UW School of Nursing

UW Nursing Student Hyunhae Hanni Lee Awarded Grant for Statistical Training and Dissertation Research

Hyunhae Hanni Lee, MS, RN, a PhD candidate and research assistant at the University of Washington School of Nursing, has been awarded a $5,000 grant to support advanced statistical training and research development from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.

This funding will enable Lee to pursue an intensive summer training opportunity designed to deepen her expertise in biostatistics and strengthen the analytical rigor of her doctoral research. As part of this work, she will enroll in a specialized course in mediation analysis, directly supporting Aim 3 of her dissertation and enhancing her ability to examine complex relationships within her research.

In addition to formal coursework, a portion of the award will support access to advanced statistical software, providing essential tools to further her ongoing research activities.

This grant reflects a meaningful investment in Lee’s continued growth as a nurse scientist and recognizes her strong commitment to advancing her methodological expertise and doctoral scholarship.

Music, Memory, and a UW Nurse Researcher Making Seattle Headlines

Portrait photo of an individual wearing glasses and a dark blazer, positioned in front of bookshelves filled with books. The background is softly blurred, suggesting a library or study setting. — Sarah McKiddy

Work by a UW PhD candidate in Nursing Science has caught the attention of two of Seattle’s most prominent outlets. Sarah McKiddy, a PhD candidate in Nursing Science at the University of Washington, was featured by The Seattle Times and Seattle Met for her work bringing professional musicians to the Memory Hub, a First Hill community center serving people living with dementia and their care partners.

Bridging Two Worlds

McKiddy came to nursing following her studies in music, and it was her work in the community as a violinist that led her to think more seriously about the connective power of music and the inequities that shape access to it. Those early observations led Sarah to wonder whether music might be part of a broader conversation on health behaviors, which ultimately drew her to nursing.

Her scholarly interests have since crystallized around cognitive health, aging, and music-based interventions, with particular attention to cognitive resilience, nostalgia, and the social and structural factors that shape dementia care.

The Research

McKiddy’s dissertation uses implementation science to explore how a performing arts organization and a dementia-specific community center can partner to co-design music-based programming, with professional musicians working alongside people living with memory loss and their care partners from the ground up. According to her profile on the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center website, her work explores how creative practices such as music can be infused into community and clinical settings to help sustain or reshape a sense of self and well-being across the lifespan.

McKiddy’s collaborative ethos is reflected in the project’s dissemination efforts as well. She is partnering with UW Ethnomusicology student Leo Freedman on a soundscape project that complements written and visual dissemination materials by allowing listeners to experience and re-experience the live music engagements for themselves like an aural scrapbook. She is also working with Sydney Horen from the UW School of Nursing Advancement team to create the community-partner-facing storytelling and design materials. The Memory Hub project brings this process-focused philosophy into practice. By bringing professional musicians into a dementia-specific center and studying how that collaboration unfolds, McKiddy is building an evidence base for cross-sector partnerships that could inform how arts and healthcare systems work together beyond Seattle.

A Growing Voice in Healthy Aging

McKiddy’s faculty mentor is Dr. Basia Belza, and she is a former de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging pre-doctoral scholar. She has been building toward this work since her undergraduate nursing studies, when she led an early literature review on music therapy and dementia, co-founded a chapter of the Youth Movement Against Alzheimer’s, and partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Idaho Chapter.

Her coverage in The Seattle Times and Seattle Met marks a meaningful moment of public recognition for research shaped by questions about how the arts intersect with individual and collective health, and by scientific inquiry into what the arts have long revealed about human experience.

Scholar Spotlight: Chiayu Chen

Chiayu Chen is one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s 2026-2027 Healthy Aging Scholars. Her project is on “Support Transitions Between Levels of Care at a local retirement community”, and her faculty mentor is Jamie Young.

Why did you choose to go into nursing?

It started with my grandfather, who had liver cancer. During that time, he was very depressed, overwhelmed, and anxious about his diagnosis.

However, the nurses on the medical team were very supportive. They cared not only for my grandfather’s condition but also supported my family when we felt overwhelmed. That was when I realized that a nurse’s job is very meaningful. They are the people who care for patients during vulnerable and difficult times.

What interests you about healthy aging and working with older adults?

I started to get interested in healthy aging because I noticed different health patterns in my family members. For example, my grandfather had an unhealthy lifestyle and didn’t take care of himself. But my grandmother paid attention to her health and stayed active, both mentally and physically, and also volunteered, even when she was already 80 years old. I saw completely different outcomes in my grandparents, so that was when I started to think about what factors lead to healthy aging.

Also, during my clinical rotation, I worked with many elderly patients. They were experiencing life changes and adjusting to new stages of life, trying to build a new identity, and dealing with social isolation.

So both my personal experience and my clinical experience sparked my interest in healthy aging.

You mentioned you’ve worked with older adults in your clinical rotations. Did you have previous experience working with older adults before that?

I have experience caring for older adults, especially patients with dementia, from my time working in an acute psychiatry unit. These patients were often quite challenging because many of them were unable to care for themselves, which placed a significant burden on both healthcare providers and their families.

In addition, I volunteered at an Active Aging Center, where we organized activities such as karaoke, gentle exercise, handicrafts, and even a fashion runway. Through these experiences, I learned that older adults can still be active members of the community, and I also realized the importance of dementia prevention in maintaining their quality of life.

How do you feel like the work that you did with patients with dementia ties into the work that you’re doing now?

Because of these experiences, I became more interested in early identification and prevention. In my current project, which focuses on supporting transitions between levels of care, I’m trying to help staff recognize early signs of decline and respond earlier.

So instead of waiting until patients reach a crisis point, the goal is to support them earlier and help maintain their independence and quality of life as much as possible.

What is the project that you’re doing with the de Tornyay Center Scholarship?

My project focuses on supporting transitions between different levels of care at a retirement community. Currently, they have two sectors: independent living and assisted living.

Right now, they don’t have very clear guidelines for the transition, such as when residents should transition and what the requirements are for assisted living. We also found that many residents have stigma toward assisted living and are hesitant to move forward. Sometimes, they are not aware of their mental and functional decline.

My focus is on educating non-clinical staff to better recognize and assess residents’ functional decline. They are the people who interact with residents most often and can notice changes in their function. I developed a checklist for them and provided examples to help them better understand what functional decline looks like, so they can assess residents and start conversations about transitions earlier.

Why is work important to do?

Currently, there is a gap in evidence. There isn’t enough research on transitions from independent living to assisted living, so it is difficult for facilities to find clear guidance to follow.

At the same time, the retirement community I’m working with does not have structured training or a shared documentation tool for staff to communicate changes in residents’ conditions.

So in my project, I’m reviewing existing evidence and working closely with staff at the site to develop a checklist that is tailored to their needs. This helps create a more structured way to recognize decline and improve team communication.

I think this work also benefits residents, their families, and the community. If residents can stay safe and supported in their current setting, we can reduce emergency visits and medical costs, and also relieve some of the burden on families.

While you’ve been working on this project, has there been anything that surprised you?

What surprised me the most is that there are many issues to address. I see there are opportunities for future students to explore residents’ hesitation about transitions and the barriers to moving between levels of care. So I think there is still a lot we can do, and what I’m doing right now is just the first step.

Scholar Spotlight: Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas is a DNP student and one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s Healthy Aging Scholars. Her project is on “Improving Timely Colonoscopy Follow-up after Abnormal Fecal Immunochemical Test Results in the Veteran Population.” Her mentors are Katherine Murrow and Brenda Zierler.

Why did you choose to go into nursing?

I have been a nurse for 15 years and I elected nursing when I was in undergrad.

I’d actually been admitted to the business school, and I intended to become an accountant. Then, once I started my undergrad education, I was surrounded by people who were really passionate about the things that they were pursuing, and I found that was not how I felt about accounting.

I was searching for something where I could spend my life giving back to my community, and I felt like nursing was the way that I was going to be able to do that.

What about nursing made you feel that was the way you wanted to give back?

I liked the challenge of it. I appreciated that there was lifelong learning associated with it, and that I got to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, across ages and lived experience. It aligned with my interest in humanities and the sciences, and interacting with people and supporting people on their own journey.

What interests you about healthy aging?

I’ve been a nurse for quite a while and have seen that, over time, we are caring for people in an older age range that have a higher burden of chronic diseases, who are needing to manage complex medical regimens. I felt like primary care was what was needed to promote vitality, to support their specific goals of aging, and to avoid people getting lost in the world of specialists and ensure that patients’ goals and quality of life and desires are upheld.

What past experience do you have working with older adults?

I have always worked with adults throughout my nursing career. I worked in acute care as an oncology and nephrology nurse. After this, I worked for a long time in endoscopy, which is gastroenterology concerns and liver disease, things like that, which tend to be skewed to an older adult population.

All of those experiences endeared me to people who have lived a lot of life, and have unique perspectives, and have oftentimes a lot of interesting things to share. That really made me want to serve that community.

Can you briefly describe the project you’re working on with the de Tornyay Center scholarship?

My project is working within the VA Puget Sound Health System. The goal of the project is to improve colorectal cancer screening completion rates within the Veteran population in this area. One way we’re looking at doing that is to improve the number of people who get a diagnostic colonoscopy after they have a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)-positive result. A FIT test is a stool-based colorectal cancer screening method.

If you get a positive FIT test, you have to have a colonoscopy. The research suggests that a colonoscopy should be done within 6 months, because the FIT test may indicate that there’s an advanced adenoma that is likely near conversion to cancer. The longer we wait, the higher likelihood that that will convert into a cancer versus a precancerous lesion or a high-grade precancerous lesion. Right now, about 61% of the Veterans in the Puget Sound system with a positive FIT get the screening done within a year.

The VA has gone to a mostly FIT-based screening program, which is unique for a health care system. The VA also considers colorectal cancer a presumptive condition, meaning they presume it to be likely linked to a Veteran’s service.

My project is looking to improve the way that we collect data, to get a good reporting tool in place, so that we can determine who needs follow-up on their FIT positive results. Then, I’m going do a few education pieces with the primary care providers across the Puget Sound system, and we’re also doing a little side piece of trying to integrate some AI tools that some of the providers are working on to improve our chart review.

Could you talk a little more about education part of your project?

I’m doing a multi-level intervention, meaning, we’re trying to address multiple pieces all at the same time. One thing I’m doing is education with the providers to let them where we’re at as far as colonoscopy completion rates; the goal, which is more than 80%; and the major barriers we are seeing from the data review that are interfering with our ability to meet that goal.

Has there been anything that’s surprised you so far while working on the project?

You would think many of the barriers to care would be easy to figure out. Then, once you get into the data, you really uncover how many people need to be involved in those changes. There has to be system-wide changes, there have to be provider-level changes, and then there also has to be patient-level changes, meaning ways that we can provide education and cultural understanding of what screening even means. There’s a lot more complexity to it.

Women’s History Month: Women Shaping Nursing

During Women’s History Month, the University of Washington School of Nursing is recognizing the women whose leadership, scholarship, advocacy and care have shaped nursing across generations — and celebrating those carrying that work forward today.

At the UW School of Nursing, women have helped define what nursing can be: a field grounded in care, strengthened by science and expanded through leadership. School history reflects that legacy through leaders like Mary Tschudin, who helped build nursing research at UW; Rheba de Tornyay, who helped develop the School’s first PhD in nursing science; Kathryn Barnard, whose work advanced infant mental health; and Jeanne Quint Benoliel, who helped found the field of palliative and hospice care.

That same spirit of leadership continues in students like Marin Strong, a PhD in Nursing Science student whose recent appointment as a Sigma United Nations Youth Representative reflects not only personal achievement, but history in the making.

Strong was selected to represent Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing to the United Nations and the broader NGO community, joining a small group of youth representatives helping elevate nursing leadership on the global stage. In the role, she will participate in United Nations events, promote engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals and help advocate for the value of nursing leadership in addressing global health challenges.

For Strong, the opportunity is both deeply personal and part of a larger calling.

“At the heart of it for me is that I hope to amplify the impactful work nurses do every single day,” Strong said. “I also want to help nurses see the role they play in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Global is local and local is global.”

Her appointment reflects a view of nursing that is expansive, interdisciplinary and deeply connected to the world beyond any one clinic, classroom or community. Strong brings experience across community and global health nursing, with work spanning Alaska, Texas, Washington and international settings including Indonesia, Nepal, India, South Africa and Brazil. She has contributed to research collaborations focused on HIV and STI prevention in Kenya and currently studies programs addressing opioid use disorder in the Seattle area.

Women’s History Month often invites us to look back at landmark achievements and the women who opened doors before us. It is also a chance to recognize leadership as it is unfolding in the present. Strong’s journey reflects a tradition long visible at the UW School of Nursing: women stepping into new spaces, asking bigger questions and helping shape the future of health care, research and public life.

The women who shaped nursing’s past did more than make room for others. They expanded the field itself. During Women’s History Month, Marin Strong’s story reminds us that this work continues — and that the future of nursing will be shaped by women who are already stepping forward.

UW Nursing PhD Student Appointed UN Youth Representative

Marin Strong, a PhD in Nursing Science student at the UW School of Nursing, has been selected as a Sigma United Nations (UN) Youth Representative, a prestigious volunteer position that will place her at the forefront of global nursing leadership and advocacy.

Strong is one of three youth representatives chosen to represent Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing to the United Nations and the non-governmental organization community. She joins a team of six UN liaisons who promote nursing leadership on the world stage.

“I was immediately floored and in disbelief that it was all actually happening. This is a position I have aspired to for years, and something a younger version of me could only have dreamed of,” said Strong. “The title feels much, much bigger than me right now, so I am excited to learn the ins and outs and grow into it.”

Three people seated outdoors as one person wearing blue scrubs guides another person’s hands while they hold a dental model with removable teeth, with a third person observing beside them; a clipboard and chair are nearby. — In Nepal, Strong partnered with local and international dental providers to conduct remote mobile clinics, and aided in blood pressure screening prior to treatment and toothbrushing education.

The UN representative positions support Sigma’s engagement at the highest levels of global collaboration by attending and participating in various UN events, programs, and activities. Representatives gather information to inform and advise Sigma’s global initiatives department, helping fulfill the organization’s mission to develop nurses anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere.

“At the heart of it for me is that I hope to amplify the impactful work nurses do every single day,” Strong said. “I also want to help nurses see the role they play in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Global is local and local is global. But I don’t think we spend enough time showing nurses how true that is for them.”

Strong’s selection recognizes both her academic achievements and her potential to advocate for nursing on an international platform. As a PhD student, she

A group of seven people standing together outdoors in a courtyard, wearing a mix of casual and traditional clothing, with building walls, doorways, and greenery in the background. — In Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, India, Marin and her peers study aging and care by doing field-based community engagement work, comparing across sociocultural and geopolitical contexts in South Africa and Brazil in the same semester.

brings a deep commitment to critical thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice that she sees as inseparable from nursing leadership at any level.

“Nurses make up an estimated 59% of all healthcare workers worldwide, totaling about 29 million strong. More than half of the global population is under 30 years old. This is why the voice of nursing and youth are so essential in global decision-making spaces like the UN — we are the majority,” Strong said. “Nurses are uniquely positioned to bridge policy and lived realities, seeing firsthand how these high-level decisions translate into real outcomes for patients and communities. Without nurses at the table, policies can stray and lose touch with the realities they are meant to address.”

Strong came to her PhD studies at the UW School of Nursing with a wealth of experience across community and global health nursing. Her career has taken her across the United States, from Alaska to Texas to Washington, as well as internationally, including living in Indonesia, researching maternal care-seeking for childhood illness in Nepal, and studying globalization and care in India, South Africa, and Brazil. She has been part of a research team collaborating across the U.S. and Kenya to improve HIV and STI prevention for pregnant women, and currently studies programs implementing mobile vans and street-based medication for opioid use disorder in the Seattle area. This summer, she will serve as a Strengthening Care Opportunities through Partnership in Ethiopia (SCOPE) fellow, supporting projects focused on obstetric fistula and maternal mental health.

Two people seated at a table in a radio studio, each speaking into a microphone, with shelves of CDs behind them and a digital wall clock displaying the time. — In Kotzebue, Alaska, Marin and her public health nursing colleague host a weekly radio spot to provide education on public health topics like vaccines, STI prevention, and diabetes.

In her new role, Strong will attend and participate in UN events, advocate for the nursing profession on the international stage, promote engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals, and help educate world leaders about Sigma and the value of nursing leadership in addressing global health challenges. She also hopes to increase visibility and understanding of what PhD-trained nurse scientists do.

“I want to accurately represent nurses as the incredibly smart, compassionate, innovative leaders we are,” she said. “My appointment also coincides with a massive retraction of US involvement in these exact types of multilateral and multinational organizations. So it means even more to me to still have access to these spaces and show up with the trust, dignity, and respect that are foundational to the nursing profession.”

According to Sigma, the UN representatives help educate world leaders about the organization and promote the value of nursing leadership in addressing global health challenges.

Three people standing together indoors in a covered open‑air structure, with wooden posts and a concrete floor, posing for a photo with additional people and activity visible in the background. — In Cilacap, Indonesia, Marin has dinner with her first host family as a Rotary Youth Exchange Program student.

Strong also offered a message to other nursing students and early-career nurses with aspirations toward global health leadership: “Stay true to your values, identify your co-conspirators, and look for the opportunities to help. My journey here was so nonlinear… the truth is, it was often messy, uncertain, and full of unplanned side missions that totally transformed who I was and the way I saw the world. Actively see every opportunity as having something to teach you, especially those that stretch you beyond nursing and force you to step outside of yourself and your immediate world.”

For more information about Sigma’s United Nations representatives, visit the Sigma Global Nursing Excellence website.

The Power of Imagination. The Promise of AI. The Future of Nursing & Healthcare

Over my years at the UW School of Nursing, one phrase I have uttered more times than I can count is: nurses are the best innovators. And it’s true. Through various Office for Nursing Research & Innovation initiatives, we’ve highlighted and supported nurses that are dreaming, creating, and testing novel solutions that strengthen the health, connection, and collective well‑being of our communities. Now artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how nurses and healthcare teams do our everyday work. There’s been plenty of excitement, skepticism, and quiet curiosity about AI’s place in healthcare. But at its heart, AI is simply a tool; one with the potential to help all of us deliver the highest-quality care to every person we serve. That promise is what drives our upcoming Northwest Summit to Reimagine AI in Nursing and Health (RAIN).

Bringing together todays and tomorrow’s leaders from healthcare, nursing, academia, industry, policy, and technology, the RAIN Summit is designed to move beyond speculation, conjecture, and fear and advance the conversation about how to best use AI to advance healthcare delivery. It is a hands‑on, forward‑looking forum where real-world use cases, workforce readiness, and cross‑sector partnerships take center stage.

Hosted by the UW Office for Nursing Research & Innovation, Digital Health Innovation Hub, and HIMSS Washington Chapter on May 15, 2026, participants will gather for a full day of keynotes, expert panels, and collaborative discussions that illuminate the future of AI in nursing and healthcare. Among the voices leading these conversations are some of the nation’s most respected innovators and thought leaders:

Speakers and Panelists at the Upcoming RAIN Summit

Susan Alexander, DNP, ANP‑BC; Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Kenrick Cato, PhD, RN, CPHIMS, FAAN, FACMI; University of Pennsylvania
George Demiris, PhD, FACMI; University of Pennsylvania
Stephen Ferrara, DNP, FNP, FAAN; Columbia University
Perry Gee, PhD, RN, FAAN; Intermountain Health
Justin Gill, DNP, RN, ARNP; Washington State Nurses Association
Ken Grubbs, NDP, MBA, MN; Joint Commission
Michelle James, MBA, MM, BSN, RN, CENP; Peace Health
Jennifer S. Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA‑BC, FAAN; American Nurses Association
Keri Nasenbeny, MHA, BSN, RN; Harborview Medical Center
Renee Rassilyer‑Bomers, DNP, EMBA, CMSRN, RN‑BC, FAAN; Providence Swedish
Ryan Shaw, PhD, RN, FAAN; Duke University Health System
Tom Lawry; Second Century Tech
Dan Weberg, PhD, MHI, RN, FAAN; OSU College of Nursing

These leaders—clinicians, researchers, executives, and innovators—bring perspectives shaped by real experience at the bedside, in boardrooms, in research labs, and in the communities we serve. They will guide sessions that explore what responsible AI adoption looks like on the hospital floor, in community clinics, in nursing education, and across health systems striving to meet the needs of increasingly complex populations. Attendees will examine how AI can reduce task burden, elevate clinical judgment, expand healthcare access, and strengthen the nursing workforce, while centering ethics, equity, and the lived realities of nurses and our patients.

Attendees will leave not with abstract ideas, but with practical insights, new professional connections, and clear pathways for translating AI into meaningful, measurable improvements in health.

Transformative moments do not come often—and when they do, they require us to rise to meet them. Our RAIN Summit is one of those moments. A timely and unique opportunity to shape the tools that will shape our sector’s future. To make sure the voice of nursing is not only included, but leading.

We invite you to claim your seat. Join us on May 15. Bring your curiosity, your skepticism, your boldest ideas. Register today for the 2026 RAIN summit and help write the next chapter of innovation in nursing and healthcare. We look forward to seeing you there.

Scholar Spotlight: Li Downs

Li Downs is a DNP in Nursing Science student and one of the de Tornyay Center’s 2025-2026 Healthy Aging Scholars. Her project is on, “Enhancing Education on Post-Intensive Care Syndrome: A Nurse-Led Quality Improvement Initiative in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit at Harborview Medical Center” and her mentors are Maya Elias and Kristine McGlennen.

Why did you choose nursing?

It’s one of the most trusted professions in the United States, and I wanted to make an impact in people’s lives. I always had a science-based mind, and I was really interested in human anatomy. My aunt was a nurse, and my grandfather was a doctor who were both inspiring and great role models for me. As I grew up, I was more drawn to the role that nurses have in healthcare and the impact that they have on patients’ experiences while in the hospital.

What interests you about healthy aging and working with older adults in general?

I am very interested in working with the older population, and not just because we have an aging population. Older adults have so much wisdom, so when you’re caring for them, you’re learning from them and their life experience.

I initially wanted to be in pediatrics, because my aunt was in pediatrics. Then, when I started doing my rotations, I enjoyed talking to the people that reminded me of my grandparents. I felt like I could identify with them better.

As I got into my nursing career you start to see trends, especially in the older population, of things that you could work to prevent or have better outcomes. Falls is the big one that I think of that you can do a lot of education and community engagement to prevent. There’s a lot of areas in medicine and community engagement where you can help older adults, make a big impact, and prevent worse outcomes.

What drew you to getting your DNP?

During COVID I was very inspired by the nurse practitioners I worked with, and how they stepped up to help fill the gaps that we were having in patient care. Watching them command a room, make decisions, and drive the management plans inspired me to want to be in that role and be able to step up.

Also, the DNP program gives you the resources to make systemic change in a healthcare system. It helped me feel like I was better prepared to be a leader in the healthcare system. I was actually doing a quality improvement project the year before I applied to the DNP program. The impact of that project really inspired me to apply, because I felt like I could do more of it with this degree, and have a bigger impact on how we change our care policies.

Could you briefly describe what your project is on for your de Tornyay Center scholarship?

The point of this project, and specifically the section that I’m focusing on with the de Tornyay Center, is providing post-intensive care education to nursing staff and advance practice providers about inpatient interventions to prevent post-intensive care syndrome.

Post-intensive care syndrome is this syndrome that develops in ICU survivors, and it has a physical, cognitive, and psychological component. The physical is the muscle wasting, the ICU-acquired myopathies. The cognitive is poor word finding, impaired executive function, difficulty concentrating, and memory issues. And the psychological is depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep problems, and nightmares.

This can develop in 50 to 80% of patients. It can be debilitating and can last months to years. It has a huge impact on quality of life, people’s ability to return to work, their relationships with their families, and being able to walk and eat on their own.

This project is focusing on increasing education, because there’s no formal education at Harborview in any of their ICUs right now. We’re focusing on the neuro-ICU because it’s a very underrepresented population in research. We’re working on increasing education through presentations, a flyer, and general unit engagement.

Our hope is by educating the staff that it will help them think more critically about interventions, what they can do to prevent it, and also help them talk to patients about it.

You mentioned inpatient interventions. What types of interventions are those?

A lot of it has to do with delirium prevention. The ABCDF bundle is a researched, well-known, delirium prevention checklist of things you should be thinking about and checking every day.

The bundle is early mobility; avoiding deliriogenic medications; limiting days on the ventilator; making sure you’re doing your spontaneous awakening trial and your spontaneous breathing trial; treating pain, but not over-treating people with opioids; making the ICU feel as much like home as possible, and this can be through making sure family’s at bedside, having photos on the wall, playing music; and then promoting sleep-wake cycle, like lights on during the day, lights off during the night, limiting sleep interruptions, those kinds of things.

Then, some other interventions that have evidence supporting them are ICU diaries, support groups, and resiliency training for patients and family members– resilience in the sense of, how do you cope with depression, anxiety, and these intense feelings of being critically ill.

Has there been anything that surprised you while doing this project or learning more about the topic?

We just closed our pre-survey to measure the baseline knowledge, engagement, and confidence in the topic. I was really lucky with the amount of staff that were willing to take my pre-survey. There was a lot of engagement. We got almost 50% of participation which, when you think about asking people to do surveys, is pretty good. I was very happy with it. But people were very candid about how little they knew about the topic. I was surprised by how needed this education initiative was.

Scholar Spotlight: Fiza Noman

Fiza Noman is a BSN student and one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s 2026-2027 Healthy Aging Scholars. Her project is on “Unwrapping Bias: Addressing Ageism Towards Older Adults Alongside Racism in Nursing Textbooks to Advance Inclusive Education and Promote Healthy Aging.” Her faculty mentor is Bethany Rolfe Witham.

What made you choose nursing?

I came from Pakistan, where healthcare is not very accessible to everyone. I’ve seen people, back home, who have not received good healthcare, and due to that, they have suffered great loss. So, I’ve always known that I wanted to work in healthcare where I can make a difference.

Ever since moving here, I’ve been looking into professions where I’m part of healthcare and can provide direct patient care. I wanted to be hands-on, where my patients can share their experiences with me, while also providing great care to them.

I started looking into nursing, and then right upon my junior year of high school, I came across UW’s Nurse Camp. That was the main exposure to nursing, and I got to learn more about the UW School of Nursing program and what the profession is like.

What interests you about healthy aging?

I spent almost 4 years volunteering on and off in an assisted living community. Also, my grandparents lived with me for the majority of my time growing up. I knew that I wanted to work with this population because I feel like I can connect with them well, and I want to be there for them.

I also completed an externship this past quarter. It was a long-term care externship. I got to spend some time in other assisted living communities across the Seattle area. Then I completed a quarter of modules where we talked about how care is different for the elder population in comparison to other populations. That was very interesting to me, and it further solidified my interest that this is the population that I want to work with.

How was your experience in assisted living?

I really enjoyed it, because I could see how much of a difference I was making in their lives. A lot of those people didn’t have family, or they hadn’t seen their family in a while. I could see just spending a couple minutes with them chatting with them, how much it made their day. I saw the care that the nurses provided for them, how much it meant for them and for their lifespan as well.

I grew up taking care of my grandparents. When I provide this kind of care, I do it out of genuine empathy for these patients and I know that I’m making a difference in their life.

What is your research project with the de Tornyay Center scholarship?

On REDCap, BSN students can submit submissions of instances of bias and ageism in their textbooks. We look at the submissions, we do data analysis, and then we can, in the end, send those results to the publishers, so they can also make those changes in the textbooks. In the past, publishers have made those changes.

I think it’s important because nursing textbooks are a main resource that you’re using towards your education, and if you’re seeing biases and ageism in it, those stay with you long-term.

Do you have any examples of ageism and bias you’ve seen?

In nursing textbooks, the language can portray older adults as very dependent. They can show aging as a bad thing, as in, if you’re aging, you’re not benefiting from it, and you’re going to depend on someone, and there’s not enough care for it.

I also saw a lot of bias towards the marginalized communities and people of color. I saw in a lot of assisted living how they’re treated differently. And in textbooks, I also saw that there’s a lot of lighter skinned representation, especially for the older population. I think it’s important to have the textbooks also show people of color, and students have submitted instances of that as well for publishers to show more representation.

Has there been anything that surprised you while working on this project?

I thought that I would not find a lot of instances of ageism in nursing textbooks. I thought that it’s a normal process, it’s a lifespan process, and there shouldn’t be any biases around it. But once I started looking at the data, I saw there’s so many instances of ageism that students have collected over the past years. That really surprised me. Why are nursing textbooks in today’s time still showing those? I want to be part of this project so I can start working towards that change.

What interested you about getting involved with this project?

Since I’m a person of color, I look at it like people from my community might be involved in assisted living communities. I will, sometime in my future, also be involved in assisted living communities. I think it’s important to have representation of people like us.

When you go home as a student, you read through your textbooks, you learn from your textbooks. It’s valuable to see how we can make changes, so students are getting the right education, the right content, so they’re well equipped to work with all populations.

de Tornyay Center Winter 2026 News Round-up

Winter 2026 news from the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging and our collaborators:

Congratulations to Oleg Zaslavsky and colleagues for receiving an NIH Grant for their digital VOCALE Frailty digital program, which aims to support older adults with frailty.
The Dementia Action Collaborative released a flyer illustrating ways to lower your dementia risk.
UW School of Nursing emerita faculty member Marge Batey was featured on the cover of Seattle Parks & Recreation’s Lifelong Recreation guide!
Congratulations to PhD candidate and center illustrator Lalipat Phianhasin for receiving a Sigma Small Grant for the “Role of Social Support as a Social Determinant of Health in Functional Status and Cognitive Function among Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Survivors”!
The American Academy of Nursing recently put out a position statement on the use of AI, supporting “the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative force in health care to support, rather than supplant human wisdom and nursing clinical judgment.”
A recent UW Bothell School of Nursing & Health Studies story highlighted visiting scholar Sayaka Suzuki’s trip to the UW, including the UW Healthy Aging Forum!

Scholar Spotlight: Suah Park

Suah Park is a PhD in Nursing Science candidate and one of the de Tornyay Center’s 2025-2026 Healthy Aging Scholars. Her faculty mentor is Eeeseung Byun, and her project is titled, “Socio-contextual, Physical, and Psychological Factors Associated with Sleep Disturbances Among Korean Immigrant Older Adults: A Mixed Methods Study”.

What made you want to pursue a PhD in Nursing Science?

Working as a nurse practitioner, I realized that older adults are often prescribed multiple medications. I think there definitely is a need to develop or tailor non-pharmaceutical interventions. Seeing the growing emphasis on non-pharmaceutical approaches for older adults motivated me to pursue research in this area.

So through your research you’re hoping to help create and improve non-pharmaceutical interventions?

Yes, particularly regarding sleep, as sleep medications pose greater risks for older adults due to their significant side effects. These include increased risks of falls, dementia, and confusion. In clinical practice, there are frequent alerts indicating that many sleep medications are not recommended for older adults.

How did you become interested in the area of sleep?

Originally, I’m from South , where I finished my bachelor’s degree and worked in hospitals. After that, I moved to the United States and received my training to become a nurse practitioner at Virginia Commonwealth University. I got my first job as a nurse practitioner in a primary care clinic in South Tacoma seeing mainly Korean American older adults.

I noticed that some of my patients had depression and anxiety. But they didn’t express themselves by saying, “I have anxiety” or “I have depression.” Rather they would say, “I can’t sleep.” Many Asian Americans are reluctant to express their feelings because of stigma.

I tried to prescribe depression or anxiety medications, and they declined to take them due to stigma around mental health medications. But I noticed that once their sleep quality improved, their mood often improved as well. This observation is why I wanted to focus on sleep quality among older adults.

My dissertation is about sleep quality and sleep disturbance in Korean American immigrant older adults. There’s already existing non-pharmacological interventions for sleep, but I would like to improve their implementation by accounting for cultural beliefs and practices regarding sleep.

So you were finding people are sometimes more open to treating the sleep problem, which can help with mental health?

Yes, and then, once I start a conversation about a sleep issue, patients become more open to addressing depression and anxiety. It’s a conversation like, “How do you sleep?” or “Do you sleep well?” And then they say, “I cannot fall asleep, my mind feels busy, I have many concerns.”

And then I suggest, “It seems that your sleep concern is coming from your mood. Can you talk to me about your mood?”

Then they’re more open to addressing their anxiety or depression. Also, they’re more likely to reveal their personal experiences. This approach is helpful when you need to start a conversation related to a mental health issue.

Could you briefly describe the project you’re doing with the de Tornyay Center Scholarship?

It’s a cross-sectional mixed-method study, designed to examine the association between socio- contextual, physical, and psychological factors and sleep disturbance in Korean immigrant older adults.

Through the interviews, I’m going to explore the role of sleep-related beliefs and sleep hygiene practices as potential correlates of sleep disturbance. I will also explore culturally informed beliefs or perceptions and behaviors related to sleep through qualitative content analysis.

What are some of the cultural considerations related to sleep for Korean Americans?

The most common thing is that Koreans often connect sleep and diligence. In Korean culture, short sleepers are often perceived as more diligent, whereas sleeping longer can be viewed as a sign of laziness. They feel guilty about napping because of this. Also, there is a strong cultural preference for traditional and natural remedies for sleep, such as warm teas, foot baths, moxibustion, herbal medicine, and meditation. Many Koreans tend to avoid sleep medications because they worry about potential dependence. Through interviews, I hope to better understand sleep beliefs and identify barriers to healthy sleep practices in this community.

Scholar Spotlight: Julia Lee

Julia Lee is a BSN student and the center’s 2025-2026 Germain Krysan Endowed Scholar. Her mentors are Basia Belza and Sarah McKiddy, and her scholarship project is on, “Incorporating Dementia-Inclusive Practices to Music-Based Memory Loss Programming in a Cross-Sector Partnership”.

Why did you choose to go into nursing?

Back in high school, I was in a volunteer program at a local hospital. Volunteering in the inpatient units, I realized that nurses were the people in the care team who got to form close relationships with their patients—walking alongside them through every step of their recovery journeys. That connection and trust was what I sought and wanted to provide in my healthcare career.

Did you have a background in healthcare work before starting your BSN program?

I’ve been working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for the past 3 years, starting in my freshman year of college. I’ve loved all the experiences that I’ve been able to gain as a CNA. I work mainly on an inpatient acute rehab unit while also floating to neuro and cardiovascular floors throughout the hospital campus. I work with a lot of older patients there, so that’s where my interest in healthy aging research really started to develop.

What interests you about healthy aging and working with older adults?

In my childhood, I was surrounded by a lot of older adults. There’s not many people in the younger generations in my immediate family, and so I spent a lot of time with my grandparents and other older adults in my family.

My grandparents have always been role models for me in terms of healthy aging. I wish that everybody in my generation had a couple of people who could be role models of healthy aging to them, to show them that aging can be beautiful, aging can be healthy, and aging can be something that is motivating and inspirational.

Right before starting college, my grandmother had a stroke. We were told that her prognosis wasn’t the best, that recovery would be difficult considering her old age. But my grandmother has always been healthy—sometimes I’d even joke that her and my grandfather were healthier than me. She fought and persevered through rehab, and now she’s back to walking a mile every day, going out with her friends, and writing me birthday cards filled with paragraphs of her sweet words and wisdom. She is one of kindest, smartest, healthiest people I know, and she continues to inspire me and my work every day.

Then of course, I started working in the acute rehab unit, and I was working with a lot of older people who had experienced a stroke or other neural injuries. I fell in love with the geriatric population even more. I love the older generation—their perseverance and resilience, their wisdom and rich life stories, and their kindness that shines through despite difficulty.

What’s the research project that you’re doing with the de Tornyay Center?

I’m working with PhD candidate Sarah McKiddy and Dr. Basia Belza, helping with Sarah’s dissertation creating music-based interventions for people living with dementia in the community. We are trying to establish a partnership between the Memory Hub, which is a dementia community center in Seattle, and the Seattle Chamber Music Society’s quartet-in-residence program, where a renowned quartet lives and engages with the Seattle community for 9 months. This year, the Balourdet Quartet has been living just a block away from the Memory Hub, making it a great opportunity for us to create that partnership to develop and offer music-based interventions for the people who come to the Memory Hub.

While you’ve been doing that work, has there been anything that surprised you?

The most surprising thing has been the process of doing qualitative research. I didn’t have prior knowledge about how qualitative data like interviews could be translated into the results that we get in research studies. But going through the process of transcribing focus groups, coding themes, and collaborating with different researchers to get new perspectives while eliminating bias has been really interesting to be a part of.

In terms of what I’ve been seeing in the research itself, doing this work has only confirmed the pre-existing notion that music can be really powerful—not just emotionally, but that it can be a way to possibly improve the health and quality of life of people.

What interested you about working on the project?

Aside from my interest in gerontology and healthy aging, music has always been a really big part of my life. I played violin for 8 years, my dad is a singer, and I have also sung ever since I can remember. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized how important music is to me. It forms part of my identity, but also it has such a big impact on how happy I am.

Sarah’s dissertation really intrigued me because I wanted to see if that could be translated to medical health. I know that music is important and can be impactful, but can it be something that makes a marked and measurable health impact?

Why is this research important to do?

There’s a need for more effective interventions for people living with dementia in the community. A lot of the negative manifestations of dementia, like agitation, distress, and depression, are currently treated through medications. These medications are often ineffective and can cause a lot of unwanted side effects. Music-based interventions have shown to help relieve or improve a lot of those negative symptoms without any side effects. Music has also shown potential to slow the progression of dementia.

This research is really promising and exciting, but most of the music-based interventions that have been studied have only been in institutionalized settings like in hospitals or care facilities. Most people living with dementia live in the community still, and so we need a way to bring those music-based interventions to them. Our project is aiming to do just that.

UW Healthy Aging Forum

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the UW Healthy Aging Forum. We appreciate your participation. There was an incredible amount of positive energy and rich connections at the forum. For anyone who did not have a chance to complete the paper evaluation, you can find the digital evaluation here to let us know your impressions by Monday, March 9th. If you’d like to review the program and presenters, you can find the digital program here.

Group of about 30 people — Healthy Aging Presenters

Carrying the Torch: Black Nurses Who Shaped the UW School of Nursing and the Future of Nursing, Part 3

In Part 3 of our Black History Month series, we culminate by honoring Verna Hill, a nurse, scholar, and community leader whose life reflects the enduring legacy of Black nurses in shaping the profession and expanding what care can look like.

In Part 1, the we recognized Black nurses whose leadership, advocacy, and mentorship strengthened both the profession and the UW community. Their work broke down barriers in education and practice, creating pathways for future generations while advancing more equitable models of care.

In Part 2, we looked further back, honoring Black nurses and caregivers who shaped nursing long before the profession fully opened its doors to them. From Civil War-era figures such as Sojourner Truth, Susie King Taylor, Harriet Tubman, and Lucy Higgs Nichols, to the “Black Angels” who provided critical care during the tuberculosis epidemic, these nurses practiced skilled, community-rooted care despite systemic exclusion and lack of formal recognition. Their contributions laid essential foundations for public health and health equity.

Now, in Part 3, we turn to Verna Hill’s story. Born in Hope, Arkansas in 1927, she carried hope not as an abstract idea, but as a daily practice. After navigating segregation and discrimination to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1954, she built a career spanning public health, mental health nursing, international health exchange, and mentorship. As a longtime leader in the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization, she invested in scholarships, advocacy, and community-building to ensure Black nurses would not walk alone.

Verna Hill’s life connects the throughline of this series: Black nurses have always shaped the profession—sometimes from the margins, often without recognition, but always with vision. Her legacy reminds us that nursing is not confined to clinical walls. It is the ongoing work of seeing who is left out and building what should exist.

Read the full story

Carrying the Torch: Black Nurses Who Shaped the UW School of Nursing and the Future of Nursing, Part 2

The leadership demonstrated by UW-affiliated nurses is rooted in a much longer national history shaped by Black women who practiced nursing long before the profession was formally accessible to them.

