Health and Human Services News

Students and faculty attend the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Congress

by

Each year, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Annual Congress brings together nurse anesthetists from around the U.S. and helps them renew their passion for the profession. 

Nine students and two faculty from Missouri State University’s School of Anesthesia attended the 2023 congress. It took place Aug. 18-22. 

Nurse anesthesiology’s largest educational event offers students and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) learning and networking opportunities. Two thousand five hundred students from 120 schools all over the country attended the congress in Seattle, Washington.

“As a first-year CRNA student, it was an amazing experience,” Katie Wills said. “It really got me pumped for my future career!”  

Connecting with professionals 

The AANA congress is both a fun and educational opportunity for student and professional collaboration.   

One of the featured activities at the event was the college bowl, a quiz show where Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNA) compete in an anesthesia trivia competition against currently practicing CRNAs. 

It’s refreshing for students to be around people who are enthusiastic about their profession,” Dr. Jeanie Skibiski, MSU associate professor of anesthesiology, said. “It helps to recharge their batteries and keep them positive.” 

The impact on students 

The event’s workshops covered specialties, such as pediatric, cardiovascular and pharmacology. There were many informative lectures on topics relevant to both SRNAs and CRNAs.  

Additionally, students witnessed live demonstrations such as a CRNA performing a tracheal intubation technique on himself. 

“I learned many things and came back with enthusiasm to share my experience with classmates,” Wills said. “I can’t wait to go back and I hope more of us can attend next year.” 

Learn more about the School of Anesthesia

MSU registered dietitian featured on Ozarks FOX AM

by

On Sept. 18, registered dietitian Natalie Allen showed how to make simple, healthy meals for kids who play sports on Ozarks FOX AM. She’s also clinical assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics and the team dietitian for athletics at Missouri State University.

She demonstrated how to create three different meals from one source of protein – chicken. The meals include Chicken Ranch Wrap, Fiesta Sweet Potato and Sweet and Sticky Asian Noodles.

Check out part one and two of the segments.

Outstanding mentor in MCHHS

by

Dr. Ashley Payne, assistant professor of psychology, mentors in multiple capacities at Missouri State University. This has earned her recognition in the form of the Bear Bridge Outstanding Faculty-Student Mentoring Award. 

Bear Bridge places an important emphasis on creating mentoring programs for faculty and students; diversity, equity and inclusion are central to its mission. 

Learn more about Bear Bridge

Black Girl Talks 

As an advocate for Black voices, Payne is the creator and lead researcher of the Black Girl Talks Mentoring program. This identity-affirming program pairs Black high school girls in Springfield with Black college women at MSU.  

Students enjoy space to discuss issues related to Black girl and womanhood, education, identity and relationships with their mentor.  

This program is also a research site for students interested in learning about the experiences of diverse populations, youth participatory action research and program development.  

Additionally, Payne is the faculty advisor of five student organizations:  

  • Sister Circle. 
  • Psychology Club and Psi Chi. 
  • Sigma Lambda Gamma. 
  • Association of Black Collegians.  
  • MSU NAACP. 

Mentor philosophy  

Payne is passionate about being a mentor to Black girls and women who participate in the program or research, as she provides guidance in education, identity or other psychosocial needs. 

“I feel a drive to be the representation and change students need to grow and evolve,” Payne said.  

“As a woman and faculty member of color, I strive to make sure students see themselves in ways they may never have dreamed and support them to reach new heights.” 

Payne tries to equip all her students with the knowledge and expertise to get where they want to go and to push themselves to reach what may feel like impossible levels.  

By being heavily involved on campus and spending one-on-one time with students, Payne has the opportunity to build relationships and share her journey. 

“It’s important for me to let my students know that anything is possible, if you use your resources and put the work in.” 

Explore psychology

Celebrating Faculty Success

by

Congratulations to assistant professor in the School of Social Work Dr. Michele Brown. She recently completed her Doctorate of Social Work through the University of Missouri (MU). 

The title of her dissertation is “Exploring Volunteerism: Understanding Motivations, Satisfaction, and Longevity Among Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteers.  

It involved a study that focused on the role identity of satisfaction and motivation in relationships. Brown conducted the study using four surveys and a series of interviews. 

Brown’s journey 

Brown worked in child welfare for 11 years before coming to Missouri State. She started as a visiting instructor but left MSU to begin her doctorate program through MU. 

After spending her first year as a research assistant through her program, she was hired for her current role at Missouri State.  

“I love seeing the faces of this next generation of social work in the classroom setting,” Brown said. “Being able to help shape them and give them the tools they need to succeed is what I love most about what I do.” 

Brown decided to pursue her doctorate to better understand volunteerism. She describes her experience as one that taught her a great deal about patience. 

 She faced obstacles like COVID, changing program timelines, medical problems and having to start her research project over.  

“It was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life, but also one of the most challenging and difficult,” Brown said. 

What this honor means to her 

Brown’s dissertation is a great accomplishment and the people who supported her through the process are what made it possible.  

While pursuing her doctorate, she had to be absent from her family and struggled to balance her work life as well. Her family’s sacrifices and her colleagues’ encouragement motivated her to keep going. 

 “It was an experience I couldn’t have done without the support of the people at Missouri State,” Brown said. “My bosses encouraged and supported me along the way, along with my mentor and my family.” 

Learn more about Social Work