Marissa Cunningham grew up in Pasadena, TX, and obtained her Associates in Life Science from San Jacinto College. During childhood she had always admired her mother’s passion for helping others as a psychiatric nurse. This admiration coupled with witnessing extraordinary nurses care for her father and grandmother during terminal illness, gave her an epiphany; she wanted to become a nurse too.

Being a recipient of the UTMB School of Nursing Honors Program has enabled me to delve into the world of nursing research, as I work alongside a mentor studying the effects of exercise on breast cancer. It is incredible to be a part of a study that has the potential to enhance current medical knowledge, and patient care. Overall, this exposure has provided me new insight into the role of nurses in research, and the opportunities that exist post-graduation.

Jessica Milhench is a dedicated nursing student at the UTMB School of Nursing. She earned her first degree in Microbiology from Texas State University. While residing in Italy, she participated in a nurse-midwife program. Currently, she contributes as a peer tutor in the School of Nursing. Her commitment to community health is evident in her role on the vaccine committee and her participation in the population health trip to serve at the Hillside Clinic in Belize.

Participating in the Honors Research Program has enhanced my ability to positively impact patients by equipping me with evidence-based practices and innovative solutions. This experience has also strengthened my ability to contribute to the future of healthcare by fostering a deeper understanding of emerging medical trends and technologies.

Gretchen Schneider is a student of the UTMB School of Nursing Accelerated BSN program. After receiving her BA in English from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, she relocated back to Houston and worked for several years before beginning her nursing career. She is currently a Patient Care Assistant at Houston Methodist Hospital TMC. While she has worked in several different fields that she has loved, she is the most passionate about all things science, and is excited to continue her healthcare career.

For me, this scholarship means being able to dedicate so much more energy towards my nursing degree in that it has taken off some pressure of working during school. It is such a unique opportunity to gain research experience during a BSN degree, and it is that much more valuable to me as it affords me the ability to really commit to it and feel like a fulltime student during this program. I appreciate so much the autonomy given to each student, the support from faculty, and the ability to choose what we pursue based on our interests.

Jenna Hopwood was raised in San Antonio, TX, where she graduated from St. Mary’s University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, along with minors in Chemistry and Applied Mathematics. After moving to Houston in 2019, she received her EMT-B license and spent 3 years working as a first responder before attending UTMB SON. Jenna has always had a passion for helping others in her community, but also enjoys the intellectual challenge and potential for growth nursing has to offer.

The research track of the Honors Program has provided numerous opportunities to improve my leadership skills, critical thinking, and foster interprofessional communication through the mentorship offered. These experiences will enhance my ability to provide informed patient care and contribute to the nursing community.

Alyssa Davis is a native Texan from the Dallas area. She graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio with a Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience and a minor in Chemistry. She worked as a medical scribe before returning to school to complete her prerequisites for the BSN program at UTMB SON. Alyssa possesses a deep passion for neurological disorders due to family experiences and is excited to use her training at UTMB to care for patients with similar conditions.

As a member of the ARCH Track in the Honors Program, I am privileged with unique opportunities including experience in nursing research and attendance at nursing policy meetings. I am incredibly grateful for the support of the Honors Program, which I firmly believe will make me a successful leader in nursing. The training I receive will enable me to care for patients in the ICU and eventually become a nurse practitioner.

Mariana Restrepo was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia. In 2009, She moved to the U.S. with her family, settling in Houston, TX. She graduated from high school in 2014 and later earned an Associate of Science in Biology with a Nursing Specialization from Houston Community College. Health science and medicine have been longstanding interests for Mariana throughout her academic career. Mariana is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on people's lives and contributing positively to the nursing community to help optimize patient outcomes.

Being a member of the ARCH Scholars program has provided me with the wonderful opportunity to enhance my research abilities through hands-on experience. It has also given me insight into the importance of collaborative teamwork within nursing research and practice. It is truly an enriching experience allowing us to equip ourselves with unique research skills needed to better serve the community as future nursing professionals.

Kennedy Monsalve was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She attended Texas A&M University where she received a Bachelors of Science in Allied Health and a minor in psychology in 2022. She has always had a passion for healthcare, and now she is ready to become an integral part of the nursing community to better service others.

Being a member of the ARCH Track in the Honors Program has allowed me to navigate working with an interprofessional team that leads advanced research in healthcare. This opportunity has encouraged me to view pertinent questions regarding cancer research from a broader perspective. In essence, this scholarship is a beacon guiding my academic and professional journey, emphasizing the significance of my role in shaping the future of nursing research. Upon graduation, I am confident that my nursing skills will allow me to deliver care with compassion, critical thinking, and patient advocacy.

Catherine Russell was born and raised in Houston, TX, where she graduated high school in 2020. She continued her education at Lone Star College where she participated in the Honors College. She received her Associates of Arts in 2021. Wanting to continue towards a career in healthcare, she attended Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2023. Currently, she is building her skill set to better serve the pediatric population through nursing, including her trip to Camp Beloved to be a 1:1 caregiver for a child with special needs for a week.

Being a member of the Honors Research Program has enhanced my understanding of nursing and allowed me to research within sensitive populations. These experiences have shaped me into a well-rounded future nurse that understands the importance of individualized care in every situation.