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Five Russell Sage College students pursued research related to their health sciences, criminal justice, and nursing degrees during the college’s CSTEP summer research program.
CSTEP — an acronym for Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program — is a grant-funded program sponsored by the New York State Department of Education. It provides mentoring and academic support, paid internship and research experiences, prep for standardized exams like the Medical College Admission Test or the NCLEX nursing licensing exam, and more to underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students.
During Russell Sage’s six-week summer program, students conducted original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, while also taking a one-credit research methods class with Susan Jenks, Ph.D., professor of biopsychology, and a one-credit career readiness class with Jenn Morrill, associate director of the college’s Career and Self-Discovery Center.
On June 26, the following students presented their work and fielded questions about how their projects connect to their career goals at the annual CSTEP Summer Research Symposium on the college’s Troy campus:
- Health Sciences major Dailanny Hernandez presented “Socioeconomic Status, Healthcare Access, and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms,” which investigated how social and economic inequalities contribute to postpartum mental health disparities. Hernandez’s goal is to be an occupational therapist specializing in women’s health.
Faculty mentor: Mary Rea, Ph.D., professor of biology
- Criminal Justice, Law and Behavioral Science major Benjamin Hotaling presented “Factors Influencing Prehospital Triage Decisions During Motor Vehicle Crash Incidents,” which explored the decision-making processes first-responders use to make patient care decisions after a motor vehicle crash. Hotaling’s goal is to be a career firefighter.
Faculty mentor: Emilly Obuya, Ph.D., Ed.D., associate professor of chemistry
- Nursing major Janay Beauvais presented “Trauma-Informed Care Practices Used by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and Their Impact on Survivor Experiences,” which examined how trauma-informed care practices help sexual assault survivors feel safer during examinations and contribute to higher-quality evidence collection and documentation. Her goal is to become a registered nurse and to pursue Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner certification.
Faculty mentor: Emilly Obuya, Ph.D., Ed.D., associate professor of chemistry
- Nursing major Joelis Clases presented “A Structured Literature Review on How Nursing Students Transition into Law and Future Career Paths,” which investigated educational and career pathways for nursing students with career goals that include law, hospital risk management, and healthcare policy. Her goal is to attend law school after she becomes a registered nurse.
Faculty mentor: Emilly Obuya, Ph.D., Ed.D., associate professor of chemistry
- Nursing major Abrina Stevens presented “Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy: Examining Barriers to Care and Support,” which looked into stigma surrounding mental health concerns, resource shortages, and other factors that contribute to unmet maternal mental health needs during pregnancy. Her goal is to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife.
Faculty mentor: Mary Rea, Ph.D., professor of biology