The College of Nursing is thrilled and proud to graduate the first cohort of SmartStart graduates! The Nursing SmartStart program was founded in 2017 in partnership with UofSC's Honors College. The program focuses on engaging the university's top students in nursing research throughout their four years of nursing school.
The reason for the SmartStart program was to give our nursing freshmen the opportunity to really be connected to the College of Nursing early on and help them prepare to be a great nursing researcher, a great nurse practitioner, and a great nursing professor much earlier in their career. " - Robin Dawson, Director, SmartStart Nursing Program
Meet a few of the SmartStart 2021 Graduates!
Camille Fendley
Research topic: Rural-Urban Differences in Depressive Symptoms Among College Students
Why did you choose this topic? Depression is a significant health issue that significantly affects college-age students, sometimes leading to suicide. In addition, understanding differences between rural and urban residing residents is important as rural residents often experience higher rates of disease and have poorer health outcomes. There is little research about rural-urban differences in depression. Further exploring the relationship between rural-urban location and college students' depressive symptoms could be significant in addressing risk factors and targeting interventions and treating depressive symptoms.
Julia Bartels
Research topic: Communication Between Parents and Adolescents via Text-messaging
How has the SmartStart program benefited your nursing practice? I learned a lot more about the research process and all the steps that go into conducting a qualitative study through this program. Also, I was able to take a course on genetics during lower division which provided me with great hands-on experience.
Sophie Gilliam
Research topic: The Importance of Racial Concordance in Student Health Services
What is your favorite memory from the SmartStart program? My favorite memory by far was all the small moments along the way, especially our freshman year as we clung to each other. All of the late nights studying together at Thomas Cooper Library with my SmartStart friends until 4am will forever be some of my fondest memories within the College of Nursing.