Civil War-era nurses such as Sojourner Truth, Susie King Taylor, Harriet Tubman, and Lucy Higgs Nichols provided skilled care to soldiers and civilians alike, laying early foundations for nursing practice in the United States. Later generations of community-based caregivers continued this work through public health nursing, midwifery, and clinical practice, often in the absence of legal recognition, professional credentials, or institutional support.

During public health emergencies, including the tuberculosis epidemic, Black nurses, referred to as the “Black Angels,” stepped into caregiving roles when others would not. They provided critical care within health systems that marginalized their labor and excluded their contributions from the historical record, underscoring the essential yet frequently unacknowledged role Black nurses played in advancing public health and health equity. We appreciate the opportunity to share their names and excerpts of their stories with our community.

Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first African American to graduate from an American nursing program in 1879. She worked to improve access and professional standards for African American nurses and was a co-founder of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses.

Adah Belle Thoms was a nurse, educator, and national leader whose advocacy challenged racial discrimination in nursing education and professional practice in the early 20th century. She served as acting director of nursing at Lincoln Hospital in New York and later became president of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN). Through her leadership and policy advocacy, Thoms worked to expand access to professional training and improve conditions for Black nurses nationwide.

Mabel Keaton Staupers was a nurse, organizer, and civil rights advocate whose leadership transformed opportunities for Black nurses in both civilian and military service. As executive secretary of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, she led successful campaigns to end racial discrimination in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and the Navy Nurse Corps during World War II. Her efforts opened pathways for Black nurses to serve, lead, and gain professional recognition within national health systems.

Betty Smith Williams was a public health nurse and educator who co-founded the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) in 1971 to address the exclusion of Black nurses from professional leadership and decision-making spaces. Through NBNA, Williams helped build a national network focused on mentorship, advocacy, and health equity, creating lasting opportunities for Black nurses to lead across clinical practice, education, research, and policy.

Together, these leaders laid the groundwork for greater inclusion in education, practice, and leadership that continue to influence nursing today.

Organization Spotlight

Black Nurses Rock
Black Nurses Rock is a dynamic community and movement celebrating Black excellence in nursing. Through social media campaigns, mentorship programs, and professional networking, they amplify the voices and achievements of Black nurses while inspiring students to enter the profession. The platform highlights contemporary Black nurse leaders, innovators, and advocates who are shaping the future of healthcare.

American Association for the History of Nursing – Black Nurse Pioneers
The AAHN preserves and shares the rich history of nursing, including dedicated resources on Black nurse pioneers who broke barriers and transformed healthcare. Their archives and educational materials document the contributions of trailblazers like Mary Eliza Mahoney (first Black professional nurse), Estelle Massey Osborne (first Black nursing faculty member at a major university), and many others whose courage and excellence paved the way for today’s diverse nursing workforce.

Carrying the Torch: Black Nurses Who Shaped the UW School of Nursing and the Future of Nursing, Part 1

During Black History Month, the University of Washington School of Nursing recognizes Black nurses whose contributions helped shape the profession and strengthen the UW community. Their work reflects a long history of leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and commitment to equitable care that continues to inform nursing education and practice today.

Long before Black nurses gained equitable access to nursing education, licensure, and leadership roles, they played essential roles in advancing health care and public health in the United States. Across generations, Black nurses provided care during public health crises and within communities facing limited access to medical services, often while working within segregated health and education systems that denied their access to formal training, professional recognition, and advancement. Highlighting these histories helps place today’s achievements within a larger story of leadership, service, and perseverance.

At the UW School of Nursing, their impact is part of the School’s history and its ongoing mission to prepare nurses who serve diverse communities.

First Black graduate of the University of Washington School of Nursing

Lela Duffel Morris, BSN ’48, was the first Black graduate of the University of Washington School of Nursing, completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1948. Her graduation represented a powerful breakthrough during an era when Black students were largely barred from access to nursing education through segregated systems and discriminatory policies nationwide.

Morris pursued a career in public health nursing, focusing on community health and improving access to care. Her presence at the School of Nursing helped expand opportunities for future students of diverse backgrounds and contributed to the School’s broader efforts to become more inclusive.

Founding member of the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization

Rachel Suggs Pitts, BSN ’56, was one of Seattle’s few Black nurses in the 1940s. She completed her nursing training at Brewster Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, before relocating to Seattle, where she worked at Harborview Hospital, one of the first in the region to hire Black nurses. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the UW School of Nursing in 1956.

Pitts was a founding member of the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization (MMPNO), established in 1949, which continues to nurture generations of nurses, expand professional opportunities, and advance public health services locally and regionally. Organizations such as MMPNO strengthened the profession by creating spaces for mentorship, leadership development, and collective advocacy, supporting Black nurses as they advanced clinical practice, education, and community health.

Deepened the UW School of Nursing’s engagement with anti-racism in nursing

Lois Price Spratlen, BSN ’76, served on the faculty of the University of Washington School of Nursing and held leadership roles focused on diversity, equity, and conflict resolution. She was appointed as UW Ombudsman for Sexual Harassment in 1982 and later served as University Ombudsman, becoming the first woman, first professional nurse, and first African American to hold that role.

Spratlen’s work extended across teaching, mediation, scholarship, and advocacy. She authored African American Registered Nurses in Seattle: The Struggle for Opportunity and Success, which documents the experiences of Black nurses in the region who provided skilled, compassionate care to Black patients and communities who were often dismissed, undertreated, or denied care within segregated health systems. As a leader within the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization, she helped to establish an endowment that supports student scholarships to this day.

Her commitment to mentorship, equity, and institutional change helped deepen the UW School of Nursing’s engagement with diversity and inclusion, leading to the development of the Manning Price Spratlen Center for Anti-Racism & Equity in Nursing (MPS CARE in Nursing), the nation’s first and only center dedicated to anti-racism in nursing. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and legacy.

Celebrate Black History Month in the Community

Upcoming Opportunities

Northwest African American Museum – ongoing exhibits and events, plus Black History Month programs, Coloring Outside the Lines

UW Tacoma – 100th Year Anniversary Event – BUILD Black History Month – A celebration of 100 years of Black History Month featuring keynote speaker Professor Luther Adams and Tacoma Poet Laureate Mari Griffin. Feb. 20, 1–4 p.m. at Washington State History Museum, Tacoma, WA (nearby UWT).

City of Bellevue and the Bellevue Arts Museum are partnering to host Melodies of the Diaspora: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month a special art exhibition honoring the 100th anniversary of Black History Month to the public. Visit both locations (check dates and times) to view an extensive collection of paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles and fashion. You can also register to attend a family-friendly opening or closing reception. All Feburary.

More opportunities

Organization Spotlight

National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)

Founded in 1971, the NBNA represents over 150,000 Black nurses across the United States. The organization is dedicated to advancing health equity, advocating for quality healthcare in underserved communities, and supporting the professional development of Black nurses. NBNA provides scholarships, leadership opportunities, and resources that empower the next generation of Black nursing professionals.

The HistoryMakers – Black Nurses Collection

The nation’s largest African American video oral history archive includes extensive interviews with pioneering Black nurses. These first-person narratives provide invaluable insight into the lived experiences of nurses who integrated hospitals, challenged discrimination, and advanced the profession.

UW Nursing Simulation Center Earns INACSL Endorsement for Excellence in Healthcare Simulation

SEATTLE — Feb. 6, 2026 — The University of Washington School of Nursing Simulation Center has earned the INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement™, awarded to programs that demonstrate excellence in evidence-based healthcare simulation education.

Granted by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), the endorsement recognizes simulation programs that consistently apply the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice®—a nationally recognized framework that guides simulation design in preparation and briefing, facilitation, professional integrity, and debriefing.

For UW Nursing, the endorsement affirms the central role simulation plays in preparing nurses to meet the realities of modern healthcare practice.

“High-quality simulation is essential to how we prepare nurses who are ready to lead in complex clinical environments,” said Executive Dean Hilaire Thompson. “This recognition reflects the expertise of our Simulation Center team and our responsibility to uphold the highest standards in nursing education.”

Preparing Nurses for Real-World Care

The UW School of Nursing Simulation Center supports learners across undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. Through immersive, learner-centered simulation experiences, students develop clinical judgment, teamwork, communication skills, and confidence in a safe and supportive environment—before entering real clinical settings.

Simulation scenarios are intentionally designed and grounded in evidence-based practices, allowing students to practice high-stakes decision-making, reflect during structured debriefings, and learn from both success and failure without risk to patients.

“This endorsement affirms the rigor and intention behind every simulation experience we design and facilitate,” said Dr. Nicola Contreras, Director of the Simulation Center. “From prebriefing to debriefing, our work is focused on building clinical judgment, confidence, and readiness that directly translates to patient care.”

A National Mark of Excellence

Earning the INACSL endorsement places the UW School of Nursing Simulation Center among a select group of programs recognized for excellence in healthcare simulation. It also reinforces UW Nursing’s leadership as a top-ranked nursing school committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and patient safety.

The Simulation Center will be formally recognized at the INASL Conference in June, where endorsed institutions are celebrated for their contributions to advancing simulation education.

As UW Nursing celebrates the 55th year of educating nurse practitioners, this recognition reflects both a strong foundation and a forward-looking commitment to preparing nurses and advanced practice nurses who will advance health equity, quality, and safety across Washington state and beyond.

Learn more about the UW School of Nursing Simulation Center:

Learn more

Advancing Person-Centered Tuberculosis Care with AI

Tuberculosis (TB) is still the world’s leading infectious killer. Each year, more than 10 million people get sick with TB and over 1 million people die from it. Even though TB can be prevented and cured, many people struggle to finish the long treatment. Stigma, limited access to patient-centered care, and overburdened health systems make it harder for people to take their medicine every day for the six to nine months needed for treatment.

Mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, affect up to 70% of people receiving TB treatment and make staying on treatment even more difficult. Very few tools exist that support both mental health and TB treatment, especially in settings with limited resources.

TB Treatment Support Tools Intervention Graphic — TB Treatment Support Tools Intervention

To help address these problems, our team developed the TB Treatment Support Tools (TB-TST). This digital health intervention was built with input from TB survivors and frontline providers and was supported in part by the School of Nursing RIFP (Suzanne E. Van Hooser funds, 2017). TB-TST includes patient-friendly TB education, tools for tracking medications and side effects, a home urine test to check treatment progress, messaging with treatment supporters, and a dashboard for healthcare teams. We tested TB-TST in an NIH-funded clinical trial across four public hospitals in Argentina, where more than 60% of the country’s TB cases are treated. TB-TST improved important outcomes such as treatment completion and cure rates. The study also showed the patients wanted more real-time support, especially after clinic hours, and more help with mental health.

Human-in-the-loop approach graphic — Human-in-the-loop approach

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may help meet these needs by giving patients support anytime, even when clinics are closed, and by helping healthcare teams that are already stretched thin. With support from RIFP (Van Hooser Research Fund, 2024) and the UW Dawg Tank award, and in

collaboration with computer scientists and students from the UW Responsible Health AI Lab, we created Spanish-language large language model (LLM) chatbots to answer patient questions, give quick advice, and provide clear supportive messages. In the first phase of the project, we built and tested several chatbots versions.

TB experts then evaluated the chatbots and found that they were accurate and helpful in answering common patient questions. They also pointed out areas that could be improved, like reducing technical language and making sure the chatbots clearly explain the differences between active TB and latent TB.

RIFP partial team group photo — Photo of a partial team get together June 2025: Front (L-R) Taryn Amberson*, Yvette Rodriguez, Shubhi Jain, Weichao Yuwen, Jennifer Sprecher; Middle (L-R) Charles Kwanin, Priscilla Carmiol-Rodriguez, Kathleen Ashbaker, Sarah Iribarren*, Alfie Vidrio, Enrique Liang, Glen Sprecher; Back (L-R) Daniil Filienko, Thomas Bombach, Steve Iribarren
*=Doctoral student in Health Administration; Dr. Iribarren serves as a committee member

We are now improving the AI tools. We are strengthening the TB education feature and adding a skills-based program. This program teaches strategies to help patients manage stress, regulate emotions, and communicate better with their healthcare providers. Because many people with TB experience stigma, guilt, or

shame, skills like mindfulness, acceptance, and healthy communication can help reduce anxiety and depression during treatment. Soon, we will invite TB and mental health experts to evaluate the updated tools.

Our hope is that by combining accurate TB information, mental health support, and real-time help, we can make TB treatment easier to complete and more centered on patients’ needs.

Finding Signal in the Noise: Curiosity and the Quest for Truth

Knowledge isn’t free-you have to pay attention.

Prof. Richard FeynmanNobel Prize Winner, American theoretical physicist

I was not a very good high school student. While I have always loved reading, I definitely lacked the discipline and focus required to get good grades in a public high school in the 1990’s. Distracted by the many joys, adventures, and challenges of adolescence, I graduated from Canfield High School with a solid with 3.1 GPA having repeated freshman algebra my junior year. An unremarkable student, there was nothing in my early years to indicate that I would eventually go on to have the academic career that I have been so very blessed with. But that is the power of American public education; a mediocre mid-western student can find her passion as an undergraduate B1G student and go on to become a leading nurse scientist …ahem…years later.

My teenage image of a scientist was someone in a white lab coat, serendipitously making discoveries that lead to human progress. However, during college -through dedicated and graduated mentorship- I learned that scientific research is an intrinsically deep and inter-connected process; a vehicle for those who understand the power of asking and answering questions to improve the human condition. These mentors helped me fall in love with science and to learn the skills to truly distinguish a real scientific signal against the noise.

Three pears painting by Paul Cezanne. A still-life painting of three green pears on a muted brown surface, with two pears standing upright and one lying on its side. The brushstrokes are textured and impressionistic, giving the fruit a soft, natural appearance. — Three Pears by Paul Cezanne, 1878/1879

How humans understand what is true in the natural, social, applied world around us has rarely been clouded by so much noise. The volume, speed, and exquisite tailoring of misinformation about our world are unparalleled. Yet the foundations of distinguishing an important signal from background noise – rigor and replicability – remain just as they did in Aristotle’s age.

According to Merriam Webster, rigor has five definitions. The one that characterizes the scientific method is that of “strict precision and exactness”. Dating back to antiquity, rigorous empirical evidence relied on exacting research methods to determine truth in the natural world. The highest form of rigor is the systematic recording of direct observation- seeing and reporting the phenomenon happen over and again. It is telling that some of the earliest examples of scientific observation, analysis, inference, and implications of data pertain to human health and illness. Precisely described observation to inform healthcare has not only existed but has been the standard of healthcare for millennia.

Replicability is often an underappreciated foundation of how science uncovers truth—it is the capacity to arrive at consistent answers when we ask the same question again and again. Consider something as common as, How does exercise affect physical function? Demonstrating that exercise improves function across ages, genders, municipalities, vocations, and socioeconomic contexts, does not happen by chance. It requires hard work, diligence, humility, and an unwavering commitment to scientific investigation. While entire research careers may be devoted to replicating and refining scientific findings, it is the subtle patterns, the careful confirmations, and the threads of evidence woven across studies, laboratories, and continents that quietly propel healthcare progress forward. In the end, truth is rarely revealed in a single moment—it is built, patiently and collectively, through collaborative science that chooses rigor over convenience and curiosity over certainty.

One of the earliest and most persistent questions children ask is simply, why? And believe me, for parents juggling full schedules, that question is often exhausting. Yet it is also a powerful reminder of something fundamental: we are, by nature, curious beings, driven to make sense of the world and to seek what is true. To reveal that truth, we must cut through the noise, the distraction, the fear of failure, and blinding hubris. Knowledge, after all, isn’t free—you have to pay careful and consistent attention to the world around us.

Somewhere along the way, many of us began to think of science as something distant or exclusive, reserved for people in lab coats with advanced degrees; we relegated truth-seeking to them. However, the fact is that science begins with simple, pure curiosity. The inflection point is often a “what if” or a “why” moment that leads us to applying rigor and replicability in our quest for understanding. In the end, when we choose curiosity over certainty and rigor and replicability over noise, we create a world where truth cannot only be found- but understood by all.

UW Nursing Doctoral Student Awarded Phyllis Gutiérrez-Kenney Fellowship

Rosario Jazmin Ruiz Gonzalez, a second-year Doctor of Nursing Practice student at the UW School of Nursing specializing in Population Health and Systems Leadership, has been selected for the Latino Center for Health’s 7th Annual Phyllis Gutiérrez-Kenney Graduate Student Scholars Fellowship Program.

Established in 2019 and renamed in honor of former Washington State Representative Phyllis Gutiérrez-Kenney, the fellowship addresses the critical shortage of bilingual and bicultural health professionals in Washington state. The program provides $5,000 in funding to each scholar and brings together an interdisciplinary cohort of up to 16 graduate students from universities across Washington.

Beyond financial support, the fellowship offers mentorship opportunities with faculty and community leaders, professional development through research presentations and workshops, and the chance to build a statewide network of peers committed to advancing Latinx health equity. Over its six-year history, the program has supported approximately 72 graduate student scholars, investing over $390,500 in developing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and raised in Yakima, Washington, Ruiz Gonzalez earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Heritage University in 2023. Her experiences interpreting for her parents and witnessing health disparities in her Latine community inspired her commitment to creating more equitable healthcare systems.

Through the fellowship, Ruiz Gonzalez will participate in collaborative learning and professional development activities between January and May 2026. She aspires to return to the Yakima Valley as a nursing professor, empowering the next generation of nurses to advocate for underserved communities, continuing UW School of Nursing’s commitment to advancing health equity across Washington state.

Happy New Year Husky Scholars!

Happy New Year, Husky Scholars! We hope your 2026 is off to a great start. As you set goals for the year—whether personal or professional—remember that the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation is here to help you achieve your research ambitions. From planning and submitting grants to sharing your science on global stages and navigating post-award requirements, we’ve got you covered. Big (and manageable) changes are coming in 2026—new internal deadlines, updated NIH biosketch formats, WA-mandated diversity in clinical reporting, and research security training—so early planning is key. Whatever your resolutions, we are excited to be your partner in turning them into research success.

Grant Submissions in 2026: What You Need to Know

While submitting new research grant proposals is our most well-known service, institutional, state and federal changes necessitate early planning and outreach to our pre-award team. Big changes are here—new internal deadlines, updated NIH biosketch formats, diversity reporting, and research security training requirements mean early planning is essential. If you’re a PI, Co-Investigator, or Key Personnel on any proposal due after Jan 24, 2026, start your new biosketch now—it combines NSF and NIH formats and includes a certification against foreign talent recruitment. Clinical trials submitted after Jan 1, 2026 must meet UW’s Diversity in Clinical Trials reporting standards, and NIH now requires Research Security Training for senior/key personnel within 12 months of submission. The good news? Our same outstanding pre-award team is ready to help you navigate every step.

Sharing Your Science: We’ve Got You Covered
Presenting your research is just as important as conducting it—and we offer practical ways to help you share your work widely. Beyond guidance on abstracts and manuscripts, we provide travel funding for UW School of Nursing Seattle faculty members to support conference presentations- last year we awarded almost a dozen faculty members to attend scientific meetings around the globe. We also provide opportunities to showcase your findings at our monthly Lunch & Learn sessions, and a chance to reach the broader UW School of Nursing community through a featured column in our newsletter. These platforms amplify your impact, connect you with peers, and ensure your science reaches the audiences who need it most. Let us help you turn your research findings into healthcare influence. For questions about any of these ONR&I services, please contact us.

Post-Award Support: Keeping Your Project on Track
We know many of you are anticipating your first NOA in the coming year. That should, and will be celebrated by all of our team. However, securing extramural research funding is just the beginning—successful projects need strong follow-through to ensure that all promised project milestones are met. Our ONR&I post-award services go beyond technical support for budgets and project management. We provide a rigorous progress reporting process to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations, maintain accountability for pre-determined milestones, and offer tailored assistance for early-stage investigators or new investigators. Whether it’s navigating reporting requirements or troubleshooting challenges, we’re here to make sure your research stays on track and meets every obligation. With our team’s guidance, you can focus on the science while we handle the details that keep your project moving forward.

As we step into 2026, remember that resolutions aren’t just for personal goals—they can transform your research journey too. Whether you’re planning your first grant submission, preparing to share your findings on a global stage, or navigating the complexities of post-award compliance, you’re not alone. The Office for Nursing Research & Innovation remains your committed and enthusiastic partner, ready to guide, troubleshoot, and celebrate every milestone with you. So, as you set your sights on new research achievements this year, know that we’re here to make those ambitions possible—because when our Husky Scholars thrive, so does the future of nursing research.

Seasons of Change

There are many words can describe the state of research over the past year, but the one that seems most apt is change. No matter how it’s explored, this year the American Research Enterprise—including in our own warm, sunny little corner of the Magnuson Health Science Building— was a year of immense, rapid, and often stunning change. Clearly those of us who support the UW School of Nursing research mission were not the only people feeling this way; as when we reflect back on our most read Notes on Nursing Research & Innovation columns this year the theme of change—anticipating it, preparing for it, acclimating to it, and seizing the opportunity it brings—was evident in our dear readers’ analytics.

When launching our Weekly Research Roundup in early January, we reminded our community that nurses, at our very core, are among the most innovative, creative, caring, and tenacious healthcare professionals. We shared with the UW School of Nursing and our allies that the science incubated in our walls is driven by our dedication to serving our fellow humans in their most vulnerable moments and that the resulting discoveries have transformed the lives of many. We were, are, and (I believe) will continue to be limitless when guided by that north star. Read more about the remarkable work driving nursing innovation in our #5 -read column of the year: Limitless.

The future of nursing science remains strong and full of promise, reflected in the five post-doctoral fellows who joined the UW School of Nursing scientific community this year. Driven by their voracious curiosity, these scholars are tackling critical questions spanning chronic illness, global health, and One Health. Our feature on these incredible individuals ranked as the #4 most-read column of 2025. Take a moment to be inspired by their rigorous and highly relevant research here.

Women’s health has always been a cornerstone of the UW School of Nursing’s scientific mission. This year, as the importance of that work faced scrutiny, our community didn’t waver—we doubled down. We reaffirmed our commitment to advancing the health of all women through rigorous science, because we know this truth: when we invest in women’s health, everyone benefits. Dive into our #3 most-read story, part one of a powerful two-part series, right here.

One of the changes that we expected this year was an update to the NIH grant review framework. The NIH Center for Scientific Review had been undertaking a monumental, multi-year effort to revise its grant review criteria to reflect an emphasis on fairness, clarity, and scientific impact expected in all reviews and proposals. Good grantsmanship has always necessitated that grant applicants carefully and compellingly explain why their proposals will achieve the priorities of the sponsor. Our community was clearly curious about these new changes to peer review and how they would impact their own proposals. To learn more about these changes, their implications for applicants, and how the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation can help you integrate these changes into your proposal, check out our #2 story this year: Demystifying the NIH’s Simplified Review Framework: What You Need to Know.

Few topics sparked as much conversation this year as NIH’s unexpected policy shift: a new cap on grant submissions. While the idea had circulated for years, the official announcement came as a surprise to many: starting January 2026, investigators can submit no more than six new, renewal, resubmission, or revision applications per calendar year. This change isn’t just procedural, it’s strategic. Researchers will need to rethink how and when they submit proposals, ensuring every application carries a clear purpose and impact. Adding to the buzz, NIH also signaled heightened scrutiny of artificial intelligence (AI) in grant writing, warning that AI-generated applications may be deemed non-compliant. Our community sees this as more than a limitation, it’s an opportunity to elevate the quality and value of every submission. Explore our most-read article of 2025 to learn what this means for investigators: What the New NIH Grant Submission Cap Means for Researchers.

As we close out 2025, we’d also like to take a moment to thank our many, many guest columnists this year; the entire Office for Nursing Research & Innovation team (particularly Erlene, Candy, & Sarah) who ensure that the Weekly Research Roundup reflects our unit’s commitment to excellence each and every week; and you, our dear, and mostly gentle, readers. Each week when you read our newsletter, you engage with and help to build our strong community of scholars in both small and big ways. Thank you. Thank you for your support, your creativity, your energy, your resilience, and your steadfast belief that science can be a powerful force for good.

Building Bridges: How Partnerships Drive Pediatric Nursing Research Excellence

“With rare exceptions, all of your most important achievements on this planet will come from working with others—or, in a word, partnership.” – Paul Farmer

At the University of Washington School of Nursing, we know that advancing health outcomes for all children requires more than academic rigor—it demands deep, committed and reciprocal collaboration. Our November 13 Lunch & Learn with Drs. Debra Ridling and Elaine Walsh of the Seattle Children’s Center for Pediatric Nursing Research (CPNR) showcased exactly why academic-clinical research partnerships are not just beneficial, but essential for shaping the future of nursing science.

Why Partnerships Matter
The Seattle Children’s Center for Pediatric Nursing Research exemplifies a model where research is woven into the fabric of clinical nursing care. Their mission is clear: to advance equitable pediatric health outcomes through innovative, nurse-led research. This is not research for research’s sake—it is research that transforms practice, improves patient and family experiences, and addresses pressing health disparities. By leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations, CPNR fosters a culture of inquiry that empowers nurses at every career stage to lead studies and disseminate findings.

For UW School of Nursing faculty and students, this partnership opens doors to real-world impact. From onboarding processes that integrate our BSN, DNP, and PhD students into clinical research teams, to mentoring opportunities with nurse scientists, the collaboration ensures that academic learning translates into bedside innovation. This synergy strengthens both institutions: clinical partners gain access to cutting-edge evidence-based practices, while UW scholars engage in research that is deeply relevant to patient care.

A Model of Innovation and Impact
Though only one small measure of impact, their metrics speak volumes. Since 2014, CPNR has funded 71 grants, supported dozens of research projects, and published over 20 peer-reviewed articles. These studies are not abstract—they tackle urgent acute care pediatric questions. For example, research on temperature measurement in critically ill neonates informs safer monitoring practices in NICUs. Investigations into sleep-disordered breathing in children with Down syndrome highlight the need for early diagnosis and intervention. Projects addressing care coordination for rural infants with complex heart disease underscore the importance of equity in access to specialized care.

These are exactly the kinds of inquiries that change lives and they have inspired many early career investigators to pursue research studies in this setting. They also illustrate why our UW School of Nursing strategic priority to “increase research productivity and impact” must include robust, trusting and reciprocal clinical partnerships. When research derives directly from the realities of patient care, its relevance and adoption accelerate.

Creating Pathways for Future Scholars
Another hallmark of this model is its commitment to developing nurse scientists. Through generous intramural grants, academic partnerships, and fellowship programs, CPNR invests in the next generation of researchers. Nine RNs have enrolled in or completed PhD or postdoctoral training, and faculty from University of Washington and other institutions actively collaborate on projects. This pipeline ensures that nursing research remains dynamic, diverse, and responsive to evolving health needs.

Looking Ahead
The future is bright—and ambitious. CPNR’s strategic plan includes funding for three dedicated nurse scientists, innovation projects with potential for commercialization, and expanded academic-clinical partnerships. Engaging in these initiatives could help to positioning this partnership as leaders in translational research and equity-driven care.

Why This Matters for UW
This partnership is more than a collaboration; it is a blueprint for how nursing schools can amplify their impact. By aligning with clinical partners who share our values of compassion, excellence, and innovation, we create a research ecosystem where ideas move swiftly from theory to practice. Together, we are not only advancing science—we are improving lives.

As we reflect on this session, one message stands out: when academia and clinical practice unite, the possibilities for discovery and transformation are limitless. For UW School of Nursing, this is not just an opportunity—it is a responsibility. And with partners like Seattle Children’s, we are ready to lead the way. To learn more about how to engage in research with Seattle Children’s Center for Pediatric Nursing Research, please feel free to reach out to the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation and we’ll be happy to help you navigate the opportunities.

Congratulations to Inthira Roopsawang

Congratulations to former de Tornyay Center scholar Inthira Roopsawang for receiving a second-place research award at the Second International Nursing Research Conference for her work on, “”Frailty measurements in hospitalised orthopaedic populations age 65 and older: A scoping review”!

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Oleg, Dr. Basia, and Dr. Hilaire, Dean of the UW School of Nursing, for their invaluable support and contributions, which significantly enhanced the quality and relevance of this study for practical application in nursing society,” said Roopsawang. The competitive award was selected from over 20 studies submitted for consideration.

Honoring Nurses and Nursing Science in the Global HIV Response

December 1 marked World AIDS Day – a time to honor more than 44 million lives lost to HIV and reflect on the progress that transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic health condition. It is also a day to reaffirm our commitment to ensure no one is left behind in the global HIV response.

The World Health Organization’s 2025 Worlds AIDS Day theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” calls for bold leadership, global collaboration, and a steadfast focus on human rights to end AIDS by 2030. Nurses stand at the forefront of making this vision a reality.

UW School of Nursing attendees at the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Philadelphia, PA. Nov 2025

From the earliest days of the HIV epidemic, nurses led the way. Nurses provided direct care to individuals experiencing stigma, fear, and uncertainty. The powerful documentary film 5B shows how trailblazing nurses and caregivers opened the first AIDS ward in the world in San Francisco, fighting for compassion and better care. They designed, nurse-led HIV care models expand treatment capacity and improve quality of care, especially where physician shortages persist. The Association of Nurses in AIDS Care carries on this legacy by uniting HIV nurses, advancing evidence-based practice, and championing the voices of people most affected by HIV.

Nursing scientists continue to drive innovation in HIV prevention and care. They study how to ensure that proven interventions reach every person who needs them. They expand access to HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and antiretroviral therapy by designing programs rooted in diverse lived experiences. Nurses create solutions in partnership with communities that support real-world needs while strengthening trust and dignity in care. Nursing research also supports healthy aging for people living with HIV by addressing long-term wellness, chronic disease prevention, and quality of life across the lifespan .

HIV research has changed more than HIV care. It led to breakthroughs in cancer treatment, helped create mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, and informed tools to fight hepatitis, Ebola, and other global health threats. Work at UW, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and partner institutions shows how HIV science strengthens health care everywhere

On World AIDS Day, we honor the communities leading the HIV response, remember those we’ve lost to HIV, and thank the scientists, nurses, and care teams who work every day to improve the lives of those affected by HIV. Their efforts not only improves HIV outcomes but also sparks discoveries that benefit healthcare as a whole.

Despite tremendous progress, HIV remains a major global health challenge. We must keep investing in HIV research and programs that advance health for all. Our collective goal remains clear: deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to every person– with no one left behind.

January 2026 de Tornyay Center Recent Research News

PhD in Nursing Science candidate Sarah McKiddy received an Osher Center grant on “A PRISM-Guided Planning Study for Co-Designing a Novel Partnership for Music-Based Memory Loss Programming in a Community Setting.” The grant will support McKiddy in exploring the creation of a partnership between a local organization, the Memory Hub, and the Seattle Chamber Music Society’s string quartet-in-residence.
Center director Basia Belza and Sarah McKiddy received a Music Man Foundation grant “to lead a study that builds a partnership between a performing arts organization and a dementia-focused community center to provide music programs for elders living with memory loss.” Read more on the Music man Foundation website.
Barak Gaster, UW Medicine Professor, published an editorial on, “Bringing Cognitive Assessment to the Front Lines of Primary Care”. The article mentions a paper co-authored with center director Basia Belza and PhD in Nursing Science candidate Sarah McKiddy.

2025 – 2026 de Tornyay Center Healthy Aging Scholars

The de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging is thrilled to welcome a new cohort of healthy aging scholars!

PHD SCHOLARSHIPS:

Suah Park, Healthy Aging Doctoral Research Scholar

Topic: Socio-contextual, Physical, and Psychological Factors Associated with Sleep Disturbances Among Korean Immigrant Older Adults: A Mixed Methods Study

Faculty mentor: Eeeseung Byun, PhD, RN

Zih-Ling Wang, Healthy Aging Doctoral Research Scholar

Topic: Beyond the Plate: A Multi-Methods Investigation of Mealtime Experiences and Modeling Independence in Eating in Dementia Care

Faculty mentor: Basia Belza

Hyunhae Lee, Healthy Aging Doctoral Research Scholar

Topic: Lifestyle Features and Longevity beyond Blue Zones: A Mixed-Method Study with Pragmatic Grounded Theory Analysis

Faculty mentor: Kerry Reding

Yanjing Liang, Myrene McAninch Endowed Scholar

Topic: Culturally Adapted, Translation, and Revision of Readiness for Aging Scale

Faculty mentor: Basia Belza

Wenting Peng, Healthy Aging Doctoral Research Scholar

Topic: Patterns of Digital Technology Use and Their Associations with Social Isolation and Loneliness among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A longitudinal study

Faculty mentor: Basia Belza

Hongyu Yu, Healthy Aging Doctoral Research Scholar

Topic: Understanding Facilitators, Barriers, Scalability and Sustainability of the Women’s Health Initiative Strong and Healthy Pragmatic Physical Activity Intervention for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: A CFIR-Guided Inquiry

Faculty mentors: Kerry Reding and Sarah Gimbel

DNP SCHOLARSHIPS:

Michelle Thomas, Healthy Aging Doctoral Research Scholar

Topic: Improving Timely Colonoscopy Follow-up after Abnormal Fecal Immunochemical Test Results in the Veteran Population

Agency mentor: Katherine Murrow; Faculty mentor: Brenda Zierler

Lydia Rose Downs, Healthy Aging Doctoral Research Scholar

Topic: Enhancing Education on Post-Intensive Care Syndrome: A Nurse-Led Quality Improvement Initiative in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit at Harborview Medical Center

Faculty mentors: Kristine McGlennen, Maya Elias

Chiayu Chen, Healthy Aging Doctoral Research Scholar

Topic: Support Transitions Between Levels of Care at Northaven

Faculty mentors: Jamie Young

UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS:

Chad Cheldelin, Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholar

Topic: Health outcomes in the perioperative period of patients undergoing ostomy surgery in terms of cognition, delirium, and anxiety.

Faculty Mentor: Kendra Kamp

Fiza Noman, Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholar

Topic: Unwrapping Bias: Addressing Ageism Towards Older Adults Alongside Racism in Nursing Textbooks to Advance Inclusive Education and Promote Healthy Aging.

Faculty Mentor: Bethany Rolfe Witham

Delina Mesfin Berhe, Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholar

Topic: Exploring Factors Associated with the Use of Physical and Chemical Restraints in Hospitalized Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

Faculty Mentor: Maya Elias

Julia Lee, Germain Krysan Endowed Scholar

Topic: Incorporating Dementia-Inclusive Practices to Music-Based Memory Loss Programming in a Cross-Sector Partnership

Faculty Mentor: Basia Belza and Sarah McKiddy

Christina Tran, Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholar

Topic: Social Determinants of Health, Inflammation, and Sleep Disturbances in Older Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Survivors

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Eeeseung Byun

Amber Beeson, Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholar

Topic: Analyzing musician perspectives in co-designing music-based memory loss programming

Faculty Mentor: Basia Belza & Sarah McKiddy

Scholar Spotlight: Yuni Chung

Yuni Chung is a UW School of Nursing PhD in Nursing Science student and one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s predoctoral scholars.

What drew you to nursing?

When I was a middle school student, my grandmother developed Parkinson’s disease. She needed assistance, so I was responsible for helping her with activities of daily living. I thought it was very valuable to take care of somebody, so I wanted to become a nurse after that.

What interests you about healthy aging?

I worked on a respiratory medicine ward, where many of the patients were older adults living with chronic respiratory conditions and other comorbidities. A lot of them struggled to change their lifestyle and unhealthy behaviors. After discharge, they often returned to the hospital because it was difficult to manage their symptoms and health at home.

These experiences led me to become interested in chronic disease management and in improving care, especially among older adults. I believe digital interventions can be one way to support healthy aging and better self-management, so I am interested in digital health care and digital technologies.

What do you find most interesting about digital intervention research?

I was always curious about ways to get people to adhere to a digital intervention over the long term. At first, people find it very interesting to use apps or digital devices to manage their health, but eventually they lose interest and they drop out. So, I’m curious to find out how to make them stick to that intervention for a prolonged time.

I did a prior literature search. Small monetary incentives were very effective, but we have limited funding and limited time, so I hope I can find another method.

What made you want to transition from clinical practice to research?

Even in clinical settings, there is a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, and there were opportunities to participate in research. But as a clinical nurse, I was too busy to fully engage in research projects. I realized I needed dedicated time to focus on research, which is why I decided to pursue a master’s degree in nursing. During my master’s program, I decided to transition my career from clinical practice to research.

At first, I assumed that older adults would have lower levels of digital literacy than younger patients, so I conducted a study comparing digital health literacy between younger and older patients. Surprisingly, their levels were similar. This finding made me think that digital interventions could also be feasible for older adults.

What did you like about your research experience in your master’s program?

It was interesting to use what I learned in class to an actual research setting, recruiting the participants, and using statistical software to analyze my data. And when my first article was published, it was very rewarding.

What part of publishing an article did you find most rewarding?

No single research study is perfect. Many research papers stack together to build a single piece of knowledge. I was happy that I could contribute to that stack of papers.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I was born and raised in Korea, and although I learned English, this is my first time using it so intensively. I am trying to adapt quickly to academic life and daily life in the United States.

I am also excited to meet people from very diverse backgrounds. In Korea, many people share relatively similar experiences and social contexts. Here, I can meet people from many different places and perspectives, and I feel that this helps me broaden my own perspective as a person and as a nurse scientist.

A Year of Growth at the Digital Health Innovation Hub

The Hub is gaining recognition from peer institutions and professional organizations, shining a brighter spotlight on the importance of nurse-led digital health innovation

This past year has been an incredible ride for the Digital Health Innovation Hub. When we launched, the goal was simple: build a space where education, research, and clinical innovation could truly come together. Looking back, it feels like we’re well on our way.

On the education side, we hosted our first series of Fireside Chats featuring nurse innovators who are reshaping patient-centered care. We welcomed trailblazers like Elena Bosque, ARNP, MS, PhD from Seattle Children’s, winner of the 2024 NurseHack4Health Pitch-A-Thon and a leader in AI solutions for peripheral IV failure, and Jo Masterson, RN, MBA, CEO of 2Morrow, whose work expands access to evidence-based digital health tools. They shared honest, energizing stories about entrepreneurship and the realities of bringing nurse-led ideas into the world. These sessions sparked meaningful conversations across students, faculty, staff, and our broader community. We’re already gearing up for our next chat this winter and our inaugural AI Summit in the spring, where national nursing voices in AI will take the stage. Stay tuned.

On the research front, the Hub has quickly become a go-to resource. We offered seed funding for teams working with new tools and technologies, provided hands-on consultation for students and faculty exploring tech-enabled approaches, and even secured support from several major tech partners. (Details coming soon once the embargo lifts!)

Clinically, we were excited to support several nurse-led small-business collaborations, including a team developing practical, scalable tools to improve inpatient critical care. One standout project tackled IV-line entanglement with a low-cost, tech-forward design, a simple but meaningful fix to a daily clinical challenge.

And the word is getting out. Nationally, the Hub is gaining recognition from peer institutions and professional organizations, shining a brighter spotlight on the importance of nurse-led digital health innovation.

All in all, it’s been an inspiring start — and we’re just warming up. The energy and creativity across our community make me confident that momentum will only grow from here, empowering nurses to lead the next wave of health-tech innovation.

Oleg Zaslavsky

Associate Professor
Director , Digital Health Innovation Hub
Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Informatics

Nurse Practitioner Week 2025

Celebrating Nurse Practitioner Week: November 9–15, 2025

This week, we join healthcare organizations across the nation in honoring Nurse Practitioner Week — a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of nurse practitioners (NPs) who play a vital role in delivering quality healthcare to our communities.

A Legacy of Excellence
For over 60 years, nurse practitioners have been delivering trusted care across America. Today, more than 461,000 NPs provide nearly 1 billion patient visits annually, serving as advanced practice registered nurses who deliver comprehensive healthcare services — from diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions to prescribing medications and coordinating patient care. With their unique blend of clinical expertise and holistic approach to patient wellness, NPs have become essential pillars of our healthcare system.

