As we celebrated convocation this past week, we also recognized a wide range of accomplishments across the College of Nursing, including faculty and staff earning advanced degrees, student honors, research mentorship, and national publications that contribute to the future of health care.
Academic Achievement
Congratulations to all College of Nursing faculty and staff who earned degrees and/or a minor. We celebrate your academic accomplishments and look forward to hearing about your contributions as you promote wellness and prevent illness, reduce health disparities, shape the future of healthcare to be equitable, and improve health outcomes for persons and communities.
Commendation to all faculty, staff, preceptors, and community partners who supported and positioned students for academic success during their programs of study.
- Dr. Lisa Barry, Doctor of Philosophy degree in nursing, University of Utah
- Dr. Jarika Blundell Lau, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, specializing in psychiatric-mental health, University of Utah
- Dr. Laura Bradbury, Doctor of Philosophy degree in social work, University of Utah
- Dr. Jesika Chavez-England, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, specializing in organizational leadership, University of Utah
- Dr. Amy Christensen, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, specializing in organizational leadership, University of Utah; Board of Advocates Member
- Mackenzie Elliott, Master of Library and Information Studies degree, University of Alabama
- Dr. Angie Fenton, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, specializing in organizational leadership, University of Utah
- Dani Hartin, Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and political science, University of Utah
- Maria Veronica Huerta Yumha, Master of Science degree in information systems, University of Utah
- Nels Nichols, Master of Science degree in Nursing, specializing in nursing education, University of Utah
- Megan Rose, Bachelor of Science degree in economics, with an emphasis in statistical analysis, and a minor in Mathematics, University of Utah
- Dr. Kirsten Schmutz, Doctor of Philosophy degree in nursing, University of Utah
- Dr. Kathy Sward, Research Mentor Certificate, which the Biomedical Research Education Office, the Office for Health Sciences Research, and the Office for Health Sciences Faculty sponsored.
Student Recognition
Sofia Flowers, recent Bachelor of Science degree in nursing graduate, was inducted into the Beehive Honor Society.
Adonica Ihilani Kauwetuitama successfully passed oral and written exams, and defended her proposal titled An Intergenerational Family Diabetes Program with Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders. Committee members are Dr. Nancy Allen (Chair), Dr. Paula Meek, Dr. Megan Thomas Hebdon, Dr. Joseph Keawe'aimoku Kaholokula, and Dr. Pearl McElfish.
Research Mentorship
Howard University student Phoebe Ojo was selected to participate in the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR). Dr. Lauri Linder will mentor Phoebe.
Undergraduate students Nehal Bakshi and Mia Sheneman presented a poster titled Naxolone Literacy in Utah: An Evaluation Amid the Opioid Crisis at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in Pittsburg. Dr. Jacob Steenblik is their mentor.
In the Media
Bybee SG, Catlett L, Fleming N, Scout NFN. A critical call to action for transformative cancer care in transgender, non-binary, and intersex populations. Future Oncol. Epub ahead of print. https://doi.org/10.1080/14796694.2025.2497746
Johnny JD, Escobar J, Van Cao R, Chow MC, Van Slooten H, Drury Z. The "8 D's" of high-flow nasal cannula risk: A scoping review. Am J Crit Care. 2025;34(2):95-102. https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc2025855