First-Year Nursing PhD Student Receives Citation Abstract Award

Leann Balcerzak headshot.

Published March 3, 2021

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School of Nursing first-year PhD student Leann Balcerzak, BS ‘19, received a Citation Abstract Award from the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) for her recent abstract submission. 

Her submission, titled “The Association Between Depression and Electronic Cigarette Use among Adolescents,” has been chosen by the reviewers and Program Committee for a Citation Abstract. As a citation award winner, Balcerzak’s presentation will be highlighted during the organization’s 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Session on April 12-16, 2021.

“For me, this recognition means I am on the path towards making a difference in not only my own future academic and professional goals, but also inpatient care through nursing research,” Balcerzak says. “I am excited to have opportunities like the SBM conference to network and disseminate research as a first-year graduate student while in a virtual environment.”

Balcerzak’s study aimed to examine the associations between depression suicidality and e-cigarette use in adolescents and if sex moderates those associations. Through her research, she found that e-cigarette use is linked to depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in high school students. Female students using e-cigarettes are more likely to report having depressive symptoms. Yu-Ping Chang, associate dean for research and scholarship in the School of Nursing, served as Belcerzak’s advisor.

“The recognition of Leann’s abstract by the Society of Behavioral Medicine as a Citation Abstract is not only a reflection of her hard work and dedication to research,” Chang says, “but it further highlights an important topic of e-cigarette use and depression amongst the adolescent population.”

Media Contact Information

Sarah Goldthrite
Director of Marketing, Communications & Alumni Engagement
School of Nursing
105 Beck Hall (South Campus)
Email: sgoldthr@buffalo.edu
Tel: 716-829-3209