Before my first supervisor meeting, I felt a little anxious—not because I didn’t have ideas, but because I had too many. I wrote up a one-page summary of my potential research topic and included three possible versions: one that involved interviews, one that used only literature, and one that was somewhere in between.

I also made a list of key questions: Is a literature-based project sufficient in scope? Should I focus on just one flower type, or compare a few? How can I ensure that my review speaks to real-world issues and not just stay theoretical? What form should the final output take—a formal academic paper or something more industry-oriented?

Preparing like this helped me clarify my thinking and feel more confident going in. I also reviewed the KIPP project plan structure and matched it to my draft ideas, so I could show my supervisor how I might map each section of the proposal.

During the meeting, I explained why I had concerns about feasibility if I pursued primary research. I mentioned the limitations of getting access to florists or small growers, and how a literature-based approach might still allow me to explore lifecycle comparisons and sustainability frameworks. My supervisor agreed and pointed out that a desk-based review could be very strong, especially if I focused on the logic and synthesis of what’s already been published.

In the end, the preparation paid off: I was able to present my project clearly, get useful feedback, and leave the meeting with a real sense of direction. It also helped me see the meeting not just as a check-in, but as a collaborative space where my uncertainty was welcomed, and my ideas could evolve.

Preparing for My Supervisor Meeting / Xizhi Zhang / Circular Economy: KIPP and Futures Project by is licensed under a