PhD Student Profiles

I am a PhD student in Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with over a decade of global experience in clinical care, research coordination, and public health. My work focuses on advancing health equity, managing chronic pain, and reducing care disparities among underserved populations and marginalized groups. Before beginning my doctoral studies, I served as an Associate Research Coordinator at UNC, supporting NIH-funded clinical trials in pain management, biomarkers, and integrative health. My earlier nursing practice in Ghana and the UK provided a strong foundation in perioperative and inpatient care, deepening my commitment to culturally responsive, patient-centered healthcare. Long term, I hope to integrate nursing science, public health, and advocacy to address systemic barriers to equitable care.

CONTACT | bernice_asante-nketiah@med.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Chronic Pain Management and Integrative Health, Health Equity and Disparities, Public Health Education and Advocacy.
ADVISOR | Isabel Roth, DrPH, MS

Chong Chen is a doctoral student of the School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on digital health, particularly the use of Artificial Intelligence and eHealth tools in the self-management of chronic diseases. She aims to develop user-centered digital solutions to improve healthcare access and patient outcomes, especially in underserved areas.In her free time, she enjoys walking in nature, spending time with animals, jogging, and watching movies.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
The Application of Artificial Intelligence in Chronic Disease Management

CONTACT | chongche@ad.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Jogging, Hiking, and Singing
ADVISOR | Jessica Zègre-Hemsey, PhD, RN, FAHA

I am a motivated nurse researcher and incoming PhD student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a Master’s degree in Nursing and a strong background in maternal-child health. My research interests include parent-child relationships, domestic violence, and health equity, with a growing focus on informatics and data-driven approaches to improve maternal outcomes. I have experience in women’s health nursing, clinical research coordination, and academic writing. I am particularly interested in developing multilevel interventions to prevent gender-based violence during early parenthood and in supporting the health and psychosocial well-being of adolescent and young adult parents.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
My anticipated dissertation will explore multilevel strategies to prevent domestic violence among adolescent and young adult parents during the transition to parenthood, with a focus on gender norms, early intervention, and health equity.

CONTACT | kayson7@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Maternal and child health among vulnerable populations, Domestic violence prevention, Adolescent and Young adult parents, Nursing informatics
ADVISOR | Jessica Williams, PhD, MPH, PHNA-BC, FAAN

Huan-Xi Huang is a PhD student originally from Taiwan. She received her MSN in 2023 and has three years of experience as a research assistant, focusing on chronic illness and pain management. Her research interests include nonpharmacological interventions, sleep quality, and symptom science. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing sports, and watching games.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
To be determined, with a focus on chronic disease and symptom management.

CONTACT | huanxi@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Chronic Disease Self-Management, Sleep Quality, Pain Management
ADVISOR | Leslie Davis, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FACC, FAHA, FPCN

Ryan Su, originally from Taiwan, is a first-generation college graduate and Ph.D. student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing. With a background in intensive care nursing following his BSN, he was motivated by firsthand observations of malnutrition’s impact on ICU survivors. His research investigates the relationship between protein–energy intake and functional outcomes in this vulnerable population. Dedicated to improving long-term rehabilitation, Ryan aims to develop evidence-based, nutrition-focused interventions to address gaps in understanding the connection between nutrition and functional ability. He has a strong interest in interdisciplinary collaborations that integrate nutrition science and data visualization to advance healthcare delivery.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Nutritional Status and Functional Abilities

CONTACT | ryanchsu@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Critical Care, Nutrition Intake, Functional Ability, Clinical Research
ADVISOR | Kea Turner, PhD, MPH, MA

CONTACT | yjinjin@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Psychiatric/Mental health, Behavioral Health, Social Determinants of Health, Health Disparities & Equity
ADVISOR | Cathi Propper, PhD

Brian Garcia is a Chicanx interdisciplinary scholar from San Jose, CA, and Charlotte, NC, whose work intersects queer identity, art, and mental health. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2016 with a BFA in InterArts-Performance. His autoethnographic project, My Suicide Notes, examines the effects of suicide bereavement, coming out, and intergenerational trauma. Brian has engaged with communities internationally, studying Theatre of the Oppressed and Forum Theatre in Brazil and England. With a background in public health, Brian coordinated HIV/STD outreach for Mecklenburg County Public Health and is a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. In 2023, he completed his ABSN at UNC and currently works as a registered nurse on UNC’s psychosis unit. Brian’s doctoral work aims to advance suicide research, developing culturally specific models and interventions for marginalized populations and those at highest risk.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Disclosure and social support in men who are survivors of a suicide attempt

CONTACT | brian.garcia@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Adult Health, Health and Social Justice, Medical Surgical Nursing, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Suicidology
ADVISOR | Natalia Villegas Rodriguez, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, FAAN

Ziyuan Shi is a doctoral student at the School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With a background as a registered nurse at Duke University Hospital, Ziyuan brings a wealth of clinical experience to her research in emergency cardiology. Her research focuses on the early detection and prevention of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), with a specific interest in addressing diagnostic delays in prehospital settings. Ziyuan aims to develop strategies that reduce mortality rates from sudden cardiac events and improve patient outcomes. Her passion for bridging the gap between clinical practice and research fuels her work, as she seeks to make a meaningful impact on cardiac care. Originally from Chengdu, China, Ziyuan enjoys photography, cooking, and she loves dogs!!! She proudly shares the unique flavors and culture of her hometown, famous for its delicious hotpot and pandas. She invites everyone to experience the charm of her vibrant city!

