PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 13, 2022) Ralston Lockett recognizes that research provides opportunities to make a difference. The Houston, Texas native is part of the Faculty Research & Innovation for Scholarly Excellence (RISE) program. RISE enables faculty researchers to expand and sustain their research through external grants and contracts while mentoring students to become the next generation of experts.
Ralston R. Lockett, DNP-Student, APRN, FNP-C
Lockett is already a proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), having previously earned bachelor’s degrees in biology and nursing. He later earned a master’s in nursing with a concentration as a family nurse practitioner. Currently, he is pursuing a doctorate in nursing practice.
“I believe education is the key to unlocking potential in everyone. Research provides an opportunity to make a difference. It takes time, dedication, and creativity to do it. I want to seek out what is missing from the world and find a novel approach to shed light on whatever truth you see beneficial to the world,” said Lockett.
Michelle DeBose, Ph.D., M.S.N., M.S. Ed., RN, serves as Lockett’s faculty mentor. DeBose is an assistant professor in the College of Nursing and has witnessed his commitment to healthcare and research. DeBose selected Ralston to be a part of her research team because of his dedication to nursing practice and willingness to work hard.
DeBose said of Lockett, “He was interested in patient-provider communication and its value in the patient-provider relationship. After graduation, he began working with high-risk populations and has used research to gain information on medication adherence barriers. In the doctor of nursing practice program, he has developed ideas and responded to pressing global needs, such as HIV/AIDS and other urgent changes in healthcare. Research opportunities enrich the graduate students’ experiences, bring innovation to the college, and provide a collaborative working relationship with faculty.”
Lockett plans to continue to grow by enhancing his skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurship abilities. He believes that his participation in research as a student had a positive impact on his academic journey at PVAMU.
“The RISE – Graduate Research experience has afforded me the greatest opportunities that any graduate student could ask for in their academic career. Dr. DeBose provided me with a strong foundation throughout my professional development and growth as a researcher. The cultivation of original research and networking has been extremely rewarding,” said Lockett.
Karen B. Cotton MS, MA