Making a Difference Every Day
Whether working in primary care, specialty practices, hospitals, or community clinics, nurse practitioners are often the first point of contact for patients seeking care. They build lasting relationships with their patients, taking time to listen, educate, and empower individuals to take charge of their health. In underserved areas, NPs frequently fill critical gaps in healthcare access, ensuring that all communities receive the care they deserve.

A Well-Earned Recognition
National Nurse Practitioner Week is held annually not only to celebrate these exceptional healthcare providers, but also to remind lawmakers of the importance of removing outdated barriers to practice. When NPs are allowed to practice to the full extent of their experience and education, communities benefit from increased access to high-quality, patient-centered care.

During this special week, we celebrate the clinical skills, knowledge, compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to patient advocacy that nurse practitioners bring to their work. They balance the science of medicine with the art of healing, making a profound difference in countless lives every single day.

Our Commitment to Excellence
Our Doctor of Nursing Practice program is proud to be part of this 60+ year legacy. For over 20 years, we’ve educated and trained exceptional nurses to become NPs who make community care accessible and local. Our graduates serve as integral leaders in diverse healthcare settings, translating leading-edge research into better patient outcomes and ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every corner of our communities.

To all the nurse practitioners out there: Thank you. Your expertise, empathy, and tireless efforts do not go unnoticed. This week and every week, we honor your commitment to excellence in healthcare.

Join us in celebrating the NPs in your life by sharing your appreciation and gratitude during Nurse Practitioner Week on our social media posts.

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The Mighty Pen

Research funding is having a moment. The future state of our research enterprise has dominated discussions in many Schools of Nursing nationally. However, in talking with early and mid-career researchers I have been struck by how paralyzing the related anxiety has been to many. While understandable, this paralysis is not insurmountable. There is always a degree of uncertainty with research funding, however it’s also important to lean into the other, less prominent side of research – disseminating our results.

I’ve written a few manuscripts during my career, and I know it can be tempting to think that scientific writing comes easy to full professors. When I hear this sentiment from my mentees, I often share with them the story of my undergraduate thesis defense. After defending the thesis, I spent two years researching and writing, my committee told me I indeed passed and would graduate with honors. Then they kindly, but firmly, told me that my writing needed work and I needed to focus on developing it if I was ever going to have a scientific career. As painful as it was to hear that at the time; it was a fair critique and one that forced me to learn how to write. It was hard process, and I want to share a few tips that I’ve learned to help me write better scientific manuscripts.

Don’t start with a blank page. Staring at a blank page can be intimidating—even for experienced writers. Instead of diving right into drafting your manuscript, start by outlining your ideas, writing a clear purpose statement, copying over your methods section (which you should edit later), and mocking up your tables and figures. These guideposts provide structure and motivation, making the writing process less overwhelming. As your manuscript evolves, revisit and revise these elements often to improve its clarity and focus.

Read. A. Lot. – Making time to read can become increasingly difficult as academic demands grow. More meetings, more courses, more travel, more emails. While cliff notes have been around for decades, with technology it’s easier than ever to just ask the computer to summarize the literature on a given topic, rather than reading the systematic reviews and original sources yourself. But the process of reading and thinking about the literature is what allows one to engage in the most important thing in science- ask questions that lead to answers to help improve the human experience. Protect time to read and explore widely.

Write with friends. One of the best parts of being a nurse scientist is writing with friends. Collaboration brings fresh energy, new ideas, and broader perspective—and when it’s working well, that generosity flows both ways. Whether drafting a manuscript or revising a grant proposal, writing alongside trusted colleagues makes the process more productive and enjoyable. If you have not experienced this yet, consider forming a writing group, building cross-disciplinary partnerships, organizing a writing retreat, or setting up regular writing accountability calls. Invite constructive feedback, share your drafts early, and be open to critique. Scholarship and scientific progress thrive in community—and writing with friends is one of the best ways to keep momentum strong.

Train your writing muscle. Writing is a discipline—one that grows through practice, feedback, failure, and persistence. With so many demands and distractions during the workday, carving out time to write isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Protecting regular time to write is how we build the muscle that sustains scholarly productivity.

Many of us became nurse scientists because we’re energized by the process of thinking deeply about complex issues that impact human health. Writing, revising, resubmitting, and revising manuscripts again and again are not just tasks to be checked off a list—they are a form of intellectual engagement. It is the process by which ideas sharpen, arguments evolve, and science moves forward. Schedule your writing. Block the time needed and fiercely protect it. Writing is where your science will find its voice.

There are many great resources to help nurse scholars with writing manuscripts. A few that we often refer people to are the Writer’s Camp by legendary nurse scholar Leslie Nicoll , The American Journal of Nursing’s 2017 writing resource series, and The American Nurse’s Dissemination 101 article.

We would also love to hear, and share, some of your favorite tips and tools for writing manuscripts. Please send those to us and reach out any time to propose new services or programs that the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation can provide to help you disseminate your science.

“The important work of moving the world forward does not wait to be done by perfect men.” – George Eliot

Start now. Because your science, your words, and your ideas can be the force that helps move the world forward.

Tiny Beginnings, Big Questions: How Preterm Birth May Shape Long-Term Heart Health

Preterm birth—when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy—is one of the leading causes of newborn illness and death around the world. In fact, more than 25% of all preterm births happen in sub-Saharan Africa.

As more babies survive thanks to better care, researchers are now asking a new question: What happens to the health of these babies—and their mothers—later in life?

In high-income countries, studies have shown that preterm birth can raise the risk of serious health problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. But we still don’t know much about these risks in low- and middle-income countries, where most deaths from heart disease occur.

Our research team at the University of Washington is working to change that. With support from the UW School of Nursing Research Intramural Funding program, we’re studying how preterm birth might be linked to early signs of heart disease in mothers and infants in Kenya. We’re focusing on two key biomarkers: telomere length and C-reactive protein (CRP). Telomeres are tiny protective caps on the ends of our DNA that get shorter as we age. CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body. Both are connected to heart health and may help explain how early life stress affects long-term wellness.

To explore these questions, we’re using dried blood spots—small samples collected from a simple finger prick—from over 4,000 mother–infant pairs in an ongoing study in Kenya. For this pilot project, we’re analyzing samples from 50 mother-infant pairs (25 preterm, 25 full-term) at six weeks postpartum. Our lab partners at the UW Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology will measure telomere length and CRP using advanced testing methods designed for these small samples.

Our goals are simple but important: First, we want to describe telomere length and CRP levels in Kenyan mothers and babies. Second, we want to see if these levels are different in families who experienced preterm birth. We believe that preterm birth may be linked to shorter telomeres and higher CRP—signs of more inflammation and faster biological aging.

This study is the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. It brings together experts in heart health, global maternal-child health, and epidemiology from the UW School of Nursing and the CSDE. The results will help us build a stronger case for future research—and ultimately, better care for families affected by preterm birth.

Lab testing begins soon, and we’re excited to see what the data reveal. Tiny beginnings can raise big questions, and we’re committed to finding answers that matter.

From Crisis to Collaboration: Reimagining Overdose Research

October is National Overdose Awareness Month—a time to honor lives lost, support those affected, and reflect on how research can better serve communities facing the overdose crisis. While recent CDC data shows a nearly 24% drop in overdose deaths nationwide, overdose is still the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44. Opioids are involved in more than 76% of these deaths. These numbers show both progress and the urgent need to keep going.

Overdose research has changed over time. It used to focus mostly on individual behaviors, but now it looks at bigger issues like housing instability, racism, criminalization, and lack of access to healthcare. Researchers are starting to understand that overdose isn’t just a medical problem—it’s also a social one. That shift has opened the door for community-based research that centers lived experience and focuses on fairness and equity.

Another exciting direction is using harm reduction in research design. Instead of treating harm reduction as a separate tool, we can build its values—like dignity, compassion, non-judgment, and empowerment—into how we ask questions, collect data, and share results. This approach makes research more relevant and helps build trust with communities that have often been left out. By respecting the experiences of people who use drugs and focusing on their safety and choices, harm reduction-informed research can better reflect real life.

At the University of Washington, our team created READU (Research with Expert Advisors on Drug Use), a group made up of researchers, clinicians, and people with lived and living experience of substance use. Our model is built on shared decision-making, two-way learning, and real engagement. We aim to make research more useful and build trust and growth among team members.

One of our biggest projects is the ORCID study—Overdose Response Centering Inequity and Diversity. This study looks at changes in emergency medical services (EMS) in King County, Washington. We’re following up to 500 people who survived a non-fatal overdose and doing interviews to learn how EMS programs—like leave-behind naloxone, trauma-informed care, and warm hand-offs to treatment—affect outcomes. We’re also linking data across EMS, public health, and legal systems to build tools for long-term equity tracking. The study is co-led by community researchers from READU, making sure lived experience guides every step.

Looking ahead, overdose research must continue to challenge power imbalances. That means funding community-led studies, supporting researchers with lived experience, and pushing for policy changes based on evidence. It also means being honest about the limits of academic institutions and working to make them more accountable.

As we mark Overdose Awareness Month, we feel hopeful. The field is shifting toward more inclusive, responsive, and justice-focused research. There’s still a lot to do, but together, we can move from documenting crisis to building real solutions.

Celebrating Excellence in Nursing Research

2025 Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing

We are incredibly proud to announce that four exceptional faculty members from the University of Washington School of Nursing have been inducted as 2025 Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing!

This prestigious recognition honors nurses who have made extraordinary contributions to health and healthcare through their groundbreaking research and leadership.

Their innovative work is transforming healthcare delivery, advancing health equity, and improving lives. We are honored to have these distinguished scholars as part of our UW Nursing community!

Congratulations to our 2025 AAN Fellows!

Eeeseung Byun, PhD, RN

Research in symptom management and technology-based interventions to support stroke survivors.

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Katie A. Haerling, PhD, RN, CHSE

Simulation research to identify the most effective ways to prepare healthcare professionals.

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M. Rebecca O’Connor, PhD, RN

Research in how to combat clinical assumptions made by healthcare professionals that contribute to medical errors, disparities and patient harm.

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Megan Streur, PhD, ARNP

Research in biological and behavioral mechanisms in cardiovascular disease to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.

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Big Ears, Thick Skin, and an Open Mind: Highlights from the Fall Voices in Nursing Innovation Fireside Chat

On Tuesday, October 7 we kicked off our 2025–2026 Voices in Nursing Innovation Fireside Chat series with energy, laughter, humility, and inspiration. Held in the Peterson Room at Suzzallo Library, this fall’s Fireside Chat brought together students, faculty, and community partners for a powerful conversation about nurse-led entrepreneurship and digital health.

Two people are seated at the front of a room, speaking into a microphone in front of an audience, while others sit nearby, listening attentively. A large screen behind them displays an image of a fireplace. — Oleg Zaslavsky, PhD, and Jo Masterson, CEO of 2Morrow, converse on problem solving in clinical practice.

A Journey from Bedside Nurse to CEO. Our featured guest was Jo Masterson, RN, MBA who is the CEO and co-founder of 2Morrow, a Kirkland-Based digital health company that helps people change health behaviors through app-based programs. In conversation with Dr. Oleg Zaslavsky, Director of the UW School of Nursing Digital Health Innovation Hub, Jo shared her journey from bedside nurse to tech entrepreneur.

In reflecting on what sparked the initial idea for what would become 2Morrow, Jo described something common to all nurses and entrepreneurs- how a moment of frustration in her daily clinical practice inspired a creative problem solving. That spark, coupled with a pragmatic problem-solving approach inherent in almost all nurses, grew into a company that now partners with the Washington State Department of Health, employers, and health plans—and has helped over one million people.

Lessons in Innovation and Leadership. Jo’s story was full of practical wisdom. She talked about blending behavioral science, education, and technology to close gaps in healthcare. She shared how NIH-funded research helped build credibility for her products, and how she learned to scale those products responsibly while staying true to her mission of working to improve the healthcare all people.

An audience seated in rows facing two speakers at the front of the room, one standing and one sitting behind desks with laptops. A presentation slide on the screen reads "A Global Health Initiative" along with some text and graphics related to health data analysis. — Allison Webel, PhD, offers the opening remarks to attendees.

One of the most memorable takeaways? Jo’s reflection on what it takes to lead and innovate: “Big ears, thick skin, and an open mind.” That phrase stuck with many of us in the audience—especially our students—because it captures what nurse-led innovation really requires: empathy, resilience, and a willingness to learn.

Building Bridges and Creating Space We’re grateful to Jo for her honesty, humor, and insight—and to Oleg for guiding such a thoughtful conversation. We also extend a heartfelt thank-you to Jessica Roberto and the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship for co-sponsoring this event and helping us build bridges between nursing, healthcare, and entrepreneurial leadership.

Explore the Digital Health Innovation Hub. If you haven’t yet explored the UW School of Nursing Digital Health Innovation Hub, now is the time. Our Digital Health Innovation Hub is a collaborative space where nurse scientists, students and entrepreneurs can create, test, and scale digital health solutions. It’s designed to support bold ideas and practical tools—because innovation in nursing isn’t just possible, it’s already happening and improving healthcare locally and globally.

Looking Ahead. As we look forward to our winter Fireside Chat, we carry the energy and insights from this one with us. Thank you to everyone who joined us—and stay tuned. We’re just getting started.

de Tornyay Center Receives the 2025 Faye Glenn Abdellah Leadership Award

Three individuals in formal attire stand close together, smiling at the camera and holding clear glass awards. Each wears a name tag, with a neutral-colored background behind them. — From left to right: Basia Belza, Professor of Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Informatics and Director of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging (accepting the Leadership Award on behalf of the center); Hilaire Thompson, Executive Dean of the UW School of Nursing; and Betty Bekemeier, Professor and Director of the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing (Path Paver Award recipient)

On October 15, 2025, the Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research (FNINR) awarded the 2025 Faye Glenn Abdellah Leadership Award to the UW School of Nursing’s de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging. The award was presented at the FNINR annual gala in Washington D.C.

Numerous other UW School of Nursing faculty were in attendance, including Betty Bekemeier (pictured above), a Professor and Director of the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, who also received the Welch/Woerne Path Paver Award from FNINR for “her exceptional leadership and breakthroughs in health equity, child, family, and population health nursing.”

As described by FNINR, “the Faye Glenn Abdellah Leadership Award is named for the renowned nurse researcher whose vision has resulted in inestimable value created by nurse scientists over the years. The recipient will be an organization or individual with a sustained or lasting impact on nursing science through advocacy, institutional leadership, or an individual program of research that has led to public awareness of the value of nursing science in improving health at the individual and/or population levels.”

The de Tornyay Center is the first center to receive the Faye Glenn Abdellah Leadership Award since its inception in 2018. The center joins a cohort of remarkable recipients, including former UW School of Nursing Dean, Dr. Nancy Woods.

The award recognizes the center’s more than 25 years of supporting nursing science. In that time, the center has mentored over 165 scholars, awarded more than $750,000 in research funding to students and $200,000 to faculty for pilot studies. Center grants have created new partnerships and led to further funding and scientific publications. Many of the center’s alumni attribute their career success and passion for research to its mentorship, underscoring its impact on shaping the next generation of nurse scientists and leaders in healthy aging.

“I participated as a de Tornyay Undergraduate Research Scholar when I was getting my BSN… I did a project about spirituality and aging and presented it at a de Tornyay Center event. It was a small project, but it allowed me to see the whole research process. That experience was transformative for me and inspired my interest in research. After graduation I joined the US Navy Nurse Corps and didn’t immediately pursue graduate education or research. Eventually, I found my way back and I want to say thank you for the part the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging played in my development as a nurse scholar.” – Katie A. Haerling, BSN ’03 and 2025 AAN fellow inductee

The center bridges nursing, medicine, social work, public health, informatics and other health sciences to develop, evaluate and implement innovative interventions for older adults. Center affiliates lead pioneering research on frailty, dementia care, physical activity, digital health solutions, and more. de Tornyay Center alumni and international collaborators play a central role in innovative, aging-focused research and educational initiatives in Thailand, China, Taiwan, Germany and beyond.

“I think the center does miracles. I have vivid memories of years ago, gerontological nursing was looked down upon as an area of study and nursing science. The center has elevated it to its important focus!” – Fran Lewis, UW School of Nursing faculty

The de Tornyay Center is named for Dr. Rheba de Tornyay, a leader and pioneer in gerontological nursing who also recognized the importance of training the next generation of nurse scientists. In 1998, she and her husband Rudy endowed the center with a vision that it would play an integral role in healthy aging by leading innovative research, training nurse scientists across their career trajectories, advancing clinical practice, fostering local, national and international collaborations, and influencing policy to improve the lives of all older adults. The center is proud to carry on Dr. de Tornyay’s legacy of excellence in gerontological nursing education, research, and practice today.

“I am grateful to Rheba and Rudy de Tornyay and all our donors for their belief in the mission of the center. Thank you to our Dean, Hilaire Thompson for her unwavering support of the center, to our innovative community partners who are improving care for older adults, to our former Center directors who have led with the vision for advancing nursing science, to our center staff who are integral members of our team, to our faculty who research cutting-edge topics, and to our students who ask the tough questions, represent the future of nursing science, and carry forward Dr. de Tornyay’s vision,” Dr. Belza, de Tornyay Center director, on receipt of the award.

As the world faces an aging population and increasing demands for aging-centric healthcare solutions, the de Tornyay Center remains at the forefront, driving discoveries that influence clinical practice, inform public policy, and empower communities. The de Tornyay Center’s ongoing efforts to mentor emerging nurse scientists, foster research collaborations, and pioneer solutions to pressing gerontological health challenges ensure that its impact will endure for generations to come.

Shining a Light on Domestic Violence: How Our Research Team Is Helping Create Change

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about a serious issue that affects millions of people and to explore ways we can help. Domestic violence (DV) isn’t just physical harm. It can also include sexual, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. Most often, it is committed by a partner. Nearly half of women and over 40% of men in the U.S. experience DV at some point in their lives. And it often starts young: more than 70% of survivors first experience DV before they turn 25.

DV can have lasting effects on survivors’ physical and mental health. It can also impact families, communities, and even future generations. Research can help us better understand DV, find ways to prevent it, and support survivors.

At the University of Washington, we have been studying how laws and policies—including those in schools, workplaces, and legal systems—can go beyond short-term fixes and make a real difference. For example, most states have passed laws that require K–12 schools to take action against DV. These laws can mandate schools to write policies, teach students about healthy relationships, train staff, and involve families. But just having a law isn’t enough. Our research shows that how schools actually put these policies into practice matters. If schools don’t follow through, even strong laws may not help as much as they could.

We’re also studying other policies that support survivors who are experiencing DV. One example is “safe leave,” which lets people take time off work to deal with DV-related issues, like going to court, seeing a doctor, or finding a safe place to stay. Another policy allows survivors to ask courts for protection orders that can stop abusive partners from having firearms. Research shows that these polies can lower the number of DV-related deaths. While policies can positively shape experiences of violence, how they are carried out in practice makes a big difference.

Our research is most meaningful when it centers survivors and the communities most affected by DV. Using trauma-informed approaches, we try to respect the experiences and honor the needs of those who’ve experienced abuse. Ending DV isn’t just about responding to violence—it’s about preventing it before it starts. To find solutions that work across systems, we must bring together experts from different fields like law, education, healthcare, and social services.

As we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we want to highlight the role research plays in creating real change. By studying what works and where improvements are needed, research can help build safer communities and stronger support systems for survivors.

Meet Our New Postdoctoral Fellows: The Future of Nursing Science

Imagine a bridge between being a student and becoming a leading scientist. That’s what postdoctoral training is—a time when nurse scientists take everything they’ve learned in their formal education and begin building their research careers that will shape healthcare for years to come. It’s a chance to ask bold questions, test new ideas, and work closely with mentors and research teams. At the University of Washington School of Nursing, we’re proud to support postdoctoral fellows who are passionate, curious, and ready to make a difference. This year, we’re excited to welcome five outstanding postdocs whose work spans chronic illness, global health, sleep science, and even the connection between humans, animals, and the environment.

Bethany Armentrout, PhD

Dr. Armentrout is a nurse scientist with a PhD in nursing from Case Western Reserve University Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Her research examines at how circadian rhythms—our body’s natural sleep and wake cycles—affect health in young adults with Type 1 Diabetes. She’s especially interested in how these rhythms impact blood sugar levels. Before becoming a researcher, Bethany worked as a neurocritical care nurse and earned awards for her excellent care and teaching. Her goal is to connect research and clinical practice to help people with chronic illnesses live better lives.

Nanyombi Lubimbi, PhD

Dr. Lubimbi is a global health nurse leader with 20 years of experience in clinical care and teaching. She earned her PhD in Nursing Science from the University of Illinois, Chicago. Dr. Lubimbi has worked in medical-surgical nursing and led health programs in countries with limited resources. Her research focuses on building strong and lasting global health partnerships. She was a Fulbright Scholar in Rwanda, where she studied what makes global health programs sustainable. At UW, she works on HIV prevention research, especially looking at long-acting HIV treatments for pregnant women. Dr. Lubimbi is sharing her findings through conferences and publications and plans to use implementation science to guide her future studies.

Caeli Malloy, PhD

Dr. Malloy earned her PhD from Indiana University School of Nursing and is now part of the Biology to Society T32 Program. Her dissertation research focused on symptom clusters like sleep problems, pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in adolescents with IBD. For her postdoctoral training, Dr. Malloy has focused on sleep and symptom management interventions for individuals with IBD, including adolescents. Dr Malloy is passionate about helping people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. In her free time, she enjoys knitting and hiking with her miniature poodle, Bellatrix.

Natalie Rejto, PhD

Dr. Rejto is an interdisciplinary nurse researcher who uses the One Health framework to study how human, animal, and environmental health are connected. Her current work looks at trauma-informed care for people experiencing housing insecurity, including how to provide care for both humans and animals. She also works with a team studying how to prevent infections—especially those that spread between animals and humans—in farming and agriculture settings.

Linda Yoo, PhD

Dr. Yoo is a postdoctoral fellow in the Biology to Society T32 Program. She earned her BSN from the University of Texas at Austin and completed her MSN and PhD at the University of Washington. Her research focuses on helping adolescents and young adults manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Linda’s earlier work looked at sleep-wake cycles in adults with IBD. She is also the head research assistant in the Gastrointestinal Health and Wellness Lab, where she shares her passion for IBD research with others.

These five postdoctoral fellows bring fresh ideas, strong skills, and a deep commitment to nursing science. We’re proud to support their work and excited to see how they will help shape the future of health and healthcare. Welcome to UW School of Nursing!

Conducting research at UW Medicine? Learn about their new process for accessing clinical data sets.

With so many awareness months in healthcare, it’s easy for meaningful observances to get lost in the shuffle of emails, ribbons, and reminders. But October stands out—it’s Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month, a time dedicated to honoring healthcare that truly listens to and respects the needs, values, and choices of patients across every setting where nurses lead. At the heart of nursing research and scholarship is this very commitment: advancing knowledge that improves patient outcomes and centers the human experience. Whether we are nurse scientists, DNP or PhD students, or faculty shaping the next generation of care, our work is often powered by clinical data. That’s why we’re excited to highlight recent updates to UW Medicine’s use of clinical data for research purposes — changes that will help fuel innovation, collaboration, and impact across our academic community.

What’s Changing?

All research related data sets involving UW Medicine Identified and/or De-Identified Clinical Data must be checked by a Neutral Intermediary or ‘Honest Broker’ to ensure the data set matches the approved IRB and the data set is accurately de-identified when applicable (see the definition of an Honest Broker below).

Honest Broker Options

- Research IT can pull the data set and/or review an already pulled data set to ensure compliance with the approved IRB for a small fee
- Affiliated Developers or Analysts who have completed annual Honest Broker training and attested to the rules of the road can pull and/or check data sets for research

Two new Compliance Policies

307 Honest Broker Policy

- - - Outlines the rules of the road for anyone acting as an Honest Broker
    - Describes core principles, annual training requirements, and duties & responsibilities to assure compliant release of UW Medicine Clinia Data to researchers.

306 Release of Clinical Data for Research Purposes

- - - Describes the circumstances when UW Medicine may disclose Protected Health Information (PHI) for research purposes.
    - Introduces the concept of “clinical data” that is broader than the definition of PHI and describes the centralized and values-based approach for reviewing and responding to requests to use or share UW Medicine clinical data for research.
    - Describes research data stewardship obligations that fall outside patient privacy and security requirements, including UW Medicine institutional standards, the requirement to execute data use agreements, and how to report unforeseen events that involve data.

Why Is This Changing?

Over the past few years, UW Medicine has closely examined how its clinical data is managed across the system. These assessments revealed opportunities for improving policies and processes that will improve data security and consistency. In response, UW Medicine launched the Honest Broker Program—a new initiative designed to strengthen data stewardship and reduce risk, while making it easier for researchers to access clinical data responsibly.

What is an Honest Broker?

An “Honest Broker” is a Neutral Intermediary—whether a person, software system, or team—who helps researchers access clinical data from UW Medicine patient records in a secure and compliant way. Acting under approved protocols and IRB authorization, the Honest Broker provides either identified or de-identified data in alignment with UW Medicine policies and privacy standards. Serving as a Neutral Intermediary between the clinical data system and the research team, the Honest Broker plays a critical role in maintaining HIPAA privacy and security while enabling responsible data use for research.

Honest Broker Toolkit for Researchers

Research IT has been working on developing an accessible repository for the research community including Data Use Agreement (DUA) templates, a how-to library with guides and checklists, registry lists (owners and data stewards), and language to include in new proposals. A specialized Epic integrated instance of REDCap is under development along with a growing tool library for a self-service option. More details about the Honest Broker Program can be found here UW Medicine Honest Broker Program, questions can be directed to Research Data Services ritdatahelp@uw.edu.

We hope this overview helps clarify the updated process for accessing UW Medicine clinical data and highlights the role of the Honest Broker Program in supporting secure, streamlined research. We’d like to also note that nurse-led research at UWMC should loop in the Supporting Practice Advancement, Research and Knowledge (SPARK) committee, led by Dr. Nancy Wiederhold who directs UWMC Clinical Nurse Research. As always, the Office of Nursing Research & Innovation is here to assist you in navigating these systems and advancing patient-centered research. Whether you’re exploring new questions, building interdisciplinary collaborations, or translating findings into practice, we look forward to partnering with you every step of the way.

From Idea to Award: Grant Proposal Support for Student Researchers

One of the hardest parts of conducting research as a student is figuring out how to pay for the related expenses (e.g., survey license fees, participant incentives). But you are not alone. The UW School of Nursing has fantastic mentors and research professionals who have successfully navigated MANY student grant applications.

But the most important part of any grant application is knowing your why. Why apply for this grant and how does your why align with the sponsor’s priorities. Certainly, applying for a research grant as a student offers benefits that extend far beyond financial support of a research project. Some research grants (e.g., NIH F31 applications, AHA Predoctoral Fellowships) can help cover essential costs such as tuition, stipends, supplies, and travel for conferences. In addition, funded research projects often lead to opportunities for publication and presentation, allowing students to raise their professional visibility through published manuscripts, posters, and conference talks. These experiences not only build academic credibility but also connect students with faculty mentors and research teams, helping to foster valuable professional collaborations.

Grant-funded student-led research offers more than academic enrichment- it’s a gateway to professional development and long-term career connections. Students involved in funded projects gain experience in research design, data analysis, writing, and project management- valuable skills across nursing and healthcare roles. Just as important, working under the close guidance of a dedicated research mentor provides tailored support, expert insight, and a model for professional growth. Having a strong research mentor helps students navigate challenges, refine their ideas, and build confidence as emerging nurse scholars.

No matter your nursing program or track, exploring research funding opportunities early can be a game-changer for those interested in advancing nursing science. It allows budding nurse scholars to start building a research portfolio, further refine their academic interests, and access exclusive programs tailored for future leaders in the field.

Scholarship vs. Scholarships: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Sometimes navigating the grant funding ecosystem can feel more complex than decoding an ECG at 3:00 a.m. Perhaps you’ve already encountered terms like scholarships, grants, and sponsored programs, sometimes used interchangeably. While they may sound similar, they’re not the same. Understanding the difference can save you time, frustration, and missed opportunities.

Let’s start with the basics. If you’re applying for something called a scholarship, it’s easy to assume it’s just that- a scholarship. But at the university level, the term “scholarship” has a specific meaning tied to how the funding flows and what obligations come with it.

Scholarships typically refer to funding awarded directly to an individual student. These are often merit or need-based, and you can usually submit these without institutional approval. Think of them as personal awards: you apply, you receive, and you report only if the funder asks you to. Questions about scholarships can be sent to the Office of Student and Academic Affairs (OSAA) at sonscholarships@uw.edu.
Sponsored Programs, on the other hand, include grants and contracts that support your Scholarship. Here, the funding is awarded to the University, not the individual. These applications often require institutional sign-off, so your proposal will need to go through a formal review and approval process which can take three or more weeks. These proposals receive support from ONR&I grant managers to help with:
- Interpreting the request for applications (RFA)
- Navigating UW and sponsor policies
- Completing required sponsored forms

A great example is Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), which offers both scholarships and grants. Depending on which one you’re applying for, the process and the level of institutional involvement can look very different.

So how do you know which path you’re on? When in doubt, reach out to ONRHelp@uw.edu. We can help determine whether institutional sign-off is needed and guide you through the appropriate steps.

Understanding these distinctions isn’t just academic, it’s practical. It helps you plan your timeline, gather proper documents, and connect with the right people. And most importantly, it ensures your application gets the attention and support it needs.

ONR&I Pre-Award Support- We’ve Got Your Back

Now that you’ve identified your first research grant, work with the ONR&I pre-award services for comprehensive support throughout the proposal development, budgeting, and compliance process. We coordinate with institutional offices, especially the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), to ensure that your submission is properly authorized and timely. For a successful proposal, students should start early, ask questions, and tailor their applications to the funder’s mission. Clarity, conciseness, and storytelling are key to making a compelling case. And most importantly, students should lean on the support systems available to them – to craft polished, fundable proposals that reflect both their passion and potential.

Post-Award Support- Keeping you on Track

Once your research proposal is funded, you will work with a member of the ONR&I post-award professional team (Cheery, Tessa, Ron or Renée). As your post-award grants specialist, we will initiate set-up of your budget in the official systems. Then we’ll work with you to track your grant spending by providing monthly reports and forecasting. We encourage regular planning discussions so any purchases you need can be accomplished in plenty of time and using official UW financial channels (rather than with your own personal funds). We’ll also review reporting requirements and sponsor deadlines with you and help you navigate any required changes to your grant.

The Office of Nursing Research & Innovation (ONR&I) is here to support you in preparing strong, competitive research proposals. We’re enthusiastic about partnering with you and committed to being a resource in your academic and professional success. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out to ONRhelp@uw.edu for general questions; we’re here to help!

Welcome Back Husky Scholars!

We hope your summer was filled with well-earned rest, inspiration, and maybe even a little adventure. Now that the academic year is in full swing, we’re thrilled to welcome all of our new subscribers to Weekly Research Roundup to our vibrant community of nursing scholars!

For those returning, you might notice that our research enterprise has evolved since spring quarter wrapped. This edition of Notes on Nursing Research & Innovation highlights key updates from the UW School of Nursing, the broader university, and federal research funding agencies over the past three months. Let’s dive in.

University of Washington School of Nursing

Spring Research Intramural Funding Program (RIFP) Awardees: the most recent cycle of RIFP reviews awarded more $100,000 to UW School of Nursing Faculty Members. These four incredible projects are truly pushing the boundaries in nursing science—read more about them here. The Fall 2025 RIFP cycle will be released early October and be sure to ready the Weekly Research Roundup for this, and all other requests for research proposals.

University of Washington Digital Health Innovation Hub (DHIH): This summer the DHIH was busy with three new initiatives. We’d like to encourage faculty, students, staff and friends to apply for the new seed funding, attend the fall quarter Voices in Nursing Innovation Fireside Chat featuring celebrated nurse innovator Jo Masterson on Tuesday October 9^th (register here), and to save the date for the AI Advancement in Nursing: Education, Research, and Practice Symposium to be held on Friday May 15, 2026 from 9-3pm.

Transitions: This summer we said goodbye to two longtime ONR&I team members Ken Pike and Kaletra Welch. We are grateful for all of their contributions to the UW School of Nursing and their steadfast dedication to supporting our community in our shared mission to elevate nursing science.

We are also excited to welcome two new team members to our unit. Warren Szewczyk is a Research Scientist who is available for statistical consultation and Ron Craig has joined our post-award management team. Please extend a warm welcome to both Warren and Ron and don’t forget to check out Warren’s Lunch and Learn Session on Monday October 13, 2025.

ONR&I Lunch and Learn: Our Lunch and Learn seminar series is back with a stellar lineup of nine of our colleagues to share their incredible work. From best practices in sample size estimation to research collaboration opportunities at Seattle Children’s Hospital to using AI to determine when a patient is at risk for pneumonia this year’s speakers are bound to inform and inspire all in attendance. View the full calendar and register here.

University of Washington Office of Research

Required Training for Principal Investigators: All funded PIs at the University of Washington are required to complete several research trainings including, Good Clinical Practice, Financial Conflicts of Interest, Grants Management for Investigators, and Research Security Training. Please double check your training transcript to make sure these are up to date.

Grant Proposal Submission Deadlines are Changing: Federal changes are increasing sponsor demands and regulatory requirements, prompting earlier and more detailed proposal reviews. To meet these evolving expectations, the UW School of Nursing is updating its internal deadlines: final business elements are due 14 business days before the sponsor’s deadline, and all final documents must be ready 7 business days prior. ONR&I pre-award staff will begin adjusting timelines with investigators this fall, with full implementation effective for proposals due on or after January 1, 2026.

Workday Finance Tools for the Research Community: Stay on top of your research grant spending with ease by getting familiar with the PI dashboard in Workday. This 19-minute video will provide you with clear instructions for how to access and navigate the PI Dashboard to get answers to specific questions about your award. The dashboard offers a clear snapshot of your research portfolio, start-up funds, and RIFP expenses all in one place and lets you drill down into the details that matter most.

New Diversity in Clinical Trials Requirements (Effective January 1, 2026): A new University of Washington policy requires researchers to submit a Diversity Plan for all research that meets the definition of a clinical trial where UW employees or agents are responsible for or engage in recruitment or consent activities. This policy is aimed at improving enrollment of underrepresented groups in clinical trials. Key components might include culturally tailored recruitment strategies, translation and interpreter services, e-consent options, and tracking enrollment metrics. Investigators should plan for associated costs during their proposal development. Resources to support compliance include the UW Health Sciences Library, ITHS Recruitment Support Service, and UW Translation & Interpreter Services. For other guidance, contact HSD at hsdinfo@uw.edu or visit their planning and budgeting guidance.

Federal Funding Changes

Mandatory Manuscript Deposits in Pubmed Central: Starting July 1, 2025, all NIH-funded peer-reviewed publications must be freely available immediately upon publication. No delays. No embargoes. No excuses. Read more about these new changes, and your responsibility as the Principal Investigator here.

NIH Grant Submission Cap: Beginning September 25, 2025, NIH will limit each PI—whether applying solo or as part of a multiple PI team—to six new, renewal, resubmission, or revision applications per year. Read more about what this new cap means for investigators here.

New Application Structure for NIH-Funded International Collaborations: NIH has introduced new activity codes (PF5 and UF5) for complex international applications. Recent updates include information on the new PF5 and UF5 activity codes for multicomponent or complex applications. If you are planning to submit an NIH proposal with a foreign component please reach out to the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation as soon as possible.

We know, it’s a lot and we’re sure you have questions. Please know that the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation is here to help you navigate these changes. Throughout the year we’ll be working with Faculty Council, our Departments and others to make sure that you are kept up to date on these- and all future- sponsored project updates. From everyone at the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation we wish you a wonderful academic year.

2025 Doctor of Nursing Practice Clinical Preceptors of the Year

Behind every successful DNP student stands a dedicated clinical preceptor, an unsung hero in nursing education.

Clinical preceptors bring deep expertise, compassion, and mentorship to our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students, who spend up to three days per week over four quarters in clinical placements, learning directly from these seasoned professionals.

These mentors don’t just excel in clinical practice and community service; they guide, inspire, and shape the future of advanced practice nursing and leadership in systems and population health.

Meet our Preceptors of the Year

This fall, we’re proud to celebrate our Clinical Preceptors of the Year, exceptional leaders whose impact reaches far beyond the clinic. Their dedication strengthens our program and elevates the future of healthcare.

Join us in celebrating our preceptors at this year’s Nurses of Influence Awards Ceremony on Nov. 6, 2025, 5:30-7:30 p.m., in Oak Hall, Denny Room, at the University of Washington, Seattle campus.

RSVP

Scholar Spotlight: Jun Heo

Jun Heo was one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging 2024-2025’s Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholars and a BSN student. Heo’s faculty mentor was Anita Souza, and his project was on “Exploring Healthcare and Housing Differences Between Older Veterans and Non-Veterans in Permanent Supportive Housing: Barriers to Healthy Aging”.

What made you choose nursing?

I was a combat medic in the army. I got discharged in 2022, and I was given the perfect chance to choose what kind of field to work in. I chose nursing because I really love to take care of people.

How did how did that experience in the army influence your choice to go into nursing?

Being an army combat medic was definitely a great experience. I got to experience both field care and hospital care. It was a good start, but I realized that in the army, healthcare is more about the speed due to the urgency and the mission. I wanted to take a look at more of the sustained perspective of care.

What interests you about healthy aging?

My family member, my grandmother, she’s the start. She had a stroke, and she had a femur fracture. She spent almost 20 years in bed, and as a kid, I was part of taking care of grandma. So cleaning, feeding, I already had that kind of experience.

Working in the VA Medical Center, I got the chance to connect with the geriatric population. It’s always interesting to listen to their stories. Some people like pediatrics because they’re adorable. I realize it’s great to be there for their beginning. But at the same time, it’s also very meaningful to be there towards the end.

What interested you about doing a research project?

In spring quarter we learned about research as part of the curriculum, and it was really interesting. The beauty of research is that I’m exploring somewhere that other people may or may not have explored before. I wanted to experience that.

Could you briefly describe what you’re doing in your research project with the de Tornyay Center scholarship?

The population of people who experience homelessness is on the rise, and it’s been a huge challenge for many people. For the geriatric population, they’re especially vulnerable to overall health and quality of life challenges when they’re experiencing homelessness.

The veteran population, they have their own unique struggles, like military PTSD and their veteran status, that sometimes cause further blockages to receiving care. I believe there’s no one size fits all solution for each case.

My mentor suggested this topic to me, and I agreed that it was a really nice way to shed a light on this struggle in the veteran population.

How did you start your work on this project?

My mentor introduced me to a couple of veterans that are nowadays doing really great. They previously experienced homelessness, but they’re advocating for their community. They go to school, they’re driving, and I’ve been listening to their stories and asking them questions, and they enlighten me with their experience. That was really valuable.

Where are you at now with the project?

We connected with the key members (housing staff, program managers, and case managers) and, as I previously mentioned, those two veterans. Then through that we were able to develop semi-structured interview questions.

We’re conducting interviews. We’re recruiting six to 10 veterans who are residing in permanent supportive housing. We’ll also record six to 10 interviews from the non-veteran population. We’ll be listening to their stories, what their challenges are, and see what their daily life looks like, what kind of care they’re receiving, and how it’s going to affect their healthy aging.

What’s the importance of doing this project? What impact do you hope it might have?

There’s not much work directly contrasting the non-veteran versus veteran population of people experiencing homelessness. So this qualitative research can be the stepping stone to develop tailored care and support for this population.

Scholar Spotlight: Lydia Chen

Lydia Chen was one of the center’s de Tornyay Center’s 2024-2025 Healthy Aging Scholars and a DNP student. Her project was on ‘Using Artificial Intelligence in Improving Nursing Documentation in Skilled Nursing Facilities’ and her faculty mentor was Jamie Young.