CONTACT | shziyuan@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Cardiovascular Care, Emergency Care, Clinical Care
ADVISOR | Jessica Zègre-Hemsey, PhD, RN, FAHA

Moriah Fender, BSN, RN, originally from Hendersonville, North Carolina, is a second year PhD student and part of the 10th cohort of Hillman Scholars in Nursing Innovation. Her current research interests involve geriatric health disparities in rural Appalachia. Specifically, Moriah aspires to improve health care access for people with dementia and their caregivers by bolstering research on home- and community-based services in the Appalachian region. Moriah believes nurses will be at the forefront of impact in this region in hopes of offering equitable health care in North Carolina. In her free time, Moriah enjoys spending time outside, reading good books, and laughing with her friends.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Home- and Community Based Services for People with Dementia in Appalachian North Carolina

CONTACT | mnfender@live.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, Infomal Caregiving, Appalachia, Rural Health Care Access
ADVISOR | Mark Toles, PhD, RN, FAAN & Jennifer Leeman, DrPH, MPH, MDiv

Grace Russell is Hillman Scholar and registered nurse with a background in pediatrics. Prior to entering nursing, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science from Wake Forest University, where she developed an early interest in how biological and behavioral factors shape long-term health. Her current work focuses on how early life environments – including family, neighborhood, and community contexts – affect children’s self-regulation and developmental trajectories. Grace is committed to advancing nursing science to better understand and address health disparities rooted in early adversity. Originally from Belmont, NC, she enjoys visiting friends and family, trying new recipes, and spending time outdoors.

CONTACT | grace_russell@med.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Early Life Adversity, Geographic Determinants of Health, Biobehavioral Mechanisms, Nutrition and Health Behaviors
ADVISOR | Cathi Propper, PhD

Laika Maganga is originally from Lilongwe, Malawi and grew up in eastern North Carolina. Laika graduated with her BSN from UNC School of Nursing in 2022. During her time in the BSN program, she was admitted to the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation to pursue her doctoral degree. She took a gap year to gain experience as a bedside nurse working on a medicine-psychiatric unit in eastern North Carolina. Laika is passionate about exploring the intersections of HIV stigma, gender, culture, and the impacts on engagement in HIV care. More specifically, she intends to complete her dissertation work among young Malawian women living with HIV. During her time in the program, Laika’s work has been supported by the NIH/NINR T32 Predoctoral Fellowship: Interventions for Preventing and Managing Chronic Illness, as well as the Jonas Scholars Program. She has also gained valuable experience working as a research assistant on her mentors’ projects, as well as being an active member in the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care and the UNC Center for AIDS Research Stigma Research Group. In her free time, Laika enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, pilates, and doing puzzles.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
HIV Stigma, Global Health

CONTACT | laikamag@email.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Health Disparities, Healthcare Communication, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Women’s Health, HIV Stigma, Global Health
ADVISOR | Natalia Villegas Rodriguez, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, FAAN

Alyssa Portes is a PhD student at UNC-Chapel Hill, interested in maternal mental health with a focus on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) in rural Latina mothers. Her research explores how social determinants of health- such as access to care, discrimination, and social support- affect maternal mental health outcomes. Through her work, she aims to contribute to the development of culturally appropriate interventions for underserved communities. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Alyssa get up in a military family, living in various places, including Germany and Hawaii. She has been recognized with multiple honors during her time at UNC and has spoken at notable events, including the university’s graduation ceremony. In addition to her academic work, she is actively involved professional organizations such as the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses and the Neonatal Association of Hispanic Nurses. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys staying active by going to the gym, reading, and playing video games.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Rural Latina Mothers

CONTACT | alyssap6@med.unc.edu, LinkedIn
RESEARCH AREAS | Health Disparities, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Reproductive Health, Social Determinants of Health, Women’s Health, Rural Health, Health Equity, Maternal Mental Health
ADVISOR | Lisa Mansfield, PhD, RN

Taleah Frazier is a PhD student and Hillman Scholar in Nursing Innovation at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing whose research interests are reproductive health, cardiometabolic disease, mental health, and health equity. She is building a program of research that utilizes multiple methods to investigate and address the biopsychosocial mechanisms that contribute to stress-related cardiometabolic risk in reproductive-aged African American/Black women. In 2024, Taleah was selected as a scholar in the 8th cohort of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholars Program, a leadership development program for second year PhD students from historically marginalized backgrounds who aim to utilize their research to advance the health of all. Taleah has previously conducted research as a McNair Scholar and Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Trainee (MHRT). In her free time she enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Stress-Related Cardiometabolic Risk in Reproductive-Aged African American Women

CONTACT | taleahf@live.unc.edu, LinkedIn
RESEARCH AREAS | Reproductive Health, Cardiometabolic Health, Health Policy, Social Determinants of Health, Psychiatric/Mental Health
ADVISOR | Cheryl Woods-Giscombe, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, FABMR

Jawaher AlQahtani is a PhD candidate at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Jawaher earned her baccalaureate degree in nursing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Jawaher completed her master’s degree at The University of Texas at Austin and became a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her research interests include intergenerational impact of maternal childhood maltreatment on weight gain trajectories in early childhood. In her journey as a PhD student, Jawaher aspires to enhance the lives of individuals with childhood trauma, co-morbid mental health challenges, and promote well-being in her community.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Predictors of Rapid Weight Gain in Early Childhood: The Role of Maternal Childhood Maltreatment, Postnatal Parenting, and Infant Characteristics

CONTACT | jayat@ad.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Childhood maltreatment, Mental health, Childhood Obesity
ADVISOR | Cathi Propper, PhD

As a Hillman Scholar of Nursing Innovation, Cameron began her BSN at UNC Chapel Hill in 2021. She graduated with Honors and Highest Distinction and subsequently entered a fellowship with UNC Medical Center as a practicing nurse. She also completed the Clinician Leadership in Quality and Safety Fellowship through the UNC-CH School of Medicine and the UNC-CH Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Improvement Science and Implementation during this time. She began her doctoral studies in 2023, and her research seeks to improve the quality of care received by people with dementia in formal settings by enhancing intervention implementation as informed by Complex Adaptive Systems theory. Cameron’s experience conducting systems level research underscored that adequately caring for the rapidly growing older adult population also requires thoughtful policy interventions. Cameron recently became a Hillman Scholars Policy Fellow to advance her education in evidence dissemination as a pathway to inform health policy.

