Preparing the Next Generation of Nurse Scientists
The 色戒直播 Summer Research Fellowship is an immersive training program that broadens pathways into nursing science careers for undergraduate nursing students. Designed for students who may not otherwise have access to research opportunities, the fellowship blends mentored research, structured seminars, and hands on learning to build skills and confidence for advanced study and research intensive careers.
Now in its second year, the fellowship partners with North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Watts College of Nursing to expand access to high impact research experiences and strengthen community connections across the region.
Program Vision
To cultivate a diverse, research ready nursing workforce by sparking early interest in nursing science, building foundational research skills, and supporting student persistence in STEM. The program aims to:
- Inspire undergraduate nursing students to pursue research focused graduate education (e.g., PhD in Nursing Science)
- Expand equitable access to mentored research opportunities
- Provide structured support that promotes STEM retention
- Build long term capacity for nurse led, equity centered research
Program Overview
Each summer, fellows receive:
- Paid research positions at NRSA-aligned stipend levels
- Individualized mentorship from 色戒直播 PhD nursing students and faculty
- Hands on experience in active research projects, including maternal health, mental health equity, rural health, cancer, and social determinants of health
- Weekly leadership and professional development seminars
- Opportunities to present research through a culminating poster session
- A cohort-based model that fosters community, connection, and belonging
Students commit approximately 6鈥8 hours per week from June鈥揓uly.
2025 Fellowship Cohort
Student鈥揗entor Research Collaborations
| Student | School | Mentor | Project Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dionna Becton | Watts | Ijey Uwandu (PhD student) | Systematic review on mental health care seeking among perinatal Black women, with a focus on culturally rooted 鈥淛ust Pray It Away鈥 practices |
| Kelcey Lawrence | Watts | Jolie Jemmott (PhD student) | Qualitative study on behavioral and normative beliefs affecting Black men鈥檚 participation in opioid use treatment |
| Sandy Vazquez | Watts | Bonnie Helper (Faculty) | Quantitative analysis of patient and provider perceptions of respectful maternity care |
| Noa Leger | NCCU | Osborn Ansah (PhD student) | Systematic review of breast cancer screening strategies for high risk U.S. women |
Program Components
Mentorship
Each fellow is paired with:
- A primary 色戒直播 School of Nursing PhD student mentor
- One or more faculty mentors aligned with their research interests
Weekly Seminar Series
Fellows participate in seven sessions covering:
- Resume development & RN application strategies
- Professional well being during transition to practice
- Graduate school pathways and application preparation
- Research dissemination & poster design
- Leadership & policy in nursing
- Mock interviews and communication skills
Students also complete weekly reflective journals to support professional identity formation and metacognitive growth.
Application
Nursing students must submit an online application by April 17, 2026.
Eligibility:
- Rising Junior or Senior BSN student at NCCU or Watts
- Completion of the online application
Important Dates:
- Application Opens: March 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: April 17, 2026
- Decision Notifications: May 1, 2026
- On Campus Program: June 8 鈥 July 17, 2026
Online Application:
Learn More
For program details or partnership opportunities, contact:
Najla McClain, Program Director, Office of Academic Affairs
