Student Spotlight March 2019

    Jade Montanez Chatman

     

     

     Jade Montanez Chatman is in her last semester of doctoral coursework at the University of Louisville School of Nursing. Jade began her education in Nursing in 2011 at UofL and since has been offered numerous awards, fellowships, and scholarships for her hard work and is a Health Sciences Center Health and Social Justice Scholar. Her educational goal is to use community-based participatory research to enact social policy and health care delivery change. 

    "Jade always has such a positive attitude and seeks and is excited by new opportunities for professional growth. She is goal-oriented, self-motivated, and very creative. Jade is a tremendous asset to the School of Nursing as a Graduate Research Assistant and PhD student and is an outstanding role model for others!"

    -Dr. Lynne Hall, Professor and Associate Dean of Research

     

    Interview:

    1. What brought you to the University of Louisville?

    I came to the University of Louisville the Fall of 2011 because I received a Woodford R. Porter Scholarship and encouragement from admissions counselor Ramonia Brents. The scholarship afforded me the financial freedom to focus on my education. Mrs. Brents made the admissions process seamless and easy for me as first-generation college student. I returned to the university the Fall 2016 to obtain my PhD in nursing. I chose this program due to its academic rigor, availability of faculty mentors, and financial assistance opportunities.

    2. Specific areas of research (how you chose this research, why it interested you):

    I am interested in community-based participatory research that focuses on health, education, and healthcare workforce development because I believe that this approach empowers community members and researchers to work collaboratively to address systemic disparities using population priorities to enact social policy and health care delivery change.

    3. What made you go into this field of study?

    I wanted to earn my PhD in nursing because I have a passion for research. As an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to be a part of the Research Scholar Program at the School of Nursing. This program and the mentorship of Dr. Chlebowy ignited my passion for research. Then as a floor nurse, I realized there were shortcomings in healthcare that needed to be addressed. This realization and passion for research led me to the desire to be the person conducting research and adding to the body of knowledge to improve health outcomes for all. 

    4. Awards and Publications:

    Fall 2018 Research!Louisville Excellence in Health Disparities Research Award- 3rd Place

    Fall 2018-Spring 2020 Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar Program

    Fall 2018 NBNA Lynn Edwards Research Scholarship

    Spring 2017, 2018  KYANNA Black Nurses Association Academic Scholarship

    Fall 2016-Spring 2019 Health Sciences Center Health and Social Justice Scholar Fellowship

    Fall 2016-Present University of Louisville School of Nursing Graduate Research Assistant

    5. How do you think this advanced degree will change your role in society?

    Obtaining my PhD in nursing will change my role in society to one in which I can function as a nurse scientist equipped with the necessary skills and tools to critically think, investigate and perform within the complex, and changing healthcare and higher education systems.  Having a PhD will provide an opportunity for me to help other nurses and consumer populations through knowledge development to better address health needs and health outcomes, and support health equity.

    6. Long term goals/ aspirations:

    My plans once I graduate from the PhD program are to obtain a postdoctoral fellowship to gain additional experience in mentored research and further my own program of research and scholarship. That program of research might focus on addressing barriers to educational attainment for underrepresented nursing students as a way to address health promotion and disease prevention in vulnerable populations. Where that might take me, is still to be decided.

    7. What accomplishment, academic or otherwise, are you most proud of?

    I am most proud of being a Health Sciences Center Health and Social Justice Scholar because the fellowship has allowed me the opportunity to tie my research and service passion into a health and social justice project. Also, the fellowship has afforded me invaluable opportunities to serve in the community and attend research conferences that have enriched my academic and research development and network with scholars in my area of interest. 

    8. What has been your favorite part of the graduate school experience at UofL?

    My favorite part of the graduate school experience at UofL has been collaborating with other disciplines/professions. Each has a unique perspective on approaching opportunities and problems. The classes where I have interacted with other graduate students outside Nursing has broadened my perspective and enriched my learning.

    9. What do you feel is the greatest challenge that graduate students face and how have you dealt with this challenge?

    The greatest challenge that graduate students face is balancing school, work, and family obligations. I dealt with this challenge by setting clear boundaries and time management. For example, I have set times to work on school work each weekday and I reserve evenings and weekends for family time.

    10. Have you ever participated in a PLAN workshop or Academy offered by the Graduate School? If so, how has it helped you in your graduate student journey?

    I have participated in several PLAN workshops. The workshops have helped me in my graduate student journey by giving guidance and resources for academic development such as writing a literature review, presenting at research conferences, and reading and responding to graduate-level coursework. Also, the workshops foster professional development and networking skills by creating a space where I can interact with other faculty and students outside my discipline.


    Fun Facts
    A talent you have always wanted: Teleportation
    Favorite book: Becoming by Michelle Obama
    Favorite quote:scientia potentia est “knowledge is power”
    Role Model: Dr. Vicki Hines-Martin
    Favorite Vacation Destination: Orlando, FL
    If you weren’t in graduate school, what would you be doing now? Traveling the world as a Registered Nurse