SPARK! Undergraduate Research Program
Investigating Improved Outcomes
The Students as Professionals Acquiring Research Knowledge (SPARK!) program is facilitated by Creighton’s College of Nursing. It serves as a vital platform for undergraduate nursing and paramedicine students to cultivate clinical research skills. During the program, College of Nursing faculty guide and mentor students through the complexities of research, helping them learn to critically evaluate and apply evidence in real-world healthcare settings to improve healthcare outcomes. Students selected for the program can also partner with faculty and local organizations to work on a topic that interests them—and gain the opportunity to share their project through presentations, posters or journal articles.
Program Details
SPARK! students will earn three credits for independent research and one credit for a Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURAS) capstone course. These four credits will be provided with no added tuition cost.
Objectives
The CURAS concentration is designed to benefit students by providing opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration, deeper engagement in research, and the development of problem-solving skills. A CURAS concentration also makes students even more marketable as they pursue their career aspirations.
Activities
- Relevant research training and mentoring
- Project proposal development
- Project implementation and evaluation
- Attendance or presentation at three Creighton events
- Presentation at one or more external events
Applying for SPARK!
Nursing and paramedicine students can apply for SPARK! during fall of their junior year. To do so, a student should consult their advisor. Underclassmen are also encouraged to enroll in CUR 111: Introduction to Undergraduate Research.
Milestones
- Junior Fall: Apply for the program; selected students will also be paired with a mentor
- Junior Spring: Plan and propose a project, and attend research events
- Senior Summer: Participate in an optional undergraduate research fellowship
- Senior Fall: Implement and evaluate the project
- Senior Spring: Finalize the project and present at research events
“I am so grateful I have the opportunity to learn and grow under Dr. Oliver's guidance and learn from her extensive research experience. This inspires me to continue seeking opportunities to stay curious and dedicate my life to continuous learning.”
Olivia Manning, Class of 2025
