Â鶹app

Research opens the door to experiences and opportunities you never thought you would be able to accomplish as an undergraduate. By participating in research as a nursing student at the Â鶹app, I have made numerous connections that pushed me to become more confident in my skills of inquiry and helped me become a stronger student.  

Connections to People

Connecting and learning from other people has been one of the best parts of research. My mentor, Gibran Mancus, has many great connections from conducting research at UNH for so long, and I realized how much it helps to have these people around when beginning a research project. I have been able to work with graduate students whose experience writing IRBs enabled them to guide me through the process. I have learned from undergraduate research assistants about data collection and what the research process entails. Through the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research, I have been able to connect with other student researchers and work together as ambassadors to spread the word about the Center’s programs by presenting to students at resource fairs and in classes. I am grateful for all the students and mentors I have met along the way who have made my research experience so positive.

Connections to Opportunities

Becoming a research assistant on a study during my sophomore year unexpectedly opened the door to so many additional opportunities. I was then able to develop my own pilot study along with my mentor called From Pixels to Pines: Exploring the Impact of Authentic vs. Virtual Greenspace on Young Adults’ Psychophysiological Well-Being. This study explored how virtual reality and projections of nature impact mental health, connection, and positive/negative affect compared to real world nature. I fully immersed myself in the research process. I received funding through the Hamel Center’s Undergraduate Research Award, recruited participants, and gathered data including saliva samples, heart rate, and survey data. I was then able to see the process of data analysis and work hands on in the lab. I am presenting my work at the Undergraduate Research Conference where I will show all the hard work I have put into my project. By simply getting involved with that first research study, I have been able to connect with so many other opportunities at UNH. 

Connections to the Real World 

Throughout my research experiences, I have been able to develop questions, use my critical thinking skills, and work through data analysis. Although it has been challenging, it has been a rewarding experience being able to see real data come to light. For example, I have learned that watching a projection or virtual reality nature can improve positive affect even after watching it for just 15 minutes. A graduate student has been walking me through every step of the process of analyzing saliva samples collected from the participants and determining if oxytocin increases after the participants experience with virtual reality or projected nature. 

I have also been able to develop a clearer vision of my future and goals. Going into college it is so hard to know for sure what you want to do with the rest of your life. I have always thought of nursing as a great profession, but I did not know exactly where I fit in. Some people have their heart set on a specialty or a location, but I felt like I was all over the place. Indulging in research made me realize that I love problem solving—recognizing something that needs improvement in healthcare or any field and figuring out ways to help. I love working hands on with people and research is another way to do so. Opportunities are endless in research, and I see it being a big part of my future as a nurse. I have applied to many positions at hospitals that have strong research opportunities, and I hope to be a part of that someday. Participating in research at the Â鶹app has not only allowed me to make positive connections to people, but it has also opened door to many opportunities that I will carry with me throughout my life.