Abigail Béliveau is a PhD student at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, specializing in maternal-infant health and the criminal-legal system. As both a nurse researcher and someone with lived experience, she is committed to bridging academic inquiry with community advocacy, particularly in correctional healthcare. Her research focuses on developing culturally sensitive, gender-responsive perinatal education programing for incarcerated women, aiming to improve health outcomes for the maternal-infant dyad and the communities they return to. Through qualitative research, her dissertation amplifies the voices of incarcerated women to advocate for equitable, person-centered care. With a history of hands-on work—from providing medication for opioid use disorder in prisons and abortion care in the southeastern US, to volunteering with refugee childbirth programs and working as an outreach nurse in a mobile health clinic—she combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of healthcare barriers. Abigail is passionate about elevating the nursing profession in correctional settings, highlighting the invaluable contributions of nurse researchers and advancing social and reproductive justice through evidence-based research and policy change.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Tailored childbirth education programing in correctional environment

CONTACT | ajulier@ad.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | maternal-infant health, community-based participatory research, correctional healthcare equity, social and reproductive justice
ADVISOR | Jessica Williams, PhD, MPH, PHNA-BC, FAAN

Elizabeth “Liz” Finnessy is a doctoral student and research assistant in the School of Nursing at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as a minor in Medical Anthropology. She is a member of the 8th cohort of Hillman Scholars. In 2022 she completed her training in Clinician Leadership in Quality and Safety (CLQS) as well as her Hillman Clinical Fellowship. Finnessy continues to work as a clinical nurse on Labor and Delivery at UNC-Medical Center while engaging in various quality improvement projects pertaining to pre-eclampsia. Her research interests include pregnancy, equitable care, and advocacy. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society in Nursing—Alpha Alpha Chapter and Academy Health.

Finnessy worked for 2 years as a Labor and Delivery at UNC-Medical Center and as a Research Assistant on the Prenatal Heart Smart project, an NIH funded clinical trial that tests the effectiveness of stretching exercise to prevent hypertension. During this time, Finnessy also was engaging in various quality improvement projects pertaining to pre-eclampsia. She is currently a Research Assistant on the ACHIEVE project, an NHLBI clinical trial that will assess the implementation of an evidence-based intervention (O-HTN Bundle) for pregnant and postpartum people with severe hypertensive disorders. Her research interests include pregnancy, equitable care, and advocacy. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society in Nursing—Alpha Alpha Chapter and NC Perinatal Nursing Association.

CONTACT | finnessy@live.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Women Health
ADVISOR | Jennifer Leeman, DrPH, MPH, MDiV

Fadhah Alshammari, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a PhD candidate at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing. She brings over a decade of academic and clinical experience, having served as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and nursing lecturer in Saudi Arabia. Her research focuses on advancing genetic and genomic competency in undergraduate nursing education, with an emphasis on curriculum reform, competency assessment, and faculty preparedness. Fadhah is also passionate about psychiatric mental health nursing education, including anti-stigma interventions, illness self-management training, and family psychoeducation. Her dissertation is a three-manuscript project addressing global gaps and Saudi-specific challenges in genomic nursing integration. She is a member of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG) and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), and a recipient of the Dr. Diane Holditch-Davis PhD Research Award and the Samuel B. Kellett Future Nursing Faculty Scholarship. Fadhah is committed to faculty development, nursing reform, and equitable, person-centered care.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Advancing Genomic Competency in Nursing Education: A Three-Manuscript Dissertation on Curriculum Integration, Competency Assessment, and Faculty Preparedness

CONTACT | falshammari@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Genetic and Genomic Nursing Competency, Faculty Development and Curriculum Reform, Psychometric Evaluation and Competency Assessment, Precision Health and Health Equity, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
ADVISOR | Ashley Leak Bryant, PhD, RN, OCN, FAAN

Jingle Xu is currently a PhD candidate at the School of Nursing of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has past academic experiences at Shandong University (China), Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), and the University of Texas at Tyler (USA). Her research is focused on cancer survivorship, cancer caregiving, and dyadic research. She is an active recipient of the Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31 NR021241). In Jingle’s spare time, she enjoys making handicrafts, reading, diving, and playing strategy and puzzle games.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
The Diet-related Intra-couple Dynamics between Prostate Cancer Survivors and Their Partners across the Prostate Cancer Trajectory

CONTACT | jxu2@unc.edu, LinkedIn
RESEARCH AREAS | Family Care, Health Disparities, Nutrition, Oncology, Social Determinants of Health, Dyadic Research, Behavioral Science, Cancer
ADVISOR | Rachel Hirschey, PhD, RN, FAAN

ONGOING RESEARCH/RESEARCH PROJECTS

• Exploring the processes through which prostate cancer survivors and their partners adopt and maintain a healthy diet (2024-present)
• Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (2023-present)
• Physical Activity Centers Empowerment: a physical activity intervention for Black colorectal cancer survivors developed by a community-engaged approach (2022-present)

Randi McArthur is originally from South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina in Aiken. She began her career in Utah as a psych nurse and then transitioned to public health as a school and immunizations nurse at her county’s health department. In 2018, Randi moved to North Carolina where she began practicing community health nursing in home infusion before joining UNC’s SON Ph.D. Program.