What made you choose nursing?

My career started as an occupational therapist. I was working as an occupational therapist for over 12 years, mostly with the geriatric population, in skilled nursing facilities. Over the years, I noticed there’s a lot of biases in social determinants of health and health equity toward older adults.

When I was in Northern California, we didn’t even have a primary care provider in the facility, and we had to hire health care providers from L.A. to visit the residents to provide care, sign orders, and complete paperwork.

I felt there was something else I could do to serve those older adults better. I was looking to see what career change paths I could do. I decided nurse practitioner sounded like the care model that matches what I want to do for the patients, so I decided to pursue a nurse practitioner degree.

What interests you about healthy aging and working with older adults?

A lot of it is personal preference. Healthy aging is important to me because my grandma had a stroke and my dad has Parkinson’s. I feel that society should pay more attention to older people and spend time with older people. It’s like traveling. You get to learn so much from them. You travel through their lifespan, and you learn from their life experiences, their knowledge, and their wisdom.

It’s our responsibility, right? We take care of babies. Culturally, I was always taught to take care of our older generation and to respect our elders. So that’s why I choose nursing, and that’s why I want to work with the geriatric population.

What made you want to do this project?

When I was picking my DNP project I made a point that I wanted to do something regarding aging or geriatrics and long-term care. I realized that a lot of research excludes older people and you cannot really find much research on skilled nursing facilities. So when I saw the topic using artificial intelligence in skilled nursing facilities, I’m like, oh, yeah, we have so much technology, why can’t we use that to help our older population? When I was talking to my agency mentor, they have been working with a software development team on AI to use on their EHR [Electronic Health Record] systems.

We decided to do a needs assessment to see the nurses’ perspective on the current EHR system and what they think the AI could help them with to save them time, so that they can go back to the bedside and spend time with the patients.

What does doing a needs assessment look like?

I am developing a survey to figure out nurses’ perspective on the current EHR system. When I was doing my literature search, I found there is a lot of EHR research on nursing documentation, accuracy, and consistency, but not focused on skilled nursing facilities. Most of the published research is in acute care, and [most] research in skilled nursing facilities is not done in the United States. So we don’t know how the nurses who work at skilled nursing facilities in America feel about their EHR systems: if it’s accurate, if it’s consistent, then how easy it is to navigate the EHR systems.

When I was working in long-term care as a nurse, I had trouble finding information that I needed to care for the patient, and I spent a lot of time just navigating their EHR system. Even when I found information, I didn’t really trust it, because sometimes it was outdated.

The purpose of the survey is to find their perspective, the barriers with the EHR systems, and what they want AI to be able to do for them.

Why is this project important?

Research shows that nurses spend probably at least a quarter to 50% of their time documenting instead of spending time with patients. I think, for older adults, one of the most important parts of care is companionship. Nurses already have sometimes 15, 20, 30 patients per shift at skilled nursing facilities, and the more time they spend on documenting, the less time they have for the physical presence with the patient. I think it’s really important for healthy aging just to be there for them. Companionship greatly enhances cognitive function and emotional well-being. Even just an extra two minutes talking to them, holding their hands, I think it made a great difference to older adults’ quality of life.

Is there anything interesting you found while doing your literature review?

It sounds like common sense, but nursing documentation really affects the patient outcomes, and the accuracy and consistency of the documentation can really change older adults’ quality of life and continuity of care.

Healthcare providers are often forced to prioritize immediate patient care over detailed charting, resulting in rushed, incomplete, or erroneous records. One research study recorded the patient-provider interactions and compared the clinical encounter notes with recorded patient-provider interactions, and they found nearly half of the notes included information that could not be verified from the recorded interactions. The finding suggests EHR system might have propagated errors or omitted crucial information in addition to the inaccurate data/information due to lack of staff and time.

Sometimes we put a lot of personal assumptions into the documentation. I hope this project will help the consistency and accuracy of the documentation, and help other people who care for the same patients provide better care.

Is there anything else you want to share?

I just want to bring more awareness to our older adult population. They have contributed to society, and now it is time for the next generation to care for them.

Scholar Spotlight: Madison McKee

Madison McKee was one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s 2024-2025 Undergraduate Research Scholars. Her research project was on “Examining the Impacts of Facilitated Garden Activities for Individuals Living with Dementia and their Caregivers”, and her faculty mentor was Basia Belza.

What made you choose nursing?

I’m in the accelerated Bachelors of Nursing group. So I feel like my journey into nursing is a bit more zigzaggy than others.

My background is actually in landscape architecture. I really love my work in landscape, especially the design process and the opportunity to shape meaningful spaces. While I was working that job, I was also finding other outlets to do community service work with my community, and I loved that face to face interaction. Then, combined with an injury of mine a few years ago and my own hospital and rehab experience, there were a lot of outlets pointing me in the direction of nursing and healthcare.

I came into nursing knowing that I want to do it pretty creatively. Maybe I want to work in the hospital, but I’m also really interested in seeing what other forms of nursing there are, and how healthcare can tie back to landscape architecture and art.

How do you feel like that background in landscape architecture comes together with nursing?

This project that I’m working on at the center is the synthesis of landscape architecture and nursing. I always knew that there was a tie, even before coming into healthcare. My firm designed landscape and therapeutic spaces for the local hospital. There’s a direct tie between nature and healing. I wanted to explore that both in my old job and now in nursing school.

What interests you about healthy aging?

It’s super important to work within healthy aging, because not only is it helpful for other people, but it’s also applicable to myself. We’re all going to go through this process of aging. Figuring out how to make people feel comfortable and happy is only going to benefit all of us as we all age.

Could you talk a little bit more about like what your project is?

There’s an existing garden, called Maude’s garden, at the Memory Hub. The Memory Hub is a place for collaboration and innovation and serves individuals living with memory loss. Genevieve [a staff member at the Memory Hub] helped to create a garden in the backyard space. She and others designed the garden back in 2020 based on focus groups within the memory loss community, so it could specifically meet the needs of The Memory Hub. There’s a lot of research that indicates that being in natural spaces and gardening spaces can improve anyone’s mental well-being, especially someone who’s living with memory loss.

My project is to create a garden experience for people living with memory loss and their caregivers to explore the five senses. The idea is to make this program so it’s repeatable and easy to do. Our vision is that we can create this easily replicated program, so that other gardens and hospitals or medical spaces could also do this program.

How do you plan to get feedback from participants?

It’s going to be more of a collaborative discussion. We don’t want it to feel sterile or daunting. We’ll ask people about their mood when they walk in, and then compare their mood after the group discussion. So it’ll be a check in, then the garden activity, and then a group discussion about what elements that they liked most, what they didn’t like, and what experiences stood out to them.

Has there been anything that surprised you while you’ve been working on the project?

Finding the project. It gives me hope that people are thinking about this, that there is research being conducted about this. There is this reputation that working with older adults is not very fun, or it can be a very sterile environment. But there’s a lot of people who know that it’s very fun and very variable, and it can be organic and creative. I knew that, but I’m pleasantly surprised that so many other people are also thinking about that.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I’m really inspired by both of my mentors: Genevieve and Basia. I think they are both very special people, and their passion for working with older adults and healthy aging is just infectious. It’s palpable talking to them, and I feel really inspired. I feel lucky to be a part of it.

No Embargoes, No Excuses: What NIH’s New Public Access Policy Means for Nursing Research and the Communities We Serve

There are few phrases more familiar- or feared -by those of us in higher education than publish or perish. Our professional success is often built on a sustained track record of high-impact, peer-reviewed, published scholarship (in addition to excellent teaching of course). And as nurse scientists, our scholarship is rooted in service—to our patients, our communities, and our broader mission to improve the health of all. That’s why the NIH’s updated Public Access Policy, NOT-OD-25-048, matters more than ever. Starting July 1, 2025, all NIH-funded peer-reviewed publications must be freely available to the public upon publication. No delays. No embargoes. No excuses.

What’s New?

The NIH now requires that your Author Accepted Manuscript (AAM)—the version of your article that’s been peer-reviewed and accepted—be deposited in PubMed Central (PMC) and made accessible to the interested public immediately. This ensures that the knowledge we generate through our research reaches the people who need it most: nurses, healthcare providers, patients, caregivers, advocates, and community health leaders.

What’s an AAM?

It’s the version of your manuscript that includes all revisions, figures, and supplemental materials, but not the publisher’s final formatted PDF—unless it’s published open access with a license that allows reuse (often called Gold Access now).

What Costs Are Allowed?

NIH will cover Article Processing Charges (APCs) for open access publishing, as long as they’re reasonable and tied to a publicly available product. However, fees for peer review services or depositing your AAM in PMC (which is free) are not allowable. For details, see the NIH’s explanation in NOT-OD-25-048.

If a publisher tries to charge you a “NIH compliance fee,” all investigators can confidently say, “That’s unallowable under 2 CFR 200.403(c).”

What Do Publishers and Institutions Say?

Lippincott (LWW) provides guidance and may offer APC discounts through institutional agreements. See their NIH open access policy here.
University of California outlines compliance steps and support here.
University of Florida provides a searchable list of journal policies here.
University of Virginia offers a practical guide for NIH open access compliance here.
University of Washington has a help guide and outlines the university’s support for some Article Processing Fees here.

Tips for University of Washington School of Nursing Investigators

Use My NCBI to track your publications and ensure compliance.
Include your PMCID or NIHMSID in biosketches and progress reports.
Use and Regularly Update your ScienCV
Protect your rights with a copyright addendum when signing publisher agreements.
Partner with our UW library colleagues—they’re great allies in navigating open access and compliance.

Why This Matters for Nursing

Nursing research often addresses real-world health challenges that center our most vulnerable citizens—chronic disease management, health equity, symptom science, and patient-centered interventions. Making our findings immediately accessible means frontline nurses, community health workers, and patients themselves can more quickly benefit from the evidence we work so hard generate. This new policy is not just about compliance—it’s about real-life impact.

Final Thoughts

This policy shift is a call to action and it will help to make our science open, accessible, and actionable. By embracing public access, we’re not just meeting NIH requirements—we’re advancing the health of the communities we serve. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation as we navigate these new opportunities together.

Disclosure: Allison Webel also serves as Editor in Chief of the Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care published by Lippincott publishing who had no part in developing this article.

What the New NIH Grant Submission Cap Means for Investigators

Close up of basketball desk figure with quote "You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take". — Basketball desk figure belonging to Mr. John Webel.

You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Wayne GretzkyCanadian former professional ice hokey player

While I am certainly not a hockey player, I am a child of the 90’s and like many households in my generation, my parents had motivational art in their office. On my dad’s desk was a little statue of a basketball that said “you’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t make”. In hindsight, seeing that empowering message every day influenced my approach to my own work in myriad ways. Submitting grant proposals is hard, time consuming and deliberate work, with the peer review process often feeling capricious. However, a strategy many investigators – including myself – have adopted to increase our chance of funding is to submit many grants a year; in other words taking as many shots as we can.

That strategy must now change. Amongst the flurry of new announcements from the National Institutes of Health recently released, one stood out that may impact our UW School of Nursing scholars broadly. In a significant shift, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will limit the number of grant applications a Principal Investigator (PI) can submit each year. Effective September 25, 2025, each PI—whether applying solo or as part of a multiple PI team—will be limited to six new, renewal, resubmission, or revision applications per calendar year.

Why the Change?

The NIH frames this policy shift as a move to protect the integrity of the peer review process, and to ensure a level playing field. The surge in high-volume submissions, perhaps aided by AI tools, has created an imbalance among investigators. The new cap is designed to encourage thoughtful, high-quality proposals rather than a quantity-driven approach.

What’s Included—and What’s Not

The six-application limit applies to all standard NIH research grant mechanisms, including new submissions, renewals, resubmissions, and revisions. It covers both single and multiple PI applications. However, T-series training grants and R13 conference grant applications are exempt from the cap

Importantly, the policy is not retroactive. Applications submitted before September 25, 2025, will not count toward the 2025 total. The full-year cap will apply starting January 1, 2026.

Implications for UW School of Nursing Investigators

For most investigators, this change may have little practical impact. But for those who have relied on a high-volume strategy—submitting numerous variations of similar ideas, designs and methods across multiple institutes—this is a major shift. It will require a different approach to strategic planning, prioritization.

What Should PIs Do Now?

Review your submission plans: Review your pipeline for 2026 and beyond and ensure you’re not exceeding the submission cap.
Focus on quality: With fewer chances to submit, each application must be strong, original, and responsive to the funding opportunity.
Use Artificial Intelligence wisely: It is clear from the announcement that NIH is watching for use of AI. Applications “substantially developed” by AI may be deemed non-compliant and could trigger misconduct investigations.
Coordinate with collaborators: Multiple PI applications count toward each PI’s total, so communication is key.

This policy shift is an opportunity for investigators to think deeply and submit NIH grant proposals with purpose and demonstrable value for the health of all. There’s another Gretzky quote that feels applicable to this shift, “a good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” As we navigate this changing research funding climate, we must proceed strategically, thinking about not only where we are currently, but where we want to be. Please feel free to reach out the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation if you have any questions about this change. We’re here to help support your scholarship at each stage of the research lifecycle.

From Hospital Hallways to Dairy Farms: Natalie Rejto’s Journey of Healing Across Boundaries

By Jennifer Hunt

Natalie Rejto is a pioneering researcher whose work transcends traditional boundaries between human health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.

In a dairy barn far from any hospital, Natalie Rejto moves between the milking parlor alongside workers who can diagnose a cow’s health with a glance. She’s collaborating with veterinarians and industry leaders on infection prevention, but here the experts are the farmers themselves—and Natalie has learned that the best solutions emerge when she listens to what they already know.

The scene captures the essence of Natalie’s remarkable journey, from bedside nurse to pioneering researcher whose work transcends traditional boundaries between human health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.

“Nurses have a very unique perspective,” Natalie reflects. “Especially working in the hospital setting, that direct interaction, patient teaching, the nursing approach… it can be really valuable in research.”

Unlikely Beginnings

Natalie’s path to becoming a researcher wasn’t one she initially envisioned for herself. Growing up in Tucson, Arizona, in a low-income household, her educational journey had been unconventional. She had to withdraw from high school during her junior year but earned her GED the following year. Completing her education was a significant achievement. When she became a nurse in 2008 after earning her BSN from the University of Arizona, she considered it the pinnacle of her educational journey.

“I never considered going back to school,” she admits. “I didn’t think it would be an option for me.”

Her trajectory changed in 2015 while working at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where she became a nursing bioethics liaison. This role awakened her passion for worker health and well-being advocacy. A pivotal conversation with Dr. Elaine Walsh, a faculty member in

Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing at the University of Washington School of Nursing, opened her eyes to new possibilities.

Natalie Rejto completed her PhD in June 2024, focusing on sleep health among nurses and how sleep hygiene can reduce shift work impacts.

“She really encouraged me to pursue further education based on my interests and my overarching goals in life,” Natalie says.

After speaking with PhD students and connecting with faculty like Butch de Castro, whose work aligned with her interest in worker health, Natalie applied to the doctoral program. She completed her PhD in June 2024, focusing on multidimensional sleep health among nurses and investigating whether sleep hygiene can modify the impacts of shift work.

One Health: A Holistic Approach

Today, Natalie serves as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington’s Center for One Health Research (COHR), working with Dr. Peter Rabinowitz and Vickie Ramirez. The center’s philosophy—”healthy people, healthy animals, healthy environment”—deeply resonates with Natalie’s vision.

“It really aligned with a nursing model of care,” she explains. “You take into account the person within their built environment, natural environment, animals… there’s not these little separations. It all exists together.”

Her current research exemplifies this interconnected approach. Working with dairy farms in Eastern Washington, Natalie and her colleagues use a collaborative approach, partnering with industry, workers, and experts across disciplines, including veterinarians. Together, they develop practical infection prevention strategies to protect workers from zoonotic diseases like COVID-19 and avian influenza.

The research involves visits to farms to understand daily tasks and evidence-based technologies already in place and build partnerships with industry and workers. In collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Agriculture Safety and Health (PNASH) center, they conducted a survey and are developing modules focused practical strategies to promote worker health funded by a Safety and Health Investment Program grant from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

Healing Across Communities

Perhaps most meaningful to Natalie is her volunteer work with Seattle’s One Health Clinic, which serves populations experiencing homelessness and their companion animals.

“The work being done at the One Health Clinic addresses human care and animal care and really acknowledges that human-animal bond and shared environment,” she says. “Building trust populations among people experiencing homelessness is really special and sustaining.”

In uncertain times in academia, Natalie finds this work grounding and inspiring. It exemplifies the principle that healing transcends traditional boundaries—between species, environments, and communities.

A Bridge Between Worlds

What makes Natalie’s approach unique is her ability to bridge different worlds: the clinical experience of being a bedside nurse with the analytical mindset of a researcher; the urban healthcare setting with rural agricultural communities; human medicine with veterinary science. This transdisciplinary collaboration has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

“With research, especially coming after 15 years as a bedside nurse, I felt very comfortable in that kind of collaboration and communication,” she reflects. “It’s been just this amazing opportunity to hopefully bring what I’ve learned from nursing science to be able to work with folks in the Center for One Health.”

She points out that nurses have already witnessed the power of the human-animal bond in healthcare settings, through experiences with pet therapy and emotional support animals in hospitals.

Advice for Future Nurses

For aspiring nurses considering their career paths, Natalie offers encouraging words:

“Nurses do incredible work. The work is very challenging. You’re thinking on your feet and synthesizing lots of information into practice, and it can seem really daunting and intimidating, at least it was for me, the thought of going for higher education. But I would say if you can do nursing and you want it and you have the passion for it; you can do higher education. From my experience, the faculty are really supportive and want you to succeed.”

Her story demonstrates that nursing can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths, even to dairy farms in Eastern Washington or clinics serving populations experiencing homelessness and their companion animals. It’s a testament to how nursing’s holistic approach to health can extend far beyond hospital walls, creating healing across all boundaries.

Seeding the Future of Nursing Science: Spring 2025 RIFP Awards

In higher education these days, it’s not very often we get to give money away – even to the most impactful and innovative projects. But, thanks to the generous support of our longstanding and generous donors (and our incredible peer reviewers), this past spring the University of Washington Office for Nursing Research & Innovation was able to award $100,000 to four rigorous research projects from UW School of Nursing investigators.

The Research Intramural Funding Program (RIFP) is designed to enhance the research environment within the School of Nursing by providing faculty with seed funding to initiate innovative studies and collect pilot data that will lead to advancements in our understanding of clinically relevant issues. These foundational efforts aim to support future applications for extramural funding and foster a culture of scholarly excellence within the UW School of Nursing.

We are proud to recognize the 2025 RIFP Awardees for their visionary projects:

Maria Bleil, PhD, Associate Professor, Child, Family and Population Health Nursing
Research Study: Does exposure to air pollution accelerate pubertal development in girls?
Supported by: Suzanne E. VanHooser Endowed Nursing Research Fund

Omeid Heidari, PhD, MPH, ANP-C, Assistant Professor, Child, Family and Population Health Nursing
Research Study: Development of a nurse-led implementation strategy to reach individuals at high risk of an opioid overdose with high-quality treatment services
Supported by: Dean’s Nursing Research Fund

Jerusha Mogaka, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics
Research Study: Monitoring biomarkers of metabolic health among mother-infant pairs using novel dried blood spot assays
Supported by: Suzanne E. VanHooser Endowed Nursing Research Fund

M. Rebecca O’Connor, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Child, Family and Population Health Nursing
Research Study: Rapid Redesign of IBIAS™ Implementation to Support Adoption in an Evolving Higher Education Climate
Supported by: Troop Endowed Nursing Research Fund

As we celebrate and look forward to supporting these outstanding scholars, we’re equally eager to explore the insights emerging from the recently concluded RIFPs. We invite you to join us throughout the academic year for our ONR&I Lunch and Learn series—where members of our vibrant research community will share their findings, discuss their impact, and chart the path forward for research that improves the health and well-being of Washingtonians and beyond.

From Break to Breakthrough: 10 Summer Tips for Research Growth

There is a resonant rhythm to life in higher education—one that I’ve always cherished. Fall arrives full of energy in the air, as campuses come alive with the excitement of new beginnings: New Student Convocation, homecoming festivities, and the roar of our Husky community cheering on our football, soccer, and volleyball teams. Winter settles in with its short, dark days, where classrooms glow with learning and late-night study sessions are fueled by hot drinks with friends. Then comes the whirlwind of spring, a season of transformation as students wrap up final projects, dream about the future, and walk across the stage at their commencement ceremonies. Amid this joyful, fast-paced academic cycle, we often lose the quiet moments needed to reflect on, prepare, and write about the science we’re so passionate about.

For faculty who have summer salary, the summer months offer an opportunity for them to step back from the academic year’s hustle and invest in the long-term growth of their research programs. Whether you’re an early-career investigator or an established scholar, the following ten strategies can help you make the most of the summer months and return in the fall with renewed scholarly momentum.

1. Invest in Research Training

Summer is an ideal time to hone your research skills or explore new methodologies. We post internal and external training opportunities in our Weekly Research Roundup and encourage you to enroll in workshops, webinars, or online courses that align with your research goals. In addition, this can be a great time to update required research trainings, including Good Clinical Practice, Financial Conflicts of Interest, Grants Management for Investigators, and Research Security Training. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about these trainings that are required for all funded UW School of Nursing principal investigators.

2. Update Your SciENcv

Planning to apply for federal research funding? Now’s a great time to create or update your SciENcv—a streamlined, electronic CV system used by agencies like NIH and NSF (distinct in purpose and form from Interfolio). It saves you from re-entering the same info for every grant or report, and a polished profile not only preps you for future applications but also helps you track your professional growth.

3. Articulate Your Impact

Potential investors and collaborators want to know the “so what” of your work. Use the summer to reflect and craft a compelling narrative about the significance of your program of research on the lives of our community members. What problems are you solving? Who benefits from your findings? A clear, concise impact statement can strengthen proposals, publications, and public-facing materials.

4. Set Up Your Workday PI Dashboard

Stay on top of your research grant spending with ease by getting familiar with the PI dashboard in Workday. This powerful tool helps you track your grants, gifts, deadlines, sponsored staff, and budget projections—all in one place. The dashboard offers a clear snapshot of your research portfolio expenses and lets you drill down into the details that matter most.

5. Stay Informed on Open PAs, RFAs, and Policy Changes

Keep an eye on open Program Announcements (PAs), Requests for Applications (RFAs), and any changes in funding agency language or priorities. Sign up for, and review, the UW School of Nursing Weekly Research Roundup for new grant opportunities, subscribe to newsletters from major funders in your field, and set alerts for keywords relevant to your field. When you’re tuned into the next opportunity early, you will be better prepared to submit a successful proposal.

6. Plan for Fall Grant Deadlines

Many major grant deadlines fall in the early fall (e.g., NIH, RRF, RIFP). Use the summer to map out your submission calendar, gather materials, and begin drafting. Early planning reduces last-minute stress and improves the quality of your proposals. Remember to submit your planned proposals to the ONR&I Grant Proposal Intake Form as soon as possible!

7. Draft a One-Pager on Your Next Research Step

Clarify your vision by writing a one-page summary of your next big research or scholarly program idea. This exercise helps you distill your goals, identify gaps, and communicate your plan to mentors, collaborators, and funders. It can also serve as a foundation for diversifying future proposals.

8. Stay Connected to ONR&I

The UW School of Nursing Office of Research and Innovation (ONR&I) is a valuable resource throughout the year. Reach out to learn about internal funding, proposal development support, and strategic initiatives. Building a relationship with ONR&I can help you navigate the research landscape more effectively.

9. Explore International Research Opportunities

Global collaboration can open new avenues for funding and innovation. As the federal government updates their policies on funding global collaboration, use the summer to identify potential international partners, understand relevant regulations, and explore funding mechanisms that support cross-border research.

10. Read Widely and Voraciously

Finally, make time to read beyond your area of scholarly expertise. Reading broadly can inspire new ideas, uncover emerging trends, and spur interdisciplinary connections. Whether it’s journal articles, white papers, lay articles, books, or poetry, reading is a powerful way to nourish your intellectual curiosity.

By engaging with some or all of these ten strategies, faculty can use the summer not just to recharge, but to strategically advance your program of research. The quieter months offer a chance to reflect, recalibrate, and invest in your research goals—so that when the academic year resumes, you’re not just prepared for the new academic year, you’re ahead

From Kenya to UW: Harriet Fridah Adhiambo’s Journey to Transform HIV Care

By Jennifer Hunt

Harriet Fridah Adhiambo, an international student completing her PhD in Nursing Science.

When Harriet Fridah Adhiambo first arrived at the University of Washington in September 2021, she carried with her more than just her nursing degree from Kenya—she brought a mission forged from years of witnessing the devastating impact of HIV in her home country.

“I think it has been a transformative journey for me,” reflects Adhiambo, now in the final stretch of her Ph.D. in Nursing Science at the UW School of Nursing. Just weeks away from her dissertation defense, she looks back on four years that have reshaped her as a researcher, a clinician, and a global health advocate.

Finding Purpose Through Direct Experience

Adhiambo’s path to nursing and HIV research began unexpectedly after high school when she took a position as a research assistant collecting data about tuberculosis patients in Kenyan villages.

“The living conditions were dilapidating, and it really wasn’t good because some of them were not able to access medication,” she recalls. “We had lots of mortality. You could go to a village to conduct a survey and be told, ‘We’ve lost three or four family members here because of HIV and tuberculosis.’ It was devastating.”

That experience, combined with losing someone in her family during childbirth, steered her toward nursing with a specific focus: improving outcomes for people with HIV.

Building a Bridge Between Research and Care

After completing her nursing education, Adhiambo worked at a private healthcare facility where she encountered many young women, some as young as 15 or 16, who were pregnant, had young babies, and were HIV positive.

“I realized the gap is in health education,” she explains. “Some of them were not really aware of how transmission occurs, and that there was medication that someone can take to prolong life.”

Taking initiative, she developed a health education plan for the facility before moving on to join a PEPFAR-funded program focusing on prevention of mother-to-child transmission services and cervical cancer screening for HIV-positive women.

“It was motivating for me to offer these services because I could see how babies were thriving. You give this woman medication for the baby to prevent transmission, and at the end of nine months, they’re HIV negative,” Adhiambo says. “That was good. I got satisfaction and it was evident that the interventions were working.

From Implementation to Innovation

After gaining hands-on experience implementing HIV care strategies, Adhiambo wanted to take the next step, designing the interventions themselves. She joined the Kenya Medical Research Institute as a study nurse, working on innovative approaches like text messaging systems and conditional cash transfers to improve HIV care engagement.

“My experience working with this organization was that these interventions were working. They were working, and you could see people are being engaged in care. People are taking their medication, they’re coming to the clinic as scheduled,” she says.

It was during a short course at UW’s School of Public Health that Adhiambo met Dr. Sarah Gimbel, who would later become her thesis chair. Initially interested in pursuing a Master’s in Public Health, Adhiambo was encouraged to apply to the Ph.D. program in Nursing Science instead—a decision she calls “the best I made.”

Navigating Challenges with Resilience

Adhiambo’s academic journey hasn’t been without challenges. She arrived with her husband and son, gave birth to another child during her Ph.D. program, and had to adjust to new educational technologies and approaches.

“I remember my first week, people were talking about an assignment being submitted, and I didn’t know what people were talking about,” she laughs, recalling her initial unfamiliarity with Canvas, UW’s learning management system. “By the time I’ve been told ‘You have to log into Canvas, this is where you check,’ I was having my first assignment due that day at midnight. It was crazy.”

But Adhiambo quickly learned to navigate the system and seek support when needed. “I came to learn about it, like, things can work for you. You just need to know whom to ask. And at times, don’t be shy about your challenges as a person.”

Looking to the Future: Integrating HIV and Cancer Care

As she completes her Ph.D., Adhiambo is focusing on the intersection of HIV and cancer care, a critical area as cancer rates rise among HIV-positive populations due to compromised immunity.

“I’m aiming to build a program that intersects both HIV and cancer, trying to improve outcomes of people who are having cancer but at the same time are HIV positive,” she explains. “If you’re HIV positive and you have cancer, what’s the best care we can give you? What strategies have worked to improve your health outcomes?”

Adhiambo has been applying for postdoctoral positions that would allow her to continue this vital work, collaborating with researchers like Dr Sarah Gimbel, Dr. Vitor Oliveira and Dr. Allison Webel on domestic HIV research while maintaining her connections to Kenya.

“What is working here that can work in my country? Because HIV is a global problem,” she emphasizes. “And also, what works in my setup that can work in the US, to just advance HIV care, aiming at reducing new infections.”

Advice for International Students

For other international students considering a similar path, Adhiambo offers encouraging advice: “There are lots of resources here. There are lots of opportunities that you can learn from, and there is opportunity for growth. The School of Nursing offers those opportunities through the resources that they have available for us.”

She emphasizes the importance of asking questions, networking, and being open to learning experiences—even unpaid ones—that build skills and connections.

“Feel free to ask questions,” she advises. “Just put yourself out there. This is what I want to do, and you’ll get all the help that you need from this department.”

As she prepares for her dissertation defense and takes steps toward the next phase of her career, Adhiambo remains guided by the perspective that has brought her this far: “It’s just your attitude will get you to where you want to be. You have to see it and go for it.”

With her dedication to improving HIV care across continents and her commitment to addressing the emerging challenges of cancer in HIV-positive populations, Harriet Fridah Adhiambo exemplifies the global impact of UW School of Nursing scholars. She’s transforming healthcare one patient, one study, and one innovation at a time.

…But we don’t do that.

Across multiple settings and throughout history, established norms tend to be pretty closely adhered to – perhaps nowhere more so than higher education. I’d venture a wager that there is not a nurse alive who has not had a supervisor, instructor or mentor in the clinical setting tell them “that’s just the way we do it.” While norms serve valuable societal functions, they often limit ingenuity, innovation and, ultimately, progress.

On May 21, 2025, the hallowed halls of the Smith Room at the University of Washington’s Suzzallo Library buzzed with energy as nurses, students, researchers, and community members gathered for the inaugural Voices in Nursing Innovation: A Fireside Chat. Hosted by the UW School of Nursing’s Digital Health Innovation Hub and the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation, this event marked the beginning of a quarterly series designed to spotlight nurse-led innovation and its transformative potential in healthcare.

The heart of the event was an intimate and inspiring conversation between Dr. Oleg Zaslavsky, Director of the Digital Health Innovation Hub and Aljoya Endowed Professor in Aging, and Dr. Elena Bosque, a seasoned neonatal nurse practitioner at Seattle Children’s Hospital and award-winning inventor. Their conversation offered a rare glimpse into the personal and professional journey of a nurse innovator.

Dr. Bosque, who has spent four decades blending academic and clinical practice, shared how her early experiences helped to shape her path. From her beginnings as a BSN student at the University of San Francisco to earning her PhD at UCSF, she spoke candidly about the adventures and misadventures spanning her career as an innovator. During her time as a PhD student, her passion for improving neonatal care led her to develop a prototype alarm system for pulse oximeters using fuzzy logic—an early example of her commitment to combining clinical nursing expertise with technological innovation that improves the lives of our most vulnerable patients.

When asked what inspired her to invent, Dr. Bosque credited both necessity and intuition. “Nurses are content experts,” she explained. “We see the problems firsthand every single day. That gives us a unique – and highly valuable- perspective that can enable us to create elegant, effective solutions.”

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Zaslavsky guided the conversation, drawing out insights that resonated deeply with the audience. He emphasized the importance of iteration in the innovation process, noting how Dr. Bosque’s multiple patents reflected a commitment to continuous improvement. “Innovation isn’t a one-and-done,” he said. “It’s a journey of learning, testing, and evolving.”

One of the most memorable and quietly powerful moments of the evening came when Dr. Bosque was asked what advice she would offer to future nurse innovators and entrepreneurs. Rather than providing a list of tips or strategies, she shared a story—simple, personal, and revealing. She recalled a moment from her undergraduate years, during the high-stress final exam period. Her roommate, seemingly unfazed, was curled up with a novel—reading for pleasure. Dr. Bosque, focused on the academic grind, challenged her: “But we don’t do that,” she said, echoing the established norm that finals week was for studying, not reading for pleasure. Her roommate looked up and replied, gently but firmly, “Of course we do.”

That moment stayed with her. It was more than a comment—it was a quiet rebellion against the idea that discipline and creativity must be at odds. It was a reminder that innovation doesn’t come from following the rules—it comes from questioning them. If ever there was a call to action for nurses to dream, to create, and to innovate, that was it.

Whether by choice, curiosity, or necessity, nurses have always been—and always will be—the best innovators.

In support of their work, and inspired by Hewlett-Packard’s “Rules of the Garage,” the vision of the UW Digital Health Innovation Hub is to dismantle barriers to innovation like bureaucracy, isolation, and self-doubt that often hinder nurses from scaling their innovations. As attendees mingled afterward, many expressed excitement about engaging with the Digital Health Innovation Hub and the promise of nurse-led innovation and entrepreneurship. With a focus on equity, evidence, and empowerment, the University of Washington Digital Health Innovation Hub is poised to become a national leader in transforming healthcare through nursing research and innovation.

The UW School of Nursing Voices in Nursing Innovation fireside chat series has officially launched—and if this first event is any indication, the future is bright, bold, and nurse-led.

Rules of the garage

Believe you can change the world
Work quickly, keep the tools unlocked, work whenever.
Know when to work alone and when to work together.
Share – tools, ideas. Trust your colleagues.
No Politics. No bureaucracy. (These are ridiculous in the garage.)
The customer defines a job well done.
Radical ideas are not bad ideas.
Invent different ways of working.
Make a contribution every day. If it doesn’t contribute, it doesn’t leave the garage.
Believe that together we can do anything.
Invent.

2025 Convocation Awards

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Convocation Awards. Each year faculty and students are nominated by their peers for various awards. We recognize outstanding faculty who are educating the next generation of nurse leaders and the dedicated nursing students who have shown exceptional qualities during their time at the School of Nursing.

Faculty Awards

The DAISY Nurse Educator Award recognizes faculty who exemplifies the attributes of an exemplary educator, outstanding role model and inspirational influence on their nursing students.

Receipient: Christopher Linton, MN, RNC-OB/EFM/MNN

“Chris truly demonstrates the qualifications required to receive the DAISY award. He has been the most supportive clinical instructor and has greatly influenced me in pursuing a career in obstetrics. Chris always greets us with a smile on his face and is ready to lead us to success during our clinical days. He offers a safe learning environment during clinical days and always mentions continuing to support us even after this quarter. Super thankful to have him as my OB instructor!” – Danalin Matro, nominator

The Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award recognizes faculty who create safe, supportive learning environments, demonstrate compassion and patience, and respect students as adult learners honing their professional clinical skills.

Recipient: Jess Jajesnica, DNP, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

“Dr. Jess demonstrates experience in the classroom and in the private sector. She is able to clearly articulate the steps of the PMHNP process. She provided me with valuable and constructive feedback that helped me improve my final project. She is the best teacher of the year.” – Reyes Alvarado Herrera, nominator

“Jessica has been a mentor and advocate for student learning in the DNP PMHNP program. She has demonstrated compassion and empathy to students throughout the program, offering guidance, wisdom and encouragement throughout the process. She volunteers her time to students outside of scheduled class and office hours, and checks in with students individually. She has been a role model for how to be an educator, mentor and advisor. Jess makes sure to connect the dots between theory of nursing and frameworks and applications to DNP projects, as well as in PMHNP practice.” – Wen Murphy, nominator

The Excellence in Promoting Diversity through Teaching Award recognizes faculty who create inclusive and equitable learning environments that value diverse perspectives and experiences.

Recipient: Jean Tang, PhD, PMHNP-BC, APRN

“Dr. Tang is committed to addressing social health disparities, privilege, and identity in her teaching, research, and clinical practice, consistently integrating anti-oppression principles into her mentorship. With a deep respect for diverse cultures, she actively seeks to learn from and about perspectives different from her own, ensuring that all students receive culturally relevant, non-oppressive education tailored to their unique learning needs.” – Emily Yoon Ji Suh, nominator

The Sandra Eyres Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award honors faculty who inspire critical thinking, foster professional growth, model ethical leadership, and create inclusive, dynamic learning environments where graduate students thrive.

Recipient: Katie Kemble, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, AOCNP, FAANP

“In working through our DNP projects in NMETH 801, we ran into numerous operational road blocks or administrative challenges. Dr Kemble and her no-problem attitude and creative approach to virtually any challenge helped us to stay calm and collected under major time pressure. She is an excellent mentor and a great leader and epitomizes the DNP faculty who can creatively solve virtually any challenge while staying grounded in evidence-based practice in translational research.” -Devon Woodley, nominator

Description: The Rheba de Tornyay Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member who inspires creative and critical thinking, fosters dynamic learning environments, integrates evidence-based practices, and honors students as active partners in their education.

Recipient: Nicola Contreras, DNP, RN, CHSE-A

The Nursing Research Mentorship Award recognizes faculty who have made exceptional contributions to advancing nursing science and practice-based inquiry through dedicated research mentorship.

Recipient: Kerry W. Reding, PhD, MPH, RN

“Dr. Reding exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding research mentor—she is patient, supportive, and deeply invested in her students’ success. She provides structured yet flexible guidance, allowing students to develop independence while feeling fully supported. Her mentorship has had a profound impact on my academic journey, and I cannot imagine a more deserving recipient of this award.” – Hongyu Yu, nominator

“I was fortunate to have Dr. Reding serve as the chair of my dissertation committee. Throughout my research journey, she is willing to share her experiences and guide students toward valuable resources. She creates a respectful and supportive atmosphere, particularly important for international students and those for whom English is not a first language. Her mentorship has greatly enhanced our confidence and sense of belonging within the research team.” Chi-Shan Tsai, nominator

Student Awards

The Undergraduate Outstanding Student Award recognizes a graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional academic and professional qualities, integrating leadership, evidence-based practice, and a commitment to health equity in alignment with the core goals of the nursing program.

Recipient: Sumaya Uthmaan, BSN

“Sumaya’s resilience is one of her defining qualities. Transitioning from homeschooling to a major university presented significant social and academic challenges, including managing social anxiety and feelings of imposter syndrome. Compounding these pressures, she navigated complex family responsibilities while maintaining academic excellence in a demanding nursing program. Despite these obstacles, Sumaya has excelled in both clinical settings and theoretical coursework, earning a strong GPA and several prestigious scholarships.” – Tiffany Liu, Katherine Ward, Margaret Heitkemper, nominators

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Outstanding Student Award is for a student graduating from the DNP program who best exemplifies the program goals: Leadership, Competency, Clinical Decision Making, and Contributions to the UW School of Nursing.

Recipient: Addy Adwell, DNP

Addy has her finger on the pulse, an excellent education, and is poised to make considerable impact as a scientist and a practitioner. – Sarah Gimbel, nominator

The Master of Science Outstanding Student Award is given to the MS student who best exemplifies the program goals: Creativity, Scholarship, Potential in the Profession, and Contributions to the Community.

Recipient: Denise Galdamez, MS-CIPCT

“She exemplifies the integration of theory into practice, creativity, scholarly excellence, leadership potential, and meaningful contributions to both academic and professional communities.” -Sarah Iribarren, nominator

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award celebrates a Graduate Student who has excelled in the role of Teaching Assistant, demonstrating exceptional teaching effectiveness, inspiring communication skills, and a remarkable ability to engage and connect with both students and faculty.

Recipient: Grey Mitchell, DNP

“Grey is valuable member of the team and has really helped to move the Simulation Center forward, particularly how they have shared their experiences to help us to best meet the needs of the DNP learner.” -Nicola Contreras, nominator

“Throughout their time as a DNP student, Grey has been a transformative presence within the UW SON community and the larger Seattle community. Their goal has always been clear: to advocate for and improve the quality of care for LGBTQIA+ people, particularly transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Grey’s dedication to this cause has been evident in their work and interactions with students and faculty alike.” – Nicola Contreras, nominator

The Dissertation Award in Nursing Science honors a graduate whose research demonstrates outstanding achievement in advancing knowledge that is innovative and impactful in promoting, restoring, and maintaining the health of individuals, families, or communities.

