UTMB School of Nursing

Megan Brunson, SON PhD student, is the recipient of the Nursing Education Fund M. Janice Nelson Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to doctoral study with an emphasis on nursing education and professional service through leadership in professional nursing organizations. “Obtaining my PhD in Nursing inspires me to openly embrace the global drivers of change in delivering healthcare,” said Brunson. “Considering a future, earning a PhD would provide opportunities on a large scale by using translational science in closing the gap between research and implementation at the point of care. My dissertation focuses on nurses who work improved nightshifts, evaluating the attribute of hardiness as it relates to being a learned characteristic as nurses remain on the nightshift. I am so grateful for the financial support of NEF and the M. Janice Nelson Scholarship to help alleviate the financial burden with obtaining a higher degree as well as supporting my scholar work, professional goals, and research endeavors.” Congratulations, Megan. Continue the important work!

We are thrilled that Jonas Philanthropies has selected Lori Rhodes, SON BSN graduate and current PhD student, as one of 63 leaders from around the country for the #JonasImpact Scholars Program. These Scholars will come together to learn from national leaders, build a network of forward-thinking peers, and apply grounded and innovative strategies to become successful nursing faculty members. We look forward to cheering them on! Read press release: https://utmb.us/b9f Congratulations, Lori!

The UTMB School of Nursing is excited to announce Dr. Shinu Joy, SON Assistant Professor in the Department of Undergraduate Studies, has been selected as the Academy of Master Teachers' July Educator of the Month! Her nominators praise her engagement with students and peers across the profession. Excerpts from her nomination include: “I have had the great privilege of working alongside Dr. Joy and have been a witness to her outstanding dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching.” “Dr. Joy is an exceptional communicator and (possesses) an exquisite ability to engage and challenge students, while also providing them with the necessary support and guidance to succeed.” “Her work has garnered recognition and praise from her colleagues and peers. Furthermore, Dr. Joy has been actively involved in numerous professional organizations, serving as a mentor and role model for students and new colleagues alike.” Congratulations, Dr. Joy! Photo credit: UTMB Office of the Provost

Thank you to the nurse leaders and UTMB Human Resources for offering this to our students!

Dr. Adrian Juarez, SON Assistant Professor and Researcher, attended the National Latinx Conference on HIV, HCV, & SUD in El Paso earlier this summer. Dr. Juarez spoke about the unique needs of women at the southern border and the HIV disparities these communities experience. He presented about the women at the southern border that included communities with low rates of HIV, such as cisgender, heterosexual Latinas. “Their HIV story needs to be heard,” Dr. Juarez stated. “Their HIV experience is just as relevant as it is to every other group.” Read more: https://utmb.us/b8b Keep up the important work, Dr. Juarez!

Kristen Starnes-Ott PhD, CRNA, FAANA, FNAP has been appointed as a member of the Texas Nurses Foundation Board of Directors! Dr. Starnes-Ott will serve a two-year appointment starting on July 1, 2024.   “I am honored to serve the Texas Nurses Foundation (TNF) Board of Directors as a board member and represent nurses in Texas. The TNF mission of improving the health of Texas through charitable initiatives including advanced nursing practice, education, research, and leadership aligns with my interests and passions,” says Starnes-Ott. “I look forward to working with all board members to serve Texas nurses with innovative programming to meet their interests and needs.”   Congratulations, Dr. Starnes-Ott!

The UTMB School of Nursing hosted an exciting Innovations Symposium on Friday, June 7 at the UTMB Health Education Center. This event brought together faculty, students, staff, and leaders for a day of inspiring innovation and fostering connections. Dr. Taura L. Barr, Director of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fellowship at Ohio State University College of Nursing and an internationally recognized nurse scientist, coach, and herbalist, served as the Keynote Speaker. Attendees explored the integration of an innovation wellness mindset, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in various settings. Engaging sessions on technology, gamification, design thinking, and legacy work provided hands-on opportunities to apply innovative strategies in real-time scenarios that apply to both higher education and in the clinical environment. Thank you, Dr. Jacquelyn Svoboda, SON Director of Educational Innovations, and the UTMB SON Innovation Advisory Committee for planning this event for our SON community!

The UTMB School of Nursing is thrilled to announce that Dr. Samantha Miro, our Communications and Strategic Initiatives Manager, has been named a 2024 honoree of The Daily News 40 Under 40! A panel of judges, composed of community leaders not affiliated with The Daily News, reviewed applicants based on their accomplishments, leadership, and community service. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gimJ7_GT Congratulations, Dr. Miro. Your UTMB SON family is proud of you!

UTMB School of Nursing faculty and leadership attended the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Foundation Lotus Luncheon fundraiser on May 16, 2024, at the Junior League of Houston in Houston, Texas. This fundraiser supported the NCCN Foundation in its work to provide free patient education resources based on the standards of care clinical information and to empower people impacted by cancer through oncology innovations. Photo from left to right: Darpan Patel, Melinda Sheffield-Moore (UTMB GSBS), Letitia Graves, Shinu Joy, Deborah Jones, and Jacquelyn Svoboda

UTMB School of Nursing is proud to share that Drs. Shatoi King (Chair) and Amanda Garey (member) were elected to serve on the Texas Nurses Association, District 9 Nominating Committee! Drs. King and Garey’s willingness to serve showcases their dedication to advancing and representing both the SON and the nursing profession. “Representation from all entities of nursing matters as we are a diverse group, and we need to understand the different cultures of nursing," says Dr. King. "It is important for nurses to have their voices heard at the local, regional and national levels. We are not only advocates for patients, but also for the safety, health and wellness of nurses. As a nurse, I value the opportunity to serve my peers as a commitment to assist with the future of nursing!” “I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve on a state-wide professional organization," says Dr. Garey. "Serving as a board member for the TNA - District 9 provides the rewarding and humbling experience to support the ongoing success of the profession. As a valued member of TNA for 15 years, I have had the opportunity to build my leadership skills and network across the state.” Congratulations to our faculty members, and we appreciate you proudly representing the UTMB SON!