Key Learnings
Taking HLSC 445, Healthcare Research Methods, was a transformative experience that directly supports my goals within the ODU LeADERS program. This course fostered my development in several key areas: Leadership, Academic Excellence, Research, and Service. Through rigorous assignments, including research proposals and data analysis projects, I enhanced my ability to think critically and approach complex healthcare challenges with confidence and precision.
The research-focused nature of the course honed my skills in data-driven decision-making—an essential attribute for effective leadership. By formulating research questions, conducting literature reviews, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, I gained a deeper understanding of the research process and its role in addressing real-world healthcare issues. Additionally, applying tools like SPSS and Excel emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to inform evidence-based practices, a skill that aligns with the program's emphasis on innovation and research.
The course also placed significant emphasis on ethical research practices, reinforcing my commitment to integrity and accountability—values that are at the heart of the LeADERS program. By navigating the ethical dimensions of healthcare research, I learned to approach leadership with a strong moral foundation.
Most importantly, HLSC 445 challenged me to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, which will be invaluable in future leadership roles. This experience has not only strengthened my research and writing skills but also prepared me to make meaningful contributions to healthcare by addressing challenges with insight and confidence. The course directly aligns with the LeADERS framework by equipping me with the tools to lead with purpose and drive positive change in my field.
Exploring the Link Between Sleep and Stress: A Research-Based Approach
Completing my final project, Association of Sleep Duration and Stress in Individuals Aged 18-35, for HLSC 445: Healthcare Research Methods, was a significant learning experience that directly supports the goals of the ODU LeADERS program. This research-based assignment required me to design and execute a study that examined the relationship between sleep patterns and stress levels in young adults, which enhanced my critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. By employing a cross-sectional design and using SPSS for statistical analysis, I gained valuable experience in data collection, management, and interpretation—skills essential for evidence-based decision-making in leadership roles.
The project emphasized ethical research practices, from recruiting participants to ensuring accurate and transparent reporting of findings. These practices reinforced my commitment to integrity and accountability, values central to both the LeADERS program and professional healthcare settings. Additionally, writing the research report and presenting the findings improved my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, which is crucial for collaboration and advocacy.
This project also strengthened my understanding of how to address real-world healthcare challenges. By analyzing factors such as sleep habits and stress, I developed insights that can inform interventions to improve mental health and well-being in diverse populations. While the study revealed no statistically significant correlation due to its limitations, it provided a foundation for future research and highlighted the importance of designing studies that address broader variables influencing health outcomes.
Overall, this project was an invaluable experience that prepared me to apply research methodologies and data-driven approaches to solve healthcare challenges, aligning perfectly with the academic and leadership goals of the ODU LeADERS program.