5.
Reflection
When I think about capstone projects, I think about how one can summarize their four years at IUPUI into a single project. My life has taken many twists and turns throughout college, but I have been able to learn so much about myself academically, professionally, and personally. Choosing an ePortfolio based capstone experience allowed me to connect what I have learned at work and in school, and my goals for the future all into one project. Through this project I was able to showcase and reflect on:​
My capstone experience gave me the opportunity to expand my background in biology and research into the field I am hoping to enter over the next few years. This project was not without its own challenges, however. As a biology student, I have a great familiarity with research and I was able to check off many of the prerequisite courses for post-graduate physical therapy schools through my degree path, but I was not given much background into the science of movement. As a future physical therapist, I will soon be considered a “movement expert” and will need to have a good foundation of this science. With that being said, it took some extra learning on my part in order to fully understand the terminology used in some of the research articles on acute and chronic care. Though a bit of an obstacle, it has ultimately better prepared me for my future in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
This project has also opened up some doors for me, one of which includes developing a Biology Capstone Guidelines ePortfolio for Dr. Clark’s future seniors. Dr. Clark and I have been able to create a new type of biology capstone project that allows students to look introspectively at their journey through IUPUI; as a sort of guinea pig for this process, I am more than happy to help develop further guidelines for future students who are interested in an ePortfolio based project. Below are some screenshots of the working draft of the guidelines ePortfolio:
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As Dr. Clark’s first student using an ePortfolio for their capstone project, it has helped me strengthen my skills in organization, time management, flexibility, and communication, all of which can benefit me as I move onto a DPT program next year.
Reflecting on my capstone experience, I am proud of the final product. I have been able to boost my confidence in my abilities as a scientist and future physical therapist through the reflective process an ePortfolio allows. I am looking forward to my future after graduating from IUPUI and can confidently say I am leaving prepared and enthusiastic for what is to come.