TAMIU Nursing Students Awarded for Research at Pathways Symposium

A total of 75 Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students gave poster and scholarly presentations at the 11th Annual Texas A&M University System Pathways Student Research Symposium held at Texas A&M University – Kingsville in November. Of those presenting, 16 were from the TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

“Three graduate students from the TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences received second place in the graduate poster presentation category,” said Dr. Marivic B. Torregosa, assistant professor, Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing.

TAMIU graduate nursing students Elsa Morales, Amaechi Okori, and Araceli Flores presented their research: “A Review of the Effectiveness Between Two Contraceptive Methods: Laparoscopic and Hysteroscopic.”

“Their poster presentation was an evidence-based practice (EBP) project in a nursing research methods course that was designed in a manner that students can use the same project to submit and compete in a research conference,” said Dr. Torregosa.

All three students were mentored by Torregosa.

“It is important for students to present at conferences to acculturate and expose them to the world of research and scholarship. By exposing our students to these kinds of activities, these may inspire them to pursue doctorates which would help build a capacity of researchers and scientists in this region,” explained Torregosa.

TAMIU was represented by 69 poster and oral scholarly presentations in different fields and departments at the Symposium.

Five undergraduate nursing students presented results on a research project they conducted on the health and social impacts of horizontal hydraulic fracking on Cotulla, Texas. Although they didn’t place, they were invited to attend the Eagle Ford Center for Research, Education and Outreach Fall Workshop sponsored by TAMU – Kingsville in Cotulla.

“The results of the study could inform policymakers in developing strategic plans and monitoring systems impacted by the Eagle Ford Shale fracturing,” said Torregosa.

The students who completed this project were mentored by Torregosa and Rose Sadivar, clinical assistant professor.

“The annual Pathways Conference is a great learning experience for our students. It is a great platform to showcase our students’ research talents and how they contribute towards knowledge-building in their own respective disciplines,” said Torregosa.

Pathways is an A&M System-wide initiative to encourage students – from undergraduate to Ph.D. levels – to pursue their doctoral studies. Each year, the initiative hosts its Research Symposium at a different System site so that students can share their innovative research outcomes.

For more information, contact Torregosa at mtorregosa@tamiu.edu or 326.2456.

Spring 2014 Registration is currently underway at http://uonline.tamiu.edu for Spring 2014. Classes begin Jan. 22, 2014.

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