Randi’s research interest is work accommodations for lower wage workers with chronic health conditions. Currently, she’s on Dr. Shawn Kneipp’s team as lead data collector for Dr. Kneipp’s project NC WORKS4HEALTH: Reducing Chronic Disease Risks in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged, Unemployed Populations. Randi’s work is funded by T32NR007091-27: Interventions for Preventing and Managing Chronic Illness and is a Carrington Nursing Scholar. In her spare time, Randi loves baking and going on mini adventures with her husband and three children.

CONTACT | RMcArthur@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Adult Health, Social Determinants of Health, Worker Health
ADVISOR | Shawn Kneipp, PhD, RN, ANP, APHN-BC, FAANP

Lisa Hart Ranzinger is originally from the upper Midwest, but has lived in the North Carolina for most of her professional career. Lisa obtained her BSN from the University of Michigan, and MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from the University of Rochester. She is certified as a Clinical Research Coordinator, having worked in pharmaceutical research in the years prior to PhD study.

Lisa has worked as a staff nurse in psychiatry and neurology, and was also a therapist for HIV/AIDS patients. She is currently supported by T32NR007091-27: Interventions for Preventing and Managing Chronic Illness and is a Carrington Nursing Scholar.

Lisa’s research interests include living with chronic, serious neuromuscular conditions, such as ALS and Muscular Dystrophy. Lisa plans to focus her dissertation research on the financial burden of serious neuromuscular conditions to patients and their caregivers, and the psychosocial consequences. Her other research interests include palliative care access, rural healthcare challenges, and use of telehealth. Lisa enjoys spending time with other students here at the SON and especially strives to build relationships between the programs of study. She also likes to spend weekends exploring North Carolina with her husband and sons.

CONTACT | lranzinger@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | End-of-Life, Health System, Health Disparities, Health Economics and Finance, Health Policy, Public Health and Community, Social Determinants of Health
ADVISOR | Sheila Santacroce, PhD, RN, CPNP

Wenxin Bian is a PhD candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing. Her research investigates the genetic architecture of Alzheimer’s disease and explores how genomics can be integrated into nursing science to advance precision health in aging populations. She has contributed to projects addressing safety concerns for nursing home residents, characterizing the phenotypic spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders, and examining the implications of genomic techniques in health care. Beyond her research, Wenxin has served as a student ambassador for the School of Nursing and as a representative for the Doctoral Student Organization. She has been recognized with multiple scholarships for her academic achievements and commitment to advancing nursing science.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Sleep disturbance and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: The shared genetic basis

CONTACT | wenxin-bian@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Genomics, gerontology, sleep, cognition
ADVISOR | Brent Small, PhD

Sandra L Garcia was raised in Ash, North Carolina. She completed her Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May of 2019. During her time in the BSN program, she was admitted to the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation to pursue her doctoral degree. She took a gap year to gain nursing experience in a new graduate residency program at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. She has then returned to the program full time to complete her dissertation. Her research focus is on identifying facilitators of pesticide protective behaviors for Latinx farmworkers through the perspective of growers and Latinx farmworkers in North Carolina. She is a mother of two and enjoys spending time with her family and visiting new places.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Grower and Latinx Farmworker Perspective of Facilitators for Pesticide Protective Behaviors

CURRENT RESEARCH
Sandra has completed her dissertation proposal defense. She is completing her scoping review that will serve as manuscript 1 for her dissertation. She also is working with Hillman Scholars in a AERO grant.

CONTACT | sandra97@email.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Health Disparities, Enviromental Health Latinx Health Immigrant Health Agricultural Health
ADVISOR | Jada Brooks, PhD, MSPH, RN, FAAN

Anna Rothfuss Matthews is a Nurse Scientist in training. Her academic and professional interests include perinatal mental health, health equity, and the unique contributions a nursing perspective can bring to addressing the maternal morbidity, mortality, and mental health crises in the United States. She is funded by an individual fellowship with the National Institutes of Health and by the Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation. Her dissertation research examines the syndemic interaction between migraine and co-morbid postpartum depression. Specifically, she explores the relationships among migraine symptom severity, depressive symptom severity, disengagement, and levels of personal resources, including social support, stress, and financial resources. Grounded in Syndemics theory, her work seeks to illuminate the complexities of health inequities affecting women during the postpartum period, and to move from a disease-focused model to a model that centers joy and wellness.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Migraine, Depressive Symptoms, and Maternal Quality of Life in the Postpartum Period

CONTACT | aerothfu@email.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Perinatal mental health, health equity, chronic disease self-management, Syndemics, multilevel research
ADVISOR | Shawn Kneipp, PhD, RN, ANP, APHN-BC

I am a doctoral student at UNC School of Nursing and a practicing neuroscience nurse at Duke University Medical Center. The focus of my research centers on early detection of maternal distress during the perinatal period. By exploring the underlying neurological changes and caregiving behaviors characterized by Regulatory Focus Theory, my research will support future work on the bidirectional nature of the maternal-child relationship and lead to improvements in perinatal care and intervention development.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Exploring a Risk Phenotype for Maternal Distress Characterized by Regulatory Focus

CONTACT | lis0411@live.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Female hormone regulation of mood, Intergenerational transmission of mental health, Parenting styles/temperament and child development
ADVISOR | Jessica Williams, PhD, MPH, PHNA-BC, FAAN

I began my clinical career in 2001 working in a neuro/neurosurgery intensive care unit for approximatley 2 years. From 2003 to 2017, I worked as a labor and delivery, newborn nursery, and couplet care nurse, as well as becoming an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant in 2013 and providing lactation care as well. I also taught prenatal labor and birth, infant care, and breastfeeding classes for 10 years. I began my disseratation studies in 2016 but had to take 3 semesters off and change my topic in the process. Since 2021, I have been working full-time as an outpatient lactation consultant at one of Duke’s Pediatric and Internal Medicine clinics. In addition to providing lactation care to a diverse patient population (80% of our patients are on Medicaid), I educate both pediatric and internal medicine residents duing their rotation with me. I anticipate *finally* being able to defend my disseration in next Spring, 2026.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Examining people’s experiences affording outpatient IBCLC lactation counseling and double electric breast pumps and other lactation supplies.

