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VSU equips students for real-life challenges and success using research, internships and leading-edge technology such as patient simulators in nursing education.
Research
Dr. John Barbas, professor of chemistry, is performing research on the many chemical reactions created using light instead of heat. He and his students have found excellent ways to remove harmful chemicals from the environment using ultraviolet light, rather than to additional chemicals. This is one of several projects focused on “green chemistry.”
Dr. Mark Blackmore, professor of biology, leads students in research on the local mosquito population. Funded by a grant from the Lowndes County Board of Health, the ongoing collection project provides data and information on the
West Nile Virus.
Students who participate in research are often invited to present findings at conferences and conventions, many receiving awards for their work. In 2008, Greg Kean and Caley Allen, both senior chemistry majors, were both awarded "Best Paper" for their oral presentations at the joint meeting of the Georgia-Florida Academy of Science held in Jacksonville, Fla. in March. Kean presented "Production of the Cancer Drug Taxol from a Microbial Paste." Allen presented "Chemistry in a Nanodrop: Protein Folding."
Internships
Students in most areas of study have the opportunity to participate in internships. Many business majors seek experience at local accounting firms during tax season; communications majors work with local public information officers to build their skills; education majors make a difference through student teaching in local school systems, and other students seek professional guidance through a variety of other real-life learning opportunities.
Competing for organizations, such as Students in Free Enterprise, often earns students valuable internships and/or employment.
"VSU SIFE team competitions represent Lowndes County and the City of Valdosta well, gaining the area exposure to Fortune 500 companies. Many of the students also acquire internships and permanent jobs from corporations who sponsor SIFE."
- Wayne Plumly, Faculty Advisor; LCOBA acting dean
Leading-edge technology
In April 2006, the University System of Georgia committed $5 million to combat the state’s shortage of nurses and nurse educators, admission limitations and a lack of adequate clinical sites for nursing training. As part of the multi-pronged initiative, Valdosta State received funds to purchase human patient simulators and outfit labs to imitate clinical settings. VSU Nursing has since increased admissions because of its ability to expose a greater number of students to realistic scenarios without having to secure clinical placements.
The college’s simulators range from top-of-the-line models that perform almost any critical care scenario to basic simulators that allow students to practice elementary care procedures, such a checking pulses and inserting catheters. The simulators allow VSU to prepare students via meaningful, hands-on clinical experiences.