Q&A with recent PhD graduate Siriphorn Na Nakorn
In conversation with Ben Monat, Associate Director of Donor Relations.
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Siriphorn Na Nakorn, a newly graduated EMCON PhD candidate, celebrated the successful defense of her thesis, "The Efficacy of the Strengths-Based Resilience Intervention among Thai First Year Nursing Students: A Mixed-Methods Study" at the College's PhD Program Recognition & Awards Celebration on April 30, 2024. She joined Associate Director of Donor Relations Benjamin Monat in conversation about her College of Nursing experience and her nursing research journey.
Benjamin Monat: Why did you become a nurse?
Siriphorn Na Nakorn: When I was young, I was inspired by the doctors and nurses working tirelessly in hospitals. During high school, my family and I made frequent visits to the hospital, which deepened my resolve to care for my parents and myself. Witnessing the compassionate care given to patients who were alone, I felt a strong desire to help those without family support. This experience motivated me to pursue a career in nursing. Enrolling in a nursing school in Thailand marked the beginning of my journey into the healthcare profession.
BM: Why did you choose to study at UMass?
SNN: I pursued a master's degree in psychiatric and mental health nursing in Thailand, where my research led me to the work of Dr. Chandler, a professor at the College of Nursing, UMass Amherst, who specializes in resilience program. Eager to delve deeper into resilience and mental health in adolescents, I chose these subjects for my master's thesis and extensively studied Dr. Chandler's publications. I believe that collaborating with her would be an incredible opportunity. Therefore, when my employer encouraged me to pursue a doctoral degree, I decisively chose UMass Amherst as my top preference.
"The support I received from the faculty at the College of Nursing was exceptional... Their support made me feel welcomed and not alone, despite being far from home. For these reasons, I consider this to be the best nursing college in my experience."
-Siriphorn Na Nakorn
BM: What was your experience like studying at UMass?
SNN: I am certain that choosing to study here was the right decision. In 2020, I was accepted into the Ph.D. program during the challenging times of the pandemic. Studying abroad was daunting, but once I arrived in the U.S., the support I received from the faculty at the College of Nursing was exceptional. They seamlessly transitioned classes to ensure that everyone could learn effectively together, which greatly alleviated my anxiety. Their support made me feel welcomed and not alone, despite being far from home. For these reasons, I consider this to be the best nursing college in my experience.
BM: What is your area of research?
SNN: I completed my doctoral dissertation on the efficacy of a strength-based resilience intervention among Thai first-year nursing students. This resilience program had been implemented at UMass for some time. During my second year as a Ph.D. student, I had the opportunity to participate in these classes through a research-mentored experience with Dr. Chandler. I found the program to be well-constructed and observed positive changes in the students who attended. Inspired by this experience, I decided to introduce the program to nursing students in Thailand. The feedback from my Thai students was overwhelmingly positive, and they shared numerous positive outcomes. I consider this to be a significant success of my Ph.D. research.
"The extensive knowledge and skills I acquired at UMass have been instrumental in shaping my approach to research and teaching. My experience at UMass not only deepened my understanding of psychiatric and mental health nursing but also equipped me with the methodologies necessary to conduct independent research."
-Siriphorn Na Nakorn
BM: What do you plan on doing post graduation?
SNN: I received funding from my school in Thailand, which has enabled me to return and begin my career as a nursing instructor. The extensive knowledge and skills I acquired at UMass have been instrumental in shaping my approach to research and teaching. My experience at UMass not only deepened my understanding of psychiatric and mental health nursing but also equipped me with the methodologies necessary to conduct independent research. As a result, I am now an independent researcher who can effectively translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications within the clinical setting. This transition from theory to practice is critical in nursing education, as it prepares students for the real-world challenges they will face in their careers. By integrating research-based evidence into my teaching, I aim to inspire and empower the next generation of nurses in Thailand, much like my mentors at UMass inspired me. This journey from student to educator and researcher has been fulfilling, and I am eager to contribute to the advancement of nursing education in my home country.