SCHOLAR DIRECTORY

My name is Ariel Smith, and I was born and raised in Chicago, IL. I recently complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Miami and will be pursing my Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing to address issues within Psychiatric Mental Health. During my undergraduate career, I acquired a plethora of experiences within research and clinical settings. My passion toward research commenced with the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research International Training (MHIRT) program which I participated during the summer of 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. The MHIRT program served as my first true inlet into the research venue and motivated me to use it as a means of accomplishing my overall life goal and purpose. Beyond the logistics, I discovered the true value of research and numerous ways it is applied. I also served as an student assistant within El Centro: Center of Excellence for Health Disparities Research at the University of Miami. I desire passionately to obtain my PhD to address gaps in research, practice, and advanced care of individuals experiencing mental health disparities within my career and throughout the world. From as long as I can remember, I have aspired to leave this earth knowing that I have left a positive impact on the lives of others. A PhD would provide me with resources and knowledge to empower others to reach beyond their personal boundaries and implement unconventional changes. Only then would I feel that I am truly contributing to healthcare, research, and education