USF Nursing Students Shine at 2025 Sigma Congress

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Their participation was made possible through co-sponsorship from Sigma’s USF chapter, Sigma Beta Gamma, and the professional development initiative led by the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. This initiative provides students with valuable opportunities and experiences beyond the classroom. The Sigma Conference is a prestigious event in the nursing field, offering a platform for students to showcase their research and learn from industry leaders.

This year’s Raising Stars and their poster presentations:

• Youn Kyeong Cummings (Lora) — Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner | Faith-based Transitional Care Model (TCM) Clinic: Pilot Project
• Christina Lipps — Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner | Primary Care Provider Education on Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)
• Kennedy Ventura and Beatrice Salvador, BSN
  Improving Sleep Quality in Adolescents

In line with the Ignatian Pedagogy at USF, which emphasizes the importance of reflection for personal growth in competence, conscience, and compassion, these students shared their reflections on their experiences. This process allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their roles in the world, leading to transformative learning experiences that will shape their lives and reinforce their commitment to serving others.

Youn Kyeong Cummings (Lora), DNP-FNP

The Sigma conference was an eye-opener and broadened my perspective on the field of nursing. My Pixel Watch was constantly buzzing with 'body response' alerts, indicating potential signs of stress or excitement. It was a clear sign of the intense and stimulating nature of the event.

Many researchers have devoted their nursing or professional careers to sharing their findings, which were motivational and inspirational. One of the nursing leadership theories is that promoting nurses to be involved in government settings enables them to advocate for the health of the population. One example they shared was how a nurse joining the school board enabled the use of rescue inhalers for pediatric asthma patients during sports activities. This kind of advocacy is crucial in ensuring health equity, a responsibility we all share.

Christina Lipps, DNP, RN, PHN

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Attending the Sigma Theta Tau Global Congress was an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. The conference offered a unique opportunity to explore impactful nursing research from local West Coast communities to international initiatives. Each session featured multiple speakers presenting concise and captivating insights into diverse research topics. With every presentation, I left feeling inspired, curious, and deeply motivated to further my own practice.

What stood out most was the sense of purpose and passion shared by everyone in the room. The energy and dedication of fellow attendees reminded me of the profound good that nursing brings to the world. I walked away from the event feeling rejuvenated and proud to be part of such a compassionate and forward-thinking profession.

Kennedy Ventura and Beatrice Salvador, BSN ’26

Beatrice Salvador

The Sigma Theta Tau 36th Conference was truly an enriching experience. As a BSN student, I feel very fortunate to have been one of the few Rising Stars nominated from USF to attend this global event. The Sigma experience began on the very first day, as I walked onto the conference floors, where nurses from all over the world were conversing with one another. I met nurses from Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, India, China, Australia, and Finland. It was incredibly inspiring to see such dedicated and intellectual nurses from all over the world share projects they are passionate about with like-minded individuals.

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I was able to learn a great deal from attending various presentations related to nursing education, research, and improving nursing practice. I found it especially interesting to attend presentation sessions on topics that felt particularly relevant to me, such as education for BSN students, the HESI standardized exam, and the implementation of AI in both academic and clinical settings.

Kennedy Ventura

The Sigma Congress was a transformative experience for me. The recognition and encouragement I received for my involvement were deeply motivating, and I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from a diverse and compassionate group of professionals. Among the many enlightening sessions, the one that left a lasting impression was the discussion on the 4 Rs—Refresh, Reframe, Remember, and Resources. These principles have been instrumental in my personal growth as a nursing student, prompting me to reflect on my journey and the changes I've undergone. I learned how important it is to utilize research, such as cost analyses, to support preventive care and how we can reframe healthcare to focus more on wellness, rather than just illness. It reminded me why I chose nursing: to make a real impact, not just count numbers, but to count what truly matters. Our care begins with the knowledge we gain and the insights we uncover together.

The Sigma Congress has equipped me with tools, ideas, and mentors that will be invaluable as I step into my senior year and prepare for life after graduation. I am eager to apply my newfound knowledge to further my research and contribute to projects that aim to improve policies and provide better care for underserved communities worldwide.