2018 Jonas Scholar Award - Koonman

One of the major goals of the PhD program is socialization of our graduates into academia. This socialization includes the development of a value system that embraces professional service and leadership. The socialization process is embedded in coursework, and seminars, and supported by faculty mentorship, and extracurricular activities. Core courses and seminars in the PhD curriculum provide substantive content and discussion about the multiple roles and responsibilities of a PhD prepared nurse scientist. The PhD program is designed to nurture and enhance student ability to meet the program expectation of provision of scholarly presentations at local, regional, or national professional conferences, as well as publication of journal articles prior to graduation. The faculty mentor functions as a professional role model for the student, as well as a guide as the student develops a professional network. The development of this network is supported by attendance of the mentor and student at local, regional, state, national and international meetings and conferences associated with the nurse scientist role and the research focus area. The mentor also is responsible for introduction of the student to leading scientists who serve in professional organizations, study sections, research centers, and collaborative research groups, and introduction of the student to service and leadership opportunities in appropriate organizations. Our PhD students are included in the college governance structure; this inclusion provides several leadership opportunities. Our current Jonas Scholar serves as the student member of the PhD Curriculum Committee. This position is appointed annually; the new Jonas Scholar will be eligible for this appointment. Our current Scholar also served as the graduate student representative for the dean search committee. Other leadership opportunities include the student-governed Graduate Student Activities and Advisory Committee, which fosters communication between faculty and students, and advises the dean about faculty appointments and promotion (UAR II – 1.01), graduate student professional ethical conduct, course evaluation procedures, the adequacy of College programs and resources, and student problems and concerns. The new Jonas Scholar will be nominated for election to this committee. If elected, the Director of the PhD Program will mentor the Jonas Scholar in the role of an effective committee leader. The Jonas Scholar will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with truly exceptional faculty leaders. Our faculty members include 4 journal editors, multiple editorial board members of preeminent scholarly journals, 12 Chairs or former chairs and/or members of national research study sections for the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association, and have contributed service in key leadership roles for national professional organizations, committees, and for local community boards. The Jonas Scholar will enroll in 2 semesters of guided independent study during which the student will study with one or more faculty members who are in current leadership roles. These will be individually structured programs of study, but will include leadership skill development.