From Classroom to Publication: PVAMU College of Nursing Celebrates Faculty–Student Research Collaboration
Dean Allyssa Harris Partners with Nursing Graduate and Current Student to Advance Research on Emerging Male Contraceptive Methods
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas — The Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) College of Nursing is celebrating an exciting achievement in student scholarship as Dean Allyssa Harris, Spring 2026 BSN graduate Rejoice Adekoya, RN, BSN, and current senior nursing student Aniyah Jackson have collaborated on a scholarly article accepted for publication in the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) journal, Nursing for Women’s Health.
The article, “Novel Male Contraceptive Methods,” is currently in press and examines emerging contraceptive options for men, highlighting opportunities to advance reproductive health education and shared decision-making.
Advancing Nursing Knowledge Through Research
For decades, women have carried much of the responsibility for pregnancy prevention, including the associated physical, financial, and emotional considerations. Despite growing interest in expanding contraceptive options, only 12% of contraceptive products in development target men.
The scholarly review explores two promising methods: ADAM®, a nonhormonal, reversible hydrogel, and NES/T, a transdermal contraceptive gel that demonstrated promising results in a clinical trial involving 462 couples, with a Phase 3 trial planned.
For Dean Harris, the research reflects the importance of connecting emerging scientific evidence to nursing practice, patient education, and professional responsibility.
“As nurses, we must stay current with emerging science so we can educate the public and support shared decision-making,” Harris shared. “As an educator, mentoring students through research is one of my greatest joys.”
Harris also emphasized the importance of modeling lifelong learning and evidence-based practice as both a nurse practitioner and academic leader.
Mentorship That Extends Beyond the Classroom
Beyond its scientific contributions, the publication demonstrates the value of introducing nursing students to scholarly inquiry early in their academic journeys and creating opportunities for meaningful faculty–student collaboration.
Rejoice Adekoya, RN, BSN, a Spring 2026 graduate and former member of the PVAMU Honors College, has continued her commitment to service and leadership beyond graduation. Following completion of her nursing degree, Adekoya was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army, where she currently serves as a Registered Nurse.
For Adekoya, the research experience represented an important professional milestone.
“This was an amazing opportunity that I’ll always be grateful for,” Adekoya shared. “Although I’ve participated in research before, this experience was different because I had never completed an article review, so working alongside the dean and a junior student helped me expand my knowledge and grow as a researcher.”
She added that becoming a published author was especially fulfilling because it was a goal she had been working toward for some time.
Aniyah Jackson, a senior nursing student currently gaining hands-on healthcare experience at an IV infusion center, has also demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service to fellow students.
Jackson’s journey with the College of Nursing began as a participant in the College of Nursing Summer BRIDGE Program – Begin Success in Nursing (BSN), a University initiative designed to support students transitioning from high school to first-time freshmen in pre-nursing studies. She later returned to serve as a Program Counselor, mentoring and encouraging students navigating the same transition she once experienced.
Her continued involvement reflects a commitment to student success and the importance of giving back through peer mentorship.
“Working alongside them taught me how to critically evaluate evidence, synthesize findings, and appreciate the teamwork behind credible research, skills that will make me a stronger, evidence-based nurse,” Jackson shared.
She described the publication experience as both humbling and motivating and expressed gratitude for the mentorship and support provided by the College of Nursing.
Preparing the Next Generation of Nurse Scholars
The collaboration illustrates PVAMU College of Nursing’s commitment to fostering a culture of scholarship in which students are encouraged to move beyond learning existing evidence to actively contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge.
Through faculty mentorship, students gain experience in literature review, critical appraisal, scientific writing, and scholarly dissemination—skills that strengthen clinical judgment, professional development, and lifelong learning.
The accomplishments of Adekoya and Jackson further demonstrate the many pathways through which PVAMU nursing students develop as scholars, leaders, and healthcare professionals. From Honors College participation and military service to peer mentorship and clinical experience, both exemplify the College’s commitment to developing well-rounded, practice-ready nurses.
For Dean Harris, this achievement is especially meaningful because it reflects the importance of leading by example and creating opportunities for students to engage in meaningful scholarship.
The PVAMU College of Nursing proudly congratulates Dean Allyssa Harris, Rejoice Adekoya, RN, BSN, and Aniyah Jackson on this scholarly accomplishment and their contribution to advancing nursing knowledge.
From the classroom to clinical practice and scholarly publication, PVAMU nurses continue to lead, learn, serve, and make an impact.