Professor Nicholson and I met on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, for approximately 20 minutes to discuss the transition from SISU-206 to SISU-306 and examine the three research design sketches I have completed. We discussed setting a schedule for next semester to meet more regularly once we return from break. Having these meetings scheduled will allow us both to stay in touch and allow me to set personal deadlines to allow ample time for edits, suggestions, and critique. We also discussed which design sketches I was most confident with, what changes I may have to make, and what resources I will need in SISU-306. Specifically, I decided that the small-n case study and interpretivist discourse analysis were my stronger designs over the large-n research. We discussed how the research process in SISU-206 allows for students to understand each “hat” of research by shifting their question on their topic of interest. As a new student researcher, I was not as comfortable with research when I began my large-n analysis thus my lack of confidence in continuing the research associated with it. However, I have made great progress with my small-n case comparison of Madagascar and Malaysian deforestation and reforestation rates. Professor Nicholson and I discussed how these two cases may allow for a higher analysis because of their many differences, however, it might be useful to consider more similar cases as well. Regarding the discourse analysis, Professor Nicholson suggested connecting with local resources to discuss how the negotiations for the REDD+ program came to be. To prepare for SISU-306, I will work diligently over winter break to begin reading necessary and related materials. I will make contributions to my literature review considering my previous one is not as related to my research anymore. As I look ahead to SISU-306, I am nervous yet excited about the process. I am eager to make very important decisions over the next week in preparation for my research proposal presentation and final narrative paper. Further, I am looking forward to taking the time over winter break to read further on deforestation so that I can be well prepared to carry out my research over SISU-306. My main question would be directed towards previous Olson Scholars; looking back at the research process, what would you have done differently? What measures did you take that worked and paid off? And lastly, how did you know which research method to choose if you were torn between two?