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My name is Kaitlyn Cherry, and I am a Nursing student. I was also able to develop my public speaking skills by presenting my HIEP. For my HIEP, I conducted undergraduate research exploring autism spectrum disorder through LU’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF). 

I presented my educational intervention to various audiences: to my sample of nursing peers at the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing; to researchers and mentors at the SURF Symposium; and to the LU and SETX communities at the Reaud Honors College’s Honors Scholars Day. All these presentations gave me knowledge on research that I can use in my future academic and professional careers. 

Beyond giving me the opportunity to grow as a public speaker and interact with the community, such as at Honors Scholars Day, my research project also allowed me to enhance my professional communication by not only collaborating with my faculty mentor, Dr. Gina Hale, but also with other faculty in the Nursing department to help me implement my study. 

While research was not my first choice, it was the best choice for me personally, as I have gained a lot of experience and grown from it. I would highly recommend, if you are looking for a way to fulfill your HIEP requirement (or you want something interesting to do), that you investigate the option of conducting research. I initially thought undergraduate research was tedious and unattainable, yet meeting with my mentor helped me see a path forward. Don’t let your fears stop you! 

No matter what you choose for your HIEP, the Honors Scholars Day is a wonderful opportunity to share what you learned with the community and to enhance your skills as a public speaker.  

I hope to see you soon!
Kaitlyn