The University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Nursing welcomed students, faculty, alumni and community partners to Spring Research Day on May 5, showcasing undergraduate nursing students’ research, evidence-based practice course projects and community-focused clinical projects.
The semi-annual event highlighted how nursing students are applying classroom knowledge to real-world health care challenges through research, clinical experiences and partnerships with local organizations and community agencies.
A poster session featured nursing students in their first clinical semester presenting research from their Evidence-Based Practice course. Students explored real-world health care problems, identified research supporting the need for change and improvement, and created recommendations for nursing practice aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Attendees had the opportunity to walk among poster presentations, speak directly with students about their projects, and learn how emerging nurses are applying evidence to address community health challenges.
As a judge for the poster presentations, Paula Linden, assistant teaching professor, appreciated the opportunity to engage with students and learn more about the projects they developed throughout the semester.
“I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this event and was impressed by the quality of the projects and presentations. The students demonstrated strong engagement with the research process and effectively communicated the significance of their findings. All of the students performed well, reflecting their hard work and dedication to evidence-based nursing practice. This experience reinforced the importance of immersing nursing students in research early in their education, as it helps them develop the skills necessary to critically evaluate evidence and apply it to improve patient outcomes and the quality of healthcare delivery.”
The second half of Spring Research Day focused on graduating seniors completing the community-based clinical education program. Students presented the findings and results of their community projects, highlighting both the impact of their work and their growth throughout the program! These presentations were a culmination of multiple semesters of work in the community. Students enjoyed being able to see the work their peers were doing as well as present their own accomplishments.
UMSL Nursing’s community partners also played an important role in the experience by providing students with opportunities to develop community-based nursing skills in meaningful, real-world settings.
A special thank you to the community partners who attended Research Day and supported our nursing students, including Living with Purpose, PreventEd, SLU Trauma Outreach, Affton School District, Harris-Stowe State University and the Kerengende Foundation.
Congratulations to our Community Health and Evidence-Based Practice Award winners:
Community Health
1st Place
Examining the Relationship Between Social Inclusion and Loneliness.
EverTrue Hospice and Palliative Care
Aleema Ahmed, Sadiya Ali, Layla Brooks, Brooke Roberts, Hashi Rozi, & Brooke Taylor
2nd Place
Tiny Tummies Big Relief
Affton Early Childhood Center
Alexa Hansome
3rd Place
Protecting and Empowering Children against Sexual Abuse
The Kerengende Foundation
Immanuel Murillo & Samuel Mbere
Evidence-Based Practice
1st Place
The Effects of Tai Chi on Fall Prevention in Older Adults
St. Louis Oasis
Sophia Whitesell, Anna Ranson & David Pearce
2nd Place
Improving Outcomes in Gunshot Victims Through Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs
SLU Trauma Awareness
Emily Coletto & Madilyn Curry
3rd Place
The Impact of Hospice Care on Patient’s Paint Management with a Terminal Illness
EverTrue Hospice and Palliative Care
Aniya Bryant, Ella Casteel, Joe Bacal, & Megan McCoy
Thank you to our Spring 2026 McIntosh Durham Invited Lecturer - Dr. Anne Sales, PhD, RN, FAAN - Presentation entitled: Evidence in practice and practice in evidence in nursing: Reflections on our approach to evidence and nursing practice.
Spring Research Day was organized with support from the College of Nursing’s Scholarship, Research and Evidence-Based Practice Committee and the Innovations and Community Engagement Committee.
