By Kelly Brooks-Staub
School of Nursing

Ten students have been selected to engage in research with faculty as part of the School of Nursing’s new Undergraduate Research Honors Program. Baccalaureate students in their first year of study, they will work with full-time faculty on an ongoing research project. "Students will pair with a faculty mentor on a research topic that interests both of them," said Jerilyn Allen, associate dean for research. "The program will benefit both students and faculty alike."

Through their work with a faculty mentor, students will learn about the entire research process—how to write a proposal, obtain funding, conduct the project and report the results.

The goal of the new effort, Allen said, is "to promote intellectual growth among a diverse group of highly motivated undergraduate students who aspire to learn more about nursing research. We hope that the program will encourage students to pursue advanced nursing degrees, such as an MSN or PhD, and continue to engage in nursing research and scholarship."

The first cohort of students, their mentors and the studies on which they will work are Oluwatoyin Abiodun/Marguerite Kearney, "Estrogen/Platelet Interaction in Cerebral Ischemia"; Oluyemi Abiodun/Vicki Mock, "Mitigating Cancer Treatment–Related Fatigue by Exercise"; Joan Coleman/Haera Han, "Better Breast Health for Korean- American Women" and "The Experiences and Challenges of Informal Caregivers: A Korean Immigrants Study"; Chase Gray/ Gayle Page: "Neonatal Pain, Adult Biobehavioral Responses to Stress" and "Symptom Management: What Works, for Whom and at What Cost"; Kristen Jadelrab/Miyong Kim, "High Blood Pressure Care for Korean- Americans"; Joanna Josue/Robin Newhouse, "Rural Hospital Nursing: Environment, Effects and Evidence"; Julia Overturf-Johnson/ Marie Nolan, "Factors Associated with Living Organ Donor Decision"; Alison Purcell/Jeri Allen, "Reducing Total Cardiovascular Risk in an Urban Community"; Rachel Walker/Phyllis Sharps, "Advanced Education Nursing Traineeships"; and Taryn Westendorf/Linda Pugh, "Support for Low- Income Breastfeeding: Cost and Outcomes."

Students will conduct a mini-research project to facilitate the development of their research skills and will be encouraged to develop an application for the Johns Hopkins University Provost’s Undergraduate Research Award. They will also participate in a onecredit research elective for three semesters, consisting of topical seminars on nursing research.

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