Where are they now? Featuring: Melinda Bogardus

where are they NOW? MELINDA BOGARDUS

Ph.D. in Nursing College of Nursing ETSU, 2020

Why did you choose ETSU for your education?

What is your current position and/ or research?

I chose ETSU for three reasons: 1) its solid academic reputation; 2) its excellent reputation for community involvement and service; and 3) its proximity to where I live in North Carolina.

I am currently a PhD candidate in the College of Nursing. I successfully defended my dissertation to my committee on March 23, 2020. I practice part-time in a community health clinic as an FNP, and am a clinical instructor for nurse practitioner students. I am currently interviewing for nursing faculty positions.

What does your current position/ research entail? How did your time at ETSU prepare you for your career? What advice would you offer current or future graduate students?

My research is on the experiences and well-being of Mexican immigrant women living in Western North Carolina communities that lack human capital and other resources that support and promote the well-being of this group. My aim is to generate knowledge and understanding that can help nurses and other service providers better care for and serve this population, and positively influence their well-being.

My time at ETSU has prepared me in a number of important ways for a career in academia. The coursework and interactions I’ve had with faculty and other students have taught me to read and think critically, to write and communicate clearly, to support my arguments with evidence, and how to design and conduct ethical research with implications for practice in mind. Phillips, Dr. Florence Weierbach, and Dr. Kathrine Hall in courses and/or intensives.

The most important advice I would offer is to establish good communication with faculty, staff, and other students, and maintain this communication in order to exchange ideas, knowledge, and support.

What professors/advisors were instrumental in helping you get to this point?

Several professors contributed significantly to my progress through the program, but the most instrumental ones included Dr. Sharon Loury (my advisor and dissertation chair) and Dr. Masoud Ghaffari, Dr. Judy Rice, and Dr. Felipe Fiuza, my dissertation committee members. Likewise, I got a great deal of guidance and support from Dr. Ken