Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?
I was first exposed to nursing research as an undergraduate nursing honors student at IUPUI. I worked closely with a small cohort of students and a wonderful research faculty member, Dr. Rebecca Bartlett Ellis, to examine the behavior change techniques used in mobile health apps to support medication adherence. This experience ignited my passion for nursing research, particularly self-management research aimed at improving quality of life for people with chronic conditions and led me to pursue a PhD in Clinical Nursing Science. My research now focuses on self-management and symptom management in adolescents and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). I have been so fortunate to continue my studies by learning from world-renowned nurse researchers in a supportive yet rigorous academic environment.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
Being selected for the Elite 50 Award and Premier 10 Award from the IUPUI Graduate School was an unexpected blessing. I feel honored to have been recognized for such a prestigious award.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
Indy is a vibrant city filled with great food, diversity, and lots of interesting museums. Even though it is a big city, it has a small-town feel.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
I have been actively involved at the IU School of Nursing (IUSON) as a PhD student. I am a T32 predoctoral fellow on the grant, Advanced Training in Self-Management Interventions for Serious Chronic Conditions, which has enabled me to gain a variety of research training and experiences with my mentor, Dr. Susan Rawl. I have been involved in research aimed at examining the cancer prevention and screening behaviors of Latinos living in Indiana. Being bilingual, I have greatly enjoyed working as part of an expert interdisciplinary team on this research study. I have also served as a nurse navigator for Dr. Rawl’s Approaches to Colon Testing (ACT) study. Providing patient education and navigation for patients considering colorectal cancer screening was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to learn hands-on about nursing intervention research. Additionally, I have worked closely with Dr. Wendy Miller on her research studying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing. We analyzed social media (Twitter) data to examine the public’s view of nursing during the pandemic and have also conducted qualitative interviews with nurses who have worked in the emergency department and intensive care units during the pandemic. I am grateful to be part of such timely and important research as a PhD student. I am also proud to serve as a student representative on the IUSON PhD Curriculum and Student Affairs committee. I have learned so much about academia and nursing research during my time at the IUSON.