The College of Nursing Research and Scholarship Day highlights how research and scholarship enhance nursing practice.

The day consisted of 17 student poster presentations and 12 oral presentations. Guests heard from faculty panelists and our keynote speaker Dr. Shannon Zenk, director of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR).

Award Winners

Undergraduate Student Poster Award: Madeline Mclnnis

Mclnnis’ poster was titled “Self-Management of Asthma in the Pediatric Patient: A Study of Artificially Intelligent Chatbots." Dr. Robin Dawson served as her primary mentor.

“Dr. Dawson believed in me more than I believed in myself many times. She has pushed me and my writing in a way I have not been pushed before and never gave up on me or allowed me to settle. Dr. Dawson is the most supportive mentor I could have had over the last year. I know I will always have her in my corner as I begin my nursing career,” said Mclnnis.

Graduate Student Poster Award: Kathy Nelson Ph.D., RN, CNL

Nelson’s poster was titled “Women Shift Workers’ Perception on Sleep Quality, Fatigue, and Cognition.” Her research was chaired by Dr. Karen Wickersham.

“The Ph.D. program has proven to be an incredible opportunity and experience. Dr. Wickersham and Dr. Davis cared about my success. They challenged, instructed and equipped me with the knowledge and skills to guide this research study and future research endeavors. The phenomenal mentorship, the high-quality faculty research productivity, and the excellent reputation are true highlights of the University of South Carolina College of Nursing Ph.D. program,” said Nelson.

Best Student Research Mentor Award: Dr. Karen Wickersham

Dr. Wickersham was anonymously nominated by a Ph.D. student, “Dr. Wickersham is very collegial in her interactions with all students, values past experiences and individual gifts and talents while always challenging students in ways that promote individual growth in a meaningful way for everyone,” said the student.