My time as a Research Assistant at Climate System Analysis Group(CSAG) is nearing its close and I’m reflecting on the transformative journey this role has been. Joining CASCADE, I felt both excited and overwhelmed. The project aligns closely with my passion for addressing climate change impacts in vulnerable areas, yet its transdisciplinary nature posed new challenges. I was stepping into a research domain where experts from social, physical, health, and environmental disciplines collaborate to tackle the complexities of climate. It was an exciting challenge that has significantly shaped my growth.

Finding My Way in a New Landscape

In the first few months, I often felt like I was learning an entirely new language. With a background in environmental science, I expected to be familiar with it, but transdisciplinary work brings an added layer of complexity, requiring one to bridge gaps between diverse perspectives. I initially felt uncertain about how to contribute to the team effectively, but my supervisors provided invaluable guidance and support, encouraging me to embrace this as a learning opportunity. Their mentorship helped me build confidence, showing me that each team member brings something valuable to the table.

“The skills I’ve gained, both technical and interpersonal, will shape my future path, guiding me as I continue my work in academia. I’m excited to carry these lessons forward, striving to create research that makes a tangible difference for communities facing climate challenges.” 

Embracing Responsibility and Gaining New Skills

Part of my journey also includes a valuable leadership course designed to develop core skills beyond traditional academic training. This course taught me to work effectively across disciplines, collaborate with diverse groups, and navigate complex systems. It is crucial in strengthening my interpersonal and leadership skills, helping me better understand my role within a team and leverage others’ strengths to achieve shared goals.

Discovering the Value of Collaboration and Co-Production

Having a co-research assistant made an incredible difference in my experience. Together, we tackled challenges, shared ideas, and navigated the learning curve as a team. This collaboration showed me the power of teamwork: how to communicate effectively, share responsibilities, and align our efforts to meet the project’s objectives. Through this partnership, I gained a deeper appreciation for the value of collaboration in achieving research goals.

Working on climate and health issues as a Research Assistant also showed me the importance of co-production and knowledge sharing in addressing complex challenges. I understood how bringing together diverse insights, expertise, and types of knowledge strengthens our capacity to address urgent issues. Working with community stakeholders, researchers, and other experts highlighted that when knowledge is shared, we can co-produce solutions that are both innovative and applicable.

Looking Forward

Reflecting on my journey as a Research Assistant, one of the best parts has been working with talented researchers and experts in an environment where I feel valued and supported. My supervisors were patient, guiding me through new tasks and helping me develop skills I’ll carry forward in my career. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of such a positive team and to have experienced so many valuable learning moments in a relatively short time.

As I conclude my time at CSAG, I am grateful for this experience and the lessons I’ve learned. The skills I’ve gained, both technical and interpersonal, will shape my future path and guide me as I continue my work in academia. I’m excited to carry these lessons forward, striving to create research that makes a tangible difference for communities facing climate challenges.

Article written by Vhulenda Netshitanzwani