Austin Nawotha, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)

• Program: ABS Nursing
• Hometown: Elma, NY
• Favorite Self-Care Activity: Running
• Previous Education: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Canisius College (Biology minor)

I decided to enter into nursing after my volunteer work at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. I was drawn to the direct patient care and work that each nurse did for their patients. From that moment on, I knew that the nursing profession was something that I wanted to pursue.

I chose UB’s School of Nursing for my education because this program has amazing affiliations with area hospitals and clinics. Buffalo’s medical campus is also developing at an exponential rate, making this area extremely sought-after to begin my career.

I am interested in oncology and critical care nursing. Most of my experience with nursing has been in these fields and I find them extremely fulfilling when you can make any positive difference in both a patient and families day.

During my undergraduate studies at Canisius, I was highly involved in Student Life as a resident assistant, tour guide, and orientation leader. These opportunities allowed me to develop relationships with other students around campus and facilitate new programs and organizations to them. On top of my work at Canisius, I was also a volunteer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the SPCA of Erie County for numerous years. Collectively, these experiences allowed me to become more connected to the community of Buffalo.

After graduation, I plan to either go back to school for a master’s degree in nursing or possibly explore the route of obtaining my DNP.

The scholarship has provided me with the ability to alleviate the financial burden of my added schooling. I am now able to explore different volunteer activities to solidify my experience in nursing.