Meet Alexandria Ballard-Sims, a 2022-2023 ambassador from the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in the College of Nursing. It's Ballard-Sims second consecutive year as a graduate ambassador. 

Below she talks about her takeaways from the ambassadorship and what she's looking forward to this year. 

What inspired you to attend graduate school? 

My grandmother first inspired me to become a nurse. After becoming a nurse, I later realized the health disparities that impact our Detroit community. I believe that the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program will provide me with the tools to use evidence-based research to close the gaps in health disparities in heart and kidney diseases in Detroit.

Why did you choose Wayne State? 

I chose Wayne State University to pursue my Doctor of Nursing Practice because this world-renowned institution is in the heart of Detroit. It is a melting pot of diverse students that all have unique and insightful perspectives coupled with the unique urban environment that benefits from the young innovative minds that can solve the latest problems in business, engineering, nursing, medicine, social work, education and so much more. Wayne State provides me with the opportunity to embrace my diversity and celebrate the diversity of my peers.

Why did you decide to return to the ambassador program?

I chose to return because it allows me to share my experiences and to inspire future graduate students. It is not always easy being a graduate student, but I have had so much support in the past 3 years and as I enter my final year that I don’t mind sharing how I have been successful.

What are your research interests?

Chronic kidney disease treatment and prevention and health equity practices.  

Other WSU affiliations

• Area Health Education Center Program for Healthcare Professional Students 
• Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society