Meet some of the future Knight nurses pursuing independent research through UCF’s Honors Undergraduate Thesis program, a unique opportunity that supports student success and contributes to nursing science.
I’ve always been deeply passionate about understanding how to care for patients beyond their physical needs,” says Allyson Crighton, an undergraduate student in UCF’s Traditional BSN program and Honors Undergraduate Thesis scholar.
“Participating in the Honors Undergraduate Thesis program has allowed me to explore that curiosity through research and to contribute to something that could truly make a difference in patient outcomes,” she says.
Honors Undergraduate Thesis, UCF’s oldest and most prestigious undergraduate research program, allows junior and senior students to engage in original and independent research by working closely with a faculty committee.
Crighton is among 20 undergraduate nursing students across three Central Florida campuses participating in the unique opportunity offered through the Burnett Honors College this year.
“These students are scholars, going above and beyond normal academic study to become an expert in a topic,” says Brian Peach, nursing associate professor and Honors Undergraduate Thesis liaison.
Students research, write, defend and publish an original thesis that is published through the university library and available to researchers worldwide.
To date, more than 650 theses have been completed by undergraduate nursing students since the program’s founding — providing valuable contributions to nursing science.
Students who participate in the program also gain valuable career skills, such as written and oral communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to analyze and interpret research findings.
Expanding upon the opportunity and further supporting student success, Peach and fellow College of Nursing faculty chairs encourage scholars to present at conferences and publish findings in refereed journals.
“Scholars graduate with a sense of accomplishment knowing they possessed the grit and resiliency necessary to complete the challenge that was before them,” says Peach. “There are always unexpected obstacles in research, but these students persevere with the guidance and support of their faculty members. The confidence that comes from overcoming obstacles is great preparation for the sometimes challenging days they will face in their nursing career.”
Studying the Effects of Music to Calm Critically Ill Patients
With aspirations to work in an intensive care unit (ICU), Crighton wanted to investigate ways to support critically ill patients beyond clinical interventions and with compassionate, holistic care.
(Photo by Melanie Cedeño-López)
Her research focuses on the effects of listening to music on agitation, delirium, and anxiety levels in ICU patients receiving respiratory support.
“Often these patients are sedated or in a coma, and many people assume they cannot hear us — but studies show that they often can,” says Crighton. “Music is a nonpharmacological, simple, yet deeply meaningful way to reach patients — something that reminds them and their families that they are not alone.”
Something Crighton has personal experience with, too. She was inspired to become a nurse at the age of 10 when her mother, who is also a nurse, became critically ill.
“I remember being so scared for her, but what stood out most was how the nurses not only cared for her with compassion and skill but also took the time to comfort me,” she says.
“In that moment, I realized that nursing was more than a profession — it was a calling to touch lives in their most vulnerable moments. To nurses, it might be another day at work, but to patients and their loved ones, it can mean the world,” she says.
In addition to the Honors Undergraduate Thesis program, Crighton is gaining valuable leadership skills serving as president of the Student Nurses Association UCF Orlando Chapter.
“I am endlessly grateful for how UCF has challenged and supported me to become someone capable of inspiring hope, spreading love, and truly caring for the whole patient,” she says.
Researching Trauma-Informed Care to Improve Birth Outcomes
Kayleigh McGraw, an undergraduate nursing student, scholar and Honors Undergraduate Thesis scholarship recipient, is also conducting research inspired by her future nursing career.
(Photo by Melanie Cedeño-López)
McGraw, who plans to pursue a career as a Certified Nurse Midwife is exploring the attitudes and experiences of labor and delivery nurses in providing trauma-informed care to patients in labor who have a history of sexual abuse.
“My research exists to help nurses better understand why their clients are experiencing re-traumatization and what can be done to improve the utilization of trauma-informed care amongst obstetric nurses,” she says.
It is estimated that more than 423,000 people experience sexual violence each year in the United States. Current research shows that women with a history of sexual abuse experience more stress during and after childbirth.
Stress during labor and pregnancy is associated with higher rates of preterm births, low birth weights and unplanned caesarean sections, which can impact birth outcomes physically and psychologically.
“Nursing is an evidence-based scientific profession, and I am grateful to begin my journey as a nurse scientist as an undergraduate level nursing student,” says McGraw. “I believe that my research will help me to provide more compassionate and competent trauma-informed care to my future patients.”
“Not all universities allow and encourage undergraduate students to pursue independent research. This program is an amazing opportunity, especially for students such as myself who want to go to graduate school,” says McGraw. “I have no doubt that UCF will prepare me exceptionally well for my nursing career.”
Article by Julie Harper ’01
Photos by Melanie Cedeño-López
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