Nursing Major Advances Informatics Interest Through Computer Science Minor

June 25, 2021 – Hannah Ajibola (NHS’24) is a nursing major and computer science minor – a curricular combination that is supporting her growing interests in informatics.

“With the rise of big data, machine learning techniques, and AI, I hope to advance the field in making health care access and quality more equitable and also decrease the burnout of health care professionals,” she said.

Georgetown’s BSN program was her first choice, and she noted, “It’s been great so far!”

Question: Where did you grow up, and how did you learn about Georgetown?

Ajibola: I was born in Maryland, but I lived in Texas for 10 years before moving back to Silver Spring. I would say I grew up in both places. I first learned about Georgetown at my high school when I moved back to Maryland. I knew a senior that went there, and I heard great things about the university. When I decided to apply to BSN programs, Georgetown was my top choice.

Question: What drew you to want to study in the health field?

Ajibola: Personally, my mom and one of my pastors were nurses, so I got firsthand exposure to it growing up. However, one worked at the bedside and the other in management, so I saw both angles. The health field affects everyone’s life, and I think the pandemic has highlighted that. I wanted to be able to personally connect with people, but also advance the field in a positive direction. 

Question: How are you enjoying the nursing major and computer science minor?

Ajibola: It’s been great so far! Balancing nursing with a minor can be difficult, so I planned it out from my first semester. I have really enjoyed both subjects and have seen even more their intersection. I am really looking forward to clinical starting next semester. but also coding in my programming class. 

Question: How did you become interested in nursing informatics? 

Ajibola: I took computer science classes throughout high school. In one of them, we did research. I looked into the systems that work on the digitalization of hospital records while maintaining patient privacy.

Nursing interested me because it’s on the frontlines of the health care field. I also liked the focus on patient care, the variety of roles they play, and the many opportunities. 

What drew me to informatics specifically was the intersection of health with other areas. Georgetown NHS professors and alumni have helped me to realize this even more. With the rise of big data, machine learning techniques, and AI, I hope to advance the field in making health care access and quality more equitable and also decrease the burnout of health care professionals.

Question: Tell us about your activities at Georgetown.

Ajibola: In the fall, I will be a student academic mentor for Human Biology in the NHS. I will also be on the student board for the Georgetown Scholars Program. Currently, I am on the board of ColorStack Hoyas, which is a club to promote the attraction, retention, and success of underrepresented minorities in the tech industry. I manage two tech platforms they use. I am also a class representative for the BSN 2024 cohort, so I communicate with the faculty and department chairs any class questions, concerns, or comments.

Previously, I did the CURA pre-orientation program hosted in the NHS. It was an amazing program, and it discussed many things I’m interested in, such as the role of health care in poverty, housing, and food insecurity. Things have been exacerbated because of the pandemic. Lastly, I played the violin with the Georgetown Orchestra, but took a break this past semester since it was online. 

By Bill Cessato