Q: Explain what you’ll be learning and the type of research you’ll be involved in during the fellowship.

A: This is one of the only fellowships in the United States related to disaster nursing.

The curriculum includes features of disaster nursing and emergency medicine, and fellows have the opportunity to participate in some of the world’s largest mass casualty exercises while learning from both national and international disaster planning experts.

I’ll get to complete fieldwork-related research resulting in a thesis or publication, and also participate in lectures, seminars, readings on disaster medicine and emergency medicine.

After completing the fellowship, I look forward to be even better equipped to take on leadership positions in the areas of disaster nursing and emergency medicine.ÌýÌý

Q: Talk about how this opportunity will advance your future goals.ÌýÌý

A:ÌýThis opportunity allows me to gain valuable knowledge and develop an expertise. My futureÌýgoals are to use the fellowship content to expand my research topic, continue teaching, andÌýserve in disaster management/disaster relief on local, state, national and international levels.

Q: Briefly describe your work and expertise related to disaster nursing.ÌýÌý

A: I have been a nurse for several years with experience in disaster relief, disasterÌýpreparedness and humanitarian services. I am a former member of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) that responds to national disaster events, and providesÌýhands-on care to anyone in need of health care services.

I teach in our undergraduateÌýand graduate nursing programs, and my students have opportunities to work with local communityÌýagencies like the American Red Cross and the local health care systems on various disasterÌýmanagement projects. I also am a UofL PhD nursing student, and my research focus is onÌýdisaster management/disaster relief in vulnerable populations targeting families withÌýchildren with neurodevelopmental related disabilities, refugees and low socioeconomicÌýgroups.

Q: Other thoughts?Ìý

A: It is a great honor to have been selected for this excellent fellowship. I will be able to useÌýthe knowledge gained to advance disaster research and continue preparing nursing students forÌýcurrent and future disasters.