SMU's Loretta Camarano Teaches Young Girls Nurses are Healthcare Scientists Too

In the Bay Area, the cradle of innovation and tech, getting a chance to present your research to a future generation of scientists can be an inspiring experience.

Loretta Camarano, PhD, RNC, an associate professor at Samuel Merritt University’s (SMU) School of Nursing in San Mateo won such a distinction in early February when she was invited to speak at Sea Crest School’s Second Annual Innovators’ Symposium in Half Moon Bay.

The symposium focused on the intersection of “Innovation and Community” and offered hands-on workshops for middle school students that covered topics such as coastal pollution, group theory, venture capitalism, and the human brain. Speakers included physicians, professors, scientists, and Google’s Director of Education and University Relations.

Camarano’s (pictured at right) research examines factors that predict adverse perinatal and pediatric outcomes. Over a ten-year period, she was the Project Director responsible for all aspects of the management of two comprehensive infertility studies funded by the National Institutes of health.

At Sea Crest, Camarano’s discussion focused on her research and clinical roles as an RN working in the field of reproductive endocrinology, and about the technology that is involved in helping people to create much-desired families. Her audience was comprised of eighth grade females.

“Sound education guides young women and men to be wise and safe throughout their lives,” said Rob Kashima, a science teacher at Sea Crest. “I feel it is best to start sexual education with current and proper knowledge in order for students’ lives to be less confusing and less scary. Being well informed allows for mature choices.”

The students agreed.

“The Reproductive Health workshop was my favorite one at the Innovators' Symposium,” said student Jasmine Franklin. “Dr. Camarano teaches and works as a nurse. We learned that a female fetus has all the eggs she's ever going to have and that, unlike men, women's fertility decreases as they get older.”

“I hope that the students learn that registered nurses are healthcare scientists who are able to directly apply their research to help patients and improve health outcomes,” Camarano said. “It was quite rewarding to be able to ignite the spirit of scientific inquiry of these students.”

To learn more, link: http://seacrestschool.org/innovators-symposium-recap