Poonam said, "The environment in the Center for Nursing Research (CNR) was extremely friendly and pleasant, and I was able to improve in my interpersonal skills."  Through her work with the graduate students and nursing faculty, she formed professional relationships and has become aware of current research being conducted in her major. She will use her research for her Honors thesis, a required component of graduating with Honors.

Once her URA was completed, the CNR offered her a position as a Research Assistant - the first undergraduate student to work in that position. While working on research projects with faculty and PhD students, she is working on her honors thesis and utilizing the benefits that come with working in a research center. Throughout the process, Dr. Carolyn Cason is helping her strengthen her thesis and encouraging her to submit it for publication.

"The thesis process is easy if you take it one step at a time, and the URA can be that big first step." says Poonam.

With her enthusiasm for the URA program, Poonam was selected to do a presentation to those students contemplating that opportunity. In her presentation, she emphasized the types of activities in which she was involved and how the experience assisted her in improving her organizational skills and promoting a clearer understanding for the dedication and patience needed to conduct a research study.  Also, she explains how gratifying this journey into research has been for her: "...It's all about personal satisfaction. You gain a sense of personal achievement and value..."

Dr. Susan Baxley, who has completed her PhD and is now a nursing faculty member, continues to work with Poonam on research projects and says, "We are extremely proud of the work she has done and hope she will continue her interest in nursing research and look to the future when she will be eligible to enter the BSN to PhD in Nursing program."