U of A and Auburn Nursing Faculty to Present Research on Breastfeeding, Animal-Aided Therapy

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U of A nursing students staff the Tiny Tusks space during a home football game.

The U of A's Eleanor Mann School of Nursing has partnered with Auburn University to present research on two separate topics: the changing culture of breastfeeding and animal-assisted therapy.

The event will be at 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, in the Arkansas Union Ballroom. Allison Scott, an associate professor in the U of A nursing program, and Ann Lambert, an associate clinical professor in Auburn's nursing program, will share about the relationship between healthcare policy, breastfeeding culture and the importance of collaborative research. The U of A's Tiny Tusks Breastfeeding and Infant Support program is modeled after Auburn's Tiger Babies initiative. Both programs offer clean, comfortable spaces at athletic events for caregivers to breastfeed, use a breast pump or change a baby's diaper. Nursing students and faculty staff the spaces.

Nursing faculty from the U of A and Auburn will also share about CAREing Paws, an animal-assisted therapy program that's being implemented on both campuses. U of A's Michele Kilmer and Auburn's Morgan Yordy will discuss their work to expand animal-assisted therapy programs beyond the traditional clinical setting. Two U of A therapy dogs in training — Gryffin and Bella — will attend.

The academic research presentations will immediately follow the U of A nursing career fair. Recruiters from hospitals, social service agencies and other healthcare organizations will be available to discuss full-time, part-time or internship positions. Recruiters and hiring managers from more than 25 organizations will be available.