College of Nursing aims to showcase doctoral work, foster research collaboration

The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing is providing a new platform for doctoral nursing students to showcase their research. The inaugural Doctoral Student Project Showcase will take place virtually March 24, allowing PhD and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students the opportunity to present their work and offer the public an insight into the breadth and quality of student research happening in the college.

Organizers hope the event promotes a culture of scholarship and inclusion and fosters research collaboration across the University of Cincinnati.

"We’re always interested in seeing if we can connect with other colleges, whether it’s pharmacy, medicine, DAAP, education or law," said Christina Meyer, program manager for UC College of Nursing's Institute for Nursing Research and Scholarship (INRS). "This is our way of showcasing what our students are currently working on and it might be eye-opening."

Eight student presentations were chosen from 17 abstract submissions in three categories: evidence-based practice and quality improvement, research and literature review. Submissions were anonymously scored and selected by UC College of Nursing faculty.

During the showcase, students will show a five-minute, pre-recorded presentation and receive five minutes to answer questions from attendees. Organizers wanted to ensure presentations were brief and the event allowed for Q-and-A sessions so students could sharpen key skills, said Kelly Stacy, a nursing PhD candidate and event committee member. "An important component of the presentations is learning to field questions," she said.

Stacy hopes the Doctoral Student Project Showcase will show nursing students that presenting their work is not as difficult as it sounds. "Students would benefit from seeing that it isn’t as daunting as it seems to present what they're doing at their current stage in front of a safe audience," she said.

Along with Meyer and Stacy, committee members who helped plan the event include Mandi Cafasso, DNP, APRN, assistant professor; Ayse Guler, PhD candidate; Shammah Omololu, PhD student; and Teenu Xavier, PhD student.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. ET March 24 and is open to the public. Registration is required. Approximate start times for each presentation are listed in the agenda to offer individuals the flexibility to attend select sessions.

For questions about the event, email Meyer at Christina.Meyer@uc.edu.