Recipient: Tao Zheng, PhD

“Through all of his work, Dr. Zheng has consistently demonstrated what our School and University hold as the highest standards of academic achievement but also an equally intensive commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Zheng has a long track record of teaching students of diverse ethnic backgrounds.” – Fran Lewis, nominator

“Tao is a first-generation college student. His parents who emigrated from China had not completed grade school. He started his nursing education at a Washington state community college. There is strong potential for Tao to impact the care of many older adults with chronic illness and especially those with potential cognitive dysfunction due to their illness. In addition, he holds great promise as an educator/clinician. There is no doubt that he will make a mark on our profession.” Peg Heitkemper, nominator

The DAISY Student Nurse Award recognizes a graduating student who shows a deep commitment to extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate patient care that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many people.

Recipient: Kaylah Gabriella Punio, BSN

“I would like to nominate Kaylah Punio who is currently a Senior Practicum student in the Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic (CBDC) for this award because of the beautiful way she takes into consideration not only her patient’s physical needs but also the insightful and compassionate way she tailors her care to honor the developmental stage and needs of the child.” Anne Kalkbrenner, nominator

This honors a graduating UW School of Nursing student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to social justice in the areas of leadership, scholarship and service. This award will honor a student who has served as a change agent and made a tangible impact on the university community promoting equity and inclusion.

Recipient: Autumn Dennistoun, DNP

“Dr. Autumn Dennistoun’s outstanding commitment to social justice in leadership, scholarship, and service was demonstrated through her year-long collaboration with the UW Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health (PNASH) Center, focusing on substance use and opioid overdose risk among commercial fishing workers in Washington State—one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States.” Jenny Tsai, nominator

We look forward to celebrating these amazing individuals on June 16 at Convocation.

Demystifying the NIH’s Simplified Review Framework: What You Need to Know

In a significant shift aimed at improving fairness, clarity, and scientific focus in peer review, the NIH rolled out its Simplified Review Framework (SRF) for most research project grants submitted on or after January 25, 2025. This shift is the result of years of community input, advisory council deliberations, and pilot testing. For our UW School of Nursing applicants, understanding what’s changed—and what your reviewers are now being asked to prioritize—is essential to crafting a competitive research proposal.

Why did the NIH make this change?

The Simplified Review Framework was designed to address prominent concerns in the peer review process. These included:

Overemphasis on technical minutiae in the research approach.
Inadequate attention to significance and innovation.
Bias toward well-known investigators and institutions, which may have disadvantaged new or less-established applicants.
Review fatigue from administrative and compliance-related distractions.

By streamlining the criteria and refocusing the reviewers’ attention on core scientific questions (see below), the NIH hopes they will be able to better identify high-impact research that improves the health of all Americans.

Focus on the Three Core Factors

Previously, NIH reviewers scored applications based on five criteria: Significance, Investigator(s), Innovation, Approach, and Environment. Under the Simplified Review Framework, these have been consolidated into three core factors:

Importance of the Research – Should this research be done? If so, why?
Rigor and Feasibility – Can it be done well? If so, How?
Expertise and Resources – Are the right people and tools in place to do it?

Each of the first two factors is scored on a 1–9 scale. The third is evaluated as either “appropriate” or “additional expertise/resources needed,” with comments required only if gaps are identified.

What This Means for Applicants

Make the Case for Importance

The first and arguably most critical question reviewers will ask is: Should this research be done and why? Applicants must clearly articulate the scientific importance of their work—not just its relevance to public health. This means:

Framing the research question in a compelling way.
Demonstrating how the work addresses a significant gap in knowledge.
Avoiding jargon and making the case accessible to a broad scientific audience.

A clear, persuasive rationale for the study’s importance can set the tone for the entire review.

Demonstrate Rigor Without Getting Lost in the Weeds

Reviewers are being encouraged to avoid nitpicking and instead focus on whether the proposed approach is rigorous and feasible. Applicants should:

Present a well-structured, logical plan.
Anticipate potential challenges and describe how they’ll be addressed.
Emphasize methodological soundness without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail.

The goal is to instill confidence that the research can be executed effectively, even if every contingency isn’t fully mapped out.

Show That the Team and Resources Are Ready

The third factor—Expertise and Resources—is no longer numerically scored, but it still matters. Reviewers will flag weaknesses only when they’re significant. Applicants should:

Clearly describe the qualifications of the team as they relate to the project.
Highlight access to necessary facilities, equipment, and institutional support.
Avoid over-relying on reputation; focus on relevance and readiness.

This change is designed to reduce reputational bias and level the playing field for newer investigators and institutions.

Additional Considerations: Less Is More

The Simplified Review Framework also reduces the burden of additional review criteria. While issues like human subjects protections use can still affect the overall impact score, others—such as budget and resource authentication—no longer do. This allows reviewers to stay focused on their science.

Final Thoughts

The NIH’s Simplified Review Framework represents a cultural shift in how grant applications are evaluated. For all of our investigators, the message is clear: focus on the science. Make a strong case for why your research matters to science and people, show that it can be done well, and demonstrate that your team is the best equipped to do it. By aligning your application with these priorities, you’ll be better positioned to succeed in this new era of NIH peer review. Please remember that the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation is available to partner with you as design and write (and re-write) your proposals. Feel free to reach out to us at any time to assist you in your grant writing journey.

Curiosity Carefully Nurtured Can Be Transformative

Curiosity is inherent to humanity. Indeed, it is curiosity about others – their ailment, their treatment, and particularly their lives outside of the healthcare setting – that draws many of us to nursing. Yet, aspects of professional nurse training can often make it seem that the nursing profession, and the settings in which we work and learn, do not value this essential curiosity.

I did not pursue nursing school to become a nurse scientist; however, during a two-year experience as an undergraduate honors student, I learned to love the process, potential, and discipline of research. Under the dedicated mentorship of my advisors (most of whom are still dear colleagues and friends), I learned how to ask a discrete research question that would improve the health of patients living with heart failure; create a survey to collect data; analyze that data; and transform numbers on a symptom scale to clear recommendations for improving nursing care. While most of my cohort of undergraduate honors students did not go on to pursue scientific careers, undoubtedly, they learned how our practice can, and should be, guided by high-quality, rigorous, patient-centered evidence.

Each year, approximately one dozen of the UW School of Nursing senior class students elect to participate in a year-long honors research program. They engage in a weekly seminar and work in nurse-led research laboratories where they contribute to a variety of research activities – all tailored to their unique academic interests. This work culminates in a public presentation of their year’s work at the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium.

This event was most recently held on Friday, May 16, 2025, where 16 senior honors nursing students presented 11 posters alongside more than 1,000 other graduating seniors. On this joyful occasion, I spoke with a few of these graduating seniors to learn how their yearlong research immersion impacted their time at the University of Washington.

Janna Putnam embarked on a timely research project under the mentorship of Dr. Omeid Heidari, exploring how social media shapes dietary habits. Her study, Curating Diets: A Thematic Analysis of Eating Behaviors in “What I Eat in a Day” TikToks, delved into the subtle yet powerful ways digital content influences food choices and perceptions of health.

What made Janna’s journey notable was the independence she was encouraged to take on from the very beginning. Dr. Heidari challenged her to design and lead a completely new research project—an ambitious task for someone new to qualitative methods. Learning how to connect thematic analysis to broader research aims was no small feat, but Janna rose to the challenge with determination and curiosity.

Through this process, she not only developed a strong foundation in qualitative research but also deepened her understanding of the intersection between media, behavior, and health. Reflecting on the experience, Janna shared:

The [important] role of research in healthcare sparked a stronger interest in evidence-based practice. It also reinforced my goal of becoming a nurse who actively integrates research into clinical decision-making.

Janna PutmanUW School of Nursing Senior Student

Janna’s work highlights the growing relevance of digital literacy in healthcare and the importance of equipping future nurses with the tools to critically evaluate the media-driven narratives that shape patient behaviors and expectations.

Jun Heo undertook a powerful and emotionally resonant qualitative research project under the mentorship of Dr. Anita Souza, exploring the differences in healthcare access, social integration, and aging-related needs between older veterans and non-veterans living in permanent supportive housing. Jun describes the experience as “tough, but inspiring”—a phrase that captures both the emotional weight and transformative nature of the work.

Interviewing older adults with histories of chronic homelessness presented unique challenges. Many participants shared stories marked by trauma, isolation, and deep-rooted distrust in systems meant to support them. Navigating these conversations required not only sensitivity, but also a commitment to ethical and trauma-informed research practices. Jun and Dr. Souza grounded their approach in trauma-informed interviewing, engaged in regular debriefing sessions, and maintained reflexivity through detailed field notes—ensuring that participants’ voices were honored with care and respect.

This experience profoundly shaped Jun’s understanding of what it means to provide care. Listening to how housing instability, system navigation, and long-term marginalization impacted participants’ well-being shifted their perspective from bedside care to a broader, structural view of health. Some participants even described the interviews as therapeutic—an unexpected reminder of the healing power of being heard.

Reflecting on the experience, Jun shared:

I now see myself working not just at the bedside but also in roles that address structural determinants of health, especially in gerontology, trauma-informed care, and housing-based healthcare solutions for older adults.

Jun Heo UW School of Nursing Senior BSN Student

Jun’s journey illustrates how research can be a catalyst for empathy, advocacy, and a reimagined vision of nursing—one that bridges clinical care with social justice and systems change.

Antonia Cai made a meaningful contribution to the ongoing PROSPER-HIV study, which explores how physical activity and diet quality influence symptom experiences among older adults living with HIV. Under the guidance of Dr. Vitor Oliveira, Antonia conducted a secondary data analysis examining how lifestyle factors—such as daily step count, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and diet quality (measured by the Healthy Eating Index)—correlate with symptom burden in this population.

One of the most significant challenges Antonia faced was navigating complex statistical methods with limited prior experience in quantitative research. Learning to interpret regression analyses and control for covariates like age and sex initially felt daunting. However, with Dr. Oliveira’s mentorship—including a tailored data analysis workshop and hands-on practice with statistical software—Antonia steadily built her confidence and competence.

Despite the steep learning curve, Antonia emerged from the experience with strengthened analytical thinking, enhanced data literacy, and a deeper appreciation for evidence-based reasoning. She reflected on the value of this opportunity, stating:

As a future nurse, especially one interested in critical care or research-based roles, these skills will be essential. They will help me evaluate interventions critically, contribute to quality improvement, and advocate for patient-centered care that includes both medical and lifestyle-based approaches.

Antonia CaiSchool of Nursing Senior BSN Student

Antonia’s journey highlights the transformative potential of research engagement in nursing education—equipping future clinicians with the tools to bridge science and practice in meaningful, patient-centered ways.

Curiosity carefully nurtured can be transformative. A core mission of higher education is to inspire students to cultivate their curiosity and experience transformative learning that contributes to building a healthier society for all. The undergraduate honors program at the UW School of Nursing helps us fulfill this goal. We are so fortunate to have remarkable undergraduate students who will undoubtedly become remarkable nurses. In their words,

Research taught me how to listen more deeply, think more critically, and hold space for complexity—all of which directly support the kind of nurse I want to be.

Feeling to Heal: Mindful Awareness Training Shows Outcomes for Addiction, Pain, Trauma Recovery

Video credit: Duke Clinical Research Institute Communications

In a healthcare system that often separates mind from body, a recent research study from the University of Washington School of Nursing illuminates evidence of what many have known intuitively for thousands of years – that reconnecting the mind-body divide is crucial for those struggling with addiction and chronic pain. More promising still, training practitioners and patients in this life-altering therapy is not only possible in a clinical setting, but scalable and complementary to the care that nurses already provide in a complex system where new interventions often face barriers to implementation.

University of Washington School of Nursing researchers have completed a multi-site study demonstrating significant benefits of Mindful Awareness in Body-oriented Therapy (MABT) for individuals with substance use disorders, chronic pain, and trauma histories. The research, led by Dr. Cynthia Price, shows how a simple but powerful approach of teaching people to tune into their bodies can have transformative effects on well-being.

“The research is asking whether providing people with more skills to pay attention to how they’re feeling inside is helpful for overall well-being,” explained Dr. Price, the study’s principal investigator. “We’re giving people more capacity for what is called interoceptive awareness – or awareness of internal physical and related emotional sensations through this training by teaching people how to bring mindful attention inside their bodies to know how they’re feeling.”

The multi-year study, which included sites in Seattle, Port Angeles, and Bellingham, worked with diverse participants receiving Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) treatment. The research revealed significant improvements in pain management, reduction in PTSD symptoms, and enhanced emotional regulation. Notably, 57% of participants reported chronic pain issues, and data showed participants continued using the learned skills 9 months after completing the intervention.

“This type of work helps people engage with understanding their own personal emotional relationship to their addiction and recovery needs,” Dr. Price noted. “The MABT approach addresses a gap in services, as somatic awareness is not typically included in psychotherapy, and standard mindfulness approaches don’t teach these specific skills.”

One study participant from the mental health clinic in Harborview shared their experience from the training: “I learned how to turn my awareness inward and to be open to noticing what my body wants to tell and/or show me. I learned not only how to do this, but also the importance of implementing it in my daily life. I learned that I, my body is worthy of my attention.”

The MABT approach is particularly valuable for individuals with trauma and chronic pain histories, as they often develop coping mechanisms that involve disconnection from bodily sensations. “In the long run, this disconnection is problematic for folks,” Price explained.

“With more somatic awareness, including more awareness of the links between physical and emotional sensations, people can better engage in symptom management and feel more agency to promote well-being for themselves and in their relations with others.” – Dr. Cynthia Price, UW School of Nursing

The research has significant implications for healthcare implementation, particularly for nursing professionals. Dr. Price is currently exploring how this approach can be more broadly integrated into clinical care. “In hospital settings, nurses can bill for these kinds of services in a way that they can’t when they’re not [provided by] a nurse,” she explained, highlighting practical pathways for bringing MABT into mainstream healthcare.

The study was part of the National Institutes of Health HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative, which is working to address the opioid epidemic. HEAL has partnered with Duke University to create accessible resources that translate this research into practical tools for clinicians, patients, and other stakeholders. (The Mind-Body Partner Toolkit is available to the public.)

Dr. Price emphasized that the mindful awareness and body-oriented therapy training is firmly grounded in neuroscience. “Interoceptive processing is impaired with people experiencing chronic pain and mental health disorders. We know from neuroscience research that sensory processing is important for regulation – it’s how our [nervous] system knows how to regulate.”

With its proven effectiveness across diverse populations and growing recognition of its scientific validity, MABT represents a promising complement to existing treatments for substance use disorders, chronic pain, and trauma recovery. It is also a helpful approach for everyone, regardless of health history, to facilitate awareness and an embodied sense of self: “We all can use more skills to attend to our inner experience.”

_________________________________________

Want to know how you can support this important work? Contact sonadv@uw.edu

Interested in learning more or using mindful body awareness in your practice or personal life?

To learn more about the research findings specific to MABT, visit: Immediate Effects of Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy as an Adjunct to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

Recommended readings to learn more about interoception for health and well-being:

Better in Every Sense: How the Science of Sensation can Help you Reclaim your Life by Norman Farb and Zindel Segal

Thinking Outside the Brain by Annie Murphy

Body Sense: The Science and Practice of Embodied Self-Awareness (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology) by Alan Fogel

MABT Studies and Related Publications: Research – Center for Mindful Body Awareness

For health care professionals interested in MABT training opportunities: https://www.cmbaware.org/training-programs/

Other resources: UW Center for Child and Family Well-Being – https://ccfwb.uw.edu/events-classes/

Scholar Spotlight: Sera Madsen

Sera Madsen is a UW School of Nursing DNP student and one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s 2024-2025 Scholars. Her research project is on “Expanding Dementia Awareness through Faith-Based Organizations in Rural or Underserved Washington Communities”, and her faculty mentor is Kori Dewing.

Why did you choose nursing?

I was looking for a job when I arrived in the U.S. in 2009. When I went to the Everett Clinic as a patient, I was shy and spoke broken English. The nurses and the doctors were warm and kind, and they patiently asked how I was doing and how they could help.

My passion for nursing also stems from my experience back home in China, where my father lost an eye in an accident. I felt so powerless, and that experience stayed with me.

Those two encounters— seeing compassionate care firsthand and remembering my frustration with my father’s vision loss- inspired me to become a nurse to help others.

Nursing felt like the perfect fit because it allows me to work side by side with my patients. I began my journey at Everett Community College. I have been an RN for 10 years. Today, I’m on a new path toward becoming a nurse practitioner, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What interests you about healthy aging?

The aging population is growing, and they have my most profound respect. They have made incredible contributions to our communities and societies. I am always eager to learn from them and help whenever possible.

However, many older adults are often overlooked or neglected because of limited mobility or social determinants of health. Many also face complex health challenges. I’m passionate about supporting them, helping them navigate complex chronic conditions, and promoting healthy aging so they can continue to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Could you briefly describe the project you did with the de Tornyay Center?

My project focused on expanding dementia awareness through faith-based organizations in rural Washington. The overall goal was to support the Dementia Friends of Washington’s outreach efforts in reaching more rural communities.

Dementia Friends of Washington organizes outreach programs by training volunteers to lead information sessions and provide resources and support. They currently serve 25 counties and are working to expand into the remaining 14.

Because I’m involved in a church supporting community initiatives, I recognized an opportunity to engage faith-based networks as a bridge to rural communities. As part of my project, I conducted surveys and interviews with stakeholders, including volunteers, regional leaders, and Dementia Friends Champions, to better understand barriers and identify outreach opportunities.

Based on their feedback, I created an outreach flyer and a dementia awareness video that can be shared with churches, charities, and nonprofit faith organizations. Although direct workshops with three rural churches are still in the early stages, I’ve transferred those partnerships to Dementia Friends Washington for ongoing collaboration.

What did you learn during your interviews?

Building trust in rural communities takes time. One of the biggest takeaways was the value of utilizing existing networks, such as churches or personal connections, to reach rural communities. Starting with existing relationships allows us to spend more time on meaningful implementation rather than on building rapport from scratch.

Another important insight was the strong preference for face-to-face workshops and Q&A sessions. Many community members felt they learned best through in-person interactions. I also learned that many churches juggle multiple priorities, including offering English classes and running support programs for incarcerated individuals.

Expanding the volunteer network will be essential for future outreach efforts, especially to meet the demand for more personalized, in-person sessions.

What is the potential impact of your project?

My project offers a model that Dementia Friends Washington can use to partner with faith-based organizations or other community groups.

It also addresses the stigma and misconceptions surrounding dementia, which remain common in rural areas.

During my engagements with stakeholders, I learned that stigma could have a powerful impact — some individuals choose not to disclose their diagnosis, especially in the early stages, out of fear of losing friendships or even their jobs.

By expanding dementia awareness through trusted community networks, we can help reduce stigma, promote understanding, and better support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

While doing this project was there anything that surprised you?

One thing that surprised me was how many rural communities had never heard of Dementia Friends Washington.

For example, one volunteer—a caregiver—was unaware of the program. After learning about it, he was inspired to organize new supportive programs for other caregivers in his community.

It was powerful to see how even one introduction to Dementia Friends Washington could have such a meaningful impact on individuals and local communities during my interviews.

Another surprising aspect was the growing number of volunteers from diverse backgrounds dedicated to working with Dementia Friends Washington to support people in need.

Their passion further inspired me to reflect on what we, as a society, can do to better support individuals living with dementia.

Scholar Spotlight: Jessica Japra

Jessica Japra is a UW School of Nursing BSN student and one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s 2024-2025 Undergraduate Research Scholars. Her research project is on “The Roles of Chronotype and Cognitive Function on Feasibility of Cognitive Training for Older Intensive Care Unit Survivors”, and her faculty mentor is Maya Elias.

Why did you choose nursing?

I chose nursing at a very young age. I started my pre-nursing prerequisites at 16 because I did running start. I wanted to do something in healthcare, but I was unsure what kind of profession I wanted to do. When I researched a little bit about nursing, it was everything I wanted. I get to advocate for patients, and see interventions work right in front of me.

I have a cousin who was a LVN [Licensed Vocational Nurse] or LPN [Licensed Practical Nurse] in California, and she told me about working in assisted living. It sounded like something I wanted to do.

The logistics were also a factor. I knew I needed to do running start. My parents are older and as the oldest daughter of our immigrant family, I needed to start earning because my parents are about to retire.

What about healthy aging in particular interests you?

I got into nursing school, and I joined the honors program. At the same time, there was also the opportunity for a long-term care nursing externship.

This last May, I became a nursing technician at neuroscience, acute care specialty at Harborview. The population of patients we see is older adults that get strokes, and patients having spinal surgery, epilepsy patients or traumatic brain injuries. I would see how patients’ recovery process isn’t as advanced as it could have been. They face a lot of delirium continued from the ICU. It affects how they do their OT [occupational therapy] and their PT [physical therapy].

That’s how I was inspired to pick my BSN honors project in delirium and its relationship to other cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s or related dementias. I started talking to my mentor, and she helped me connect these points.

As I’m doing the externship and the honors program together, I see how older adults can end up in rehab facilities or transitional care facilities because of their continuum of hospital stay to the facility. Someone gets a stroke, or a TBI, and then they end up in the ICU. Then they’re there for so long they start getting delirium from the constant care they’re getting, which needs to happen, but it affects their sleep.

Then, they are medically stable enough to discharge, but their cognitive abilities are still not there. There needs to be interventions to make the process easier for them.

Could you briefly talk about your project with the de Tornyay Center Scholarship?

We are studying how people’s natural sleep cycles, or circadian rhythms, are disturbed. We take their own reports of their thinking skills, and assess how well they can accept and work with computerized cognitive training [CTT].

The criteria is ICU survivors who are 60 years old or older, were independent before hospitalization, and are within 48 hours of moving from intensive care to acute care. We do this brain training program for around 30 min for seven days. We give them a tablet, and they play mind games designed to help them cognitively. It can be games with blocks, racing, or pianos.

They also fill out a questionnaire to find out their sleep pattern, or what we call their chronotype. Basically, we’re trying to find out if they’re a morning person, evening person, or afternoon person, to see when they are most likely to perform well in these interventions with the CTT. After the training, when they have completed all the 30 min sessions, or until they leave, we use surveys and questions to see how their sleep patterns and thinking patterns connect to how well they have accepted the program.

In the future, we want to develop personalized treatments that consider sleep patterns and thinking skills to reduce delirium and cognitive decline.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I would take this section to say how grateful I am to receive the scholarship. Getting the scholarship really gives me an opportunity to further my education and is motivating me to keep going with my interest in healthy aging.

Jessica Japra

Breakthrough in IV Safety Shows Promise

A nurse-founded innovative solution to a decades-old clinical challenge is gaining attention from the NIH. Discover how a collaboration with UW’s Digital Health Innovation Hub could transform patient safety and put nurses at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

The Digital Health Innovation Hub (DHIH) at the University of Washington School of Nursing continues to catalyze impactful partnerships that advance nurse-led innovation. One standout example is a recently submitted NIH Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) application developed through a collaboration between Dr. Oleg Zaslavsky, Director of DHIH, and Crimson Medical Solutions, a nurse-founded start-up focused on patient safety.

The project, centered around Crimson’s “IV Manager”—a color-coded, modular system designed to reduce IV-line confusion and medication errors—aims to address preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) in acute care settings. These events, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, are often caused by misidentification and disorganization of IV lines, a common and longstanding challenge in clinical nursing practice.

Dr. Zaslavsky, who serves as the academic co-principal investigator, described the innovation as a “pragmatic, nurse-informed solution to an everyday safety issue that nurses have silently struggled with for decades.” His role focuses on leading the simulated clinical validation work, which will take place at the UW School of Nursing’s high-fidelity simulation lab.

The STTR submission received strong enthusiasm from NIH reviewers, who highlighted the project’s “high significance,” the strength of its interdisciplinary team, and the quality of the research environment at UW. “We were very encouraged by the reviewer feedback,” said Dr. Zaslavsky. “Their support validated the importance of tackling this long-overlooked challenge in hospital safety. The feedback also gave us a clear path forward as we refine the product and prepare for resubmission in the fall.”

While the reviewers praised many aspects of the proposal, they sought additional detail on the novelty and clinical advantage of the IV Manager compared to existing tools. This will be a key focus in the next application. “The resubmission gives us an opportunity to demonstrate just how distinct and impactful this tool is, especially in the hands of nurses who need intuitive, workflow-compatible solutions,” added Dr. Zaslavsky.

The project not only showcases a promising technology but also exemplifies the kind of translational collaboration DHIH aims to support. “This partnership reflects our core mission—to empower nurse innovators and create pathways for their ideas to reach clinical practice,” Dr. Zaslavsky noted. “Through STTRs, we can structure meaningful academic-industry-community collaborations that bring nursing voices to the forefront of healthcare innovation.”

DHIH encourages faculty and community partners to explore similar STTR opportunities as part of its growing portfolio. The IV Manager project provides a compelling roadmap for how DHIH can serve as an incubator for user-centered, equity-driven solutions that address real-world clinical pain points.

Stay tuned for updates on the project’s resubmission in the fall, and for more opportunities to connect with DHIH-supported ventures transforming healthcare delivery through nurse-led innovation.

Learn more about the Hub

Scholar Spotlight: Ashley Gougouehi

Ashley Gougouehi is a UW School of Nursing DNP student and one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s 2023-2024 Healthy Aging Doctoral Research Scholar. Gougouehi will present work from her project at the Washington State Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research Network March 14, 2025 meeting.

Why did you first choose nursing?

My dad had a back injury when I was younger, and I helped to take care of him. From this experience I realized that I really like taking care of people, so I volunteered at a hospital that was across the street from my high school. From this volunteer experience, I realized how nurses were the go-to people in hospitals to give care, and I love that. So that’s how I found myself in nursing. I just love caring for people.

What interests you about healthy aging in particular?

I think because I’m an only child, I’ve been terrified at the idea of my parents aging and me being the only one to take care of them. It took a while for me to realize that you can age healthy. You don’t have to get older and expect to develop health issues. I think that’s why I got really interested in caring for older adults: it’s an opportunity to support older adults age in a healthy way, while also emphasizing preventative care so that people can live long, happy and healthy lives and not dread aging.

Could you briefly describe the project that you’re doing for the scholarship?

I’m working with Washington Healthcare Authority and the Dementia Action Collaborative to do a needs assessment on age-friendly health systems in Washington. Essentially, we’re trying to get a sense of what health systems in Washington are recognized as being age-friendly, then get a sense of what kind of initiatives they have and what barriers they’re facing, so we can see how we can further support age-friendly health systems and hopefully expand these systems in the future.

What’s your role in the project?

My role is to identify age-friendly health systems, contact clinical leadership, and then do interviews with clinical leadership to see what initiatives they have in place, and what is needed to support the initiatives that they have.

I also added another component, which is to contact a health system that’s not recognized as being age-friendly to get a sense of what they know about age-friendly health systems, and what barriers they can identify to age-friendly care. I added this component to get more data on what barriers there are to age-friendly health initiatives.

Why is this project important to do?

I think it’s important to identify what age-friendly health systems are out there and recognize the systems that have made an effort to be age-friendly. It is also important to get a sense of what initiatives are out there that support our older adults, and see how we can support these health systems, because we need more of them. Not every person is going to Google which health system is recognized as age friendly. They’re just going to go to whatever system is closest to them. So, it’s really important for us to see what is needed to expand the age-friendly health systems and initiatives.

Is there anything surprising or interesting that you found while working on this project?

I think one thing that was surprising is that it’s hard to get in contact with clinical leadership. Which has been a little surprising but has made me even more appreciative of the time clinical leaders take to help me with this project. I’ve had one interview so far, and learning how some health systems have been able to incorporate age-friendly initiatives into their electronic medical system has been really, really cool and inspiring.

How did they incorporate age-friendly aspects into an electronic health system?

So for this health system that I talked to, in EPIC they created a smart phrase/template, which helps guide clinicians to do comprehensive geriatric assessments by asking geriatric centered questions like about medications, fall risk, nutrition, and things related to the 4Ms of age-friendly care (what matters most, mentation, mobility, medication). So it’s essentially a smart phrase that prompts clinicians on how to assess an older adult and identify crucial needs for older adults. That was pretty cool to learn about.

What previous experience before this do you have working with older adults?

I have been a nurse for almost six years. I worked in acute care, and in acute care you work with a lot of older adults who are coming in for exacerbated chronic diseases. That’s where I interacted with more older adults and realized there’s a huge need to support older adults and manage chronic diseases and encourage preventative care and promote healthy aging.

Have you done primary care before, or is this program your switch into primary care?

This is the switch. My only experience with primary care has just been with my clinical rotation. I had one clinical rotation last quarter in primary care, and I absolutely loved it!

What are you looking forward to with primary care?

I think the continuity of care is what I’m really looking forward to, and then also promoting preventative care. I’m hoping to specialize in the care of older adult, specifically chronic disease management and preventative care.

2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium

Our BSN honors students will present their posters at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium on May 16^th. Please join us to celebrate our students’ achievements.

Date: May 16, 2025

Time: Session 1 (11:20 AM to 12:20 PM), Session 2 (12:30 PM to 1:30 PM), Session 3 (1:40 PM to 2:40 PM), and Session 5 (4:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

Location: Mary Gates Hall, HUB Lyceum, and Allen Center

For day-of details see:

https://www.washington.edu/urs/visitors/#explore

Student: Antonia Cai
Mentor: Vitor Oliveira
Title: The influence of physical activity and diet quality on the symptom experience of older adults with HIV
Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM

Students: Sarah Crawford & Thy Nguyen
Mentor: Sarah Gimbel
Title: Using Student Input to Expand Engagement in Global Health Nursing through Strategic Outreach, Social Media, and Campus Initiatives
Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM

Students: Eriska Fajriyati & Sumaya Uthman
Mentors: Sarah McKiddy & Eeeseung Byun
Title: A Qualitative Study of Menopause Expectation and Experiences Among Older Somali and Indonesian Adults with a Uterus
Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM

Student: Jun Heo
Mentor: Anita Souza
Title: Exploring Healthcare and Housing Differences Between Older Veterans and Non-Veterans in Permanent Supportive Housing: Barriers to Healthy Aging
Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM

Student: Wenchi Lai
Mentor: Vitor Oliveira
Title: The Effects of Exercise Training on Symptoms Experienced by Older Adults with HIV
Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM

Student: Grace Plavocos
Mentor: Anita Souza
Title: Evaluating the effectiveness of Post Graduate Fellowship Programs on Healthcare Workforce Needs in Washington State
Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM

Student: Jessica Japra
Mentor: Maya N. Elias
Title: The Roles of Chronotype and Cognitive Function on Feasibility of Cognitive Training for Older Intensive Care Unit Survivors
Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Students: Rhea D. Diokno & Kajsa Zimmerman
Mentor: Kristen Childress
Title: Enhancing Long Term Care Nursing Recruitment through Emotional Engagement
Time: 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM

Students: Zoe Hesselroth & Manatsu Okada
Mentor: Jillian Pintye
Title: Enhancing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Outcomes Among Kenyan Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) with a Novel Pharmacy-Based PrEP Delivery Platform
Time: 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM

Students: Rebeca Semere & Stephanie Yu
Mentor: Donna Berry
Title: Improving Usage of the Electronic Self Assessment and Care Tool in Gynecological Oncology Unit at University of Washington
Time: 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM

Student: Janna Putnam
Mentor: Omeid Heidari
Title: Curating Diets: A Thematic Analysis of Eating Behaviors in “What I Eat in a Day” TikToks
Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Investing in Women’s Health Means Better Health for All (Part 2 of 2)

Women comprise half the U.S. population, own approximately 40% of American businesses, educate most of our nation’s children, lead 10% of Fortune 500 companies, establish a growing number of startup companies, and provide more than 75% of both paid and unpaid care to our seniors. While we clearly have a detailed understanding of women’s demographic characteristics and their significant economic contributions, we still know relatively little about their health. When most people think about women’s health, they think of pregnancy and childbirth and breast, ovarian and uterine cancers. This is understandable, because the most evident differences between women and men are these reproductive organs; yet it is also an oversimplification of the range of health issues impacting women every day.

In 2018, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, pulmonary disease, stroke, and lung cancer were the leading causes of death and disability among American women; yet few people outside of the healthcare industry realize just how prevalent these diseases are in women. Women’s health is not mysterious or inexplicable; rather, at best, it has been rigidly compartmentalized and at its worst, woefully ignored.

This week, we continue our Investing in Women’s Health series by profiling the work of three University of Washington School of Nursing investigators who are dedicated to examining how to prevent and mitigate often overlooked health conditions in women.

Puberty is not a topic many people enjoy thinking or talking about, but Dr. Maria Bleil has spent decades trying to demystify how and what happens to girls during puberty, and the impacts to their health over the course of their lives. Maria discovered that girls who experience earlier puberty are more likely to face certain health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even early death. These problems can be triggered by factors such as being overweight or having difficult experiences during childhood.

Maria leads a research team that aims to help all women, by identifying ways to support girls before they enter puberty. Focusing on targeting these prepubertal risk factors, her goal is to discover new ways to ensure a healthy pubertal transition, which will contribute to better health for women in the long run. Her work is supported by research grants from major health organizations, including four of the National Institutes of Health.

Though this is difficult work under the best of circumstances, Maria and her team are motivated by the importance of developing new knowledge that improves women’s health. Although women tend to live longer than men, they often suffer from more health problems and disabilities. She believes her research can make a difference for all women, helping them live healthier lives.

Looking ahead, Maria hopes that healthcare providers and institutions will consider puberty as a key factor when treating girls and women. By assessing early puberty signs and assisting girls who experience accelerated pubertal maturation, long-term health issues including heart disease and stroke may be prevented. Through her groundbreaking work, Maria strives to ensure that women not only live longer, but also enjoy better quality lives.

Kendra Kamp, PhD
Presenting Her Research at NIH

Tackling research on neglected health conditions is hard and often thankless work, but Assistant Professor, Kendra Kamp has never been daunted by the unknown. Dr. Kamp’s program of research is focused on making gut health better for everyone, especially for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) and irritable bowel irregularities. Using funding from the UW School of Nursing Research Intramural Funding Program and the National Institutes of Health, her team has discovered that symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue are worse during menstruation. They also found that women with inflammatory bowel disease go through menopause earlier than those without the disease. By studying menstrual cycles and menopause, Dr. Kamp hopes to understand how reproductive hormones, symptoms, and biomarkers interact and affect all women.

Dr. Kamp is motivated by her experiences as a wife, mother, granddaughter, and caregiver. She has seen how women’s health affects the whole community and has witnessed friends and family suffer in silence because of cultural taboos and stigmas around discussing bowel problems or vaginal pain. She and her team are working to change this and ensure all women receive compassionate, evidence-based care. Looking ahead, Dr. Kamp envisions a future “where there is a strong focus on investing in women’s health. Women no longer have to suffer in silence”.

Last, but certainly not least, Associate Professor Oleg Zaslavsky is pioneering ways to support caregivers of older adults. Dr. Oleg Zaslavsky’s research is creating and testing novel digital tools to support cognitive, emotional, and physical wellbeing in older adults, particularly women who face greater risks of emotional disturbances and caregiving burden. By combining behavioral science, user-centered design, and technology, Dr. Zaslavsky and his team aim to promote healthy aging by creating accessible, evidence-based tools that support aging well and resilience in older adults. Dr. Zaslavsky’s work has received over $2 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health and private foundations. This support helps his team develop novel, evidence-based tools that are easy to use and accessible to many people.

The breadth of work highlighted in this series covers pivotal moments across the lifespan of women. From advancing HIV and STI prevention and treatment during pregnancy, supporting early development in childhood (Drs. Oxford, Bleil) to developing technological solutions to supporting healthy aging in older adults. As the leading funder of Research & Development in the United States, the Federal government has been instrumental in the discoveries described in this series. However, continued slowdowns in NIH and other federal funding are likely to threaten future progress. Despite these challenges, the knowledge generated by our passionate investigators will significantly improve women’s health– but this knowledge must be understood within the broader social, historical, economic, community contexts of women.

With the future funding in question, the University of Washington School of Nursing remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing women’s health research. Our vision is a future where all women – across all communities – have access to high-quality healthcare. We will continue to seek out bold, mission-driven partners who will work with us to support research that enables women to live their entire lives with prosperity, independence, dignity and liberty. Our dedicated faculty, staff and students are united in their efforts to generate high-quality evidence and innovations that advance science and transform this vision into reality.

~Allison R. Webel, PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Dean for Research & Innovation

In case you missed the first part, you can find it here.

Empowering Future Nurse Practitioners: A Gift of Mentorship and Support

Two persons standing smiling at camera with water and sand in background — Amy and Matt Perez

Clinical preceptors are the backbone of nursing education, providing invaluable mentorship and hands-on learning experiences for students. These dedicated professionals shape the next generation of healthcare providers by offering guidance, expertise, and real-world clinical training. Their commitment ensures that our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students develop the skills and confidence needed to provide exceptional care.

Woman smiling with two small children — Kathleen Perez and two of her grandchildren

Matt Perez, was a clinical preceptor who has played a pivotal role in supporting DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students. Recognizing the crucial contributions of nurse practitioners—especially in community health—Perez saw an opportunity to make an even greater impact. “Family nurse practitioners provide high-quality care and do a tremendous amount of work, yet they often lack the resources and recognition they deserve,” he shared.

Understanding firsthand the challenges students face, Perez wanted to do more. When he received an inheritance from his late mother, he and his wife, Amy, decided to turn their gratitude for nursing education into action. Together, they established the Kathleen Perez Memorial Family Nurse Practitioner Scholarship fund to support DNP students pursuing careers in community health.

Perez’s decision to give was personal. “My mother was an elementary school teacher who did incredible work, often without the resources or recognition she deserved,” he reflected. “This scholarship aligns with her values of caring for others and is a way to honor her legacy while also supporting students who are dedicated to primary care and serving their communities,” Perez said.

Through their generous gift, they hope to ease the financial burden for aspiring nurse practitioners to pursue a meaningful career path and highlight the vital role they play in healthcare.

We are grateful for their support and commitment to the School of Nursing. If you are interested in supporting their fund please visit: Kathleen Perez Memorial Family Nurse Practitioner Scholarship.

Learn more about our DNP program or clinical precepting

-Kristine Wright

Investing in Women’s Health Means Better Health for All

I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. … We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.

Malala YousafzaiEducation Activist

Investing in women’s health has countless benefits to families, communities and society as a whole. Organizations often cite the increases in economic productivity (up to a $ 1 trillion increase annually) and the high return on investment (every $1 invested in women’s health has the potential to return $3 in economic growth). While these numbers are certainly impressive, the rationale for investing in women’s health extends well beyond the economic benefits.

Yes, women are daughters and mothers, but they are also critical innovators, creators, caregivers, community leaders, consumers, chroniclers, and hold so many critical societal roles that underpin humanity’s progress and overall state of being. When women are healthy, we are all healthier; yet research into the holistic health of women has often lacked the same focus, resources and attention as men’s health. For over 40 years, the unwavering commitment to enhancing women’s health has driven UW School of Nursing scientists to pursue groundbreaking research — a mission that remains core to the forefront of our efforts today.

The breadth and depth of our collective women’s health research in the UW School of Nursing is so vast; to do this work justice, this anthology will be split into two parts. Building on the Go Global event last month, Part 1 focuses on our research to improve childbearing- becoming, during, or just after a woman gives birth- and childrearing. Next week, part 2 will continue to explore our research focusing on chronic diseases that differentially effect women.

Childbearing and Rearing

American women who seek to become, are in the process of becoming, or have recently become mothers, face shocking disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality compared to other similarly resourced countries around the globe.

