Meet the School of Nursing 2022 Honors BSN cohort

October 17, 2019

The new OHIO School of Nursing Honors nursing track was approved in 2018-2019 and was launched in fall 2019 with its first cohort of five undergraduate Athens campus BSN nursing students who are among the top of their class. Dr. Ilana Chertok, associate director of nursing research and scholarship, is serving as the students' mentor. The Honors nursing track involves engagement in co-curricular activities throughout the undergraduate program and aims to increase students' understanding and utilization of research and evidence-based practice. 


School of Nursing Honors BSN Cohort 2022:

Kayla Gutridge: My goal for the future is to continue my education and become a nurse practitioner. I’m particularly interested in pediatrics and cardiac care, but am open to exploring other nursing specialties.

Regan Smith: I am passionate about nursing, especially bedside care, education, politics and policy.  I am interested in understanding approaches to addressing the drug and opioid epidemic. After I complete my BSN, I plan on becoming a scrub nurse and pursuing higher education.

Sara St. Peter: I grew up in a military family and traveled around the world before settling down in Athens, Ohio and finding my home at Ohio University. My interests include working with animals, leadership opportunities, and volunteering. I am excited to be pursuing my BSN and after graduation I hope to continue my education to become a certified nurse-midwife.

Hannah Steinke: I am interested in working in pediatrics after I graduate and hope to pursue a DNP later in my career. I am excited for all the opportunities that the Honors Program has to offer, especially research.

Thomas Zerkle: I chose to study nursing to help others at their most vulnerable times, especially patients with diabetes and to help those without a voice. I have experience with diabetes management and plan to continue to graduate school to become an advanced practice nurse. I am so pleased to be included in this inaugural nursing honors track cohort.