PhD Candidates Present Research at Southern Nursing Research Society Conference

Three Carolina Nursing PhD candidates, Chiao-Hsin Teng, Ratchanok Phonyiam, and Mary Killela, presented their dissertation findings at the 2023 Southern Nursing Research Society Conference. This conference brings together leading nursing researchers, educators, and clinicians from the southern region of the United States.

Chiao-Hsin Teng presented the preliminary findings of a longitudinal mixed-methods study entitled “Preliminary Findings of a Qualitative Study: Stroke Survivors’ Challenges for Fatigue and Recovery at Hospital and the First Month After an Ischemic Stroke.” The research, which explores the challenges faced by stroke survivors during their recovery, is funded by the 2022 Southern Nursing Research Society Dissertation Research Grant and the Alpha Alpha Chapter of STTI Research Grant 2022.

Ratchanok Phonyiam’s poster presentation was entitled “Breastfeeding Intention and Confidence in Thai Pregnant Women with Preexisting Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.” This work, which was conducted in Thailand with the support of Dr. Marianne Baernholdt, the Dean of the UVA School of Nursing, was supported by the Sigma Small Grant and the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Research Grant. The poster explores the factors that influence breastfeeding intention and confidence in pregnant Thai women with preexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Mary Killela presented a poster entitled “Use of Medical Crowdfunding to Mitigate the Financial Consequences of Childhood Cancer.” This work is part of her dissertation research, which focuses on examining the stressors, appraisals, and outcomes of medical crowdfunding among families of children with cancer. Mary is supported by the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation through the Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation.

The contributions of these talented PhD students to the Southern Nursing Research Society Conference 2023 were invaluable, and their research will undoubtedly advance the field of nursing and healthcare. Congratulations to Chiao-Hsin Teng, Ratchanok Phonyiam, and Mary Killela!