Two of our nurse midwifery faculty members, Dr. Clare Sherly and Dr. Ellen Solis, are leading the HEALING Midwifery Together project. This transformative initiative examines the current state of midwifery practice and education in the United States through qualitative, community-driven research. By building relationships and fostering repair within and between midwifery professions, this project will create a more inclusive and supportive midwifery education system. Such efforts are critical for improving the health of women everywhere, ensuring that midwives are well-equipped to care for women, newborns, and all patients needing sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Generously funded by the Skyline Foundation, which provides $200,000 per year for three years, the project underscores the importance of the UW School of Nursing’s dedication to supporting midwives and will ultimately translate to better women’s and family care. Looking ahead, this project will co-create an implementation plan for an educational program that supports all midwifery professions, sharing knowledge and healing wounds to better support patients and families. This work is about more than just education; it’s about creating a sustainable profession that will make a profound impact on women’s health and overall well-being.

Another champion in this field, Associate Professor, Dr. Jillian Pintye’s path to becoming leading women’s health researcher began in Botswana. While serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, she witnessed the devastating effects of HIV and STIs on women and children. This experience ignited her passion for research focused on these vulnerable populations. Determined to make a difference, Jillian became a nurse scientist, channeling her experiences into advancing health for all women. Her international research team develops new evidence-based tools that improves access to effective HIV and STI prevention and treatment, particularly for young women and pregnant populations. Their focused and united efforts tackle health issues that affect women hardest, amplifying the impact and reach of their work.

Supported by more than $14M in grants from NIH and the Gates Foundation, Jillian’s research is backed by distinguished sponsors. This funding not only advances HIV and STI prevention and treatment but also trains the next generation of bold, innovative women’s health scientists. Despite current challenges, Dr. Pintye is optimistic. Advances in HIV science bring the possibility of ending the HIV epidemic within our reach. She hopes her research will inform health policies and clinical practices, creating an HIV-free generation.

Many women face significant barriers to attending critical post-natal appointments, including socioeconomic challenges, lack of transportation, and cultural or language barriers. Assistant Professor Kaboni Gwonde, was recently awarded LHS E-Star funding to address these barriers. This new grant will enable her to generate valuable knowledge that will enable healthcare providers to understand the factors contributing to disparities in maternal and infant outcomes, particularly focusing on how social determinants of health and systemic factors impact access to quality post-natal care. By identifying and addressing these obstacles, Dr. Gwonde’s team can develop targeted interventions to improve post-natal care and support for women across Washington State. Funded by Kaiser Permanente, this project seeks to uncover the reasons behind the low uptake of post-natal care and develop solutions to ensure that all birthing people have a positive and supportive experience during the perinatal period. Dr. Gwonde’s ultimate goal, like many of our UW School of Nursing investigators, is to create a more equitable healthcare system that provides safe and effective care for all women post-birth.

The health of women, and their families, does not stop at postpartum care. For decades, Barnard Center for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Director, Dr. Monica Oxford, has been focused on trauma-informed, strength-based approaches to support parents, especially mothers, who have faced adversity. At the Barnard Center, Dr. Oxford’s team bridges research, clinical practice, and policy to ensure that the voices of parents with trauma histories are centered and prioritized in family interventions and support systems. Her efforts have garnered nearly $25M in funding from the NIH, philanthropy, and workforce development contracts with state and local entities over the past decade.

As she describes it, Monica’s dedication stems from decades of research showing that early relationships shape our brains, bodies, and futures. Her team works to support all caregivers in fostering deep emotional connections with their children, laying the foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing. Looking ahead, Monica envisions a future where human connection is prioritized, enhancing emotional bonds not just between parents and children, but also between providers and clients, students and teachers, and leaders and communities. Her work is pivotal in shaping a supportive and connected society for all families.

Together, the collective work of these scholars is a testament to the power of passion and dedication, transforming women’s health and inspiring future scientists. In reviewing this body of work, it becomes clear that this science embodies the nursing code of ethics, which includes a provision that the nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient. Today, as in the previous four decades, UW School of Nursing scientists are dedicated to using every available tool of science to ensure that women around the globe are no longer held back by gaps in scientific knowledge.

Announcing Dr. Pamela Kohler as Chair of Child, Family, Population Health Nursing (CFPHN)

Medium shot of Dr. Pam Kohler, Chair of Child, Family, Population Health Nursing Effective April 1, 2025, Dr. Pamela Kohler, PhD, MPH, BSN, RN, (she/her) will be appointed as permanent Chair of Child, Family, Population Health Nursing (CFPHN) Department at the University of Washington School of Nursing, pending approval by the UW Board of Regents.

Dr. Kohler’s distinguished career exemplifies dedication to research excellence, global health advocacy, and transformative health services interventions in nursing practice. Her leadership has been evident throughout her tenure at the University of Washington, most recently in her roles as the interim department chair for CFPHN, senior technical advisor for the International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), and through joint professorial appointments at UW School of Nursing, UW School of Public Health and UW School of Medicine. Dr. Kohler holds a Ph.D. in Nursing and a Master of Public Health from the University of Washington as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Her cross-disciplinary expertise has fostered collaboration and innovation across our academic community.

As a globally recognized researcher, Dr. Kohler has established herself as a leading voice in adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Her research focuses on improving healthcare delivery systems and implementing evidence-based practices to enhance outcomes for vulnerable populations. Together with Dr. Sarah Gimbel, she established the UW SoN Center for Global Health Nursing, serving as its inaugural director. In addition to research, her international capacity-building partnerships have strengthened healthcare infrastructure and education across resource-limited settings. Dr. Kohler has received numerous accolades for her contributions to nursing education and global health. Most recently, she was selected for the prestigious Research Impact Award, which recognizes an outstanding Association of Nurses in AIDS Care member who has made significant contributions through research and scholarship regarding individuals and communities affected by HIV and the quality of care provided to them.

Dr. Kohler’s leadership extends across research and education, where she has mentored countless students and early-career professionals who have gone on to make significant contributions to nursing and global health. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, cultural humility, and evidence-based practice—values that intrinsically align with our school’s mission.

As Chair of the Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing department, Dr. Kohler will guide the CFPHN department and our school toward even greater excellence. Dr. Kohler’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as we continue to expand our impact in nursing education, research, and practice. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our strategic priorities and fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff and faculty can succeed, and innovation thrives.

Adventures in Science: Winter 2025 Edition

Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world. -Louis Pasteur

All around the country, and indeed, the world, universities are stopping research-related travel that is charged to their operating budgets. Maslow’s hierarchy, history, and common sense indicate that this is both wise and fitting. Yet, the scientific process – observation, experimentation, analysis, reason, and dissemination- is the only method by which humankind can learn truth; universal truths that help propel progress forward. As we have previously shared, the ability of UW School of Nursing scientists to disseminate and deliberate their research broadly is critical for sharing, improving and reaping the benefits of the knowledge created by our community. We are fortunate and grateful to have philanthropically supported gifts to support our community in this quest for scientific progress. This week, two of our community members who received ONR&I’s travel to exchange their research with the global community share the impact of their award.

Substance use and addition continue to be leading concerns for Washingtonians but Assistant Professor, Omeid Heidari, is determined to develop compassionate, effective, and pragmatic nurse-led interventions to reduce overdoses in our community. In October 2024, he utilized the ONR&I travel funds to attend the Addiction Health Services Research Conference, a pivotal event that helped to advance his scientific endeavors. At the conference, Dr. Heidari presented groundbreaking findings on overdose risk environments, fostering invaluable connections with colleagues and collaborators nationwide. Additionally, he had the opportunity to meet in person with the CHERISH Mentee group, a national cohort of addiction health services researchers to which he belongs. This experience underscored the importance of health services and policy researchers engaging with policymakers at all levels—local, state, and federal. Omeid encourages all members of the UW School of Nursing community to persist in advocating with robust evidence and compelling patient-centered narratives to highlight the critical work they perform.

Image of the International Conference on Frailty and Sarcopenia Research 2025 — International Conference on Frailty and Sarcopenia Research 2025

Healthy aging is crucial for maintaining quality of life as we grow older. Assistant Professor, Vitor Oliveira was able to leverage the ONR&I travel funds to attend the 15th International Conference on Frailty and Sarcopenia Research in Toulouse, France, from March 12-14, 2025. This event was a fantastic chance for Dr. Oliveira to meet leading researchers from around the world who study muscle loss, frailty, and healthy aging. He learned about exciting new studies that track thousands of people over decades to better understand how we age.

Vitor Oliveira_PhD — Vitor Oliveira, PhD standing next to poster presentation

Dr. Oliveira wants the UW School of Nursing community to know we are currently in the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030). This catalytic global initiative aims to improve the lives of older adults, their families, and their communities. Everyone—from governments to private companies, and even the media—is encouraged to collectively work together to achieve these goals. He highlights that while researchers are still studying medications for muscle loss and frailty, staying active and eating well are the best ways to prevent and treat these conditions. For more details on Dr. Oliveira’s research, check out his recent editorial in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing.

Universities, and their research enterprise, are at a crossroads right now and to many the future of that enterprise feels uncertain. But what is certain is that our shared curiosity, and our drive to improve the world around us using the tools and discipline of science, have outlasted economic downturns, political upheaval, plagues and pandemics, and widescale institutional change. For millennia our noble and natural desire to learn and understand ourselves and the world around us – and to share that knowledge across geopolitical borders- has withstood forces unimaginable to most of us today. That quest, and the knowledge we have gained along the way, has helped us to become among the longest living and healthiest people in human history. Whether their scientific journey takes them to Whatcom, Walla Walla, Wenatchee, Baltimore or Toulouse, we in the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation will continue to support our investigators in their inquiry into improving human health.

~Allison R. Webel, PhD, RN, FAAN

Championing Postdoctoral Research: Our Journey to Tailored Pilot Funding

At the University of Washington School of Nursing, fostering innovation and supporting our researchers at every career stage remains a cornerstone of our mission. Over the years, the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation has sought to mature our philanthropically supported funding mechanisms to better support the unique needs of our pioneering research community. One such effort was expanding the eligibility pool of our Research Intramural Funding Program (RIFP) to include postdoctoral scholars—a move intended to create more opportunities for early-career investigators to grow and thrive.

Our initial attempts at better supporting these early-stage nurse scientists were promising, with several postdoctoral scholars leveraging their RIFP funding to embark on cutting-edge research. For example:

Kendra Kamp, PhD, RN, early recipient of RIFP post-doctoral pilot funding, is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Jon Auld explored “Caregiver Needs and Health Outcomes After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in the Patient,” which led to critical insights into improving support systems for caregivers in medical settings. [Auld JP, Streur MM, Thompson EA, Beckman J, Mahr C, Dougherty CM. Caregiver Challenges, Needs and Health Outcomes after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation. Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. (2023). (in preparation)]
Kendra Kamp used pilot funding (CISSM) to conduct a feasibility study on “Sleep Symptom Science in Inflammatory Bowel Disease,” advancing knowledge in symptom management and patient care.

A result of the RIFP’s supportive, yet rigorous, review process led to improvements of their research protocols. Both Dr. Auld and Dr. Kamp exemplify the vast potential of UW School of Nursing postdoctoral scholars when provided with resources to address pressing research questions. Their success exemplifies the impact of pilot funding in advancing both individual careers and the broader research community.

Building on these successes and lessons learned, we are excited to launch a new Post-Doctoral RIFP Award, supported through the Dean’s reinvestment funds. This pilot initiative, approved for one year, is designed to better address the unique needs of postdoctoral researchers in the current funding environment and will enhance our research community’s funding mechanisms.

The Post-Doctoral RIFP Awards will augment the current Research Intramural Funding Program (RIFP) and provide a tailored funding opportunity that aligns with the career stage and research goals of our postdoctoral colleagues.

Key Details of the Program:

Duration & Funding: Awards are limited to a one-year duration with funding ranging from $5,000 to $7,500.

Process: The program follows the same familiar call, submission, and review structure as the standard RIFP.

Investment: The Office for Nursing Research & Innovation expects to fund 2–3 awards annually, totaling up to $20,000 during this pilot phase.

This program underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting postdoctoral researchers by providing targeted funding to advance their work and foster their growth as independent investigators. We encourage all of our UW School of Nursing postdoctoral scholars to take advantage of this opportunity, and we look forward to seeing the innovative contributions this program will inspire.

Stay tuned to the weekly research roundup for further details on application deadlines and guidelines in the coming weeks!

Spotlight Interview: Eriska Fajriyati

Eriska Fajriyati is a UW School of Nursing BSN student and one of the de Tornyay center for Healthy Aging’s 2024-2025 Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholars. Her project is on “Exploring Perceptions of Aging and Menopause in Somali and Indonesian Older Adults: A Qualitative Study” and her faculty mentor is Eeeseung Byun. Sarah McKiddy, a PhD in Nursing Science Candidate and former de Tornyay Center scholar is also serving as Fajriyati’s mentor.

Why did you choose nursing?

I’ve always been drawn to healthcare because I truly want to make a difference in people’s lives. When I was younger, I was part of a club called “Little Healthcare Helper,” and that’s when I first started thinking about healthcare as my path. At the time, I wasn’t sure exactly where I’d end up, but I knew I wanted to help people. Eventually, I became a CNA and worked with residents, many of whom had Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, and that’s when I really discovered my love for nursing. I enjoy hands-on work, being able to interact with people, earn their trust, and offer them comfort. Nursing also gives me so many opportunities to grow and take on new challenges, which is exciting. It’s just such a rewarding field to be in, and it feels like the perfect fit for me. Nursing also offers incredible opportunities for growth, whether it’s exploring other specializations or advancing to a nurse practitioner. The diversity of options is really exciting!

What made you want to do a research project?

A big part of why I decided to do this research project is because of my mom and her friends. They’re at the age of either starting or experiencing menopause and started asking me a lot of questions about it. I realized that I didn’t know enough to give them the answers they were looking for, and that really sparked my curiosity. As a nursing student, I felt like it was the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into understanding menopause—not just for my mom and her friends, but also to raise awareness in my community. My goal is to help people understand menopause better, particularly within the Indonesian community, and ensure they have access to the right resources. Through this research, I hope to improve how menopause is discussed and managed, both in my community and in healthcare overall.

Could you share a little more about your research project?

My project is focused on exploring the perception of aging and menopause in both Somali and Indonesian communities. I’m working closely with my mentors Professor Eeeseung Byun and Sarah McKiddy, as well as my co-partner, Sumaya. Together, Sumaya and I are interviewing people from our respective communities to understand their experiences with menopause. We want to learn about the symptoms, beliefs, and cultural factors that influence how they manage this stage of life. For our interviews, we’ve created questions in English, then translated them into Bahasa Indonesia and Somali to make sure we’re truly capturing authentic perspectives. I’m excited because this project is not just about learning for myself, but also about providing valuable insights that can lead to more culturally sensitive healthcare in the future.

Has there been anything that surprised you so far while working on the project?

I’ve discovered something quite interesting about the people I’m interviewing within my Indonesian community. I initially thought menopause would be a more taboo or stigmatized topic in my community, but it turns out it’s not as hidden as I expected. People are open to discussing it, but they tend to do so only within their close circles or when the topic arises naturally in conversation. What’s also surprising is that many individuals rely on traditional remedies—such as drinking a traditional Indonesian drink called Jamu or practicing meditation/praying—to manage their symptoms. Another common piece of advice I frequently hear is to maintain a positive outlook and not to dwell too much on the discomforts associated with menopause. This perspective differs from what I anticipated based on the literature I reviewed, and it has been fascinating to see how cultural beliefs influence the experience and management of menopause.

What interests you about healthy aging in general? What is your experience like working with older adults?

Healthy aging is something I’m really passionate about because it’s such a crucial part of everyone’s life. We’re all going to grow older, and it’s not just about taking care of our bodies—it’s also about looking after our emotional and mental well-being. For me, understanding how culture influences aging is really important, and how we can best support people in that process. I’ve seen firsthand how cultural beliefs shape health practices, like how in my community, people drink Jamu to manage menopausal symptoms. These experiences really made me see how vital cultural competence is in healthcare.

I’ve been working with older adults for over four years now, mostly in senior living and Alzheimer’s dementia units. Working with them has been such a rewarding experience. It’s shown me that aging is about so much more than just physical health—it’s about emotional, mental, and social well-being too. One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is helping create spaces where older adults feel supported and connected. It’s inspired me to focus on improving their quality of life and making sure they can age with dignity, joy, and comfort.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be doing this research, especially with the support of the scholarship. It allows me to focus more on my studies and my interests. It’s exciting to learn not only for my own understanding but also for the benefit of my community. Through this research, I hope to raise awareness about menopause in both the Somali and Indonesian communities and improve how healthcare providers approach it.

Spotlight Interview: Antonia Cai

Antonia Cai is a UW School of Nursing BSN student and one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s 2024-2025 Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholars. Her research project is on “The influence of physical activity and diet quality on the symptom experience of older adults with HIV”, and her faculty mentor is Vitor Oliveira.

What made you choose nursing?

I chose nursing because I always wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. I appreciate how nursing offers a wide range of opportunities, flexibility, and room for professional growth within a single career. Beyond bedside nursing, I can become a nurse practitioner and provide advanced care, engage in research to expand the field, work in clinical settings serving diverse populations, or even pursue a career in nursing education.

Moving to the U.S. as a teenager, I witnessed firsthand how healthcare operates and saw my parents struggle at times to navigate the system. That experience inspired me to become someone who understands the system and can provide support in meaningful ways.

What interests you about healthy aging?

My grandmother, who played a significant role in my upbringing, has been living alone since I moved to the U.S. with my parents. I spent a lot of time with her during my childhood, and not being able to be physically present as she experiences aging has weighed on my mind. This personal connection fuels my interest in healthy aging—I want to help not only her but also others who are aging alone. She is just one of many facing similar challenges, and I want to contribute to improving their quality of life.

Have you had past experience working with older adults?

Yes, my first job as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was at Evergreen Hospital on the orthopedic floor, where I cared for many elderly patients. I saw how quickly their health status could change in the hospital setting, and I realized how aging and chronic illnesses significantly impact their recovery. While younger patients might heal quickly from a fracture, the same injury could be far more debilitating for an older adult.

I also noticed that many elderly patients had limited resources for recovery and, at times, did not seek help due to mental health struggles or a lack of support. One of the most important things I learned from working with older adults is how deeply mental and physical health are interconnected.

Could you briefly talk about the project that you’re doing for the de Tornyay Center scholarship?

My project examines how physical activity and diet quality impact symptom management in older adults living with HIV. This research is connected to the ongoing projects at the Webel Lab, where I work under my mentor, Dr. Oliveira. While the lab has been studying this topic for years, I am conducting a more focused analysis on how diet and exercise influence the experiences of individuals with this chronic condition.

How did you first get involved with this research?

Before pursuing nursing, I earned my first degree in nutrition, where I gained extensive training in how the food system—from production to consumption—affects public health.

When I had the opportunity to apply for the BSN honors program and receive support for research, I expressed my interest in the connection between nutrition and aging. This led me to Dr. Oliveira and the Webel Lab, where their research aligned closely with my interests in nutrition and exercise. That’s how I became involved in this project.

How do you feel like your background in nutrition influences your work as a nurse?

I firmly believe that we are what we eat—nutrition and lifestyle choices play a crucial role in overall health. My background in public health and nutrition helped me develop a systematic way of thinking about how different factors—biological, social, and environmental—interact to shape health outcomes.

In nursing, I see how many illnesses stem from a complex web of influences, including socioeconomic factors and social determinants of health. Many chronic conditions are passed down through generations due to these systemic influences. That’s why I believe in taking a holistic approach to patient care, considering multiple perspectives beyond just medical treatment. My nutrition background has strengthened my ability to assess patients’ health through a broader lens.

With the project that you’re working on, has there been anything that’s surprised you that you’ve learned or seen?

The level of rigor required at every step! From the initial proposal stage to data collection, everything must follow strict protocols. Even minor deviations from the approved methodology require resubmission and reevaluation before moving forward.

This experience has reinforced the importance of precision and attention to detail—not just in research but also in clinical practice. I’ve learned to approach every step with intention, knowing that careful execution is critical in both research and patient care.

Efficiency. Effectiveness. Equity.

Allison Webel, PhD Associate Dean for Research and Innovation

Elon Musk is not one, but two, four letter words… The global businessman is causing ongoing waves across the federal landscape in his quest to reign in federal government spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This effort continues to have far reaching effects on health science – including impacts on units and investigators that are close and longstanding partners to those of us in the School of Nursing. History, and likely the judiciary, will have the final evaluative word of these efforts; though nestled much closer to the T Wing of the Magnuson Health Sciences Building, the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation has engaged in a timely and careful review of our work in response to these efforts to ensure the highest stewardship of WA state, federal and university resources. Each week, we intentionally close the Weekly Research Roundup with our guiding principles. To fully manifest our commitment to accountability, collaboration, and service orientation, we want to share that review with our community.

Our mission is to elevate nursing science across the research lifecycle. It is a mission everyone on our team derives immense satisfaction in carrying out. In FY25, our operating budget for is $1.76M and is proposed to be $1.74M for FY26. In FY24, our team supported extramural awards of approximately $33.5M in our grant portfolio. This comprises more than 150 award budgets across three continents, which employ dozens if not hundreds of research staff around the globe. This portfolio exceeds the School of Nursing’s annual operating budget ($23.6M), indicating that our research enterprise eclipses our educational enterprise.

One marker of a unit’s efficiency is their output divided by input (time, money, and raw materials). Though these numbers are rough approximations, using the total portfolio size as the output and our unit’s total annual budget as the input, we yield a ~19-fold return on investment. Now, this is just a quantitative measure, and ignores the impact on science, the community and human beings whose lives are touched by the innovations being developed through these grants – which many of us place superior value on.

Indeed, the public service orientation of our work may be better characterized by its effectiveness. The hardest part of determining a unit’s effectiveness is choosing the corresponding measures of that effectiveness. Is it the total or year-over-year growth of grant dollars we support? Satisfaction in our services? The proportion of faculty who submit, manage or are being funded, in some part, by research grants? Diversity of our schools’ grant and sponsored projects portfolio?

While we hope the ongoing strategic planning process will identify highly valued indicators of the effectiveness of the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation, the internal metrics we use are the total dollar amount of grants supported ($33.5M), growth in the number of grants submitted (currently 15% increase year-over-year), and number of Seattle faculty who are supported by ONR&I services. Currently, 40 of our 45-tenure line and research faculty (89%) serve as investigators on extramural grants that we help support. Additionally, the office supports nine research and training grants led by PhD students (e.g., NIH F31 grants, foundation grants). As these metrics demonstrate, we are meeting or exceeding reasonable expectations. Yet, the management of these grants is not simply transactional- every single research project has monthly financial reports to be calculated and shared; modifications that must be created, processed and diligently tracked; and growing compliance and cross-institutional coordination that require extensive familiarity, expertise, curiosity, communication, tracking and independence across dozens of faculty and staff. The UW School of Nursing is incredibly lucky to have more than 100 years of collective grant management experience across our grant support team, who often seamlessly orchestrate this detail-oriented and nuanced work behind the scenes.

Finally, in what can be the hardest to measure, equity is perhaps the raison d’être for a localized grant management team. Every grant, and every investigative team, are vastly different. They have different terms, structures, needs, and varying levels of experience. There is no assembly-line approach to responsible grant management in an organization as productive and diverse as ours. While a seasoned investigator who has decades of NIH grant experience may not require proportionally more staff time to carry out a simple R01; another equally seasoned investigator with multiple subcontracts and dynamic reporting requirements across continents may need exponentially more support. Within this context, we strive to provide tailored, professional, accurate and equitable support so that each of our scientists can dedicate themselves wholly to the science, and not the business complexities of their grants.

Unique within the School of Nursing, the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation budget is funded by both federal (55%) and WA state funds. These are taxes paid by hard-working men and women who, through legislative processes, entrust us to do work that promotes the public good. We are committed to upholding the highest standards as stewards of these funds. We also hold an intrinsic belief that stewardship is best measured by both quantitative and qualitative metrics that illustrate the full impact of the UW School of Nursing’s research. To that end, we will continue to highlight the impact of the research we support on the public who underwrite our work. We encourage you to read each week’s Notes on Nursing Research and Innovation to fully understand the remarkable breadth and depth of this work and hope that you will engage with us to disseminate this impact across all sectors of our community.

Science Without Borders

Allison Webel, PhD Associate Dean for Research and Innovation

The first time I attended a professional nursing conference was in November 2001. The National Student Nurses Mid-Year Conference was held in Reno, Nevada (my first and only time in a Nevada casino). As a junior nursing student from Youngstown Ohio, traveling across-country for “work” was novel and exciting. It was just shy of two months since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Despite the spectre of that tragedy, I distinctly remember the strength, sense of purpose, community, and optimism held by the hundreds of nursing students from across the United States who attended that conference. In the decades since I have attended hundreds of professional and scientific meetings globally. Whether held locally or in exotic, far away places – the undeniable value of scientific exchange, creative energy, serendipity, collegiality, and friendship generated in these meetings is constant.

ONR&I Spring 2025 Travel Award Winners — **Office of Nursing Research & Innovation Spring 2025 Travel Awardees**

As a formal process by which to know truth – science began centuries ago, and convening scientists from around the globe to share and debate their findings is almost as old. Observation, experimentation, reason, and dissemination are creative, disciplined, and rigorous processes. The value of scientific gatherings lies in exchanging ideas with colleagues, which not only refines and enhances existing concepts but also stimulates new research ideas, questions methodologies, and generates support, enthusiasm and creative energy for ongoing scientific inquiries.

Twice a year, the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation is honored to distribute philanthropically supported travel gifts that support research-related travel for our faculty. For our spring 2025 awardees, the range of conferences is impressive, covering meetings traditionally attended by our faculty, including the Western Institute of Nursing and the AACN Doctoral Conference; however, UW School of Nursing faculty are also presenting their science to specialty communities, including simulation professionals, exercise and aging audiences (in both Brazil and France), and transplantation. The intention of these awards is primarily for the attendee’s professional development. They provide an opportunity to share their science, gain visibility as a leader in their field, broaden their professional network, and form new research collaborations – all experiences that are required for their academic promotion. A secondary intention is for the attendees to share the knowledge gained at these meetings with our more prominent UW School of Nursing community. As they return from these meetings, each attendee will share lessons learned with us via presentation on the Weekly Research Roundup column. By sharing the knowledge gained at conferences, these faculty will empower our UW School of Nursing community to learn, innovate, and grow together, fostering a culture of high-impact research and scholarship that will underpin our collective success.

Scholar Spotlight: Wenchi Lai

Wenchi Lai is a UW School of Nursing BSN student and one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s 2024-2025 Undergraduate Research Scholars. Her research project is on “The effects of exercise training on symptoms experienced by older adults with HIV”, and her faculty mentor is Vitor Oliveira, PhD.

Why did you choose nursing?

I always knew I wanted to go into some health-related field because I enjoy taking care of people, I just didn’t know which one I wanted to go into until the COVID-19 pandemic. When I figured it out, I was a CNA in PACU [post-anesthesia care unit]. I started volunteering there and getting to see the nurses during that time was kind of crazy. I found that nurses were the front-line workers and the ones really interacting with the patients. Seeing how much compassion and empathy they show for the people they care for as well as their self-sacrifices in having to be at work regardless of what was happening really inspired me. And after getting to follow them around more, I realized, oh, this is what I want to do.

What made you realize you want to do a research project?

Currently, I’m working at the ICU as a nurse tech where a lot of patients have complications beyond medical control. Seeing these complex conditions made me realize I wanted to see what exactly we can do as nurses to change what is making them end up in hospitals in the first place. Research helps me learn more about why certain diseases develop the way they do or what habits people have that can contribute to their health outcomes.

Could you briefly describe the project you’re doing for the de Tornyay Center scholarship?

For my research project, I’m working with primarily older adults with HIV with the end goal to help them lessen some of their symptom severities. Ultimately, we’re trying to see if high intensity exercise will be beneficial and worth it to recommend for a healthier lifestyle. The primary symptom I’m looking at is fatigue, as it is one of the most severe aging symptoms the geriatric population may experience.

What made you interested in healthy aging research?

I think I have always worked in older populations. This year I’m also involved in UW’s Long-Term Care Externship program, which allows me to really interact with the elderly and get to know them on a deeper level. Getting to understand what they’re going through on the day-to-day basis really helped me see that I want to work with this population and try to help them as much as I can. I feel like they are a demographic that can get neglected or left behind in research or nursing care in general.

Why is this research that you’re doing important to do?

I personally think it’s very important, because there may be other people with HIV that are struggling with some of these symptoms, and then they realize there’s a study with evidence and proof that you should be doing this exercise, or why you should be following this routine, especially because high intensity exercise is an activity that takes a lot of commitment.

If I’m personally searching stuff up, but nobody has research proof that says, “I should be doing this,” I think I would never even initiate it. But if I find out, there’s studies of people that tried it and it worked for them, I would be more inclined to take their recommendations. This is a big purpose into why our research study should be conducted and released.

While you’ve been working on this project has there been anything that surprised you?

While I was shadowing the researchers, something that really surprised me was how involved the participants are in wanting to make a change, because they might not know if their results are going to come out positively. However, they’re still trying to work and cooperate with the team everyday as well as following everything we’re expecting of them. I think that’s pretty impressive.

What past experiences have you had working with older adults?

In the PACU, most of the population I work with are older adults who might need hip replacement, knee replacement, or other common surgeries. Especially in my nursing home, I was able to see more specific age-centered problems such as dementia and chronic health conditions. One thing I see that I love about aging care is how it includes the whole family. Beyond the individual, they have so many people that they influenced through their lifespan that want to give back and help their loved ones go through the aging process. In my clinical in Med-surg [medical-surgical] I also mainly worked with the geriatric med-surg unit. Getting that hands-on experience about the geriatric population and seeing all the different parts of their care made me want to lean towards seeing what aging does to the body and getting more hands-on experience with it.

What about those experiences help make you think, this is where I want to be?

It was working with them, and honestly, just seeing their challenges being in the hospital. They’ll share their stories about how they’ve been impacted with me. It’s such a big transition from when you’re young and you can move around easily to not being able to move as they once were able. It’s reasonably frustrating for them, because they used to be able to do all these things. Getting to hear about that made me think there must be something we can help as a nurse and even in nursing research to help that transition be easier as their care team.

Listen to their hearts

Allison Webel, PhD, RN, FAAN Associate Dean for Research and Innovation

Every day, more than 2,500 Americans die from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) – heart attacks, strokes, sudden cardiac arrest, among others. CVD is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. and around the globe. But many more Americans and their families work to reduce the causes, symptoms, and consequences of cardiovascular disease across populations. In recognition of American Heart Month month, this week we highlight the innovative science of three UW School of Nursing investigators to reduce CVD across settings. As we reflect on their scientific contributions, one consistent theme emerges – the unwavering dedication of nurse scientists to amplify the voices and experiences of those living with or affected by heart disease.

Assistant Professor, Alexi Vasbinder PhD, RN studies cancer survivors in the United States, particularly those who have or are preparing to undergo a bone marrow transplant which increases their risk of cardiovascular complications and long-term cardiovascular disease. Alexi says she is “passionate about this work because these individuals have already fought so hard for their health, and I want to help ensure they live long, healthy lives beyond cancer.” Her work, which has been published in various high-impact scientific journals, seeks to inform clinical guidelines for tailored treatment, monitoring, and prevention strategies for cardiovascular complications in cancer survivors. By identifying cancer survivors at the highest risk for CVD, Alexi’s work is laying the foundation for personalized interventions to catch heart issues early, provide better long-term monitoring, and ultimately prevent cardiovascular disease in this vulnerable and resilient population.

Similarly, as people increasingly develop multiple chronic health diseases, UW School of Nursing investigators are trying to develop novel interventions to help patients manage their cardiovascular risk factors using patient-centered strategies. Research Assistant Professor, Vitor Oliveira was recently awarded one of the School’s RIFP grants to conduct a Proof-of-concept study developing a behavioral intervention to improve the cardiovascular health of people living with HIV. Motivating this work, Vitor notes that “today HIV is treated as a chronic condition and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among these patients.” He is dedicated to shedding light on these often overlooked co-occurring health issues by generating novel evidence in studies funded by NIH, NORC and many other sponsors. His goal is to empower this population with the knowledge of how to effectively use lifestyle interventions, like physical activity and nutritional supplements, to combat heart disease.

In Mozambique, Professor Sarah Gimble is exploring ways to reduce high blood pressure in adults living with HIV in low-income settings. She emphasizes the dual importance of this issue: high blood pressure is widespread, and HIV care is the only chronic healthcare platform in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her team believes that integrating other chronic diseases into this platform is efficient and could create a scalable model for the entire population. Sarah encapsulates the impact of her research by stating, ‘Cardiovascular health is crucial for everyone. When properly managed, it can mitigate numerous other illnesses.’ Her work, along with the work of Drs Vasbinder and Oliveira, underscore the transformative potential of prioritizing heart health, not just for individuals, but for entire communities in the United States and throughout the world.

Understanding Service Agreements

Many of you have been asking about ways to diversify your research and innovation portfolios. Service agreements can be wonderful mechanisms for supporting much of the scholarly work at the UW School of Nursing. A service agreement at the University of Washington is a formal contract where faculty or university resources provide specific, well-defined services to an outside entity. Unlike traditional sponsored programs (e.g., grants), which aim to generate new knowledge and contribute to academic scholarship and/or create intellectual property, service agreements are focused on delivering practical outcomes, typically in response to the needs and specifications of the requesting party. More information on the distinction between service agreements and sponsored programs can be found HERE.

In the context of service agreements, the faculty member’s role is often to perform tasks such as data analysis, report generation, technical consulting, or other specialized services. These services are provided without the expectation of creating generalizable knowledge or publishing findings. Instead, the deliverable might be a final report containing factual data, testing results, or professional assessments tailored specifically for the external entity’s use.

Faculty should note that when external partners request reports or services requiring faculty expertise, it is essential to distinguish whether the activity constitutes a service agreement or falls under the scope of sponsored research/sponsored program. Understanding this distinction ensures that projects are categorized correctly, enabling UW to meet compliance requirements and deliver impactful services to external partners.

Within the School or Nursing, service agreements are generally routed through the Impact Office while sponsored research or sponsored programs are routed through the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). If you are unsure of how to categorize an incoming project, please contact the Impact Office at son-impact@uw.edu.

Deconstructing Mythos Through Science

A profile image of the author accompanying a graphic with the title of Deconstructing Mythos Through Science, Allison Webel, PhD, RN, FAAN, Associate Dean for Nursing Research and Innovation

For the past six months, my daughter has been obsessed with the Percy Jackson book series based on Greek mythology. In these stories, an underdog character is chosen to embark on an adventure that requires courage; danger; and a potential loss of livelihood, limb or life for themselves, or those they love. Should the adventurer survive and achieve their conquest, honor and legendary status are conferred – and perhaps even a place among the stars. This is a wholly human narrative, and its motifs appear long throughout the history of storytelling: Greek mythology, Augustan propaganda, religious texts, Arthurian legends, all manner of motion pictures, and even with the story Florence Nightingale.

Nursing has many socially constructed myths. Racial, class, and even gender superiority; more credentials being akin to more expertise; nursing as a calling not a job; and sacrifice and martyrdom by nurses are required to maintain our profession’s nobility (but noticeably no one else). While all interconnected, it is the first myth, the myth of racial superiority that the Manning Price Spratlen Center for Antiracism and Equity in Nursing was created to dismantle. Initially under the direction of Dr. Butch de Castro, and most recently under the leadership of Dr. Monica McLemore, the scholarly work of this center over the past four years has been wide-ranging, provocative, and inspirational.

In a recent conversation with Dr. McLemore, we discussed her proudest moments as the MPS-CARE Director, and her hopes for the future of the center. A common theme emerged – her unfailing belief in science.
“When I was a clinical nurse, I realized that science would be forever.” This realization is what motivated her to pursue a scientific career, to lead the RWJF report, Mapping the Landscape of Anti-Racism in Nursing, characterizing the current efforts and potential scientific pathways for nurses to dismantle racism within our own profession, thereby enabling more equitable healthcare for all. Yet, not unlike mythological heroes, Dr. McLemore knows that while what we as scientists describe and discover will inevitably be eclipsed; the knowledge gained from our scientific journey will outlast us all.

Last week, the University of Washington said goodbye to Dr. McLemore as she departed to undertake a new leadership role at the NYU Rory Myers College of Nursing. Her leadership will be missed. However, the work of dismantling mythology in nursing extends far beyond the work of one individual or one center. It is the work of all of us, and science offers tools to allow us to accomplish this work. Audre Lorde said, “…and that visibility which makes us most vulnerable is that which also is the source of our greatest strength.”

Science brings about visibility to truths previously unseen. Gravity, entropy, microbial fermentation, and CRISPR, were all invisible until the tools of science transformed them into some of the greatest forces on earth. Nurse scientists have and continue to apply systemic observation, experimentation, and reason to reveal proof and illuminate how we can innovate physical, biological, social, and digital tools to help all people achieve their best possible health. Yet despite their paramount importance, observation, experimentation, and reason are currently being undervalued and undermined to an extent not seen in decades. We, as a community, with our practice firmly rooted in science, must come together to defend these keystones of knowledge. It is imperative that we not only seek scientific data but also increase our ability to articulate the impact of our work broadly across all communities in which we practice, collaborate, and serve. As nurses, we occupy a unique vantage point, often situated at the intersection of science and humanity. Perhaps this unique perspective serves as our greatest strength, enabling us to draw back the curtain on many long-standing myths, and turn toward the source of scientific truth.

~Allison Webel, PhD, RN, FAAN

Federal Research Landscape Update

Death. Taxes. Change. These, among the few certainties in life, that at best can evoke feelings of discomfort and at their worst, finality. Over the past few weeks, in response to the whiplash changes directed to federal sponsors, many members of our research community have reached out expressing emotions from across the spectrum. As nurses, and nurse allies, we are trained experts at helping people manage transitions associated with change. Hard change. Existential change. Permanent change. Though much remains to be adjudicated, we at the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation have no doubt that the federal research landscape is undergoing a permanent transformation.

Mourning what used to be, and experiencing anxiety and fear of what might become, is a normal response in times of great change. What remains steady in the wake of this shift is our unfailing commitment to continuing to pull together and support the research needs across our communities. Indeed, President Cauce’s message on Monday, detailed a number of resources to support our Principal Investigators which we encourage everyone to take advantage of.

As we continue to navigate this evolving landscape, know that the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation is working closely with the UW Office for Research. We will continue to monitor all federal administrative developments for implications affecting the School of Nursing research portfolio. At this time, we have no evidence that our portfolio is being impacted; however, if that changes, please know that we are here to work with your research teams to navigate that change. We will reach out directly to investigators (please, please read your emails) as we have evidence indicating impact on the School of Nursing; but also encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your current or hoped for future research. To this end, we are launching weekly Open Zoom Offices to help you navigate the ongoing federal administrative changes that impact the research lifecycle of your projects. Please join us each Thursday 2-2:45pm, and there is more information in the newsletter below.

We know many of you have an urge to do something, anything during times of tumult. While it might be challenging due to the distractions arising daily, to the extent possible, we encourage you to stay focused on conducting your approved research. Completing high-impact, quality science and communicating how your study advances the public’s health is the single best action we can take at this moment. As scholars, nurses, and community leaders, it is up to us to define our scientific impact and not let us others define it for us.

Another certainty in life is that the sun will rise. From the darkest point of night, the sky gradually transitions through twilight, eventually yielding as dawn arrives in spectacular and predictable fashion. As we transition to the dawn of a new era of research, please know that we are here to support you, your research teams, and the diverse communities our research serves, every step of the way.

~Allison R. Webel, PhD, RN, FAAN

Welcome to new center manager, Casey Thomson!

The de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging is pleased to welcome Casey Thomson as our new center manager. Thomson has been serving as the center’s interim manager since Heather Wicklein Sanchez retired, and we’re excited to have Thomson onboard in a permanent capacity. She brings years of experience managing operations with the Center for Global Health Nursing, and will continue that expertise in both roles.