CONTACT | marar@live.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Policy impacts on clinical practice, Interdisciplinary research, Human development and epigenetics, Maternal and infant health, and Lactation
ADVISOR | Eric Hodges, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN

Ayomide Bankole is a NIH/NINR T32 postdoctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing.

Her overall research goals is focused on promoting aging in place among older adults with serious chronic illness by:

1. Addressing behavioral, socio-cultural, and health-system factors contributing to poor health outcomes and disparities among older adults with serious illnesses
2. Improving quality and accessibility of home and community-based services such as home health care or assisted living.

When not engaged in scholarly work, she is loves to travel and read fiction.

CONTACT | hicksl@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Health Disparities, Psychiatric/ Mental Health, Reproductive Health, Women Health,
Maternal Mental Health
ADVISOR | SeonAe Yeo, RNC, PhD, FAAN

CONTACT | michgraf@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Children’s Health Family Care, Health Policy, Nutrition, Maternal Child Health
ADVISOR | Eric Hodges, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN

CONTACT | sinhye@email.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Health Policy, Nursing/Healthcare, Leadership/ Workforce, Quality/Safety
ADVISOR | Cheryl Jones, PhD, RN, FAAN

PUBLICATIONS

CONTACT | nelsontb@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Children’s Health, Family Care, Health Disparities Nutrition, Mental Health
ADVISOR | Eric Hodges, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN

Lily is a community organizer, nurse educator, and health equity researcher. She is passionate about improving mental health in Asian American and minority communities. She has successfully organized multiple national initiatives and programs including a Youth Mental Health Collaborative WAVES (Wellness, Advocacy, Voices, Education, and Support) for the United Chinese Americans(UCA) movement since 2016. Lily is a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar alum, PI and project director for SAMHSA MHAT Grant (H79SMO84431). She loves the outdoors, gardening, and spending time with her family.

CONTACT | chenjian@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Health and Social Justice, Health Disparities, Health Policy, Nursing Education, Nursing Healthcare Leadership/Workforce, Psychiatric/ Mental Health, Public Health and Community, Social Determinants of Health
ADVISOR | Cheryl Woods Giscombe, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN

Dorothy Addo-Mensah gained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana 2010 and a Master’s of Nursing from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana in 2014. She has worked as a Clinical Instructor where she assisted in teaching nursing practice, supervising nursing students at clinical sites and organizing tutorials for students at the skills laboratory. While in this role, she still performed as an assistant lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery UCC. Additionally, her typical role was to teach Crisis Intervention, Nursing Practice, and supervise final year nursing research projects/care study. She also occupied the position of Clinical Coordinator for the School of Nursing and Midwifery where her duties included liaising with the clinical training sites for student placement and organizing practical exams.

She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and Ghana Association of University Women. Dorothy Addo-Mensah also volunteered for the Ghana Association of University Women as a Coordinator for International Relations and the Diabetes Youth Care Ghana Central Region branch, and is also an alumni of Inspired Women Lead and Young African Leadership Initiative. Dorothy currently works as a Graduate Research Assistant at the UNC School of Nursing. As part of her PhD Training she has been awarded the Graduate Fellowship in Nursing Fund Scholarship, Virginia J Neelon and Carol Ann Beerstecher Blackwell scholarships. In 2019, she won an Individual Research Support Grant by the Directorate of Research ,Innovation and Consultancy, University of Cape Coast. She has certifications in the Leadership Empowerment Academic Program from the University of Buffalo, Leadership and Management in Health and Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health at the University of Washington. She also completed a leadership and mentoring program from the Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Centre West Africa. As part of her key interest in diabetes, she has completed the Diabetes Educator Course with the International Diabetes Federation. Dorothy Addo-Mensah’s PhD research focuses on exploring the facilitators and barriers to participating in a diabetes risk reduction intervention program among a group of African-Americans diagnosed with prediabetes. Results from her study will contribute significantly to the body of science, contextualizing the basic characteristics to emphasize when dealing with the population level interventions for African-American people.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
The Facilitators and Barrriers to Participating in a Diabetes Risk Reduction Intervention Program Among A Group of African Americans diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes

CONTACT | ewura@ad.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Adult Health Cardiovascular Care Family Care Diabetes Self-Management
ADVISOR | Cheryl Woods Giscombe, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN

Joshua’s research focuses on turnover and retention with the nursing workforce. He has an MBA from Elon University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) from James Madison University. Joshua is also the Associate Director of Research for the Center of the Business of Health at Kenan-Flagler Business School. He works to grow the Center’s thought leadership through collaborative interinstitutional and corporate partnered research. Prior to joining UNC, Joshua worked as a Nursing Program manager at Duke University Health System. He created, oversaw, and guided new product and medical capital equipment request processes and clinical product review committee across Duke Health. Joshua has additional experience in hospital supply chain and procurement operations, health information management, and revenue cycle. Clinically, Joshua has worked as a registered nurse in interventional radiology and emergency medicine.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Turnover, Retention and Stigma in the Behavioral Health Nursing Workforce

