Amardeep Ghuman is an undergraduate student currently earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management at Western Washington University. She shares about her experience working on the research projects below.

1) When did you start working on research with Dr. Warren and in what capacity?

I began working with Dr. Warren through an independent study in the Fall quarter of 2022. However, I met Dr. Warren when I took her Diversity and Inclusion course in the Spring of 2022. The course aided me in learning diverse managerial practices to proactively cultivate inclusive environments. Within the first week of the quarter, I genuinely wanted to make a meaningful difference by equipping managers with proper knowledge to cultivate an inclusive environment. During office hours, we discussed my interest in the healthcare industry, and we began discussing the possibilities of research projects!

2) What are the different activities you are working on in your projects?

I have been primarily involved in helping with the Women’s Wellbeing project, which consisted of a large-scale cross-cultural study involving data from over a 140 countries. The research focused on meaning of activity and work as an indicator of wellbeing and considered the determinants of meaning. I primarily focused on identifying a compelling research question, reviewing relevant literature, assisting in data analysis, and writing a research paper.

3) What skills have you developed through your research assistantship?

I have learned beyond technical and analytical skills – I have developed professionally and personally through my work with Dr. Warren. I have gained the confidence to authentically articulate my work with supported research and analysis. To be completely honest, the initial steps were intimidating, such as conducting the literature review; however, when we began analyzing the results in correlation with the past literature and the hypothesis — it felt like the puzzle pieces were fitting together. This research project was the highlight of my journey at WWU, which allowed me to make a meaningful impact beyond myself.

4) What are your ambitions for how you want to use this research experience for your future professional goals?

My experience in working with Dr. Warren allowed me to take the initiative in aiding managers to proactively cultivate an inclusive environment; however, I don’t plan on stopping there — I strive to aid others in creating inclusive environments for all individuals. I plan on pursuing a career in consulting post-graduation, which will allow me to actively aid organizations in implementing effective diversity management practices. Additionally, I plan on obtaining my Masters in Business Administration.