“I am excited to be a part of the passionate team that support students and faculty to achieve their professional and personal goals through the de Tornyay Center for Health Aging,” said Thomson. “I grew up in the Seattle area and spent many hours as a child visiting my mother who worked as a nurse in care communities for older adults. It is with this lens that I came to understand that nursing care can encompass more than just tending to the ill and that there are a multitude of ways to improve a person’s health.”

Healthy Aging Jeopardy with PhD Students

The center was happy to host PhD students for a gathering to discuss healthy aging and play healthy aging jeopardy! de Tornyay Center illustrator and PhD Student Lalipat Phianhasin illustrated the event in a drawing below:

Digital Health Innovation Hub Updates

Oleg Zaslavsky, PhD
Director, Digital Health Innovation Hub
Aljoya Endowed Associate Professor in Aging
Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics Department
School of Nursing

Partnering to Scale Nurse-Led Innovation

As we begin the new year, I’m excited to highlight how the University of Washington School of Nursing Office for Nursing Research and Innovation is building partnerships to scale nurse-led innovations into solutions that create a tangible impact on patient care. One project exemplifying this vision is our recent STTR proposal, which leverages collaboration between the School of Nursing, the Digital Health Innovation Hub, our UW School of Nursing Simulation Center, and our industry partner Crimson Medical Solutions.

The project focuses on the IV Manager, a patented tool from Crimson Medical Solutions designed to enhance safety in IV line management by reducing medication errors, particularly in critical care settings. This solution addresses a pressing issue for multiple patient populations and specifically for geriatric populations, where age-related changes and polypharmacy increase vulnerability to adverse drug events. By improving IV labeling and organization, the IV Manager has the potential to significantly enhance patient safety without disrupting nursing workflows.

Our Simulation Center plays a pivotal role in advancing this innovation. In a high-fidelity simulated critical care environment, ICU nurses will evaluate the IV Manager’s effectiveness in reducing errors and its impact on workflows. This collaboration exemplifies the value of harnessing the school’s cutting-edge resources to refine innovations before clinical scale up, ensuring they are both evidence-based and practical.

At the Digital Health Innovation Hub, we envision partnerships like these—blending nursing expertise, simulation technology, and business development—as the future of healthcare innovation. By collaborating with the Simulation Center and industry partners, we aim to turn transformative ideas into scalable solutions that improve care delivery across communities. I invite our nursing community to think about how we can expand these efforts, exploring new opportunities to work across disciplines and sectors. Together, we can drive meaningful change in healthcare, translating nurse-led innovation into real-world impact.

Science in Service of Our Community

SCIENCE IN SERVICE OF OUR COMMUNITY

Associate Dean for Research & Innovation
Aljoya Endowed Professor in Aging

Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve…. You only need a heart full of grace- a soul generated by love.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 20th marked the 30th observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day. This moment is an opportunity for many of us to reflect on how we can be of service to our communities by continuing to deepen and shape our collective impact.

The question of what we, as nurses, are doing for others is in many ways foundational to our profession’s existence. We chose nursing to serve our community members in their time of need; to be of use to humankind, and to make the gifts of time and education matter. Yet, as many of us transition from practicing clinical nurses to nurse scientists and innovators, that raison d’être can often become obscured.

The UW School of Nursing’s philanthropically- supported Research Intramural Funding Program (RIFP) is an opportunity to expand our horizons through research impact. This week we want to highlight recipients of the UW School of Nursing’s RIFP. A common thread throughout these proposals is a deep dedication to using science to improve the health and wellbeing of our community’s most marginalized people.

Recognizing that the children of parents living with cancer are often overlooked in their parent’s treatment journey, Drs. Fran Lewis and Bethanny Rolf Witham will adapt their successful Enhancing Connections programs for Spanish-speaking families. Older adults with dementia are among society’s most vulnerable and are hard to study. Yet, these challenges have never daunted Dr. Oleg Zaslavsky – a pioneer in digital health innovations for those experiencing dementia. His RIFP will allow him to develop a cloud-based artificial intelligence system for early detection of pneumonia in individuals living with dementia who reside in long term care facilities. Our third RIFP recipient, Dr. Vitor Oliveira, will develop a hybrid exercise intervention to improve the health of adults living with HIV and heart failure. Non-pharmacological strategies to manage chronic diseases, including heart failure, are promising but often overlooked strategies for healthy aging.

Each of these investigators are centering members of our community that are often overlooked in traditional research. They demonstrate the audacity of nurses to innovate and improve systems in service of our patients—a hallmark of our profession.

Nelson Mandela once said, “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination”. How fortunate we are to have colleagues, teachers, scientists, and friends right here in the UW School of Nursing who have never doubted, and continue to employ, this formidable combination as they develop tools to improve the lives of our community’s most vulnerable.

~Allison Webel, PhD, RN, FAAN

Dawg Tank 2025

On January 14, 2025, the University of Washington School of Nursing hosted its dynamic Dawg Tank event, where three exceptional research teams competed for a $15,000 prize. The event brought together innovation, collaboration, and community engagement in a celebration of healthcare advancements.

One person holding flowers and another person standing next to them. — Yvette Rodriguez and Charles Kwanin

Charles Kwanin and Yvette Rodriguez, both PhD students in the UW School of Nursing, won the grand prize with their transformative project. The initiative captivated the audience by demonstrating how integrating AI and mental health strategies can improve tuberculosis treatment outcomes globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where limited access to healthcare, high patient-to-provider ratios, and a lack of mental health services hinder effective treatment and support.

The judges asked poignant questions, such as how the AI algorithms would be developed to prevent biased responses and account for the diversity of users.

The evening also featured these outstanding presentations:

Safeguard Mental Health using Generative AI: Yanjing Liang, a 2nd-year PhD nursing science student and de Tornyay Center predoctoral scholar, and Dr. Jingyi Li, assistant professor at the UW Tacoma School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, presented their research on using AI-based cognitive training to reduce social isolation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Gastrointestinal Ostomy Wellness (GLOW) Adventure Camp: Kendra Kamp, assistant professor in the UW School of Nursing Department of Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Informatics, and Dr. Caeli Malloy, a UAW postdoctoral fellow in Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Informatics, presented their idea on fostering social connectedness and well-being through an adventure camp for young adults with fecal ostomies.

The expert panel of judges included: four persons sitting at a table with balloons

Dr. Sharon S. Laing, associate professor, UW Tacoma School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership.

Dr. Kosuke Niitsu, assistant professor, UW Bothell School of Nursing & Health Studies.

Dr. David Reyes, dean and associate professor, UW Tacoma School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership.

Chandan Chauhan, MS, co-founder & CEO of Clocktree Telehealth.

Attendees enjoyed delicious food and beverages, and the event was energized by its charismatic emcee, Tiernan Madorno, who kept the audience engaged and entertained throughout the evening.

Dawg Tank was a showcase of the UW School of Nursing’s commitment to fostering innovation, advancing healthcare, and creating solutions that make a meaningful impact on communities. Join us next year for Dawg Tank 2026!

Facta Non Verba from Allison Webel

Facta Non Verba

Impact. This is the answer to so many customarily asked questions in higher education. Why did you choose nursing? Why did you pursue a career in science? Why did you choose the University of Washington? The shared desire to improve our collective existence is simultaneously an overstated, yet under-recognized, motivation as to why so many of us are here together, in this place, at this time.

Impact also stands as the inspiration of many sponsored projects that transcend traditional boundaries, sparking creativity that extends beyond bureaucratic constraints. It is in support of these projects that the University of Washington School of Nursing created the first of its kind Impact Office. A distinct, yet integral component of the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation, our Impact Office provides a suite of services that robustly support audacious projects that bring significant value not just to the University of Washington School of Nursing, but to our larger community that we serve.

In this week’s Weekly Research Roundup, the Director of our Impact Office, Jessie Rehms, introduces the work of this transformational unit. Future editions of the Impact Office’s biweekly update will highlight incredible projects, including work from Dr. Bill Lober and the Clinical Informatics Research Group; support of our Manning Price Spratlen Center for Anti-Racism & Equity in Nursing’s report on opportunities to dismantle systemic racism in health care organizations (led by Dr. Monica McLemore); and Dr. Jenna Van Draanen’s work to evaluate and provide recommendations for overdose prevention programs in King County.

The Nursing Impact Office is a fee for service support unit that provides à la carte infrastructure to projects that don’t align with the traditional definition of a sponsored project. Whether you’re looking to stand up a governmental service contract, a philanthropic training initiative, a community-based analysis in service of our community’s health, or other daring ideas, the Impact Office is here to support your work. Please learn more about the Impact Office’s services, the types of projects they support, and how to work with this talented team here.

Transforming words and ideas into meaningful action is the cornerstone of high-impact scholarly projects. If you and your research team are ready to make a difference through an innovative, high-impact project, please reach out to the Impact Office today.

Congratulations to our 2024-2025 Healthy Aging Scholars!

We’re thrilled to welcome a new cohort of healthy aging scholars. Keep an eye out in the coming months for scholar spotlight interviews with each of them!

DNP RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS:
Sera Madsen, Germaine Krysan Doctoral Scholar
Topic: Expanding Dementia Awareness through Faith-Based Organizations in Rural or Underserved Washington Communities
Faculty Mentor: Kori Dewing

Lydia Chen, Healthy Aging Doctoral Research Scholar
Topic: Using Artificial Intelligence in Improving Nursing Documentation in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Faculty Mentor: Jamie Young

Ashley Gougouehi, Healthy Aging Doctoral Research Scholar
Topic: Age-Friendly Health Systems Needs Assessment
Faculty Mentor: Jamie Young

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP:
Jun Heo, Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholar
Topic: Exploring Healthcare and Housing Differences Between Older Veterans and Non-Veterans in Permanent Supportive Housing: Barriers to Healthy Aging
Faculty Mentor: Anita Souza

Madison McKee, Myrene C. McAninch Undergraduate Scholar
Topic: Examining the Impacts of Facilitated Garden Activities for Individuals Living with Dementia and their Caregivers
Faculty Mentor: Basia Belza

Eriska Fajriyati, Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholar
Topic: Exploring Perceptions of Aging and Menopause in Somali and Indonesian Older Adults: A Qualitative Study
Faculty Mentor: Eeeseung Byun

Jessica Japra, Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholar
Topic: The Roles of Chronotype and Cognitive Function on Feasibility of Cognitive Training for Older Intensive Care Unit Survivors
Faculty Mentor: Maya Elias

Antonia Cai, Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholar
Topic: The influence of physical activity and diet quality on the symptom experience of older adults with HIV
Faculty Mentor: Vitor Oliveira

Wenchi Lai, Healthy Aging Undergraduate Research Scholar
Topic: The effects of exercise training on symptoms experienced by older adults with HIV
Faculty Mentor: Vitor Oliveira

Limitless from Allison Webel

Limitless

“I’m through accepting limits, because someone said they’re so.”

As nurses, we’ve all experienced moments of desperation. Desperation for ourselves, for our colleagues, for our patients, and even for the families and loved ones we provide care for. We often find ourselves driven by a want to solve the problem before us, yet we are limited by a lack of the tools needed to do so. We are regularly faced with wondering what future advancements might someday improve treatments and patient quality of life. In these moments of overwhelming desperation, frustration, and empathy for our fellow humans, that is when the seeds of innovation take root, branching out into advancements in care and treatment, revolutionizing the patient care continuum.

Innovation has always been a key component of nursing practice, education, and science. For decades, scholars here, at the University of Washington School of Nursing, have been vanguard in generating science that impacts every setting in which nurses practice. We conducted the first research examining the relationship between sleep patterns and chronic illness; we were among the first to characterize the menstrual cycle and menopause, enabling women to understand how to age well; the first to describe how building resilient communities can improve the health of immigrant families; and we were the first to create a rocking bed for infants to help them grow, a tool which continues to be the standard in hospital nurseries today. These discoveries, and the hundreds of others incubated in our school, have improved our nation’s health, helping to form the basis for nursing practice today. We are a community where science has never been limited by tradition, scarcity, fear, heartbreak, or inertia.

Over the past few years, I have been continually inspired by the incredible array of scientific innovations developed by our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. A sampling of these recent innovations include:

Developing a new program to help parents AND their children deal with a new diagnosis of cancer,
Expanding the potential of artificial intelligence to promote diversity and inclusion in research studies,
Integrating virtual reality into new tools to help reduce the stress experienced by so many adolescents,
Inventing a smart phone app to help older adults with dementia de-escalate behavioral disturbances,
Creating the first implicit bias clinical education tool to reduce health disparities throughout our region, or
Building an AI-assisted platform to support healthcare workers delivering care to those with Tuberculosis in low resource settings.

Innovation is the lifeblood of the University of Washington School of Nursing. In 2023, to further support this work, we launched the Digital Health Innovation Hub. Its intent is to convene scholars, students, patients, and family members, bringing a diverse array of voices together to envision the digital health innovations that advance health and wellbeing for all members of our community.

In recognition of this growing work, and our dedication to supporting nurse innovators, we have re-named the Office for Nursing Research to the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation (ONR&I). We will continue to provide the same excellent support throughout the research lifecycle and look forward to constructing new infrastructure to support innovation. If you have thoughts or ideas regarding new tools, resources, or networks that ONR&I can provide your team to support scientific innovation, we encourage you to connect with us. We look forward to supporting all of you as you develop nurse-led innovations that will advance the health of all. Together, we can be limitless.

~Allison Webel, PhD, RN, FAAN

December News and Awards

UW Faculty Research Spotlight: Vaccine Hesitancy in Transplant Survivors
A recent study published in Vaccine by Dr. Mihkai Wickline, in collaboration with Drs. Sarah Iribarren, Kerry Redding, Donna Berry, and Kenneth Pike, explores vaccine hesitancy among hematopoietic cell transplant survivors. Conducted alongside Fred Hutch’s Long-Term Follow-Up Program, the research sheds light on the unique concerns of this vulnerable population regarding revaccination. Read more about their important finding here.

Student Spotlight: Global Health Nursing Capstone Featured in The Seattle Times
Global Health Nursing student Ruth Rono recently had her capstone work published as an Op-Ed in The Seattle Times. Co-authored with Dr. Bianca Frogner, the piece explores the shortage of primary care providers (PCPs)—including nurse practitioners—and potential solutions within the U.S. healthcare system. She was also supported by Dr. Jillian Pintye, who leads the Global Health Nursing certificate program.

Celebrating Dr. Joycelyn Thomas
The UW School of Nursing is proud to announce that Dr. Joycelyn Thomas, DNP-track lead for the Family Nurse Practitioner program, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award. This distinguished honor recognizes individuals who exemplify Dr. King’s principles of service through a commitment to addressing community needs—particularly for communities of color and low-income populations—and by empowering others to improve the human condition. Dr. Thomas’s extensive scholarship, clinical expertise, and community leadership make her a fitting recipient of this award.

Tyler Breier, a 2023 PHSL graduate, was appointed to the Governor’s Public Health Advisory Board, succeeding Patty Hayes. Nominated by the Washington State Nurses Association, Tyler will contribute to advancing public health in Washington State. Congratulations, Tyler!

NIH recently highlighted Dr. Cynthia Price‘s research in a spotlight feature. Her study, a large RCT funded by NCCIH and the HEAL Initiative, examines a mindfulness-based intervention as an adjunct to medication for opioid use disorder. Read the publication, Immediate Effects of Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy as an Adjunct to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder, here. Congratulations to Dr. Price and her team!

Dr. Kori Dewing has been honored with the Association of Rheumatology Professionals President’s Award, a remarkable achievement in the field. She has also been recognized as the Washington State Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Medical Honoree. Congratulations, Dr. Dewing!

Highlights from the Gerontological Society of America Conference
Check out the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s write-up featuring the UW School of Nursing at the Gerontological Society of America conference. Read about the impactful presentations and contributions from our community here.

New AHA Scientific Statement on Cardiovascular Nursing Stress and Burnout
The American Heart Association (AHA) has published a significant scientific statement on stress and burnout among cardiovascular (CV) nurses in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA). Co-authored by Nancy Pike and Cindy, the paper has garnered widespread attention, leading to interviews and a webinar discussing its findings.

2024 HIPRC Dr Frederick R Rivara Endowment Awarded
The 2024 recipient of the Dr. Frederick P. Rivara Endowment is PhD candidate Premgamon Kuntajak, MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, for her project titled, “Psychological Resilience among Older Adults following Mild-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A Concurrent Explanatory Mixed Methods Study.”

Generosity of the heart: Remembering obstetrics nurse Lynn Yim Lin Shih

Shih family donates $1 million to support UW nurses and students

Lynn Shih holding her newborn granddaughter, Kaia.

If nurses could be cloned, Lynn Yim-Lin Shih would be the ideal choice. Her career as an obstetrics nurse spanned 32 years at the University of Washington Medical Center. She began in 1980 on the Mother Baby Unit as a bedside nurse, providing care to postpartum women and their babies, while also teaching baby care classes to new families. Later, she transitioned to the UW Maternal and Infant Care Clinic at the Montlake campus, serving as a team nurse for the remainder of her distinguished career.

“Lynn was all those aspects you’d want in a nurse. Her goal was to help her patients,” said Sue Huth, an obstetrics nurse who worked with Lynn on the Mother Baby Unit. “She was passionate, kind, and nonjudgmental. She was professional yet had a sense of humor. She remained positive and calm, always open to helping others.”

Lynn was the anchor for her family, friends, and colleagues. She was always there, creating safe, healing, and caring spaces where you could find comfort and support. She was the kind of person everyone stopped to talk to in the halls—someone who would pause for 20 minutes to have a genuine conversation about how you were really doing. Patients returning to the clinic for multiple pregnancies often asked for her by name.

Lynn was “the glue that kept everyone together,” said Theresa Ismach, one of the team nurses who worked with her at the Maternal and Infant Care Clinic for 23 years. “She was warm, generous, and caring. There was nobody who didn’t like her.”

At the age of eight, Lynn immigrated to Seattle from Hong Kong with her family. As the eldest daughter, she spent her childhood helping her younger siblings and parents navigate life in the United States.

When deciding on her career path, Lynn knew she wanted to become a nurse. As a first-generation college student, she navigated the application process on her own. Unaware of scholarships or other types of financial aid, she worked diligently for four years to attend nursing school at the University of Washington, paying tuition and purchasing textbooks with the wages she earned. Had she grown up in Hong Kong, she likely would not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education and a career in nursing. Lynn was always deeply grateful for the opportunities she found in the United States.

At the age of 24, Lynn met her husband, Jerry Shih. They married and started a family, raising their daughter, Megan, and son Trevor. She continued her nursing career, working weekends and staying home during the week to care for her two young children.

Lynn poses with her baby son during a photo shoot for a hospital brochure.

Lynn cared for her patients like she did for her own family. Her nurturing and healing personality helped countless tiny, hours-old patients, whom she gently bathed and diapered as she taught parents about how to care for their new babies.

She expertly tended to mothers through their multiple pregnancies and postpartum recoveries, sharing in their struggles, losses and triumphs.

One of Lynn’s patients, whose first pregnancy resulted in a term still-birth, went on to have a second pregnancy and successful term live birth under her care. Ismach recalled a picture of them with huge smiles shortly after the birth.

“She was always gracious and pleasant,” said Ismach. “The kind of person who said, ‘Let me help you, let me figure out what to do.”

Lynn’s kind nature made it easy to be her colleague and friend. “Lynn had so many friends,” said Dr. Edith Cheng, Lynn’s colleague and attending physician at the UW Maternal and Infant Care Clinic. “She was so easy to be open with, and she broke down hierarchical barriers.”

They swapped stories about their growing kids and supported each other when family duties overtook work. Sometimes they even watched each other’s kids at the clinic when childcare fell through.

Lynn’s colleagues shared that she was highly organized and methodical. In their shared office space, she was always the one with the spotless desk.

“That’s how she was,” smiled Ismach. “She really gave me a strong foundation in being organized, how to manage the case load, and keep track of knowledge.”

In 2011, Lynn started to feel back pain that continued for a few weeks. An X-ray revealed a suspicious shadow on her lungs, and after further testing, she was diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer.

Suddenly and unexpectedly, life changed, and she became the patient, relying on her family, nurses, and doctors to help her navigate a new reality. Lynn’s colleagues at the clinic rallied, donating over 1,000 hours of paid time off to her so that she could keep her job and medical benefits while seeking cancer treatment.

Lynn shares her journey and offers advice at the 2013 HOPE Summit for the LUNGevity Foundation.

Lynn beat all statistics for stage IV lung cancer, fighting bravely for eight years and enduring many medical treatments and interventions before she sadly passed away in 2019.

“She lived by the philosophy of ‘generosity of the heart,’” said Jerry. Lynn had the kindest heart, always putting her friends and family first. She remains the biggest role model for her children on the importance of thinking about and helping others.

To honor Lynn, the Shih family decided to invest in people like Lynn did with her patients. Jerry generously committed $1 million to the University of Washington, and together, with his son and daughter, they decided to support two endowed funds, the Lynn Shih Endowed Professional Development Fund for Nurses at the UW Medical Center and the Lynn Shih Endowed Emergency Fund for Nursing Students.

A portion of the gift will also support the UW Medical Center, which will bolster capital funding for the coming renovation and expansion of the Maternal and Infant Care Clinic. In recognition of this gift and the Shih family’s generosity, the Maternal and Infant Care Clinic Lobby will be named the Lynn Shih Maternal and Infant Care Clinic Lobby.

For the Shih family, an emergency fund for nursing students would be a meaningful way to honor Lynn’s perseverance during her early years of education and career as a nurse.

“It’s for people who yearn to be nurses, who will do anything to prove themselves, but find themselves in an unforeseen situation where they don’t have the financial means to succeed despite all their incredible effort,” said Jerry. “For us, the best way to honor Lynn is to help people succeed just like her, to go on and make just as big of an impact, and then give back in return.”

The two endowed funds for nurses and students will first be available in 2024. UW School of Nursing (SoN) students who are currently experiencing unexpected financial hardship may be eligible for emergency financial aid from UW and/or SoN. They can visit the SoN emergency funding webpage for more information.

The UW Medical Center where Lynn worked for 32 years.

The professional development fund for nurses at the UW Medical Center will support continuing nursing education opportunities for OB nurses like Lynn.

During Lynn’s career, she and her colleagues sometimes used personal resources to advance their careers. “Lynn always wished nurses had more support,” said Jerry. The professional development fund will help nurses feel valued and supported by the UW institution.

“The Maternal Infant Care Center nurses at UWMC are touched by the generosity of the Shih family,” said Cindy Sayre, chief nursing officer at UW Medical Center, double alumna of the SoN and honorary assistant dean of clinical practice at the SoN. “We remember Lynn fondly and will ensure that this gift is used to celebrate her legacy as a nurse. UWMC honors and supports every nurse to achieve their career goals through professional development, and this donation will be greatly appreciated by the OB nurses.”

The lobby at the Maternal and Infant Care Clinic will become UW’s first space named after a nurse. It will also serve as a special place for the Shih family, including Jerry and Lynn’s children and grandchildren, colleagues, and friends, to return to and remember her.

Her generosity of the heart will now continue in perpetuity through supporting current and future UW nurses, who are the backbone of the University’s nursing workforce. They deserve as much care and support as they give to their patients. Let’s apply our hearts to them. Impact lives like Lynn.

– Jennifer Hunt

October/November News Awards

Person with glasses smiling facing camera — Mayumi Willergodt

Drs. Kyla Woodward and Mayumi Willgerodt Recognized for Practice Excellence

The American Academy of Nursing has awarded Dr. Kyla Woodward (PhD Nurs Sci ’22, Acting Assistant Professor, Family Medicine, UWSOM) and Dr. Mayumi Willgerodt (Professor, CFPHN) the 2024 Nursing Outlook Article of Practice Excellence Award. Their collaborative work, “A Systematic Review of Registered Nurse Turnover and Retention in the United States,” provides critical insights into nursing workforce dynamics, addressing a key issue in healthcare today.

Honors Program Highlight: Carilyn Brandt, an English major and Interdisciplinary Honors Husky, knows a good thing when she sees it. She immediately applied for the summer program “Biobehavioral Health Lopez Island: Reconnecting Food Roots, Community and Well Being” led by Kerry Reding from the UW’s School of Nursing in Honors announcements, where it was listed as a great opportunity for ad hoc Honors credits.

Premgamon Kuntajak Honored with Rivara Injury Research Award

Premgamon Kuntajak, a PhD in Nursing Science candidate, has been awarded the prestigious Rivara Injury Research Award for 2024. This recognition highlights Premgamon’s outstanding contributions to advancing injury prevention and research, exemplifying excellence in this critical area of public health.

We’re proud to announce the 2023-2024 Clinical Preceptors of the Year and 2024 Nurses of Influence Recipients

Clinical preceptors are highly committed to academic programs and excel in both clinical practice and community service. They play an essential role in providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences in real-world healthcare settings. DNP students, depending on their track and stage, spend up to three days per week over four quarters in clinical placements, learning alongside these skilled mentors. We’re thrilled to recognize these outstanding preceptors and their dedication in educating our next generation of advanced practice registered nurses and advanced systems and population health experts. Read more about these preceptors and their advice to nursing students.

Research Spotlight: Dr. Cynthia Price’s Study on Mindfulness and Opioid Use Disorder

The NIH has featured Dr. Cynthia Price in a research spotlight highlighting her groundbreaking findings from a large randomized controlled trial. The study examines the immediate effects of a mindfulness-based intervention, Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy (MABT), as an adjunct to medication for opioid use disorder. This research, funded by the NCCIH and the HEAL Initiative, advances understanding of integrative approaches to addiction treatment.

Read the publication: Immediate Effects of Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy as an Adjunct to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder | Mindfulness.

Dr. Kori Dewing Receives Prestigious Recognition

four persons smiling at camera — Kori Dewing on the left with two rheumatologists from University of Freiburg and Professor Basia Belza from UW SoN

Dr. Kori Dewing, a faculty member in the Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics (BNHI), has been awarded the 2024 Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) President’s Award, a significant national honor recognizing her outstanding contributions to rheumatology care and innovation.

In addition, Dr. Dewing has been named the Washington State Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Medical Honoree, highlighting her continued dedication to advancing arthritis care and supporting the community.

Highlights from UW School of Nursing at GSA

The de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging was proud to see the impressive showing from the UW School of Nursing at this year’s Gerontological Society of America 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting. School of Nursing students, faculty, alumni and collaborators presented innovative work ranging from understanding unhoused older adults to technology, exercise and more at the event.

We look forward to seeing all the fruitful collaborations, research and connections that may come out of this exciting event. Read a few highlights from UW School of Nursing presentations at the conference below. Click on each title to see photos and short descriptions of highlighted presentations.

Since the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging opened its doors over 25 years ago, the center has funded over 165 scholars, giving out hundreds of thousands of dollars in student funding, said Yanjing Liang in a GSA poster presentation. Liang summarized the results of a survey of de Tornyay Center scholars in her poster, showcasing former scholars’ excellence in gerontological nursing research, practice, and leadership, helped in part by their time with the center.

The long-term care field across the U.S. is experiencing staffing shortages across the United States. Increasing the number of professionals in that industry is critical to caring for people with dementia. Associate Teaching Professor Kristen Childress presented a poster on nursing students’ reasons for not going into long-term care. Low wages and the lack of assistance with student loans were common reasons. Multiple students also felt that growing their career and skills in the long-term field would lead to administrative and supervisory work, when instead many wanted to grow their direct patient care skills and responsibilities, such as with a DNP. Students were also concerned about the working environment and mentioned the ratios of nurses to residents at long-term care facilities. The next step for Childress’ research is to study why people currently in the long-term care field choose this field.

PhD student and de Tornyay Center illustrator Lalipat Phianhasin presented on social determinants of health in stroke recovery. Phianhasin and colleagues looked at factors — such as access to health care, socioeconomic status, race and education — to see how these factors, also known as social determinants of health, influence stroke recovery. Her work has turned up a number of connections. For example, being married helps with a number of aspects of recovery, such as having an easier time engaging with social activities.

Clinical Professor Anita Souza opened a panel on homeless older adults. She pointed to the fact that the proportion of unhoused older adults is growing and that people who are unhoused tend to experience “accelerated aging.”

Souza shared her recent study, using a statistical model to look at a homeless older adult population and find the statistical groups that exist within the homeless older adult population. The work pointed to key differences in sub-groups of the population, such as if they have health concerns and or substance use. In discussion, Associate Professor Jenny Tsai pointed out how the study demonstrates that this population is not a monolith. Different people in this population have different needs beyond just housing. UW DNP alumni Randee Robinson followed Souza and spoke about her project investigating barriers to accessing mental health care for residents at supportive housing. Robinson found many factors, like caseworker turnover, stigma and more, got in the way of mental health care. UW Medicine Clinical Assistant Professor Russel Berg shared cases from working at a hotel shelter with a medical clinic and psychiatric services, highlighting the many challenges of supporting older adults at the shelter.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s becoming easier and more common to access health information online. PhD student and UW School of Nursing pre-doctoral scholar Wenting Peng investigated what older adults’ technology use currently looks like. Most older adults in the study data had a technology device, and a majority used technology every day. Fewer, but still more than half, use technology for health reasons. There were also major differences between older adults who did and didn’t use technology, both in general and for health purposes, with factors like gender, health and income all affecting how likely someone is to use digital health and commonplace technology.

School of Nursing PhD student Zih-Ling Wang with fellow PhD student and co-author Jenna McHale presented on the experiences and challenges of eating with dementia. Examining the literature, they broke down eating experiences into environmental, interpersonal, and intrapersonal factors, as well as external and internal outcomes, such as nutrition and mental health. In another poster, the two students demonstrated how these ideas can be shown as a diagram of how dependent we are on others across the lifespan. We gain capabilities and dependence as we grow into adulthood, and tend to lose some of that independence toward the end of life. As the diagram they created shows, dementia can lengthen the amount of time an older adult has less independence, and make them lose independence earlier.

PhD student and former de Tornyay Center pre-doctoral scholar Kuan-Ching Wu presented her investigation of the current research on what interventions work for preventing urinary tract infections in people with dementia. The only three studies she found all focused on digital interventions, using technology like AI and sensors. The lack of work in this field points to the need for more robust support for people with dementia and their care partners to prevent UTIs. Interested in learning more about urinary tract infections in people with dementia? Read more in the de Tornyay Center’s Northwest Primetime article on UTIs and dementia, featuring Wu and her work.

Four PhD students presented deep dives into an array of research questions. The all-UW School of Nursing GSA session focused on something known as a ‘scoping review’, which is essentially a systematic review to get the big picture of the current research on a subject.

Mesh Otewa spoke about his scoping review on improving health equity in older adults, which is especially important as health disparities are increasing for older adults across a number of conditions. Otwea and colleagues found that studies on this topic tended to focus on technology (such as telehealth), improving access to health insurance (such as Medicaid), and making the healthcare system easier for older adults to navigate. One of the main takeaways from the scoping review was the importance of a practical approach to integrating new approaches into existing systems.

Jenna McHale presented a scoping review of eating behaviors and dementia, which was led by fellow PhD student Zih-Ling Wang. One of the key findings she presented was that “creating supportive dining environments” tended to be helpful for getting people with dementia to eat and drink more. McHale and Wang also found that there was a notable gap — not a lot of research focused on improving individuals’ ability to eat.

de Tornyaya Center pre-doctoral scholar Priscilla Carmiol-Rodriguez spoke about social frailty. As opposed to physical frailty, social frailty describes a lack of resources for meeting one’s social needs. While social frailty is common for older adults, it’s not studied much. Carmiol-Rodriguez’s study of the literature highlighted risk factors such as hearing loss, physical frailty, and other conditions. Social frailty, in turn, is connected with increased risk of conditions like poor mental health or cognitive impairment, as well as disability and quality of life. However, research shows that interventions can help. Things such as exercise, and improving older adults’ skill with technology have all been found helpful for socially frail older adults.

PhD student and former center pre-doctoral scholar Sarah McKiddy shared two scoping reviews in the panel discussion. Her first talk emphasized the diversity of current research on music interventions for people with dementia. Many focused on tailoring music to participants and their cultures. Some incorporated group elements and some included opportunities for community and socialization. Studies also differed on whether they had people participate in music, such as singing or playing an instrument, or just listening to it. Overall, she pointed to the need for standardized terms across the research to help the field distinguish between different types of treatments.

McKiddy’s second scoping review highlighted current research on group physical activity interventions for people with dementia and their care partners. These interventions can have many benefits, including both physical and mental health and general quality of life. When reviewing the research in her scoping review, McKiddy found that these benefits were reinforced across programs, although many people with dementia and their care partners often struggled with following exercise recommendations. More research could illuminate how to best tailor interventions to this population and their challenges.

Encouraging people with dementia to think back on the past, or reminiscence, “has shown promising potential in dementia” says PhD student Xianglan Jin in the poster she presented at GSA. However, studies on reminiscing have mostly been in clinical and group settings, which makes it harder to spread widely. That’s why Jin and her colleagues set out to work with the care partners of people with dementia, to help teach them to deliver intentional reminiscence sessions with their loved ones, using photos, drawings, and chatting about life. Care partners shared that reminiscing was a wonderful way for their loved one to use their mind, and care partners enjoyed seeing just how much the person with dementia still remembered.

Understandably, there’s a lot of focus in gerontology on how older adults age well in their later years. But there’s been less emphasis on what we can all do earlier in life to prepare for older adulthood. PhD student and center pre-doctoral scholar Yanjing Liang presented her research investigating what makes up “readiness for aging”. Looking across 15 studies, she identified many factors, from social support to future plans, preparing financially, and so much more. This research provides a foundation for future study into how we can all best prepare for later life.

PhD student Suah Park investigated what makes up good sleep quality in older adults by reviewing the research paper on the topic. ‘Sleep quality’ includes a lot of different aspects, including how someone feels about their sleep, as well as more objective measurements, such as how long someone is asleep. The next steps for the research could include investigating the relationship between causes of good and poor sleep quality, the effects of sleep quality, as well as cases when subjective and objective measures of sleep quality are different, says Park.

Paige Dension, long-time collaborator with the UW School of Nursing and the director of Health, Wellness & Project Enhance at Sound Generations, introduced a panel on the EnhanceFitness program, which was established about 30 years ago in the Seattle area in collaboration with the University of Washington. Since then the program has been backed by an impressive array of evidence, continued through staffing changes at many organizations involved with the program, and has spread across the country to over 100 sites.

Fellow presenter and UW Medicine Research Professor Kushang Patel demonstrated that the program is still effective when delivered remotely, based on data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on that, University of Vermont Associate Professor Gell demonstrated the program worked well for cancer survivors going to the program virtually, and may have even helped attendance. UW Medicine Research Consultant Elise Hoffman highlighted barriers to getting participants referred to the program by their doctor, from the referral process being too complex to referrals dropping off over time. So her team developed an easy referral system for EnhanceFitness, where nurses can refer patients simply by selecting a class, and hitting a button that says ‘refer’.

de Tornyay Center Dr. Basia Belza shared a recent pilot study in the Seattle area by UW School of Nursing researchers looking at how feasible EnhanceFitness was for people with dementia and their care partners. The study aimed to understand how best to adjust the programming to the population. There were many barriers to attendance, with 6 out of 8 of the pairs of participants dropping out of the study. Reasons ranged from unrelated health problems to being too tired and more. Overall, the study points to areas for improvement to help make the program accessible to this population.

Priscilla Carmiol-Rodriguez presented data investigating sleep in ICU survivors, once they were discharged from the ICU into less intensive hospital environments. She found that across the board participants’ sleep was negatively impacted. Compared to healthy adults they spent less time in each of the different stages of sleep – from light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (the stage when we dream). The reason? They were sleeping much less throughout the night. The hospital environment, as well as their health, both might be affecting sleep said Carmiol-Rodriguez. One potential solution could be narrowing the window when hospital staff will wake a patient up. Interestingly, Carmiol-Rodriguez shared that after a hospital stay, some research shows people may continue to sleep poorly after an ICU stay for as long as a year.

The CDC has a robust set of recommendations to help prevent falls for older adults. Their STEADI program has information for everyone from hospitals to pharmacists, Executive Dean Hilaire Thompson shared, when presenting a poster on an adaption of the program. However, nothing similar exists for long-term care. So Thompson and colleagues set out to adapt STEADI for the long-term care setting. They spoke to staff at facilities and to experts to get an idea of what might be feasible and best practice. As a result of her team’s efforts, the STEADI-LTC care program is currently being tested at facilities around Western Washington. The researchers are keeping an eye on many factors, from if the program reduces falls to what aspects of the program long-term facilities do and don’t implement.

Scholar Spotlight: Wenting Peng

Photo of Wenting Peng by Alabastro Photography.

Wenting Peng is a first-year PhD in Nursing Science student and one of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s predoctoral scholars. She is also one of the 2024-2025 UW Center for Statistics and the Social Sciences Blalock Fellows. Her mentor from her graduate program is former de Tornyay Center scholar Minhui Liu, PhD, RN.

Peng’s research areas of interest include aging-related health concerns. Peng also recently presented several poster and podium presentations on healthy aging topics at the Gerontological Society of America’s Annual Scientific Meeting, a conference that draws over 3700 attendees from various disciplines in aging.

What are your research areas of interest?

My research can be divided into two parts. The first is using publicly available data sets to examine the risk factors or protective factors for physical function or cognitive function in older adults. The second part is implementation science. I am very interested in developing and implementing evidence-based interventions, especially innovative interventions for older adults to improve their well-being.

What made you interested in studying those two topics?

For data science, it’s that I can get a sense of achievement during the process. Finding a specific research question is very interesting, and trying your best to use this data to answer that is very inspiring, especially when the results have implications for nursing science and nursing practice.

For implementation science, it’s because I can’t only focus on the data science, because it’s very abstract for the older adults. I want to make it more practical for them. I want to have my own contributions or develop something truly effective for them.

Are there particular types of interventions you’re interested in?

Previously, I was more interested in exercise-based interventions, but after I started my doctoral program at UW, many professors are doing different technology-based interventions which is appealing to me. These interventions also have shown their effectiveness in improving well-being in the targeted population. I am interested in technology-based interventions, and in the future, I may want to combine these two components and explore what can be effective for older adults.

Why are you interested in technology and older adults? Why do you think this area is important?

Older adults face issues with technology inequality. For example, when I went into the hospital, the hospital required the older adults to register online before they got direct care in the hospital. But many of the older adults don’t know how to do that. It is impossible and unfair to stop the hospital or all care services from using technology. What I want to do is try to let the older adults adapt themselves into this digital health world and use digital technology to help them live better. This is the reason I want to make a switch to the technology-related area.

When did you first start doing research?

In my bachelors’ studies, I had the opportunity to do research.

What made you want to do research during your undergraduate?

That research I did in my bachelors program was related to aging. And that made me interested in doing aging research in my graduate program.

My interest in studying aging is related to my grandparents. I am a ‘left-behind child’ because my parents needed to work in a different city when I was a child. So my grandparents raised me. At that time, we lived in a rural area, and the health services were not well developed. My grandpa had severe heart disease, but he decided not to take any action to delay its progress. There were many older adults like my grandpa in my village. This kind of health struggle is very common among older adults living in rural area, so I wanted to do something for them in the future. When I got into the bachelor’s of nursing program, I found that there was an opportunity for the bachelor’s students to do some research on a topic related to aging. At that time, I was shadowing as a nursing student, and I found that many clinical healthcare providers were talking about a new term – Internet plus nursing and wanted to apply it to older patients. However, I talked to some older patients and found they never heard of it before. Thus, I had an idea to explore the recognition and acceptability of the Internet plus nursing in older adults. After that, I found some college students also interested in that and a professor to guide us. So, I tried and succeeded in getting funded. That’s why I wanted to do that.

