Jenna Benyounes, Cynthia Dey, Kristina May, Kathryn Matkovich, Jo Anna Pompeii and Lauren Yon will graduate with Honors in the Major (HIM) from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program on May 8, 2009.
Established in 1989, HIM is the oldest and most prestigious undergraduate research program at UCF. It is the only undergraduate research program on campus in which students are required to undertake original and innovative research as principal investigators.
In this program, students research, write, defend and publish an original Honors thesis that serves as the capstone product of their undergraduate career. Dr. Nancy Ahern is the coordinator of the HIM program for UCF College of Nursing.
Benyounes, Dey and May conducted their research with guidance from Dr. Ahern, who served as their faculty mentor. Benyounes explored “Interventions to Prevent Perineal Trauma during Childbirth,” Dey explored “Nursing Interventions for Promoting Maternal-Fetal Attachment,” and May explored “Nursing Utilization of Sensory Stimulation on the Impact of Infant Cognition.”
Matkovich worked with Dr. Maureen Covelli on her research exploring “Nursing Interventions for Stimulation in Comatose State Patients.”
Pompeii and Yon worked with their faculty mentor, Dr. Kelly Allred. Pompeii explored “Nonpharmacological Pain Management in Pediatric Patients in the Acute Care Setting” while Yon explored “Integrating Mobility into the Plan of Care in the Intensive Care Unit.”
Benyounes, May and Yon were selected to present their nursing research at two competitive events in April: UCF’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society’s 17th Annual Research Day, hosted by UCF’s Theta Epsilon chapter.