Name: Warren Miller
Classification: senior
Hometown: Houston
Major: Social Work
Research topic: Definitions and Interpretations of Spirituality in People Living with HIV/AIDS in Southeast Texas
Synopsis of research: As a McNair Scholar, Miller undertook original research on how spirituality affects the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS in Southeast Texas. Miller identified 10 patients who agreed to in-depth personal interviews about their spirituality and their HIV/AIDS status. After completing the emotionally draining interviews, Miller transcribed the materials and performed a qualitative analysis with the help of his mentor, Dr. Jennifer Fagen. Miller found that some patients felt they were not receiving effective intervention from their counselors or doctors. However, they found reassurance in their spiritual beliefs.
Dates of research: March to August 2007
Publications/Presentations: Presentations at the McNair Scholars Symposium at Lamar University and the Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate Project at Howard University, both in November 2007; Accepted for presentation and possible publication at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research in April at Salisbury University in Maryland.
Faculty mentor: Dr. Jennifer Fagen
Warren Miller: “It could help professionals become more sensitive to this population and practice more effectively. They could look at the individual’s spiritual practices and incorporate that into their treatment plans to make treatment more effective.”
