• What is your degree program and expected graduation date? Nursing, May 2020

• Please describe your research: My research is studying how telehealth symptom management impacts depression and anxiety in rural advanced cancer patients. I’m doing so through Dr. Gilbertson-White’s website, Oncology Associated Symptoms and Individualized Strategies (OASIS).

• In simple terms, why does this research matter? My research matters because cancer patients experience a wide variety of symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Providing patients the ability to self-manage symptoms through internet-based platforms may help improve the severity and distress of their symptoms.

• How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? I started during the Spring semester of my sophomore year in February of 2018.

• How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? My research allows me to explore parts of the nursing career I may not have otherwise known and explore what I may be able to change or influence in the healthcare field. I’ve also had opportunities to make connections with and learn from other researchers and participate in national research conferences.

• What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? After graduating with my BSN I plan to begin my nursing career at UIHC as a bedside nurse. I’m not certain of the specialty, although I’m currently leaning towards the Emergency Department. After gaining some experience, my ultimate goal is to attend graduate school and attain a PhD with the long-term goal of teaching the next generation of nurses.

• Faculty mentor/advisor: Stephanie Gilbertson-White

• Hometown: Bellevue, IA

Banner location: not on display—