Week Four with Extension by Byron Thibodeaux

Dr. Izursa's Aquaponic Lab

 During this week's Campus Research Tour, I found the experience fantastic. The opportunity to

spend time with the other interns was cool and the activities were a ton of fun. I mean the whole

idea of a campus tour is still remembered as a great chance to laugh, network, and compete all in

one. With the positive body language shown by the other interns, it wasn't hard to notice how

much they enjoyed it. Moving forward topic-wise; the most inspirational part for me was

noticing us interns come closer together as a team and sharing energy with each other for

improvement within ourselves. This was inspirational to me because for a group to come

together positively is something I have rarely experienced; they presented one another as highly

skilled and showed their readiness for the professional level. Transitioning to leadership and the

thoughts I have circulating the topic; leadership takes practice. You will need to attribute your

ability to notice the strengths of your team and provide energy to your team supporting

improvement towards their weaknesses. Mr. Silas and Mr. Alexander gave incredible tips during

their presentations and activities; which contributed to an enhancement of the ideas I have about

leadership. With the enhancement tip given by Mr. Silas during his presentation, my

characteristics of a strategic leadership style were idealistically improved. The tip gifted by Mr.

Alexander was able to provide supportive team skills enhancing ideas surrounding a

collaborative leadership skill set. The leadership style I have learned is a strategic style; however,

I aspire to have a collaborative style added to my skill set to improve structure and

communication within a group/organization. One thing I will practice is an observative habit;

which will contribute to improved/adequate communication, listening, and decision-making

skills.

Engineering Building where we looked at stormwater designs, it very first time being in a building with an innovation lab