional mentor. I decided to pursue my own interest for a research topic and attempt to find the right people to help me along my way. For a year now, I have had a growing interest in transportation planning and transportation behavior modeling – particularly concerning cycling and walking. I conducted a research project last fall that used GIS modeling/maps to support a case study investigation of why Davis, CA is considered to be the most bicycle-friendly city in the U.S. During my time in Copenhagen, I made careful comparison of the bicycle infrastructure and planning strategies (among many other urban traits) between the European and U.S. models. I think that transportation planning has become my niche, and is something I will continue to study at the graduate level.

So – I like bikes. And I want to understand much more about the (present and potential) role of the bicycle in the built environment.

Kevin Krizek, planning professor and PhD director of the Denver campus has agreed to act as faculty advisor on my project. (Yeah!!!!!!!) Kevin is probably one of the most published researchers of bicycle transportation in the country. I emailed him early last week, but didn’t hear from him for a few days. We finally managed to make contact (perhaps after a generous email from Fidel Santos to Kevin on my behalf) and talked things over in person on Wednesday. I showed Kevin my paper on cycling in Davis and he seemed impressed with the quality of work. He thought there was definite potential to conduct something similar here in Boulder or on the CU campus. He gave me two contacts through the City of Boulder who might have solid ideas for specific research topics: Marni Ratzel and Martha Roskowski. I emailed them on Thursday and Marni promptly responded by telling me she requested a small staff meeting to discuss someone in the GO Boulder office working with me. She said she would get back to me this coming week. (Double yeah!!!!)

Before meeting with Kevin, I threw out a few nets of my own in hopes of catching a professional mentor. Emails and phone calls worth noting include:
- Erik Esborg at Bikes Belong (a local non-profit that coordinates federal bicycle funding and project)
- Coordinators of Bicycle Colorado and Bicycle Denver (advocacy organization)
- Karli Gronholm, owner of Full Cycle (Boulder bike shop)
- Sue Prant, cycling activist and coordinator of Community Cycles
- Two family friends that are avid cyclists and well connected in boulder community
- Kelly Draper, CU PhD planning student

I included the class syllabus and my own resume in these emails to attempt to clarify the nature of the project and my own background and interests. Working with Sue or someone at Bikes Belong is still a possibility, though I think if I can get a mentor through GO Boulder that would be the best-case scenario.

I’m not surprised that setting up this project has taken as much time and effort as it has. I think that the idea of working with an undergraduate is not always an appealing offer to working professionals or professors. I’ve definitely tried to express my level of enthusiasm for the research topic at hand, as well as my sincerely professional attitude toward the project (and my work in general). It is certainly my hope that this project turns out to be a rewarding experience for all those involved.

So – for now I have a research subject and a faculty advisor. My goal is that by early next week I will have a professional mentor and a more specific research topic. In the mean time, I tighten my goggle straps, take a deep breath, and dive head first into a literature review.