The next generation of nurses from the Orvis School of Nursing are stepping into practice with more than clinical knowledge. They are bringing forward solutions grounded in evidence, compassion and a deep understanding of community health needs.

At the Pack Scholars: Orvis Nursing Undergraduate Showcase, graduating Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students presented their scholarly capstone posters, demonstrating how research and evidence-based practice can directly improve patient care and health outcomes. Held on April 6, 2026, the event marked a key milestone in the students’ transition from classroom learning to professional nursing practice.

The showcase featured projects developed in the NURS 485 Transition to Professional Practice course, aligned with the University’s Core Objective 14, which focuses on application. Each poster reflected months of research, critical thinking and collaboration, with students addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges in nursing and population health.

Projects explored topics such as early detection of childhood depression, reducing obesity among adolescents in low-socioeconomic communities and improving health literacy for older adults. Across each topic, a common thread emerged: a commitment to using evidence to drive meaningful, real-world change.

Awards were presented to recognize excellence in scholarship, communication and design:

• Best Overall Poster: Improving Mental Health Access for LGBTQ+ Youth: Nursing Strategies to Reduce Barriers by Lauren Alvear, Hope Crockell and Riley Wagner
• Best Professional Presentation: Tiny Tummies, Big Problems: Nursing Evaluation of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the NICU by Jess Lawton, Sofia Peoples and Jaiden Turri
• Excellence in Visual Design: Addressing Gaps in HIV Care Among LGBTQ+ Populations: Nursing Interventions for Risk Reduction by Brayson Gomez, Katelyn Holeso and Mackenzie Yturbide

The event also created space for meaningful dialogue between students, faculty, clinical partners and guests, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in advancing health care.

The success of the showcase was made possible through the leadership and planning of Caroline Samir, MSN, RN, whose commitment to student learning helped create an engaging and impactful experience. Judges Kylie Cummins, MSN, RN; Kim Baxter, DNP; Randi Arias-Fontenot, Ph.D.; and Pamela Zeiser, Ph.D., also played an important role in supporting and mentoring students throughout the process.

“Watching our students grow throughout the nursing program is incredibly rewarding. This project allows them to demonstrate their growth as patient advocates,” Samir said. “I am proud of their work and excited to see our graduates begin their nursing careers equipped with the skills they have developed through the program and throughout this experience. In their presentations, you can hear their ability to synthesize research, identify evidence‑based solutions and maintain a focus on holistic, patient‑centered care.”

For many students, the showcase represents more than an assignment. It is a defining moment that reflects their readiness to enter the nursing profession with confidence and purpose. They are representative of The Wolf Pack Way, by using what they have learned to improve lives, strengthen communities and create a better future through compassionate, skilled care.