The phrase research usually brings up images of lab coats and test tubes, but not all research is done in labs. Research takes many forms, and it builds the foundation for students to develop a variety of skills. The central mission of a researcher is to learn to ask questions and look for answers. The learning experience takes students beyond developing academic depth in their discipline. It helps them develop a skill set that encompasses communication, problem-solving, project management, developing research budgets and making proposals.
This year's showcase of 200 graduate and undergraduate student research was held virtually from Mar. 29 — Apr. 2. The event provided an opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students to share their research and scholarship and to learn about the discoveries of other students through live oral sessions and poster presentations. Poster presentations included 5-minute videos, and Oral sessions were conducted as Live ZOOM sessions.
Dr. Pao-Feng Tsai, associate dean for research at AUSON, is delighted to see undergraduate nursing students engage in research. “When they are exposed to research early on in their career, they tend to develop life-long interest in and passion for research,” she said. Tsai would like to see more students taking an active role in research.
AUSON had four undergraduate students (mentor) presenting their human-interest research at the Virtual Event.
Emily Herring (Dr. Linda Gibson-Young) presented the results of their study on the effects of a yoga intervention on quality of life, anxiety, and pulmonary function in a pediatric population.
The purpose of this project was to examine the effects of yoga and mindfulness on pulmonary function tests, quality of life and anxiety levels in children and adolescents 5-11 years of age, grades kindergarten through 6th grade. The yoga intervention took place in a dance studio for a target population of 16 participants who were African American and female.
The premise of the research was that practice of yoga may improve participants’ ability to use emotion and stress regulation, which improves the environment in the home and the classroom, and may have a measurable benefit for teachers, parents and other caregivers of participants. This study may have potential implications for healthcare practitioners to expand the use of complementary movement and relaxation therapies in pediatric practice.
Caroline Richey (Dr. Morgan Yordy) presented Healthy human, healthy dog, healthy nursing student volunteer.
The aim of the study was to assess nursing students’ stress levels and socialization in correlation to volunteer work with community outreach dog-walking program. A recent study found that almost 80% of undergraduate nursing students did not meet the recommended weekly physical activity guidelines. In addition, many licensed nurses also reported inactivity. Patients living with diabetes benefit from regular physical activity and health teaching regarding disease management. In turn, health advice provided to patients may not be perceived favorably if nurses are not meeting health expectations themselves. Programs engaging college students in physical activity could impact future patient health outcomes.
Jada Norford (Dr. Sarah Watts) presented Examining perceptions of care efficacy among nursing and social work students.
In a health care setting, social workers and nurses spend the most time with clients. However, they may not have the level of connection required to effectively collaborate and provide the most efficient collaborative care. The purpose of this project was to increase understanding of role perceptions between social work and nursing students to help inform educational curriculum for future interprofessional practice.
Rebecca McDuffie (Dr. Kathy Ellison) presented the association between activities, loneliness, and health outcomes in the elderly living in Elder Care Living environments.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is an epidemic of loneliness in the United States. The current Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated this problem with the associated quarantines and physical isolation that have become commonplace. The goal of this research was to examine the alteration in activities in elder care living environments — nursing homes, assisted living, and independent living elder centers — and the resulting loneliness and health effects on the residents.
For more information on student research at AUSON, go to https://cws.auburn.edu/nursing/Home/Research#Student