CONTACT | joshua.barrett@unc.edu, CBOH
RESEARCH AREAS | Health System, Nursing/Healthcare Leadership/Workforce, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Quality/Safety, Commercial Determinants of Health
ADVISOR | Cheryl Jones, PhD, RN, FAAN

Latesha K. Harris graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) School of Nursing with Highest Honors and University Distinction in December 2020. In the Summer of 2021, she completed the Hillman Clinical Fellowship at UNC Hospital in an acute and intermediate coronary care unit and continues to work clinically as a registered nurse in primary health. Latesha is a member of the 7th cohort of the UNC Hillman Scholars in Nursing Innovation, a prestigious and highly competitive BSN-PhD program. In 2022, Latesha was selected as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar, a national leadership development program for second-year Ph.D. students from underrepresented and/or historically marginalized backgrounds. Latesha’s emerging program of research focuses on women’s cardiometabolic health, health inequities, and structural and psychosocial determinants of cardiometabolic disease. She aims to use an interdisciplinary approach to help create healthier and safer communities by addressing structural racism and conducting data-driven research to inform policy changes. Latesha remains active in her community and university and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, writing poetry, and traveling.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Police Violence Exposure and Cardiometabolic Risk Among African American/Black Women

CONTACT | lkharris@unc.edu, Twitter, LinkedIn
RESEARCH AREAS | : Cardiovascular Care, Health Disparities, Health Policy, Social Determinants of Health, Women’s Health, Cardiometabolic Health Inequities
ADVISORS | Yamnia Cortés, PhD, MPH, FNP-BD, FAHA and Cheryl Woods Giscombe, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN

ONGOING RESEARCH/RESEARCH PROJECTS

• Stress and Heart Health Study – The purpose of this research study is to find out how racism-related stress and protective factors affect the cardiometabolic health of African American and/or Black women.

Nayeon Lee is a PhD student and research assistant involved with several research projects that mainly focus on clinician well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research has focused on occupational stress, discrimination, and job satisfaction among internationally educated nurses during the pandemic. She received her BSN from Oklahoma City University, Kramer School of Nursing, and her MSN, from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Ms. Lee started her career at an acute care hospital as a level ‖-Clinical Nurse in the Cardiac Stepdown unit, where she worked closely and cared for the culturally diverse patients that visited the hospital. Ms. Lee has had several years of clinical experience in the cardiac stepdown unit, intensive care unit, long-term acute care hospitals, emergency department, and ambulatory units. Ms. Lee has been involved in leadership activities related to the welfare of PhD students such as Co-Chair of the Doctoral Student Organization and representative on the Dean’s Student Advisor Committee since 2022. Also, Ms. Lee has served as a mentor to immigrant youth residing in the Triangle Research area as well as undergraduate nursing students in Oklahoma since 2022.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Internationally Educated Nurses’ Well-being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

CONTACT | nlee@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Health Disparities, Healthcare Leadership/Workforce, Social Determinants of Health, Health Policy, Public and Community Health, Health Social Justice, Health System, Diversity and Inclusion
ADVISORS | Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN and Mark Toles, PhD, RN, FAAN

Vinisha Flavia Dsouza is a proud first-generation doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing. She is also Research Assistant for the Levine Wellness program and a DSO (Doctoral Student Organization) representative.

Vinisha is passionate about building high-performance teams and has extensive experience setting up and leading nursing education and quality departments in managerial positions as a nurse educator and nurse coordinator for large hospital chains in India. During her leadership, she served as a board member in nursing education institutes and hospitals helping them achieve NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) accreditations. Vinisha is a joint Guinness World record holder and recipient of scholarships from the North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA), Kellett Nursing, Speight Nursing, and Nelson Endowed Biobehavioral Nursing. Vinisha recently obtained a prestigious grant for her study from Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society in Nursing- Alpha-Alpha Chapter. Vinisha is an active member of the American Nurses Association, NCNA, and the International Society of Psychiatric Nurses (ISPN) in the U.S and has active memberships in India.

Vinisha started as a clinical nurse in 2003 and later completed her Master of Science in Nursing in 2008 to pursue her desire to be a Mental Health Nurse. Vinisha plans to focus her research on Prolonged Grief Disorder, which will help her highlight grief issues among COVID-19-afflicted populations. She aspires to work as a Nurse scientist and a policy influencer to reduce mental health stigma. In her spare time, Vinisha is an avid photographer and a world cuisine enthusiast.

CONTACT | vdsouza@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Health Policy Mental Health Patient Reported Outcome Measures/ Experiences Implementation Science
ADVISOR | Cheryl Woods Giscombe, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN

Victoria Crowder grew up in Washington State and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Seattle Pacific University in 2015. Her clinical experience as a nurse in telemetry and thoracic surgery in California and the United Kingdom have inspired her to pursue a doctoral degree, as she is passionate about improving quality of life and health for older adults. Her dissertation research is focused on improving nutrition, mealtimes, and quality of life for older adults with hematologic cancers and their family and friend care partners. Victoria is also a T32 predoctoral trainee in interventions for the management and prevention of chronic illnesses. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and going on hikes with her husband and their dogs.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Nutrition, Eating, Mealtimes, and Quality of Life for Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, and Care Partners

CONTACT | victoria.crowder@unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Geriatrics/ Gerontology, Nutrition, Oncology, Quality of Life
ADVISOR | Ashley Bryant, PhD, RN, OCN, FAAN

Mercy Jesudoss originally hails from Chennai, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. She earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nursing (Medical Surgical Nursing) from the College of Nursing (CON) at Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, India. Mercy emerged as the Best Outgoing Student and a gold medalist in academic performance during her undergraduate program. She worked in the Coronary Care Unit during her formative years in nursing practice. Later, she led the development of the Diabetes Nurse Educator Program at CMC, which became the first of its kind in the country. Her contributions to establishing the Integrated Diabetes Clinics at Mission Hospitals in Rural India, a project conducted by the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, CMC and funded by the World Diabetes Foundation, earned her a feature in India Today (2006) as a ‘Young Achiever.’ Mercy was the only healthcare professional, alongside 29 sportsmen, entrepreneurs, and artists, to be recognized across India.

