I recently had the opportunity, as a second‑year postdoctoral fellow at the University of Washington School of Nursing, to attend the Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) annual conference and present a poster on one of my research projects. My poster focused on applying a One Health lens to infection prevention and control among Washington State dairy workers. The project highlights how partnerships, collaboration, and an integrated approach that considers human, animal, and environmental health can strengthen infection prevention efforts in animal agricultural settings.
My primary goal in attending WIN was to share research grounded in community partnerships and a framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. I also looked forward to learning about others’ research, networking, and innovations in nursing education. However, the most meaningful takeaway for me was the sense of connection, reconnection, and community with nurses and nurse scientists from across the country.
WIN provided the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues I have worked with as a nurse, doctoral student, and postdoctoral fellow, and to engage in rich scholarly conversations. These interactions strengthened existing relationships and led to new connections that expanded my professional network.
As I approach the end of my postdoctoral training, I am grateful for this enriching experience and already looking forward to attending the WIN conference in Bellevue, Washington, in 2027.