The University of Utah College of Nursing is excited to welcome two new research faculty members whose work addresses critical challenges in women’s health, chronic disease prevention, and improving care for multiple populations. Jacqueline Kent-Marvick, PhD, BSN, RN, and Jisook Ko, PhD, MS, BSN, bring expertise in community-focused research and innovative approaches to advance nursing science and improve outcomes for patients and families across Utah.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kent-Marvick and Dr. Ko to the College of Nursing,” said Andrea Wallace, PhD, RN, associate dean for research. “Their expertise in women’s health, chronic disease prevention, and improving health outcomes will help us tackle important challenges in Utah and beyond. They bring impressive research experience and a strong commitment to collaboration and mentorship, giving our students the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by their work.”
Meet our new faculty members:
Jacqueline Kent-Marvick, PhD, BSN, RN
“Joining the University of Utah College of Nursing as a research assistant professor is truly a dream come true after years of dedication to improving the health of Utah’s families. I grew up in rural southern Utah, where my upbringing and experiences as a bedside nurse sparked my passion for making a difference in my community. Returning to the U feels like coming home. I believe that strong, long-term relationships are essential to tackling complex health challenges, and I deeply value the connections I’ve built with community members, staff, students, and faculty. My research addresses complex challenges in women’s health, focusing on perimenopause and improving cardiometabolic health earlier in life by leveraging risk factors linked to pregnancy complications.”
Kent-Marvick earned her BSN from Southern Utah University and her PhD from the University of Utah College of Nursing. Her dissertation was supported by an NIH National Institute of Nursing Research Kirschstein-NRSA F31 grant, and she completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania as a VA-supported National Clinician Scholar.
Jisook Ko, PhD, MS, BSN
“I’m honored to join the College of Nursing University of Utah and be part of such a vibrant academic and research community. This opportunity allows me to collaborate with exceptional colleagues and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of nursing science. My research focuses on developing and implementing personalized nutrition interventions for underserved populations managing chronic conditions, leveraging digital health technologies to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities. I’m also deeply committed to mentoring students and fostering a supportive environment for learning and growth.”
Ko earned her BSN and MSN at Yonsei University in South Korea and her PhD at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, where she also completed a post-doctoral fellowship.