2:02 p.m., Sept. 21, 2007--Danielle Elizabeth Chellappoo, a graduate student in the UD adult nurse practitioner program, and two undergraduate nursing students, junior Matthew John Koterwas and sophomore Jessica Lynne Page, have been awarded Jeanne K. Buxbaum Scholarships in gerontological nursing.

Buxbaum scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate nursing students who intend to specialize in gerontological nursing.

Chellappoo, a Wilmington resident who grew up in Rio de Janeiro, received her undergraduate degree in nursing from George Mason University in 2000.

A staff registered nurse in the step-down unit at Crozer Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pa., Chellappoo has worked extensively in the fields of oncology, step-down and trauma care, where the majority of her patients are older adults.

“I am particularly interested in the family presence in the health and well-being of the older adult, and in attaining knowledge regarding cultural differences when caring for the older adult within a family context,” Chellappoo said.

Long-term goals for Chellappoo include earning a doctorate in gerontology, epidemiology or policy, and to teach and develop an advanced practice focused on older women.

“Danielle is an emerging leader in gerontology,” Veronica Rempusheski, Jeanne K. Buxbaum Chair of Nursing Sciences, said. “I an thrilled to provide this scholarship and graduate assistantship to help her to fulfill her goals.”

Koterwas, of Hockessin, Del., became involved with the health care of older adults while working at the Cokesbury Village Retirement Home during high school and through personal interactions with his grandparents.

Presently, Koterwas is employed in the surgical intensive care unit at Christiana Care Health System. He also has completed a research internship funded by the Delaware IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, where he examined the responses of Hispanic grandparents within Rempusheski's study of grandparents' perceptions of their families.

“If there has been one lesson that I have learned through my interactions with the patients at Cokesbury Village and my own grandparents,” Koterwas said, “it has been to treat them as equals while showing respect, warmth and humility.”

Long-term goals for Koterwas include graduate study, practice as an RN in critical care, as well as participation in clinical trials and evidence-based practice projects.

“Matthew's passion for the elderly and his leadership qualities at this early point in his nursing career are among the characteristics that make providing him with this scholarship so gratifying,” Rempusheski said.

Page, a native of Woodbine, Md., has been active in Habitat for Humanity and spent part of this summer working with a group of Habitat volunteers in Jamaica. She also worked full time during the summer as an elder caregiver in a 36-resident assisted care setting, where she became acquainted with one type of long-term care environment. Post-graduation plans include working with older adults in long-term care settings and hospices.

“Geriatrics is a noble specialty,” Page said. “I would like to be the nurse that motivates a person out of bed and back to vitality. When that is not possible for frail elders, I would like to provide the most comfortable bed and listen intently to that person.”

Rempusheski said that the Buxbaum scholarship recognizes and supports Page's career goals in long-term care for the elderly.

“The Buxbaum endowment places particular attention on the care of frail elders,” Rempusheski said. “Jessica exemplifies the characteristics of a future nurse who will focus on this population.”

Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photos by Duane Perry