{"id":638,"date":"2026-09-03T14:00:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T13:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/?p=638"},"modified":"2026-09-03T14:36:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T13:36:03","slug":"%f0%9f%93%9d-anthropometrists-reflections-alice-bullas-from-hallam-to-hawaii-week-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/2026\/09\/03\/%f0%9f%93%9d-anthropometrists-reflections-alice-bullas-from-hallam-to-hawaii-week-3\/","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udcdd Anthropometrist\u2019s Reflections: Alice Bullas – from Hallam to Hawai’i – Week 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

This summer (August 2026) I\u00a0 (Alice Bullas) am undertaking an international research secondment at the John A. Shepherd Research Laboratory within the University of Hawai\u02bbi Cancer Center. Supported by my UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship. This is blog 4 of 6. For more background content please see my introductory blog (blog 1 of this series)<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Week 3: Learning Beyond the Research<\/h1>\n
\n

As my third week in Hawai\u02bbi comes to a close, I have found myself reflecting less on individual projects and more on what it means to be a researcher, collaborator and leader.<\/p>\n

When I arrived, I expected the secondment to be primarily about learning new methods, technologies and approaches to body composition research. Those elements remain an important part of the experience, but increasingly the most valuable lessons are emerging from conversations, observations and reflections on how research itself is organised.<\/p>\n

One recurring theme this week was the importance of boundaries, regulations and systems. Early in the week, a promising publication opportunity raised questions about visa requirements and what activities I am permitted to undertake while in the United States. Although frustrating, it served as a reminder that good research depends not only on great ideas, but also on operating responsibly within the systems that govern international collaboration.<\/p>\n

Perhaps surprisingly, artificial intelligence played an important role in that lesson. While AI tools are often discussed in terms of improving efficiency, this week highlighted their ability to challenge assumptions and force difficult decisions. Being told “no” by an AI system was not something I particularly enjoyed, but it reinforced the value of compliance and accountability.<\/p>\n

The week also provided opportunities to think deeply about anthropometry. Discussions around tape measurement techniques, standardisation and methodological practice once again demonstrated how many seemingly simple measurement questions remain unanswered. Some of the most interesting research ideas emerge not from advanced technology, but from fundamental questions about how and why measurements are performed.<\/p>\n

Another area of learning came from observing research culture and leadership. Conversations with colleagues highlighted different ways of developing researchers. One approach that particularly resonated was the expectation that students contribute actively to grant development and broader research activities alongside their individual projects. It encouraged me to think about how we prepare future researchers not only as scientists, but also as leaders, collaborators and innovators.<\/p>\n

As the secondment progresses, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of relationships. Publications, analyses and technical skills are all valuable outcomes, but long-term collaborations may prove to be the most significant legacy of the placement. Many of my reflections this week centred on how to maintain these connections, support future exchanges and create opportunities that extend beyond this visit.<\/p>\n

Beyond work, the placement has also prompted reflection on family life and academic travel. Watching my children experience Hawai\u02bbi, seeing them adapt to new environments and imagining how they might engage with future academic opportunities has been unexpectedly rewarding. It has encouraged me to think differently about how family and research can coexist.<\/p>\n

The final days of the secondment are now approaching. There is a growing sense of urgency to complete projects, consolidate learning and capture opportunities before returning home. At the same time, I am increasingly conscious that some of the most valuable outcomes will only become apparent after I return to Sheffield and begin applying what I have learned.<\/p>\n

If the first two weeks were about arriving and adapting, week three has been about understanding. Understanding how research is organised, how collaborations develop, how expertise is positioned internationally and how professional growth often happens through reflection as much as action.<\/p>\n

As I move into the final phase of the placement, my focus is shifting from learning in the moment to ensuring that learning creates lasting impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This summer (August 2026) I\u00a0 (Alice Bullas) am undertaking an international research secondment at the John A. Shepherd Research Laboratory within the University of Hawai\u02bbi Cancer Center. Supported by my UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship. This is blog 4 of 6. For more background content please see my introductory blog (blog 1 … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “\ud83d\udcdd Anthropometrist\u2019s Reflections: Alice Bullas – from Hallam to Hawai’i – Week 3”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-638","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog","category-from-hallam-to-hawaii"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/638","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=638"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/638\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":641,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/638\/revisions\/641"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=638"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=638"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=638"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}