Stories

Harris College students showcased their research excellence at the annual Student Research Conference, celebrating innovation and academic achievement across the health sciences. The event featured a number of student presentations, from the impact of recess to the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. Each project reflected deep dedication, rigorous research and unique perspectives on today’s pressing health challenges.

Nurse Practitioner students in the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences achieved a perfect pass rate for first-time test takers on the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification exam. The ANCC certification exam is widely recognized as one of the leading national board exams for nurse practitioners.

It’s 8 a.m. and only high ponies and baseball caps are visible as Texas Christian University Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences students hunch over their computers, taking quizzes in Rees-Jones Hall. At the front of the room is Carol Howe, Ph.D., the Paula R. & Ronald C. Parker Endowed Professor of Nursing and director of nursing research and scholarship.

Jackie Rowles, director of the Advanced Pain Management Fellowship and associate professor of professional practice, has been recognized for her contributions to The Global Anesthesia Workforce Survey: Updates and Trends in the Anesthesia Workforce, an award-winning research article.

The annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition featured array of topics. The event is open to any graduate student in Harris College who is working on a research project, such as a thesis, dissertation or other project. Given the opportunity to describe their work to a general audience in three minutes or less, winners receive a gift card and the opportunity to compete at the university level.

Andrea Salazar is working across Texas Christian University to make an impact across borders. An international student from Nicaragua and a scholar in Salazar is a senior majoring in speech-language pathology in the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences and minoring in child development, a cross-discipline minor housed in the College of Science & Engineering. She is exploring effective interventions for bilingual students with learning disabilities.

TCU’s 11th annual Chance to Dance, a special event hosted by the TCU’s chapter of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA). Designed as a prom-like experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the event continues to be a highlight for both attendees and TCU students.

TCU faculty member Crystal Smith joined 250 occupational therapy professionals at Texas Occupational Therapy Association’s Day at the Capitol to advocate for increased access to OT services. Representing TCU, she emphasized the importance of legislative support for the profession, highlighting efforts to improve healthcare access and licensure portability.

After choosing nursing over basketball at TCU, Ella Hamlin thought her playing days were over. But when injuries left the women’s team short-handed, she joined as a walk-on. A year later, her dedication paid off—TCU surprised her with a full scholarship. Now, she’s living both dreams, balancing Division I basketball with a rigorous nursing program.