Scholar Spotlight: Jessica Welsch

Jessica Welsch served as a Person-centered Care Coach on project in Washington State spearheaded by the Alzheimer’s Association. The project aimed to help long-term care facilities improve quality care for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia by implementing the Alzheimer’s Association’s Dementia Practice Care Recommendations. Welsch was the first author on an award-winning abstract describing the program, presented at the Western Institute of Nursing’s April 2024 conference. Read more about the project in the recent Northwest PrimeTime article.

How did you get involved with this project?

This was an opportunity that came up through the Alzheimer’s Association. They were doing an innovative model to try to increase person-centered care in these long term care facilities. They proposed a plan with the State of Washington, where they would take some of the money that the state has committed to reinvest in quality care and nursing homes, and fund this project, which was to improve person-centered care for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

What interested you about getting involved in this project in particular?

I have a personal interest, like many people who work in dementia care. My dad had dementia and we struggled to find quality care and supports, and this project seemed like a great opportunity to increase access to those resources for other families like ours. In this project I got to support professional care providers in nursing homes who would interact directly both with families and people living with dementia, so it felt very impactful.

How did this program aim to change things in long-term care facilities?

This program was based off the quality improvement program from the federal government. The idea was that it improves person-centered care, which is the gold standard of care in any kind of care community, but particularly for people living with dementia.

We introduced change through a strength-based coaching model. They called it transformational change, which means that the change should transcend any one participant in the program, or any one resident, or any one family, or any one provider, because the action plans that we completed become embedded in the culture of the care community.

The coaching program used the Dementia Care Practice Recommendations to structure what those changes should be in the context of dementia or Alzheimer’s. The recommendations provide specific, evidence-based actions that professional care providers can use, so it’s easier to know how to increase quality care.

What does person-centric care look like for people with dementia?

It’s really similar to person-centric care anywhere, which focuses on the person in front of you, what their individual needs and goals are, and knowing them as a person. Person-centered care focuses on building and maintaining a relationship with the person as opposed to just focusing on the care.

You talked to about culture change being the goal. How did you all try to implement culture change?

We focused on things practices and policies that would become part of the regular standard operating procedures, and so would be something that’d be incorporated every day going forward.

One of the actions that was super popular to do was a Get-to-Know-Me form for new residents. This is so important to find out who’s coming in and what are they into. What do they like to talk about? What do they hate to talk about? How can staff connect with them?

When you implement that as part of your intake process that just becomes a part of the culture. People get excited to know who’s coming in. It changes the way people see who’s coming in, if they have some more personal details or might see points of connection.

Why is this work important to do?

This particular work was important because it’s so validating for the staff, but also for the residents and even their families. The impacts are wide ranging, and they can be tailored to specific areas for each community.

The other thing that’s neat and that provides an impact for this program, is that it is a huge body of research backed knowledge just for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It is hard for care communities to get specific instruction and specific guidelines that are that tailored to people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

I heard you also started about podcast about dementia?

Yes, I did start a podcast. My family relied a lot on podcasts when my dad had dementia, and I thought it’d be fun to do one.

How long has it been running?

It’s been running for a little over a year. It’s called Everyday Dementia Guide. It’s posted about weekly. It’s short individual episodes on different topics for people who are doing the everyday routine with dementia, like living at home, and just making their way the best they can.

What’s your goal or hope with the podcast?

My goal is just to provide resources and information to the family caregivers who are looking for this information. I know that when I was in the journey it was hard to find a specific answer to an everyday challenge. Your doctor doesn’t know, the nurses don’t know, your psychologist doesn’t know, the people who know are others who have also faced those everyday challenges at home. A lot of people have trouble getting to a support group, which would be a great place to have that information, either because they in a rural area, or there’s sometimes a stigma with attending a support group, or even being able to leave their loved one alone to attend the group. So, this is a way to get information and tips and communication ideas to people where they’re at.

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

One of the things I hear a lot in this area is that it’s so hard to know where people are at. A lot of people don’t get diagnosed with dementia, even if they have it, even if everyone thinks they have it that knows them, they’ll never get diagnosed, and they’ll never get tested. The diagnosis process is kind of long and doesn’t always get completed. I encourage people to try to just to look at what’s in front of them, and take things on a day-to-day basis. People say that if you know one person with dementia, you know one person with dementia. It’s so individual.

The other thing I really like to share is that if this is something that you’re living with or supporting, it’s super important to get a support team in place. So reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association or somebody who knows about Alzheimer’s to start building that team so that you can stay in it for the long run and avoid burnout.

UW School of Nursing at GSA 2024

The de Tornyay Center is excited for a number of phenomenal presentations upcoming by UW School of Nursing faculty and students at the upcoming Gerontological Society of America 2024 conference in Seattle. Attending? Find all the presentation details in the GSA 2024 schedule.

This roadmap is updated as of 11/13. Please contact pbartlet@uw.edu with any changes and additions. Thank you!

Wednesday, November 13

12:00 – 1:30 pm

Session presenters include Jenny Hsin-Chun Tsai and Randee Robinson.

6:00 – 7:15 pm

Poster presentation by Wenting Peng.

Poster presentation by Lalipat Phianhasin.

Thursday, November 14

8:00 – 9:30 am

Session presenters include Basia Belza, Meshack W. Otewa, Priscilla Carmiol-Rodriguez, Zih-Ling Wang and Sarah McKiddy.

Session presenters include Weichao Yuwen, Maggie Ramirez, Clara Berridge, Jingyi Li, Yanjing Liang, and Genevieve C. Aguilar.

First author is Zih-Ling Wang, and presented by Jenna McHale.

Session presenters include Zih-Ling Wang.

2:00 –3:15 pm

Session presenters include Kristen Childress.

4:30 –6:00pm

Session presenters include Wenting Peng.

4:30 – 6:00 pm

Session presenters include Basia Belza.

Friday, November 15

2:00 –3:15 pm

Poster presentation by Yanjing Liang and Jenna McHale.

Poster presentation by Zih-Ling Wang and Jenna McHale.

Poster presentation by Kuan-Ching Wu.

Poster presentation by Xianglan Jin.

Saturday, November 16

8:00 – 9:30 am

Poster presentation by Yanjing Liang.

12:00 – 1:30 pm

Session presenters include Hilaire Thompson.

12:00 –1:30 pm

Session presenters include Sarah McKiddy.

2:00 –3:15 pm

Poster presentation by Yanjing Liang.

Poster presentation by Hilaire Thompson.

Poster presentation by Premgamon Kuntajak.

Poster presentation by Suah Park.

Poster presentation by Priscilla Carmiol-Rodriguez.

2023-2024 Clinical Preceptors of the Year and 2024 Nurses of Influence Recipients

We’re proud to announce the 2023-2024 Clinical Preceptors of the Year and 2024 Nurses of Influence Recipients

2023-2024 Clinical Preceptors of the Year

Chelsea Miller, DNP, ARNP, ACNPC-AG

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?
Once I returned to Washington, I was eager to give back to my alma mater as I was now in a unique position to provide the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students with a critical care rotation where they could manage a wide range of disease processes and perform all of the procedures they received training for. I was eager to provide mentorship and help develop the critical thinking skills needed to transition from the bedside RN to ARNP provider role.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?
Enter every clinical experience prepared with a genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn. This will shine through and your preceptors and their colleagues will go above and beyond to teach and provide learning opportunities. Treat every clinical rotation like a job interview!

Jennifer Ugale Mercado, NP-C

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?
I was inspired by a colleague who started precepting students. I was reminded, by having students in our clinic, of the energy that students bring, an energy and excitement for learning that I remember having as a student. Students have a way of rekindling that spirit that brought us to the profession in the first place. I decided to become a preceptor because I felt inspired to put myself in a position to harness and nurture that energy.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?
I hope that you continue to find joy in learning and to seek out the “preceptors” all around you as you graduate and start your own practice. I can’t think of a day of work that I didn’t need to look something up, learn something new/put something new into practice, or work through a question/problem with a colleague. My other hope is that you find work-life harmony and hold onto the things that fill your mental, emotional, and physical buckets because it is really true that we take better care of people when we take care of ourselves.

John Okrent, MD

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?
I am energized by precepting and teaching. The residents and students keep my on my toes and inspire me to keep learning. I want to be the best provider I can be so that I can set the best possible example. It makes the work doubly rewarding. I hope to show students that the work we do in medicine is social justice work and it is our privilege to do it.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?
Remember that this a profession of service and partnership and that all of our successes here will be in the spirit of service and partnership. We are here in service to our patients, and in partnership with them.

Noelle Brodeur, CNM

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?
I love learning about people’s paths to midwifery and supporting them along their journey. I believe being a preceptor helps keep my clinical skills up to date and I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?
First, none of us will always have all of the answers; use this time as a student to become comfortable asking for help. Second, find a self-care routine that works for you and practice it often.

Team 8 – APP Inpatient Team

Teneisha Hunt DNP, ARNP, CPNP-AC/PC

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?
I feel it is important for all of us to do our part in teaching and mentoring the future generation of nurses and advance practice nurses.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?
You can do it! Continue to be engaged, ask questions, find learning opportunities and you will ultimately reach your goals!

Amber Mashuta, ARNP

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?
I was fortunate to have had incredible mentors during my own training. Their guidance and support inspired me to give back and become a preceptor myself.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?
Never stop asking questions. Curiosity is the key to learning and growing in your nursing career.

Rebecca Stevenson, PA-C

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?
I have always enjoyed teaching and am incredibly grateful for the wonderful preceptors who have helped shape my clinical career. Paying that forward is very rewarding.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?
Continue to be engaged and curious. Every new clinical exposure is an opportunity for growth.

Samantha Finley, ARNP

Missy Lein, MSN, ARNP-CS, PCNS-BC

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?
I have loved nursing since my very first clinical rotation! It’s an honor to share something you love so much with others and help them move forward with their own goals and aspirations.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?
Surround yourself with an encouraging community (of nurses and non-nurses) and stay curious. There are is always more to learn and your community will help support and guide you through the ups and downs.

Tera Johnson, ARNP

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?
To help teach and inspire the future of pediatric healthcare providers.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?
The road to being a practitioner is paved with much stress, anxiety, and little sleep. But the reward is getting to care for the neonates, infants, children and adolescents of our community who are in desperate need of quality and compassionate healthcare. It is an honor.

Susan Lee, Ed.D, M.Ed., EMPA

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?
What inspired me to become a clinical preceptor is the honor and privilege of being part of an esteemed institution like the University of Washington (UW). Working closely with students allows me to play a key role in bridging the gap between academia and the underserved communities I have committed my work to. The students’ enthusiasm, drive, and desire to learn inspire me every day. They remind me of the importance of fostering a sense of connection between the academic environment and the real-world challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

Watching students grow, not only in their clinical skills but also personally, and in their ability to make a difference in these communities, fuels my passion for teaching. Their dedication and willingness to contribute positively to society aligns with my own values, reinforcing the importance of developing well-rounded, compassionate healthcare professionals who are committed to serving others.
Additionally, my decision to become a clinical preceptor was heavily influenced by the guidance and mentorship I received from my own professors, particularly Dr. Marla Salmon, Dr. Jenny Tsai, and Dr. Elaine Walsh. Their leadership, mentorship, and sponsorship left a profound impact on me. They encouraged me to think critically, pushed me to become a better person, and provided invaluable support along the way. Now, I feel compelled to pay that forward by offering the same guidance, mentorship, and coaching to the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Being a clinical preceptor allows me to give back to both the institution that shaped me and the communities I care deeply about. It’s about creating a positive ripple effect—supporting students in their growth while ensuring they have the tools to contribute meaningfully to society and the health of underserved populations.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?
The advice I would give to nursing students is to hold onto the enthusiasm, drive, and compassion that brought them into the field. These traits are what make great nurses stand out and allow them to deeply connect with patients. Always nurture your empathy, as it will guide you through the toughest times, helping you to understand and care for others with genuine heart. Remember to reflect on your own experiences—they will help you relate better to others and provide more compassionate care. Be proud of your achievements but stay humble, because nursing is a journey of continuous learning.

Be lifelong learners. The healthcare field is always changing, so stay curious and seek knowledge from every corner, including your patients and colleagues. Engage with people who offer different perspectives and use those insights to grow. Never be afraid to ask questions or challenge norms—it’s through courage that true growth happens.
I also urge you to embrace creativity and flexibility. Nursing is both a science and an art, and creative problem-solving will often be your greatest asset in providing quality care. Don’t hesitate to think outside the box, especially when faced with challenges.
In addition to providing care, remember that nursing involves collaboration. Be a willing partner with community organizations and roll up your sleeves to work alongside them. Your role as a nurse isn’t confined to the hospital—it extends to the community, where real partnerships can make a lasting impact. Your resilience in the face of adversity will inspire others, and it’s during the toughest times that your strength will shine the most.

Lastly, always be open to mentoring and coaching future nursing students. The support and guidance you receive now should be shared with the next generation. Be ready to mentor, guide, and uplift others, knowing that your experience can help shape the future of nursing.

Danielle DeOliveira, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

What inspired you to become a clinical preceptor?
I believe it is the duty of all psychiatric NPs to contribute to the education of our upcoming workforce. When ARNPs are trained by other professions they enter practice without a full appreciation of our role, both the limits and the strengths. I want to help build students’ confidence, not only to practice effectively, but to move our profession forward as well.

I also love having students because it pushes me to be a better provider. I get to hear about the new information they are learning, discuss new ideas, and push myself to communicate my thought processes more effectively.

What advice would you give to our nursing students?
Don’t practice in a bubble. Make sure to reach out to your cohort, colleagues, and mentors, reach out to your professional organizations. Pay attention to the legislation that affects your practice and your license. Remember that no one else is looking out for your career, so make sure you are.

2024 Nurses of Influence Recipients

The UW School of Nursing is excited to recognize the exceptional contributions of our nurses and nursing leaders. These awards highlight the close connection between the UW School of Nursing and our community partners, and honor the countless ways the nursing profession enhances health and impacts lives. Congratulations to these outstanding individuals who are committed teaching our #HuskyNurses. Read more about what their nominators said about them.

Karin Huster BSN ’05, MPH ’13, Emergency Medical Referent, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) (Doctors Without Borders)

Karin Huster spent nine years as an RN in Harborview’s Trauma ICU before focusing on humanitarian emergencies. Her work includes field epidemiology and advising USAID. She worked with Syrian refugees in Lebanon (2012-13), on the Ebola epidemic in West Africa (2014-16), and responded to outbreaks in the DRC and Haiti. She aided in crises in Nigeria (2017), Iraq (2017), Bangladesh (2018), and now Gaza (2024), advocating for healthcare in conflict zones. She is a heroic nurse and advocate for the communities she serves.

Holly Vance, Manager (Wound, Ostomy, Limb Preservation, & Amputation Services [WOLPAS]), Harborview Medical Center

Holly exemplifies nursing through her clinical expertise, compassionate care, and commitment to her patients and community. As a Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse and Clinical Nurse Educator, she has made significant contributions to Harborview Medical Center and beyond. Her leadership, dedication to evidence-based practice, and passion for mentoring future healthcare providers make her an exceptional candidate for this prestigious award.

Katie Haerling, Graduate Program Coordinator/Professor, UW Tacoma School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership

Dr. Haerling was instrumental as a subject matter expert (SME) and collaborator in creating a new Washington Administrative Code for nursing education around simulation. They did multiple presentations for public hearings to inform the Washington Board of Nursing board members during public meetings, providing insight and education to inform the public and members, which will have a longstanding impact on nursing practice and the safety of the public.

Sofia Aragon, Executive Director, Washington Center of Nursing

Ms. Sofia Aragon is being nominated for the Distinguished Diversity Advocate Award for her tireless advocacy for diverse providers and underserved populations through policy and service. As Executive Director of the Washington Center of Nursing, she has worked to address the nursing shortage and support underrepresented nursing students. She developed educational tools to assist families in supporting nursing students and created a workshop to encourage BIPOC nurses to become faculty. Her nominator stated, ‘Ms. Aragon has continually designed systems to increase diversity in practice, collaborating with communities to reduce disparities and improve lives.’

Keri Nasenbeny, Chief Nursing Officer, Harborview Medical Center

From the start, Keri immersed herself in the frontline experience, working alongside clinical staff to understand their challenges. She listens to and advocates for her teams, creating new leadership roles, supporting shared governance councils, and ensuring staff access to resources like Healthy Work Environment seminars. Keri also increased funding for the Harborview Medical Center Ambassador Awards, helping nurses present at national conferences, all while demonstrating authentic empathy and a commitment to improving the workplace.

September News and Awards

Professor Mayumi Willgerodt was selected as the recipient for the SNOW School Nurse Advocate of the Year award! This award publicly recognizes a community member who coordinates and advocates for quality school nursing services and health programs. Mayumi has been a vital school nurse advocate committed to improving the overall health and educational success of WA students.

Three CIPCT faculty to be inducted as Fellows of the American College of Medical Informatics

Congratulations to: Bill Lober-Professor BNHI, Andrea Hartzler, Professor-BIME SOM; also co-director of CIPCT program, and Meliha Yetisgen, Professor BIME, SOM

Dr. Eeeseung Byun and colleagues, Drs. Hilaire Thompson, Bill Lober, Teresa Ward, Michael Levitt, Kenneth Pike, and Kathryn Lee, have received funding from the National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for an R56 study tilted “Technology-based Sleep Self-Management Intervention for Adults with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.”

SoN Advancement’s own Sydney Horen recently competed as a contestant on Fox’s hit game show, The Floor, starring Rob Lowe. The first episode premiered last Wednesday, September 25th, and is available to watch on Hulu. Tune in this Wednesday see Sydney compete and represent the School of Nursing! Take a look at the show here!

ITHS Announces Winners of Pilot Funding to Accelerate Translational Science

Ayokunle Olanrewaju, PhD, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering, University of Washington, along with Jillian Pinteye and Sarah Iribarren. Project Title: User-centric microfluidics for decentralized therapeutic drug monitoring. This project will design and develop a virtual study assistant prototype to assist research teams in the conduct of translational health science research. A large focus of our work is on increasing opportunities for underserved communities to engage in research by developing methods that research teams can use to involve these communities.

Kerryn Reding, PhD, MPH, RN, Associate Professor, University of Washington; Weichao Yuwen, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, University of Washington Tacoma; Maggie Ramirez, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Washington, Project Title: Promoting diversity and inclusion of research study participants through developing linguistically and culturally tailored virtual study assistants using generative artificial intelligence (AI) .

Josephine Ensign was quoted and her upcoming book mentioned in the Seattle Times.

The new cohort for the Premera Rural Nursing Health Initiative (RHNI) began their fellowship. These remarkable Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) are dedicated to advancing care in rural communities. Throughout their fellowship with the University of Washington School of Nursing, they’ll gain invaluable experience through clinical rotations in these areas, directly contributing to improved health outcomes. Check out the video here.

Executive Dean Welcome to 2024-2025 Academic Year

Welcome to the 2024-2025 academic year! The energy on campus is infectious, with the excitement of new beginnings, crisp autumn air, and Husky football making this my favorite time of year.

Our school is energized by our people and the possibilities that lie ahead. Across our three campuses, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where we prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders and advance nursing science and practice. This year, we’re excited to engage in a strategic planning process that will shape the future of nursing education, research, and practice.

Whether you’re a student, staff, faculty, community partner, alumnus, or supporter, your role in shaping the future of nursing is invaluable. We have fantastic events lined up, from the Dawg Dash to Dawg Tank, Nurses of Influence Awards, and more.

This year is filled with hope and opportunity. Let’s embrace it together, reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and work together to make this year one of growth and success. Thank you for being part of our vibrant community. We look forward to achieving great things together and making a lasting impact on health for all.

Announcing 2024 Equity-Minded Nurse Awardees

Rebecca O'Connor smiling at camera — Dr. Rebecca O’Connor

We’re excited to announce that Associate Professor Dr. Rebecca O’Connor has been named of the 2024 Equity-Minded Nurse Awardees. Dr. O’Connor has been awarded the 2024 Equity-Minded Nurse Educator Award. The Equity-Minded Educator Award recognizes a nurse whose efforts demonstrate excellence in supporting a diverse nursing student body and inclusive teaching/learning practices, and whose teaching and/or curriculum design include topics that lead to the graduation of equity-minded nurses. Co-sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

The 2024 Equity-Minded Nurse Awards from the AARP Center for Health Equity through Nursing^SMand the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, an initiative of AARP Foundation, AARP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation award program supports the Campaign’s vision that everyone in America can live a healthier life, advanced by equity-minded nurses as essential and valued partners in providing care and promoting health equity and well-being.

Unlocking the Potential: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Provider Fellow Sarah Kim

A unique opportunity for new advanced registered nurse practitioners to advance their careers in psychiatry

Sarah Kim, Advanced Practice Psychiatric Provider Fellow

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, specialized training programs play a pivotal role in preparing professionals to meet the diverse and complex needs of patients. One such program making a significant impact is the University of Washington School of Nursing Advanced Practice Psychiatric Provider Fellowship Program (APPPFP), which offers a unique opportunity for new advanced registered nurse practitioners to advance their careers in psychiatry.

“With mentors who are always there to lend a helping hand, answer questions, and provide guidance, every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth,” shared Sarah Kim, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the fellowship program.

Fellowship programs like the APPPFP are relatively new. They are designed to support each fellow’s transition to independent practice and enhance their proficiency in their field.

Kim’s journey into psychiatry began six years ago when she embarked on her career as a registered nurse. Her passion for mental health led her through various settings, from evaluation and treatment (E&T) facilities to inpatient adolescent units and community mental health clinics.

In her three years at the latter, she encountered the profound challenges of chronic mental illness and homelessness, reinforcing her commitment to making a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health disorders.

Driven by a desire to expand her skills and take on a more comprehensive role in patient care, Kim pursued further education through the DNP psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at the University of Washington School of Nursing. This decision marked a pivotal moment in her career trajectory, setting the stage for her involvement in the Advanced Practice Psychiatric Provider Fellowship Program.

“I chose this fellowship for the diverse experiences and variety it offers,” shared Kim.

With mentors who are always there to lend a helping hand, answer questions, and provide guidance, every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth.

Sarah KimAdvanced Practice Psychiatric Provider Fellow

Kim highlights the program’s dynamic nature, where each day presents a new set of challenges and learning opportunities. These experiences help support her transition to independent practice and provide a deeper proficiency of their practice.

A typical week in the fellowship involves a blend of didactic sessions, therapeutic interventions, and clinical consultations. Kim’s roles span across primary care, outpatient psychiatric clinics, and specialty rotations in hospital settings, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of mental health care delivery across various contexts.

Notably, the program’s emphasis on consultation-liaison psychiatry in primary care, outpatient psychiatry, and inpatient settings equips fellows with essential skills in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address the complex needs of medically ill patients.

Kim attests to the unparalleled support she receives from the program faculty and attending physicians.

“I have time built-in to my schedule to meet with or message my attending with questions,” shared Kim. “Working together has been great—I feel very supported because they’re always there if I need help, especially with challenging cases.”

The collaborative environment fosters a sense of camaraderie and professional growth, allowing participants to navigate the complexities of their evolving roles with confidence.

A patient’s heartfelt acknowledgment of her expertise and compassionate care reaffirmed her decision to pursue a career in psychiatry, validating her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

“She [the patient] helped me realize psych is my niche, which made me feel confident in my choice,” said Kim. “As a new provider, it’s hard to feel assured in your recommendations, but her support made a big difference.”

– Jennifer Hunt

July/August News and Awards

President Ana Mari Cauce has named five new representatives to the 30-member University of Washington Population Health Initiative executive council. The council serves as the internal governing body for the Population Health Initiative.

These representatives, who will begin their terms in autumn quarter 2024, are:

Joan Casey, associate professor of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health
Yonn Dierwechter, professor of Urban Studies, UW Tacoma
Sarah Gimbel, professor of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, School of Nursing
Hamed Mamani, professor of Operations Management, Foster School of Business
Lucy Lu Wang, assistant professor, Information School

These individuals succeed five members who left the council as part of its annual rotation.

Dr Nora Kenworthy, PhD of UW Bothell explores the darker side of crowdfunding in her recently published book, “Crowded Out: The True Costs of Crowdfunding Healthcare.” Read more on the Bothell website here: The unseen layers of medical crowdfunding – News (uwb.edu) Or check out her recently published piece with the Seattle Times here: We can’t crowdfund our way out of the climate crisis | The Seattle Times

We’re pleased to announce 3 Husky Nurses have been named 2024 Fellows. Fellows represents a cross-section of nursing’s most dynamic leaders making positive change in their systems and communities to champion health and wellness. Learn more: l8r.it/Nu39

Fifteen faculty members at the University of Washington have been elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences. They are among 36 scientists and educators from across the state announced Aug. 1 as new members. Selection recognizes the new members’ “outstanding record of scientific and technical achievement, and their willingness to work on behalf of the academy to bring the best available science to bear on issues within the state of Washington.”

Twelve UW faculty members were selected by current WSAS members. They are:

Wendy Barrington, associate professor of epidemiology, of health systems and population health, and of child, family and population health nursing, who “possesses the rare combination of scientific rigor and courageous commitment to local community health. Identifying original ways to examine questions, and seeking out appropriate scientific methods to study those questions, allow her to translate research to collaborative community interventions with a direct impact on the health of communities.”
Philip Bell, the Shauna C. Larson endowed chair in learning sciences, for “his work in the cultural basis of scientific research and learning, bringing rigor and light to multiculturalism in science and STEM education through STEM Teaching Tools and other programs.”
Katherine Comtois, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, “for her sustained commitment to community-engaged, science-driven practice and policy change related to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of mental health, with a focus on providing effective, sustainable and culturally appropriate care to people with serious mental illness.”
Valerie Daggett, the David and Nancy Auth endowed professor in bioengineering, who has “charted new paths for 30-plus years. Her quest to deeply understand protein folding/unfolding and the link to amyloid diseases has propelled her to pioneer unique computational and experimental methods leading to the discovery and characterization of a new protein structure linked to toxicity early in amyloidogenesis.”
Jeremy Hess, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of global health, and of emergency medicine, who is “a global and national leader at the intersection of climate change and health whose work has advanced our understanding of climate change health effects and has informed the design of preparedness and disaster response planning in Washington state, nationally and globally.”
Philip Kinahan, professor of bioengineering and of radiology, who is “recognized for his contributions to the science and engineering of medical imaging systems and for leadership in national programs and professional and scientific societies advancing the capabilities of medical imaging.”
Daniel Kirschen, the Donald W. and Ruth Mary Close professor of electrical and computer engineering and faculty member in the UW Clean Energy Institute, who is “recognized for his distinguished research contributions to the design and operation of economical, reliable and environmentally sustainable power systems, and the development of influential educational materials used to train the next generation of power engineers.”
Juliana McElrath, senior vice president and director of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, the Joel D. Meyers endowed chair of clinical research and of vaccine and infectious disease at Fred Hutch, and UW professor of medicine, who is “is recognized for her seminal contributions to developing validated laboratory methods for interrogating cellular and humoral immune responses to HIV, TB and COVID-19 vaccines, which has led to the analysis of more than 100 vaccine and monoclonal antibody trials for nearly three decades, including evidence of T-cell immune responses as a correlate of vaccine protection.”
Aseem Prakash, professor of political science and the Walker family professor for the arts and sciences, who is a specialist “in environmental politics, international political economy, and the politics of nonprofit organizations. He is widely recognized as a leader in the field of environmental politics, best known for his path-breaking research on the role firms and nongovernmental organizations can play in promoting more stringent regulatory standards.”
Michael Spencer, the Ballmer endowed dean of social work, for investigations of “how inequality, in its many forms, affects health, illness and quality of life. He has developed unique conceptual frameworks to investigate how race, ethnicity and immigration are associated with health and social outcomes.”
Stefan Stoll, professor of chemistry, who is elected “for distinguished scientific and community contributions to advancing the field of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, which have transformed how researchers worldwide analyze data.”
Ruikang Wang, professor of bioengineering and of ophthalmology, whose “pioneering work in biomedical optics, including the invention of optical microangiography and development of novel imaging technologies, has transformed clinical practice, significantly improving patient outcomes. Through his numerous publications, patents and clinical translations, his research has helped shape the field of biomedical optics.”

Three new UW members of the academy were selected by virtue of their previous election to one of the National Academies. They are:

Qiang Fu, professor of atmospheric and climate science, who had been elected to the National Academy of Sciences “for contributions to research and expertise in atmospheric radiation and cloud processes, remote sensing, cloud/aerosol/radiation/climate interactions, stratospheric circulation and stratosphere-troposphere exchanges and coupling, and climate change.”
Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, the Bartley Dobb professor for the study and prevention of violence in the Department of Epidemiology and a UW professor of pediatrics, who had been elected to the National Academy of Medicine “for being a national public health leader whose innovative and multidisciplinary research to integrate data across the health care system and criminal legal system has deepened our understanding of the risk and consequences of firearm-related harm and informed policies and programs to reduce its burden, especially among underserved communities and populations.”
Tumaini Rucker Coker, division chief of general pediatrics at Seattle Children’s Hospital and a UW professor of pediatrics, who had been elected to the National Academy of Medicine “for her leadership in advancing child health equity through scholarship in community-partnered design of innovative care models in pediatric primary care. Her work has transformed our understanding of how to deliver child preventive health care during the critical early childhood period to achieve equitable health outcomes and reduce disparities.”

In addition, Dr. Thomas Lynch, president and director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and of the Cancer Consortium — a partnership between the UW, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Fred Hutch — was elected to the academy for being “part of a research effort that found mutations in the cell-surface protein epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which plays an important role in helping lung cancer cells survive. Today, drugs that target EGFR can dramatically change outcomes for lung cancer patients by slowing the progression of the cancer.”

Kristi Morgansen, the Boeing-Egtvedt endowed professor and chair in aeronautics and astronautics, will join the board effective Sept. 30. Morgansen was elected to WSAS in 2021 “for significant advances in nonlinear methods for integrated sensing and control in engineered, bioinspired and biological flight systems,” and “for leadership in cross-disciplinary aerospace workforce development.” She is currently director of the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium, co-director of the UW Space Policy and Research Center and chair of the AIAA Aerospace Department Chairs Association. She is also a member of the WSAS education committee.

“I am excited to serve on the WSAS board and work with WSAS members to leverage and grow WSAS’s impact by identifying new opportunities for WSAS to collaborate and partner with the state in addressing the state’s needs,” said Morgansen.

The new members to the Washington State Academy of Sciences will be formally inducted in September.

Announcing Hilaire Thompson to serve as Executive Dean

Person smiling at camera — Hilaire Thompson

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Hilaire Thompson will serve as the next executive dean of the School of Nursing, effective Aug. 1, pending approval by the Board of Regents.

Dr. Thompson, a registered nurse and nurse practitioner, is a Professor in Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics in the UW School of Nursing, core faculty at the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center and an adjunct professor in Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education in the UW School of Medicine. As a UW faculty member since 2006, she has held several leadership roles, including graduate program director for the School of Nursing. Through that position, she developed collaborative relationships and held budgetary and human resource responsibilities as well as delegated responsibilities from the associate dean for academic affairs. Since 2021, she has served as an associate vice provost in the Office of Academic Personnel in the Provost’s Office.

Dr. Thompson earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Mary Washington College in Virginia and her accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, and completed her postdoctoral work at the UW.

She spent six years at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, with a focus on neuroscience and critical care nursing, while earning her master’s degree as a clinical nurse specialist and a post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate. During this time, Dr. Thompson met nurse scientists doing bench research, and she became intrigued with this pathway as it combined her interests in biology and nursing.

Funded by support from the National Institutes of Health, the Center for Disease Control and foundation awards, Dr. Thompson’s research centers on improving outcomes following geriatric traumatic brain injury, as well as fall prevention. This work has been recognized with induction into Sigma’s International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing, and membership in the Washington State Academy of Sciences.

As executive dean, Dr. Thompson will lead the nursing programs on each UW campus and the accreditation process that integrates all three, ensure faculty and student recruitment, development and success in all aspects of the mission of the School of Nursing, and align the resources and finances of the School in support of these goals

Dr. Thompson brings incredible knowledge of and dedication to the UW School of Nursing to this leadership role, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the profession and the opportunities for the School to advance its history of excellence across the tri-campus system.

Thank you to the search committee, co-chaired by Sharon Jones, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at UW Bothell, and Andre Ritter, dean of the School of Dentistry, for identifying three exceptionally strong finalists, which reflects the School’s prominence and reputation. We would also like to express our deep gratitude to Dr. Allison Webel for her exemplary service as the School’s interim executive dean during the last academic year, including her leadership of the accreditation review for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program and the Post-Graduate APRN Certification Program.

We welcome Dean Thompson to her new role!

Disparity in endometriosis disability claims in federal appeals court, new study shows

People with endometriosis commonly face obstacles and misconceptions about disease, diagnosis, and treatment. These obstacles are especially burdensome when navigating Social Security disability claims – a system relied upon by over 8 million Americans. (Social Security Administration, 2022)

Nursing scientist and postdoctoral research fellow with UW SON Nursing and Global Health, Dr. Martha Grace Cromeens (she/her), JD, PhD, RN recently co-authored a groundbreaking study demonstrating evidence of the disparity in how endometriosis disability claims are treated in federal court appeals.

The study, published by Women’s Health Issues, Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health, analyzed 87 SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Social Security Insurance) claim appeals related to endometriosis and found that these claims are systematically disadvantaged, particularly among those with less access to care.

The findings showed that the courts “found subjective reports of symptoms insufficient evidence of impairment…” and, further, “expected claimants to use treatments such as contraception or hysterectomy without addressing risks…” Even when such treatments might directly counter the needs and preferences of the claimants.

“The hope is that this evidence will help us create a more equitable disability application and review system for those with chronic pain conditions and noncancerous gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis,” said Dr. Cromeens.

With endometriosis, tissue grows outside the uterus, affecting other parts of the body such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis. It is a painful condition that often is not well understood by physicians and regularly evades standard methods of assessment, such as imaging. It’s not uncommon for it to be misdiagnosed as other conditions, such as IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome) or for the symptoms to be taken less seriously than other chronic pain conditions.

Endometriosis is relatively common chronic condition affecting approximately 11% of the United States Population of women and people with uteruses (Office of Women’s Health), though this number is estimated to be higher by experts due to misdiagnosis.

The study findings have broad implications for health care, policy, and legal systems, and for the millions of underserved people who live with this and other chronic pain conditions. Conditions which may also be similarly impacted by current application and review methods.

Read the full analysis: “Endometriosis and disability: Analysis of Federal Court Appeals of Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Claims by Individuals Suffering from Endometriosis.” Women’s Health Issues, Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health, May-June 2024 issue.

_____________________________

This study was co-authored with the indispensable Kathleen Knafl, PhD, FAAN, Whitney R. Robinson, PhD, MSPH, Erin T. Carey, MD, MSCR, Zakiya Haji-Noor, PhD, MPh, and Suzanne Thoyre, PhD, RN, FAAN.

2023-2024 Fulbright Scholar

small children and adult standing with trees — Rachel Anderson

Congratulations to Rachel Anderson Doctor of Nursing Practice student who is one of the UW students recognized as a 2023-2024 Fulbright Scholar.

Hometown: Fort Collins, CO

Graduation Year/Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care, 2027

What is your research/areas of interest? Infant mental health and perinatal mental health; pediatric infectious diseases

Why did you choose nursing? Nursing has great flexibility and I like the ability to work in a variety of settings that incorporate research and patient-facing aspects.

How has your experience at the School of Nursing helped you with your career trajectory? I have done the ABSN and part of the DNP at UW and the faculty support and access to research institutes such as the Barnard Center have been such a gift.

What are your plans after graduation? I hope to continue to work in research and pursue a per diem level one nursery position.

During Women’s History Month, the University of Washington School of Nursing is recognizing the women whose leadership, scholarship, advocacy and care have shaped nursing across generations — and celebrating those carrying that work forward today.

Marin Strong, a PhD in Nursing Science student at the UW School of Nursing, has been selected as a Sigma United Nations (UN) Youth Representative, a prestigious volunteer position that will place her at the forefront of global nursing leadership and advocacy.

Speakers and Panelists at the Upcoming RAIN Summit

The leadership demonstrated by UW-affiliated nurses is rooted in a much longer national history shaped by Black women who practiced nursing long before the profession was formally accessible to them.

Organization Spotlight

First Black graduate of the University of Washington School of Nursing

Founding member of the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization

Deepened the UW School of Nursing’s engagement with anti-racism in nursing

Celebrate Black History Month in the Community

Upcoming Opportunities

Organization Spotlight

Preparing Nurses for Real-World Care

A National Mark of Excellence

The Hub is gaining recognition from peer institutions and professional organizations, shining a brighter spotlight on the importance of nurse-led digital health innovation

Celebrating Nurse Practitioner Week: November 9–15, 2025

2025 Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing

Eeeseung Byun, PhD, RN

Katie A. Haerling, PhD, RN, CHSE

M. Rebecca O’Connor, PhD, RN

Megan Streur, PhD, ARNP

Bethany Armentrout, PhD

Nanyombi Lubimbi, PhD

Caeli Malloy, PhD

Natalie Rejto, PhD

Linda Yoo, PhD

What’s Changing?

Honest Broker Options

Two new Compliance Policies

Why Is This Changing?

What is an Honest Broker?

Honest Broker Toolkit for Researchers

Scholarship vs. Scholarships: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

ONR&I Pre-Award Support- We’ve Got Your Back

Post-Award Support- Keeping you on Track

Welcome Back Husky Scholars!

University of Washington School of Nursing

University of Washington Office of Research

Federal Funding Changes

Behind every successful DNP student stands a dedicated clinical preceptor, an unsung hero in nursing education.

What’s New?

What’s an AAM?

What Costs Are Allowed?

What Do Publishers and Institutions Say?

Tips for University of Washington School of Nursing Investigators

Why This Matters for Nursing

Final Thoughts

Why the Change?

What’s Included—and What’s Not

Implications for UW School of Nursing Investigators

What Should PIs Do Now?

Unlikely Beginnings

One Health: A Holistic Approach

Healing Across Communities

A Bridge Between Worlds

Advice for Future Nurses

We are proud to recognize the 2025 RIFP Awardees for their visionary projects:

Maria Bleil, PhD, Associate Professor, Child, Family and Population Health Nursing Research Study: Does exposure to air pollution accelerate pubertal development in girls? Supported by: Suzanne E. VanHooser Endowed Nursing Research Fund

Jerusha Mogaka, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics Research Study: Monitoring biomarkers of metabolic health among mother-infant pairs using novel dried blood spot assays Supported by: Suzanne E. VanHooser Endowed Nursing Research Fund

M. Rebecca O’Connor, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Child, Family and Population Health Nursing Research Study: Rapid Redesign of IBIAS™ Implementation to Support Adoption in an Evolving Higher Education Climate Supported by: Troop Endowed Nursing Research Fund

1. Invest in Research Training

2. Update Your SciENcv

3. Articulate Your Impact

4. Set Up Your Workday PI Dashboard

5. Stay Informed on Open PAs, RFAs, and Policy Changes

6. Plan for Fall Grant Deadlines

7. Draft a One-Pager on Your Next Research Step

8. Stay Connected to ONR&I

9. Explore International Research Opportunities

10. Read Widely and Voraciously

Finding Purpose Through Direct Experience

Building a Bridge Between Research and Care

From Implementation to Innovation

Navigating Challenges with Resilience

Maria Bleil, PhD, Associate Professor, Child, Family and Population Health Nursing
Research Study: Does exposure to air pollution accelerate pubertal development in girls?
Supported by: Suzanne E. VanHooser Endowed Nursing Research Fund

Jerusha Mogaka, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics
Research Study: Monitoring biomarkers of metabolic health among mother-infant pairs using novel dried blood spot assays
Supported by: Suzanne E. VanHooser Endowed Nursing Research Fund

M. Rebecca O’Connor, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Child, Family and Population Health Nursing
Research Study: Rapid Redesign of IBIAS™ Implementation to Support Adoption in an Evolving Higher Education Climate
Supported by: Troop Endowed Nursing Research Fund