Hosted by:
UTA CONHI, the Delta Theta Chapter #102, and the
Beta Alpha Chapter #47 of Sigma Theta Tau, International
the Honor Society of Nursing
UTA CONHI, the Delta Theta Chapter #102, and the
Beta Alpha Chapter #47 of Sigma Theta Tau, International
the Honor Society of Nursing
March 27, 2026, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: UTA Library, 6th Floor Atrium
Location: UTA Library, 6th Floor Atrium
Sign up soon! The countdown to the event is on!
About the Scholars' Symposium
The Sigma Scholars' Symposium is an annual spring event co-hosted by Delta Theta Chapter #102 of Sigma Theta Tau, International, the Honor Society of Nursing, and the University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation (UTA CONHI). This year, the Beta Alpha Chapter of Sigma has joined Delta Theta in supporting this annual event. The chapters bring together the community of DFW nursing students and faculty, hospital clinicians, and community practice partners to share research, evidence-based practice projects, and educational innovations through a variety of presentation methods. A featured speaker typically opens the program with insights on current issues shaping nursing and healthcare, setting the tone for a day focused on inquiry and professional development.
The symposium provides an opportune venue for nurses, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students to present their work, receive meaningful feedback, and strengthen their scholarly communication skills. Attendees actively engage in peer and professional networking, mentorship, and collaborative discussions that link academic programs and professional practice communities across institutions. With the added partnership of the Beta Alpha Chapter, this year’s event further expands the potential for collaboration and reinforces a shared commitment to advancing nursing knowledge and improving outcomes in education and patient care.
The symposium provides an opportune venue for nurses, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students to present their work, receive meaningful feedback, and strengthen their scholarly communication skills. Attendees actively engage in peer and professional networking, mentorship, and collaborative discussions that link academic programs and professional practice communities across institutions. With the added partnership of the Beta Alpha Chapter, this year’s event further expands the potential for collaboration and reinforces a shared commitment to advancing nursing knowledge and improving outcomes in education and patient care.
Location
UTA Library
702 Planetarium Pl,
Arlington, TX 76019
702 Planetarium Pl,
Arlington, TX 76019
Date & Time
March 27, 2026, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Keynote Speakers
More information coming soon! Meanwhile, you can explore the profiles of our fantastic speakers.
Dr. Renee Manworren
speaker
Dr. Manworren is a founding member and past president of the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association, and a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Manworren lectures nationally and internationally about pediatric post-surgical pain. Her current research focuses on identifying biopsychosocial and genetic risk factors for challenging to control post-operative pain, as well as interventions to reduce post-operative pain. Dr. Manworren provides direct patient consultation, assessment and treatment for pediatric patients with acute pain, post-operative pain and those at risk for post-operative pain.
Dr. Lisette Saleh
speaker
Dr. Saleh is a nurse with over 17 years of experience in various settings including a busy inpatient labor and delivery unit, newborn nursery, and a nurse for ob/gyn office. She is an experienced educator, with presentations for staff, students, nurse scientists, and faculty. And she is a nurse scientist with a focus on mixed method and qualitative methodology. Her research has included prenatal care, pregnancy outcomes, COVD-19 impact on birth, postpartum mental health, and healthcare providers workplace characteristics and self-efficacy. With a passion to improve maternal outcomes and birth experiences, she started Belly to Baby Coaching to provide access to online childbirth and postpartum education as well as perinatal nurse chancing services.
SCHEDULE DETAIL
Friday, March 27, 2026
8:00 AM
Registration & Poster Viewing, with Continental Breakfast
Attendees are invited to grab a cup of coffee, share ideas about current projects, and explore opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. This time is designed to spark new conversations, build professional relationships, and strengthen the community of scholars committed to advancing nursing practice, education, and research.
8:30 AM
WELCOME
Dr. Ceil Flores - Delta Theta President 2024-2026
We are honored to begin this conference with a welcome from Dr. Ceil Flores, current President of the Delta Theta Chapter. She will also introduce Dr. Tanya Sudia of UTA CONHI's Delta Theta Chapter and Dr. Suzy Lockwood of TCU's Beta Alpha Chapter. Their collective leadership reflects a shared commitment to advancing nursing scholarship, collaboration, and professional growth across both chapters, and across the DFW Metroplex.
