Student researcher finds the human connection within science of nursing

For Kimberly Ehlers, student researcher at the UW-Madison School of Nursing, research is more than about science—it’s about the “human connection,” she says.

“My previous research experiences were more focused on bench science,” Ehlers notes, “and I craved more human connections. I have a passion for women’s health, especially obstetrics.”

After discovering her appetite for women’s health, Ehlers enrolled in the schools’ Early Entry PhD Option—a program designed for those undergraduate students interested in a career in nursing research. Upon graduating in May 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Ehlers will continue along an accelerated, individualized track of early and intensive research training, clinical practice and coursework to obtain her PhD in nursing. Her mentor is Diane Lauver, PhD, RN, professor of nursing and nurse practitioner in primary care, whose focus is women’s health.

“The opportunity for this [Early Entry PhD Option] program presented itself to me at a time in my life when I was looking for something different and exciting,” says Ehlers. “I have always loved research, and I was thoroughly fascinated at the prospect of doing nursing research.”

Ehlers is studying health-related behaviors of pregnant women. Under Lauver’s mentoring eye, she is conducting research on the potential benefit of, and barriers to, setting health-related goals while pregnant. Identifying common goals—staying active, maintaining weight control, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle—will serve as the springboard for researchers to study individualized interventions to assist pregnant women in meeting their health goals. In the longer term, meeting health goals could improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Hard work and hustle in the early-entry program has reaped both opportunity and reward for Ehlers. She recently received the Undergraduate Research Scholars Award from the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS). Known for promoting nursing as a scientific discipline, the MNRS honored Ehlers as a promising young investigator whose work will influence the next generation of researchers.

The week following the MNRS meeting, Ehlers received encomiums at the State Capitol Rotunda for her research titled “Health-Related Goals of Pregnant Women.” She was one of a cadre of student researchers chosen from the 15 UW System campuses to showcase their work. Titled, Posters in the Rotunda 2005, the celebration brought together legislators, UW Regents, government officials and the UW-Madison community to share in Ehlers’ and compatriots’ achievements.

Ehlers’ most recent endeavor was to present her research at the Undergraduate Symposium 2005 on the UW-Madison campus, along with approximately 10 nursing student colleagues who also have conducted research in collaboration with School of Nursing faculty. The symposium, which recognizes the talents of numerous UW undergraduates, showcased a broad range of studies and health topics.*

Lauver applauds the verve and determination demonstrated by Ehlers and likes the idea of sharing the science of nursing with her young protégé:

“I have watched Kim’s energy and excitement for research grow, as she questions and searches for answers,” says Lauver. “This excitement is contagious and fun to share as we collaborate on similar research.”

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*The following undergraduate nursing students prepared research posters for the Undergraduate Symposium 2005, titled Celebrating Research, Creative Endeavor and Service Learning:

Rachel Anderson, mentored by Pamela Kling, MD (Pediatrics), presented "The Effects of Potential Interfering Substances on Zinc Protoporphyrin/Heme Levels in Whole Blood."

Laceasa Curtis, mentored by Linda Denise Oakley, PhD, RN, presented "The Effects of Community Outreach on Research."

Kimberly Ehlers, mentored by Diane Lauver, PhD, RN, presented "The Health-Related Goals of Pregnant Women."

Jessica Kapelke-Dale, mentored by Susan Zahner, DrPH, RN, presented "Local Partnerships for Community Assessment and Planning."

Jenna Martin and Jennifer Kowalkowski Orth, mentored by Karin T. Kirchhoff, PhD, RN, presented "Preparing Families for the Withdrawal of Life Support in the Care Unit: A Progress Report." (team poster)

Emily Powers, mentored by Susan Heidrich, PhD, RN, presented "Older Women's Strategies for Communicating with Health Care Providers about Symptom Management."

Sara Romanski and Leslie Smith, mentored by Susan Riesch, DNSc, RN, presented "Primary Prevention of Eating Disorders in Middle School-Aged Students." (team poster)

Ashley Smith and Amanda Stuckmann, mentored by Linda Denise Oakley, PhD, RN, presented "Coping with the Blues: An Assessment of Depression and Depression Coping in African American Adults Being Screened for the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease." (team poster)