University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Assistant Professor and Director of Instructional Innovation Nancy Wingo, PhD, MA, served as this year’s keynote speaker for the UAB Undergraduate Research Fall Expo on Dec. 3.
Wingo’s speech, titled, “Who, Me? Finding Your Inner Researcher” aims to encourage undergraduate students by explaining how design thinking can help them develop confidence and become more creative in their research.
“The Undergraduate Research Expo gathers together a diverse group of students, many of whom have conducted research for the first time,” Wingo said. “I was a judge a few years ago, and I was struck by the eagerness of these students to tell their research stories. I am looking forward to serving as the keynote speaker because these students give me hope for the future. I'm honored to be able to share some of what I have learned with them, and I look forward to hearing as many of their presentations as I can.”
Wingo has taught for more than 30 years and published peer-reviewed articles in educational innovations, design thinking, distance education and mixed methods research. She is also the Director of Education for UAB Solution Studios, which brings together interprofessional teams of STEM students and clinicians to develop innovative solutions to health care challenges.
“Undergraduate research helps students build skills in critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration,” Wingo said. “It teaches them to work in teams, trust scientific and innovative processes, and gain confidence as they learn. My work with undergraduates has shown me that these students have incredible ideas and a passion for making a difference in the world.”
UAB School of Nursing students participate in the Undergraduate Research Spring Expo.
