"Can Students Come?"

by Janice Grzankowski

When I thought about going on for doctoral work, I considered whether I wanted to be at UB or go to the University of Rochester. I had found that there was a high scholarly level at UB. Also, I am a single mom with two kids, and I have a lot of family support here, so I continued my work at UB.

I was working in the computer lab when Dr. White was brought around to see the university and meet the students. Sally Sams, assistant to the dean, said to me, "This is Dr. White, and she's going to be the new director for the Center for Nursing Research."

I love research. I said, "Oh my god, we're getting a center? Can students come? What can we do?" Sally said, "Calm down! Calm down! She's just on tour right now!"

They brought in extra scholars here to do lectures, and when I saw that, I showed up at the lectures. I met Dr. White again, and in January 1995, she invited me to work with her. I was just thrilled.

Dr. White showed me a large, undecorated room that was being used for storage and said we were to turn it into the Center for Nursing Research. Our goal was to facilitate the research productivity of UB's School of Nursing. We focused on ambience, as well as scientific quality, and strove to create a welcoming meeting place to house research resources and promote the exchange of ideas.

In June 1998, Dr. White retired and Dr. Mary Ann Jezewski became the acting director, and I continued my work under her direction.

In my position as a doctoral research assistant, I work on all phases of research: the literature review, the search for funding, the writing of grants, putting together questionnaire packets, entering and analyzing data, and designing and producing research presentations.

The years I have worked in the CNR have allowed me to advance my research skills, interact with faculty and students, and contribute to UB's research goals. For this I am truly grateful.