Every year exceptional health sciences students are recognized for their contributions to research and outstanding academic performance in the health sciences. This year we are pleased to congratulate and recognize this year’s School of Nursing Magnuson Health Scholar Elizabeth Frazier .
Hometown: Originally from Little Rock, AR, and have lived in Seattle for many years now.
Graduation Year/Program: PhD in Nursing Science; 2026
What is your research/areas of interest? My dissertation research is focused on exploring biological and social factors that contribute to sex and gender differences in atrial fibrillation symptoms and quality of life
Do you have a faculty mentor? Dr. Cynthia Dougherty
Why did you choose nursing? I always found the physiology of the human body to be interesting and knew I wanted to go into the sciences, but it was the “human” aspect — connecting with patients — that drew me to nursing.
How has your experience at the School of Nursing helped you with your career trajectory? I say this genuinely — my PhD journey at the UW SoN has been beyond what I could have imagined. In addition to having an incredible mentorship team, I have been privileged to receive opportunities in authorship, grantsmanship, interdisciplinary collaboration and networking, and direct research experience, all of which will prepare me for a career in nursing research. But a significant part of my PhD experience has been connecting with and learning from SoN faculty and my PhD peers who are engaging in truly meaningful research. This has simultaneously pushed me to expand my lens of nursing science and helped me hone my focus for my own program of research.
What are your plans after graduation? The long-term goal is to take a nursing faculty position.
Learn more about the Magnuson Health Scholar Program and the other scholars here.
