Research & Clinical Focus
The Connell School of Nursing has an enduring tradition of research. Our faculty are dedicated to research that examines the lifespan from premature infants to end-of-life care and ranges across translational science from bench research to global health.
CSON's Scientific Mission
To develop and disseminate knowledge for the advancement of professional nursing practice and the improvement of health and health care for a diverse global society
The Undergraduate Research Fellows (UGRF) program aims to foster research immersion experiences and develop a robust scientific pipeline. Undergraduate students are paired to work on research projects with research-intensive faculty and their teams, and are financially compensated for their time and effort. Many UGRFs contribute substantially to scientific products including presentations as well as published abstracts and papers.
Engaging students beyond the classroom to empower and cultivate new knowledge and to grow as individuals and as future professionals with specific research skills.
The UGRF program ensures opportunities that provide intellectual rigor, and personal, academic, and professional growth through applied research projects.
- Any undergraduate Nursing or Public Health majors in their sophomore, junior or senior year.
- Students are encouraged to apply for as many semesters as they would like. There is no limit to the number of semesters you can work as a fellow.
- Students who are planning on studying abroad for a semester can still apply for this program. We will work with you to ensure that your faculty member has coverage for the semester if you plan to study abroad.
- An email is sent out to all undergraduate Nursing and Public Health students in March to encourage anyone interested in becoming a fellow to apply.
- Decisions and faculty pairings are completed by the Associate Dean for Nursing Research and the ONR Administrative Assistant.
- You will receive an email if you are accepted and matched with a faculty member or if you are placed on the waiting list.
- Conduct cutting-edge research in a variety of topic areas, develop a one on one relationship with 青年涩导航faculty members, and gain an understanding of the research process.
- Experience first hand the challenges and triumphs of advanced research, and improve analytical skills and provide a deeper knowledge of the field.
- Access to an exciting array of research based training and meetings.
- Access to the research resources workshop, professional development series, and UGRF training sessions.
- Take part in our annual Hamilton Research Symposium in May and present a poster presentation on the research conducted throughout the year.
- Students and faculty are required to review and abide by all the research guidelines.
- You will be expected to complete all the necessary training and documentation prior to beginning your UGRF experience. (Confidentiality Agreement, CITI Training, and meet with HR to complete I9 and onboarding documentation)
- All students are required to work NO MORE than 10 hours per week and MUST input their hours into the payroll system. All hours must be submitted by Friday at noon.
- At the conclusion of the academic year each student must complete the Student Feedback Form.
- Our hope is that many of the UGRF students will build lasting relationships with their 青年涩导航faculty member(s) and potential future mentoring opportunities.
- All accepted students must attend the Undergraduate Research Fellowship Meet & Greet at the beginning of the academic year.
- All students must attend ONE UGRF training session during the duration of the program.
- At the conclusion of the academic year the UGRF students will be expected to attend the annual Hamilton Research Symposium and may have the opportunity to create and present a poster.
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A study in success
The Undergraduate Research Fellows Program transforms a passion for nursing into an interest in research.
Research for the Common Good
The Connell School of Nursing鈥檚 Research for the Common Good framework organizes scientific inquiry into six interconnected hubs that address the most pressing health challenges. By breaking down traditional silos and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, our researchers translate discovery into practice, advancing science, improving outcomes, and strengthening health systems for the best possible care. This framework embodies our commitment to nursing science that serves society鈥檚 greatest needs.听
Our Strengths
Chronic Disease
<p>This hub focuses on preventing and managing long-term conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer (including palliative care), and respiratory disorders. The field develops interventions for prevention, self-management, and care coordination while examining social determinants. Researchers explore behavioral change and integrated care models.</p>
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Genomics & Metabolic Health
<p>This hub explores genomics (including rare diseases) and metabolic health factors like nutrition, insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes. The field integrates precision medicine, biomarker discovery, and gene-environment interactions. Researchers develop targeted therapies and prevention strategies based on genetic profiles.</p>
Healthy Aging
<p>Healthy aging research examines physical, cognitive, and social factors influencing health during older ages. This field investigates life transitions and determinants of successful aging, as well as developing interventions to promote independence and enhance well-being. Researchers study biomarkers of aging, cognitive resilience, care delivery models, and family caregiving and dyad dynamics.</p>
<p>This hub examines physical, cognitive, and social factors influencing health during older ages. The field investigates successful aging determinants while developing interventions to promote independence and well-being. Researchers study cognitive resilience, care delivery models, and family caregiving and dyad dynamics.</p>
Psychiatric & Mental Health
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<p>This hub investigates biological, psychological, and social dimensions of mental health to develop effective interventions. The field examines neuroscience, trauma, and mental health conditions from anxiety to serious mental illness. Researchers work to reduce stigma, improve access, and advance evidence-based treatments.</p>
bc:schools/CSON/Faculty/psychiatric-and-mental-health
Public Health & Health Systems
<p><a href="/content/bc-web/schools/cson/Faculty-research-2025/CH-Research-and-Clinical-Focus/Genomics-and-endocrinology.html">Link button</a></p>
<p>This hub examines how health care services are organized, delivered, and financed to improve population health. The field evaluates health policies, care coordination, access, quality, safety, and workforce issues. Researchers analyze complex systems to develop evidence-based strategies for diverse populations, with a specific focus on health economics.</p>
bc:schools/CSON/Faculty/public-health-and-health-systems
Women & Children鈥檚 Health
<p><a href="/content/bc-web/schools/cson/Faculty-research-2025/CH-Research-and-Clinical-Focus/Genomics-and-endocrinology.html">Link button</a></p>
<p>This hub addresses unique factors influencing health across the maternal-child continuum and a woman鈥檚 lifespan. The field encompasses perinatal health, maternal-fetal medicine, pediatric development, and fertility. Researchers investigate biological mechanisms and early interventions shaping health care for women and children.</p>
The Marjory Gordon Program
Through an International Fellows Program, a bi-annual conference, online courses, and a partnership with NANDA-I, the Marjory Gordon Program听promotes the advancement of nursing knowledge about patients' response to illness, clinical reasoning and decision making, and patient care delivery.