8:45 AM
MORNING KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
Dr. Lisette Saleh - Building Better Birth Systems: Research on Prenatal Care, Labor Support, and the Perinatal Workforce.
9:30 AM
BREAK - Poster Viewing, with Coffee & Conversation
Coffee & Conversation in an informal networking space at the Sigma Scholars’ Symposium where students, faculty, and nurse leaders can connect in a relaxed setting. Attendees are invited to grab a cup of coffee, share ideas about current projects, and explore opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. This time is designed to spark new conversations, build professional relationships, and strengthen the community of scholars committed to advancing nursing practice, education, and research.
9:45 aM
Session 1
- Bundled Approach to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care - (Dr. Elizabeth Reddiar)
- Improving Teamwork by Utilizing a Standardized Handoff Tool Between Nurses and PCT’s (Patient Care Technicians) -
(Florence Mwenda and Luz Gonzalez)
10:45 aM
Session 2
- Mind the Gap: National Survey on Quality Measure Education in Undergraduate Nursing Programs - (Alexis Wells)
- Taking the Pulse of the Mental Health of Nursing Students using the Healthy Minds Study 2023-2024 Database -
(Pam White)
11:45 AM
LUNCH & NETWORKING
Enjoy a dedicated Lunch & Networking session at the 2026 Sigma Scholars’ Symposium, offering time to connect with colleagues, scholars, and emerging leaders in nursing. This open space is designed to foster meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that extend learning beyond the podium.
12:30 PM
Poster Presentations
Poster presentation time offers an interactive opportunity to explore current research, innovative projects, and scholarly work across diverse areas of nursing. Attendees can engage directly with presenters, ask questions, and exchange ideas in a dynamic, collaborative setting.
1:30 PM
AFTERNOON KEYNOTE:
Dr. Renee Manworren - Nurses In AI: Innovations for Precision Pain Care
2:15 PM
BREAK - Poster Viewing, with Coffee & Conversation
Coffee & Conversation in an informal networking space at the Sigma Scholars’ Symposium where students, faculty, and nurse leaders can connect in a relaxed setting. Attendees are invited to grab a cup of coffee, share ideas about current projects, and explore opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. This time is designed to spark new conversations, build professional relationships, and strengthen the community of scholars committed to advancing nursing practice, education, and research.
2:30 PM
Session 3
- Relationship Between Charge Nurse Support, Emergency Staff Well-being and Intent to Quit: A Cross-sectional Study -
(Raeann McIntosh and Taylor Ballesteros)
- Exploring Well-Being and Relaxation Room Use in Acute Care Nurses - (Dr. Kambree Baxter)
3:30 PM
Awards & Closing Remarks
Dr. Leigh Anne Wheeler - Beta Alpha President
Awards will be presented to recognize outstanding scholarly contributions, highlighting excellence in research, innovation, and impact on nursing practice and education. Award recipients will be selected based on rigor, clarity, and significance of their work. We will also take time to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of participating chapters, celebrating their ongoing commitment to advancing nursing scholarship and collaboration.
Location
UTA Library, 6th Floor Atrium
Library address: 702 Planetarium Pl, Arlington, TX 76019
Library address: 702 Planetarium Pl, Arlington, TX 76019
The closest parking is available at the Maverick Parking Garage ($14/day). Garage address for navigation is
708 South West Street, Arlington, TX 76010
Then use the Park Mobile App through Google Play or through the Apple Store to easily handle your parking needs.
708 South West Street, Arlington, TX 76010
Then use the Park Mobile App through Google Play or through the Apple Store to easily handle your parking needs.
NOTE: Pay attention to signage in designated parking areas and avoid reserved areas unless you have the correct permit. Vehicles occupying accessible spaces must verify documentation with Parking and Transportation Services (PATS) to use these spaces. Please contact PATS (link below) to confirm that you have documented the appropriate authorization before using these spaces. The parking rules are strictly enforced on campus, and violations can be expensive.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the 2026 Sigma Scholars' Symposium, or would like information on volunteering, our planning team is here to help. Please reach out and we will respond as soon as possible.
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Delta Theta Chapter 102 of Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing.
Delta Theta Chapter 102 of Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing.