COF Scholar Showcase
04/17/2026
At the showcase, Stephens presented research that combined her clinical experience with work-based learning in healthcare
Nursing major presents research at Ohio Statehouse
As a Bluffton Choose Ohio First (COF) grant recipient, Kate Stephens ’28, a nursing major from Trenton, Ohio, was selected to represent Bluffton University at the COF Scholar Showcase held Feb. 27, 2026, at the Ohio Statehouse.
Bluffton was 1 of 31 institutions represented at the event, which featured 43 student researchers from across Ohio participating in the Choose Ohio First program through the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Research posters lined the halls, highlighting innovative work and the impact of Ohio’s investment in STEM education, while students shared presentations on topics ranging from applied science to emerging technologies. The event also welcomed speakers including Chancellor Mike Duffey, Kristi Clouse, senior director of talent at JobsOhio, and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, who helped launch the program nearly two decades ago.
At the showcase, Stephens presented research that combined her clinical experience with work-based learning in healthcare. She explained, “I made a poster on my work-based experience from my clinical rotations and my STNA work back home.”
Her research focused on cultural perspectives in healthcare, particularly among Hispanic populations, and how those perspectives influence patient care. She noted that differing beliefs can shape how patients interact with the healthcare system, explaining, “I actually did a research project about beliefs in the healthcare system in Hispanic communities from my clinical experiences last year.”
Through this work, Stephens gained insight into the importance of family-centered care in some cultures, sharing, “In my research, I found that Hispanic communities had a different view of healthcare compared to most Americans because they are very family-focused. They have family involved in everything, whereas Americans sometimes prefer privacy from their family when it comes to healthcare. For many Hispanic patients, family is a central aspect of healthcare.”
Those insights are shaping how she approaches her future career in nursing. She emphasized the importance of patient-centered communication, saying, “My biggest thing for nursing is to have patients feel unrushed, seen and heard. I’ve had a few surgeries myself, and sometimes it feels like you are being rushed and not fully heard.”
Reflecting on her Statehouse experience, Stephens said the opportunity helped build her confidence and affirmed her academic direction. “It definitely made me more confident in what I’m doing,” she shared, adding that presenting in the Statehouse rotunda and interacting with state leaders was a memorable highlight.
She also credited her Bluffton experience with helping her balance academics, clinical work and athletics while developing time management skills. “With playing soccer, working over the summer, taking two summer classes and training for soccer, I really learned how to prioritize,” she said.
Stephens encouraged other students to pursue research aligned with their interests, noting that meaningful work can come from many areas of study. “If it’s your passion research it,” she said.