Activities in which the Scholars may be engaged vary but some examples include: library searches, assistance in project development, participation in project meetings, copying, data retrieval, development of audiovisual materials, minutes preparation. At the present time, each of the Scholars is assigned to a project and is working with the Director in moving the projects forward. The two projects are (1) developing and implementing system changes to foster collaborative partnerships between nurse managers and medical directors of critical care units in a community hospital; and (2) developing and conducting a conference on care delivery models.

2005-2006 Scholar

Kendra J. Hanson
Kendra Hanson is a senior nursing student at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. A former resident of Bloomington, Minnesota and a transfer student from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Kendra is grateful for the wide range of opportunities, experiences, and growth that are possible through the Densford Undergraduate Scholars Program. Recently married in July of 2005, Kendra has volunteered with the American Red Cross, Children’s Miracle Network, Evergreen Community Church, and the Marie Sandvik Center. Her most memorable serving experience was as a missionary in San Salvador, El Salvador in July of 2004, primarily reaching out and teaching local health issues to children and adolescents in impoverished areas. An ever-increasing love for caring for children and families through her experiences working as a day-care assistant, nanny of three children, and pediatric nurse assistant has compelled Kendra to pursue the fields of pediatric and public health nursing.

2003-2004 Scholar

Susan Wehmhoff, BSN '04
Susan Wehmhoff is a senior nursing student at the University of Minnesota. For the past year, she has enjoyed working on the Orthopedics Unit at North Memorial Hospital. Susan loves to volunteer for the American Red Cross giving presentations to elementary-aged children on health related topics. In addition to her role as an undergraduate scholar, Susan will chair the annual Immunization Tour this year in collaboration with the Pharmacy students. Upon graduation in 2004, Susan plans to spend time traveling as a nurse both nationally and internationally. Eventually, she would like to continue her nursing education and obtain an advanced degree in Public Health. Susan is from Plymouth, Minnesota.

2002-2003 Scholars

Heather Holm, BSN '03 (a)
Heather is a senior at the University of Minnesota pursuing her BSN degree. This is her first year as a Densford Undergraduate Scholar and she is delighted to be working with the Center. This past summer Heather was an intern at Bethesda Rehabilitation Hospital in St. Paul. Working on the Wold Memorial Respiratory Care unit was a rewarding learning experience for her. She is very excited to be back in school and beginning her pediatric clinical rotation, as that is one of her areas of interest. After graduation, Heather plans to get a few years of experience under her belt at one of the many wonderful pediatrics hospitals in the area. She plans upon returning to the University to pursue a Master’s degree of either Nurse Practitioner, or Nursing Administration.

Melissa Highman, BSN '03
Melissa is senior level nursing student at the University of Minnesota, working towards graduation in June of 2003. She is originally from Wisconsin and started at the U of M in the fall of 1998. In her time at the U, Melissa has been involved in the University YMCA, the Health Advocate Program through Boynton Health Service, as well as the Nursing College Board and the CHIP Student Center. Melissa recently completed an internship at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul and this experience cemented her desire to work in pediatrics after graduation. She is very excited to be part of the Densford Center team!

2000-2002 Scholars

Melinda Marra, BSN '02
Melinda Marra is a senior at the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota. For the last two years she has been an undergraduate Densford Scholar and her class representative for an organization called the Center for Health Interdisciplinary Program (CHIP). This program seeks to improve interdisciplinary communication among all of the Health Science Schools at the University. It provides opportunities to prepare the students for their future careers in health and acts as student support during their years of training.

After graduation, Melinda plans to work at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota on the Medical Surgical floor before returning to school to become a Family Nurse Practitioner with a minor in Integrative Health.

Karen Schueller, BA, BSN '02
Karen Schueller is a senior nursing student originally from Fridley, Minnesota. She is a 1992 graduate with distinction from the University of Minnesota, Morris with a bachelor of arts in English and political science. Karen's career interest is in public health with a particular focus in working with the geriatric population. She is currently working on an honors research project with Dr. Jean Wyman, the director of the Center for Nursing Research on Elders. Eventually, Karen would like to pursue a doctorate and teach nursing.