College of Nursing Students Receive 2015 Saha Awards
The University of Kentucky Saha Cardiovascular Research Center has selected four students committed to futures in cardiovascular health as the recipients of the 2015 Saha Awards for Cardiovascular Research and Education. Two of the recipients are students in the College of Nursing.
Jennifer Miller, a doctoral candidate in the UK College of Nursing, received the University of Kentucky Nursing Student Award. With intentions of continuing scholarly research at a university, Miller has a special interest in social determinants of health, health literacy and quality of life for cardiovascular patients.
A student in the College of Nursing’s doctor of nursing practice program, Sooksai Kaewbua was selected as the Paula Fritz, RN, Award recipient. Her research interests include developing ways to prevent cardiovascular disease in geriatric psychiatric patients, and her research has focused on educational paths to achieving this objective.
“The Saha Award has confirmed my belief in the need to translate research and theory into practice,” said Kaewbua. “The award has motivated me to continue to invent interactive social activities to help my patients improve their health, minds and spirits.”
The two other recipients are second-year medical student Kristen Andres and Jennifer Akers. The Saha Cardiovascular Research Center named Andres the 2015 recipient of the medical student honor. Akers, a student at Frontier Nursing University, was chosen for the Eastern Kentucky nursing student honor.
“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, which is why it’s critical that future health scientists express a commitment to advancing this field of medicine,” said Alan Daugherty, director of the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center. “Through their contributions to research and patient care, our four honorees have shown they share the vision of Dr. and Mrs. Saha to improve cardiovascular health not only in Kentucky, but around the world.”
The four recipients will be honored during the 18th Annual Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Cardiovascular Research Day Awards Dinner on Oct. 2, 2015.
