Christian Knox, Nu’24, has always had a passion for science and health care.
Inspired to Serve
An innovative program at Penn Nursing allows students with an undergraduate degree in another field to earn a Nursing degree on an accelerated timeline
Spring 2024
After earning her bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Spelman College in 2022, she decided to turn her passion into action by becoming a nurse.
Christian’s interest in patient care dates to high school, when she had the opportunity to shadow a Black female physician. The experience was a revelation for Christian, who had never crossed paths with a Black primary care provider—or imagined that this was something she could be. She was also struck by the doctor’s easy, natural connection to her patients, who were mostly people of color. In a word, Christian was inspired to serve.
When she returned home after her graduation, Christian completed a summer internship at Penn Medicine. The experience was so positive that she chose to apply to Penn Nursing. Christian was admitted into the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, a fast-paced, 15-month program that allows students with an undergraduate degree in another field to pursue a nursing degree and attain their RN license.
Soon after her acceptance, Christian learned that she had been named a Conway Scholar. The Conway Scholarships were established through a $1 million grant from the Bedford Falls Foundation – DAF, a donor-advised fund established by William (Bill) Conway, cofounder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, and his late wife Joanne. The Conways’ goal was to help address the nation’s serious nursing shortage by supporting nursing education and training at Penn and reducing students’ financial burden.
Being a Conway Scholar allows me to focus more on what is most important, which is learning how to provide the best patient care.”Christian Knox, Nu’24
Christian began her studies at Penn Nursing last summer and expects to earn her BSN degree in December 2024. She has also submatriculated into one of Penn Nursing’s nurse practitioner programs, where she will pursue a master’s degree with a specialization in maternal health.
After completing her studies, Christian looks forward to working in labor/delivery at a hospital that serves marginalized communities. Like the physician she shadowed years ago, she hopes to make an impact as a health care provider serving her community.
