Gnei Preena

Gnei Preena is a PhD student who attended the Summer Program to learn how to develop new scales and measurements for a variable she is exploring.

Why she attended the Summer Program

I'm exploring a new variable, so I had to develop new scales and measurements for that, since I'm not quite sure what to do with my data specifically. My advisor encouraged me to participate in this program. She said it's very comprehensive, and you end [up] with a lot of stuff. I came across two courses I'm interested in: Regression Analysis, and Measurement, Scaling, and Dimensional Analysis. Now I have more confidence on how to develop the scale and how I could use that data.

On the helpfulness of Summer Program instructional staff

They're super helpful. The instructors and TAs go beyond to facilitate us. They change the content, they add more lab work within the course. I have never used R before; I just installed it before I came here. I took the Introduction to the R course, so I'm happy that after one month I'm confident in R and how to code. It's a good indication of how the lecturers and instructors are super good. They're more knowledgeable, they're helpful, they're enthusiastic. Sitting in lectures for three hours is exhausting, but still they have their energy, and they keep the same momentum throughout the class. It's wonderful.

On meeting people from across the globe

I'm from Australia, from Adelaide. I met lots of colleagues from different parts of the world. I met friends from Argentina, Mexico, Turkey, Vietnam, Myanmar, and I was able to network with everybody. We were talking about the political aspects of our countries, cultural differences, food, everything. It was really nice. I'm hoping even after the Summer Program I still have those connections. It's really good to get to know more people here. It's so diverse.

On learning things for the present and the future

The content is super challenging. It's like we're learning a new language within one month. I think it's worthwhile putting in the effort and energy for that. It's a lifetime investment. I may not grab everything right now, but I still have the materials, I still have notes. It will be a valuable addition my entire career.

On activities outside the classroom

I'm a foodie person, so I just ask people to find out the best restaurants here, what to eat and where to go. We went tubing one day, and I just traveled last week to Detroit to see what's there. We went to Belle Isle Park and saw the Canadian border. We have a bunch of people who go wherever depending on their schedules. We travel, walk, eat, and explore.

"The content is super challenging. It's like we're learning a new language within one month. I think it's worthwhile putting in the effort and energy for that. It's a lifetime investment.