I believe that it can sometimes be difficult to come up with the significance or impact that your research will provide. This is because you can't predict the future of science. However, one thing you can know for certain is that your research (if valid) will give other people something to think about and maybe use for their own research, like a continuation of your research. Your research can provide that foundation for future breakthroughs and can also possibly teach something to young scientists that are out there.
When I had to think of the significance that the research my group might conduct, might bring. I thought about what is already known about the UMASS campus, including its reputation, its goals, and the great potential this university has. If sustainability and taking care of our environment is something that UMASS strives for then this kind of research can provide some kind of data to management facilities, students, and research facilities. This information can include not only ways to create a sustainable environment but also a means to evaluate whether or not all of the hard work that people have put into the campus micro-climate is actually paying off. For instance, if you look at all of the trees on this campus, you can tell how much work has been put into managing these campus trees. However, it is important to ask yourself if it was all worth it? What kind of benefit does it bring to our society? Is it sustainable for the present-day and more importantly, for the future? Our research can provide some kind of feedback on that by measuring biodiversity/species diversity in the soil around various campus trees. Species diversity is a great indicator of sustainability.
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