Hi, <br />&nbsp;Sorry about any confusion. Although I don't know the current state of your research, I thought it might be best to suggest that this is an on-going interest (at least, that's how I read it). While it might not be formal graduate research, your essay indicated that such research is something you are actively pursuing. Moreover, graduate programs like to see potential students as experienced students with defined research interests.<br />In other words, this sentence is saying "I'm just starting out in my career, but I'd like to receive more formal training in what I'm currently learning about."<br />&nbsp;I hope this helps clarify.