Upon completing her master’s program in nursing, Mercy joined CON, CMC, as faculty. She held a dual role as faculty and Nurse Manager, a unique opportunity at CON that integrates practice and education to bridge the theory-practice gap. In addition to academic responsibilities, Mercy has extensively contributed to the clinical supervision of students, student research activities, audits on nursing care quality indicators, continuous quality improvement in patient care, clinical supervision of patient care, training bedside nurses, and administrative responsibilities in the clinical unit. Mercy’s clinical expertise is particularly rich in diabetes and neuroscience nursing.

When Mercy is not immersed in her scholarly works, she enjoys taking long walks and admiring the exquisite beauty of nature.

“Carolina Nursing’s Ph.D. curriculum, the program’s flexibility, the teaching faculty, and my advisor have improved my research skills. Having moved to Chapel Hill for my doctoral program, my goal is to transition to becoming a nurse scientist. Through my research, I will contribute positively and significantly to diabetes self-management and care globally, particularly in low-middle-income countries. I have always strived for excellence, committed to student teaching, patient care, and research guided by perspectives from my alma mater’s motto, Not to be ministered, but to minister unto, and by UNC’s Lux Libertas. By walking the corridors of hard work, passion, perseverance, and patience, I have achieved a nursing education that stands tall as a testament to what can be accomplished when one sets one’s heart and mind to achieve a goal”. -Mercy Jesudoss

DISSERTATION TOPIC
A Multilevel Investigation to Support the Adaptation and Implementation of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support for a Rural Indian Population

CONTACT | mercyj@email.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Diabetes Self-Management, Implementation Science, Syndemics of Diabetes, and Qualitative Research.
ADVISOR | Jennifer Leeman, DrPH, MPH, MDiV

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Perceptions of Obesity and Psychosocial Factors Influencing BMI Trajectories in Latine Adolescents

CONTACT | andreaan@email.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Adolescent Health, Minority Health and Disparities, Social Determinants of Health, Chronic Disease Prevention, Social Justice, Policy Change, Cultural Protective Factors
ADVISORS | Yamnia Cortés, PhD, MPH, FNP-BD, FAHA and Eric Hodges, PHD, FNP-BC, FAAN

Chiao-Hsin Teng is originally from Taiwan and is a proud firstgeneration college graduate student who is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Awarded by Southern Nursing Research Society Dissertation Research Grant, she is conducting a longitudinal cohort study with a concurrent mixed methods design for her dissertation. Chiao- Hsin is interested in improving stroke survivors’ functional recovery, reducing poststroke complications, and improving the quality of life of stroke survivors and their carepartners. By conducting the first worldwide study to view the longitudinal changes in fatigue and physical function within 6 months in stroke survivors, both quantitatively and qualitatively, Chiao- Hsin hopes to help fill the gap to understand the effect of fatigue on stroke survivors more comprehensively. Currently Chiao-Hsin serves as representative for the PhD Doctoral Student Organization and aims to promote well-being among the students.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Fatigue Adaptation and Recovery of Physical Function Among Stroke Survivors and Their Carepartners

CURRENT RESEARCH
Poststroke Fatigue and Functional Recovery (Dissertation); REHEARSE Study (Dr. Davis’ research: Intervention to improve self- care and symptom management among women with acute coronary syndromes)

CONTACT | jillteng@live.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Cardiovascular Care, Quality of Life, Disability
ADVISOR | Leslie Davis, Ph.D., RN, ANP-BC, FAANP, FACC, FAHA, FPCNA

Donruedde Kamkhoad, is originally from Thailand. She goes by the name “Yui,” which means chubby cheeks in the Thai language. As a current full-time PhD student, Donruedee is devoted on the mission to care for children with cancer all over the world. Her research is centered around symptoms, nutrition, and quality of life among children with cancer. After graduating, Donruedee aims to work in developing a tailored intervention plan to maintain nutrition among this population. For relaxation, Donruedee finds eating, jigsaw puzzles, coloring, and traveling pleasurable.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Nutritional Status, Eating Behaviors, and Gastrointestinal Symptom Cluster Among Thai Children During Cancer Chemotherapy

CONTACT | yuidk@live.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Children’s Health, Nutrition, Oncology, Quality of Life
ADVISOR | Shelia Judge Santacroce, PhD, RN, CPNP

Ratchanok is from Bangkok, Thailand, and goes by the nickname “Noon”. Her research interests involved type 2 diabetes management during pregnancy, breastfeeding, community health nursing, and racial and ethnic disparities in health care. Ratchanok prioritizes her work-life balance. She loves to travel and explore new coffee shops from different parts of the world. She loves outdoor activities, especially biking, hiking, and kayaking. She also enjoys live music, playing guitar, and baking cakes. Ratchanok takes pleasure in going out and trying new foods from different restaurants with her loved ones.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Self-Management and Breastfeeding in Women with Pre-existing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus from Thailand

CONTACT | ratch@live.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Health Disparities, Public Health and Community, Reproductive Health, Social Determinants of Health, Women Health
ADVISOR | Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN

Rebecca Hoover is originally from Morehead City, NC, and currently resides in Chapel Hill with her two children. After graduating in 2019 with her BSN, Rebecca continued education by becoming a Ph.D. candidate with a broad interest in cancer survivorship and physical activity. Her research topic focuses on physical activity participation by adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer and their long-term health outcomes. Her goal is to better understand characteristics that improve physical activity participation and how that participation can play a role in improved health outcomes for AYA diagnosed with cancer along the cancer continuum. Rebecca is also part of the 6th cohort of Hillman Scholars, formally a T32 predoctoral fellow for the management of chronic diseases, and currently has a F31 grant from the National Cancer Institute to fund her individual dissertation project, as well as funding from the Oncology Nursing Society. She continues to work an adult hematology/oncology nurse at UNC Hospital, additionally volunteering as a medic for First Descents and a health coach for HeathScore. Rebecca along with her children and significant other loves to travel, spend time outside, and explore new places.

