Research opportunities aren’t limited to our faculty at the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College. From the start of their studies, nursing students are encouraged to build a strong foundation for their practice through our Research Assistant Program.
"I was interested in becoming a research assistant because I have learned, from my classes and through clinical experiences at the hospital, that research and continuous learning are essential to delivering the highest quality of care." - Leora Shachat, student research assistant
By offering an opportunity for faculty and students to collaborate on research, our hands-on program advances nursing science while helping students expand their skills and career possibilities.
Areas of Research for Nursing Students
Our faculty are encouraged to bring on dedicated Student Research Assistants at any time to assist in their work, which can range from data collection and data entry to conducting literature reviews. Due to the popularity of the program, all research studies have students currently working alongside faculty mentors in the following areas:
About the Student Research Position
Want to become a Student Research Assistant? Each term, students receive an email with information about available research opportunities. After completing an initial training, students then pick their top three areas of interest. Since the program began three years ago, every student who has wanted to serve as a Student Research Assistant has been able to be paired with a study.
By getting involved in the Research Assistant Program, students gain long-term benefits, including CITI training for working with human subjects, research skills development and resume-building experiences. Learn more about the requirements and responsibilities by reviewing the full position description.
Research Assistant Position
The Research Assistant Position is the primary way that students get involved in nursing research. While this position is unpaid, there are occasional opportunities for paid assistant positions when faculty receive grant funding.
Featured Student Research
Student learning doesn’t stop in the classroom or the lab. Student Research Assistants are encouraged to attend conferences and present posters on their research findings—all expenses paid.
At the 2017 Annual Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference, several students attended to present their work as research assistants:
- Matthew Ramirez, Student Research Assistant, with Kenny Johnson and Ben Heckert, Clinical Nurses, and Dr. Jean Davis, Faculty Mentor: “How A Community Hospital Moved to Improve” (Poster Discussion)
- Leora Shachat, Student Research Assistant and Dr. Judy Frain, Faculty Mentor: “Cognitive Performance in Adults with HIV” (Poster)
- Joel Brune, Carley Shields, Amanda Rood, Student Research Assistants, with Dr. HS Wu, Faculty Mentor: “Bright Light on Fatigue in Women Being Treated for Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study” (Poster)
- Joseph Daesch, Student Research Assistant, with Dr. HS Wu, Faculty Mentor: “Chemosensory Alterations in Patients with Cancer” (Poster)
Find Research Opportunities
If you’re not already a student at the Goldfarb School of Nursing, learn more about our admissions process.
Current students are welcome to contact Kristy Kight to explore upcoming research opportunities that might be a good match.