What is a research retreat? What do y’all do?
Project STAR is a formal, grant-funded research team with the National Science Foundation. Our grant budgeted for two research retreats: one in the spring of Year 1 and the second in the spring of Year 2.
Research retreats are dedicated time for the research team to step back from the moving parts of a research project (data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing, conference proposals, etc.) to check in with one another and ensure everyone shares the same understanding of the project. If a researcher needs a thought partner, the group is ready to offer insight and generate questions to find a pathway forward.
Since Project STAR is a longitudinal mixed-methods study, our retreats carve out ample time for qualitative and quantitative researchers from the various institutions we’re at to meet in small groups to report findings and seek complementary advice from their respective experts. We attached our Day 1 itinerary below. Dra. Luedke and Angelina hopped off the plane in LAS right onto the UNLV campus for Panda Express and Project Status Updates.
Highlights include:
- Manuscript feedback
- Study updates and opportunities for future collaboration
- Conversations about roles, expectations, and what the future looks like
Why are they important?
JOY & RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING!
Our research team members genuinely enjoy being around each other and develop meaningful relationships. Outside of scholarly discussions, we enjoy meals together, share stories and laughter while making memories. These casual and informal moments are important for sustaining positive team dynamics and momentum. Moreover, when research team members are comfortable around each other, we organically create more space for nuance and complexity in our research because we feel empowered to voice reactions, raise questions, and express concerns.
During the Project STAR 2026 Retreat, Dr. Abby Saavedra received GREAT news! She received her first appointment as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at California State University, Northridge.
Courtney L. Luedke, Ph.D. 