Defending Limitations and Future Work

The student is questioned about the limitations of their study and is expected to articulate potential areas for future research or improvements, demonstrating a critical understanding of their work.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

Committee Member 1 (Male)

Ms. Chen, your research on novel drug delivery systems is quite comprehensive. However, could you elaborate on what you perceive as the primary limitations of your current study?

Student (Female)

Thank you, Professor Miller. I believe one of the main limitations is the relatively small sample size used in the in-vivo trials, which might limit the generalizability of some findings. Additionally, the study was conducted over a relatively short period, preventing a full assessment of long-term stability.

Committee Member 2 (Female)

Those are valid points. Given these limitations, what specific areas do you envision for future research to address these shortcomings, or to expand upon your current findings?

Student (Female)

Absolutely, Professor Lee. For future work, I plan to conduct larger-scale in-vivo studies with a more diverse range of subjects to enhance the statistical power. I also intend to extend the observation period to obtain data on the long-term efficacy and safety of the delivery system.

Committee Member 1 (Male)

That sounds like a robust plan. Beyond addressing current limitations, are there any entirely new avenues of research that your current findings have opened up, perhaps in different therapeutic areas?

Student (Female)

Yes, I believe so. The current study focused on oncology applications, but the versatility of the nanoparticle platform suggests its potential utility in other disease areas, such as targeted drug delivery for inflammatory conditions or even gene therapy. This would involve adapting the surface chemistry and payload.

Committee Member 2 (Female)

That's an ambitious and intriguing direction. It shows a good critical understanding of your work's scope and potential. Thank you, Ms. Chen.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

elaborate

To explain something in more detail. Use it when asked to provide more information, like 'Could you elaborate on that point?'

limitations

Weaknesses or restrictions in a study or project. In academic discussions, say 'One limitation is the small sample size' to show critical thinking.

generalizability

How well results from a study can apply to a larger group. Useful in research talks: 'This limits the generalizability of the findings.'

shortcomings

Problems or weaknesses. Similar to limitations; use in responses like 'These shortcomings can be addressed in future work.'

envision

To imagine or plan something for the future. In defenses, say 'I envision future research in new areas' to show forward-thinking.

robust

Strong and reliable. Praise plans with 'That sounds like a robust plan' in formal feedback.

versatility

The ability to adapt or be used in many ways. In science: 'The platform's versatility allows applications in different fields.'

avenues

Paths or opportunities, often for research. Say 'New avenues of research' to discuss future directions.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Could you elaborate on what you perceive as the primary limitations of your current study?

This is a polite question to ask for more details on weaknesses. Use it in academic settings to encourage deeper explanation. 'Elaborate' means to expand, and 'perceive' shows personal view.

I believe one of the main limitations is the relatively small sample size used in the in-vivo trials, which might limit the generalizability of some findings.

A useful response to discuss study flaws. 'I believe' softens opinion; relative clause 'which might limit' explains impact. Practice for defending research critically.

Given these limitations, what specific areas do you envision for future research to address these shortcomings?

Follow-up question linking problems to solutions. 'Given' means 'considering'; 'envision' for future plans. Use to guide discussions on improvements.

For future work, I plan to conduct larger-scale in-vivo studies with a more diverse range of subjects to enhance the statistical power.

Structure for proposing next steps: Start with 'For future work, I plan to...' then explain how it fixes issues. 'Enhance' means improve; good for showing proactive thinking.

That sounds like a robust plan. Beyond addressing current limitations, are there any entirely new avenues of research that your current findings have opened up?

Positive feedback plus probing question. 'That sounds like' agrees politely; 'beyond' means in addition to. Use to extend conversation to broader ideas.

The current study focused on oncology applications, but the versatility of the nanoparticle platform suggests its potential utility in other disease areas.

Explains expansion from current work. Contrast with 'but'; 'suggests' implies possibility. Useful for discussing applications in academic presentations.