So the time has come when all 8 boards that oversee various aspects of my research, from both Bangladesh and UF, have signed off on my project. With these in hand I was able to get my research team, 6 field crew members and myself, to Rangpur to setup the house I have rented and to begin data collection. Sounds so straight forward, right?!.... WRONG!
I have always wanted to do international fieldwork and am finally getting to do just that. However, it is not the fairytale dream I had always thought it would be... though now that I have gotten into the groove with my team and the work I am singing a different tune. I pride myself on being able to do every aspect of my own research.... the planning, animal sample collection, the lab work, and the final analyses of all the data. In this case though, due to the language, culture divide, and quick approval necessary for this study, I am only able to do one to two of those things completely on my own. I have to rely on the knowledge of the Bangladeshi field crew I hired to know the customs that are appropriate to follow and how much work can be done in what amount of time. This includes what work can be done during Ramadan... something I never had to take into consideration before. Ramadan is a month of fasting that the Muslim religion practices to sort of reset their empathy button basically. They fast from 3:15am to about 7pm each day (water, food, everything!) to more easily know what hunger feels like and to realize how good they have it the rest of the year. I always knew what Ramadan was but never knew what it stood for nor the rituals that are practiced during it. Living with 5 Muslims during this time is quite the eye opener... I have such respect for the sacrifices they are willing to make for their God and the real world results this has on the Bangladeshi community. This time of year is when all charities push for donations and people are likely donating more due to the empathy reset and all. One downfall to living with Muslims during Ramadan is that there is never food when I want to eat! I take iftar with them (the meal that breaks the fast around 7pm) which usually fills me up -- fruits, sweet drink, biryani or hodge podge food. I am asleep when they take sehri (midnight meal) and there are rarely leftovers for me to use for lunch. I have been subsisting on oatmeal, peanut butter, bananas and instant coffee haha. That is living with guys in general right?! I have never had the opportunity to work with any women in the field so I am very used to working with men and living with them - dude roommates included. It has never been an issue -- if anything they knew I was the alpha dog and always asked my advice or for help. Coming to Bangladesh I knew there would be some cultural differences but would not run into any big issues since I have worked with guys my whole science career. Again ... WRONG. The cultural divide is more of a religious divide as the Muslim culture teaches men and women to stay away from each other. Some of the field members run away quickly when we have to take rickshaws somewhere because they are pretty small and you definitely touch the person you are riding with. I have to keep reminding myself that it is a cultural thing not a personal one. We are getting more comfortable with each other and it seems they are more willing to approach me with issues and not Al-Amin (my middle man basically.. very good english). It took some time to communicate my expectations for the research and how I would like it to be done but it seems we have finally reached an understanding. Having a study that includes surveys from humans, mammal sampling (cow and goat), and also mosquito light trap collections is a lot to take on... especially since I have never conducted international fieldwork, human collected surveys or mosquitoes!!! I found myself being overwhelmed the first week and realized I really am jumping into the deep end. This is kind of an incredible feat for a first year PhD student to take on and I am just now becoming aware of that. Somehow I have managed to keep my head just above water and now I am doing freaking back strokes haha. I still haven't managed to find a way to not feel so isolated in the smaller "city" we are living in but it is on my to-do list. I have to go back to Dhaka to take samples this week and will stay for a few days... it will be nice to speak with English-speaking folks, go to a real gym, eat real food and sleep in a real bed. Never thought I would see Dhaka as a relaxing get-away! All in all I am learning so much and we are collecting tons of data... which is the whole reason I am here!!! Side note in case you don't already know -- I have scabies. haha Not sure how I contracted them, likely the dang cute goats but who really knows?! I treated myself and washed most clothes in boiled water (what a process) but I am skeptical I got them all. We will see in a week if I get reinfested! I sincerely miss working out and have noticed that if I don't do anything (situps, pushups, squats, anything really) I am not a very nice or patient person. I have been working on getting more fitness in... #noexcuses right?!
2 Comments
Diane
6/26/2015 09:18:24 am
Enjoyed this interesting tale of fitting in in a strange country. Getting to know their rituals and trying to do your work. Not easy to do but you bring it all to life and can't wait for the next entry. Relax in Dhaka the next thing to a Hilton? LU
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Michelle
6/28/2015 05:33:09 am
So fascinating, Steph. I marvel at your courage, stamina and fortitude and worry about your rest, your menu and your workload. Love, Michelle
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Steph CinkThis is my way to share both my personal and research experiences with my family, friends and those that are interested.
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