Christine Lazuka, a College of Nursing honors student, will examine health care in rural Costa Rican villages during a nine-day trip in March.

With Assistant Professor Joan Bickes, Lazuka developed a program for her senior honors research project to survey health practices among Costa Ricans and teach them ways to improve their well-being.

"I will be able to implement the knowledge and skills I've gained in my nursing studies at Wayne to create positive patient outcomes for a diverse culture," Lazuka says.

When she returns, she will share her findings during the college's Research Day on April 3.

Lazuka, a student nurse associate at Harper Hospital, will conduct health screenings to obtain vital signs, check blood glucose levels and provide wound care and infection control. Staying in impoverished communities also will provide a first-hand look at the influence of living situations on personal health, Lazuka says.

Bickes and Lazuka will be joined by six additional WSU staff members and students. The program was customized with the help of ProHealth, which provides study opportunities in developing nations.

Lazuka is raising money to cover expenses for the trip, which is entirely self-funded. Anyone interested in learning more about the work-study opportunity in Costa Rica or supporting the project should email cmlazuka@comcast.net.