CURRENT RESEARCH
Rebecca is currently working on understanding predictors of change in physical activity levels in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, and the effects treatment and exercise can have on their long term cardiovascular outcomes.

CONTACT | rebec1@email.com
RESEARCH AREAS | Oncology, Cancer Survivorship, Exercise, Behavioral Health, Adolescent and Young Adult
ADVISOR | Rachel Hirschey, PhD, RN

Stephanie Betancur earned a B.A in Political Science and a B.A in Spanish Literature and Cultures from Appalachian State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a member of the 6th cohort of Hillman Scholars. She is also a former inpatient registered nurse in the Bone Marrow Transplant unit at UNC Health. Stephanie is currently a doctoral student and research assistant in the School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is also a Jonas Scholar in the Environmental Health focus area and a NIH T32 predoctoral training grant fellow.

Her primary research interest is in evaluating occupation exposure to antineoplastic drugs among environment services (EVS) workers employed in oncology settings. She is a member of the American Nursing Society, the North Carolina Nurses Association, the Oncology Nursing Society, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, the National Hispanic Medical Association, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society in Nursing – Alpha-Alpha Chapter. In 2021, Stephanie become the founder and CEO of Nursemate, a healthcare startup aimed at connecting patients and caregivers to same-day nursing care services. The goal of Nursemate is to make home health services as accessible as ordering and Uber or hiring a freelancer on Upwork. In March of 2022, Stephanie was selected as a recipient of 1789 Student Venture Fund award in support of her new venture.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic Drugs Among Environmental Services (EVS) Workers in Oncology Settings

CONTACT | stephbg@email.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Oncology, Social Determinants of Health
ADVISORS | Ashley Leak Bryant, PH.D., RN, OCN, FAAN
AnnMarie Walton, PH.D., MPH, RN, OCN, CHES, FAAN

Youngmin Cho earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Nursing from Hanyang University in Korea. While in Korea, Youngmin worked in a Neurosurgery Intensive care unit at Samsung medical center. Youngmin is interested in research on older adults with cognitive/physical functional decline. As a researcher, he has conducted and participated in clinical research to address the health or safety problems of his interested population, using both study designs (i.e., quantitative or qualitative) as well as a theory-based approach.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Understanding Functional Decline in Older Adults: An Exploration of Coping, Trajectories of Daily Functioning, and Family Engagement in Care

CONTACT | youngming@live.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Family Care, Geriatrics/ Gerontology Dementia Care Family Engagement Quality/ Safety Long-term Care/ Community Health Longitudinal Analysis Qualitative/ Quantitative Analysis
ADVISOR | Anna Beeber, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA

Cassandra “Cass” Dictus is originally from Ohio. Her research centers on improving equity in long-term support services, with a main focus on end-of-life care. In her spare time she enjoys time outside with her dogs, family, and friends.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Disparities Related to Symptoms for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia near the End-of-Life

CONTACT | cdictus@email.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Dementia Care, Community Engagement, End-of-Life, Geriatrics/Gerontology, Health and Social Justice, Health System, Health Disparities, Health Policy, Nursing/Healthcare Leadership/ Workforce, Public Health and Community, Quality/Safety
ADVISOR | Anna Beeber, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA

Mary Killela, of Raleigh, North Carolina, earned her bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Chemistry in 2015, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2017, all from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mary is now currently pursuing a PhD at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Throughout her training, Mary has observed the impacts of financial distress on families of children with chronic illnesses. Her dissertation topic examines how families use online crowdfunding sites to offset the costs of childhood cancer and how social support is present in these online settings. She is interested in the social support, both financial and non-financial, that can exist in crowdfunding spaces. Mary has a keen interest in how individuals identify their stressors and the ways in which individuals cope. Mary has also been involved in other research endeavors that examine stress and coping of the nursing workforce. She is dedicated to promoting the well-being of patients and nurses.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Financial Distress Among Childhood Cancer Survivors

CONTACT | mkillea@email.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Health Economics, Finance, Pediatrics
ADVISOR | Sheila Santacroce, PhD, RN, CPNP

Victoria Peterman grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. She studied Gender Studies and Geography as an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before coming back for her Bachelors in Science in Nursing through the ABSN program. During the ABSN program, she was admitted into the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation so that she could follow her interest in conducting research on access to care for rural populations. As an RN, she worked at UNC Health in the gynecology-oncology department. Her dissertation is focused on using quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate differences in receipt of treatment and outcomes for rural endometrial cancer patients and understand the barriers and facilitators patients experience accessing while going through diagnosis and treatment. She currently also works with the Carolina Breast Cancer Study using oral history to learn more about breast cancer survivors’ pre-diagnostic experiences in the health care system.

DISSERTATION TOPIC
Access to Care for Rural Endometrial Cancer Patients

CONTACT | vpeterma@email.unc.edu
RESEARCH AREAS | Health Disparities, Oncology, Social Determinants of Health Health, Services Research
ADVISOR | Jennifer Leeman, DrPH, MPH, MDiV