SCHOLAR DIRECTORY

I am finishing my first year of coursework in the BSN-PhD program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. My interests include vulnerable populations, health disparities, and the social determinants of health. Currently, my focus is on the health needs of women with mental illness in the criminal justice system. I completed the CNA, LPN, and ADN programs in 2002, 2005, and 2006, respectively, at Lakeshore Technical College, where I received the Program Excellence Award for academic success. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BSN from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2010. For my first year of doctoral studies, I was awarded the Milton and Joan Morris Doctoral Scholarship. I have professional nursing experience in long-term care, intensive care, and community-based settings. In past positions, I have mentored new nurses and served on various committees. Community service includes past work with a local Farm-2-School initiative and continued involvement with a medical/dental clinic for the underserved. In an effort to inspire others, I have also shared my experiences with new nursing students. I am now serving as Vice President of UWM’s Doctoral Nursing Student Organization. Seeing the health and social care systems from many sides has led me to develop a passion for evidence-based practice and those most at-risk. I know that the well-being of patients, families, and communities is dependent upon quality nursing care and research, interdisciplinary collaboration, community involvement, and political advocacy. This motivates me to take on opportunities that will drive my success as a nurse scientist and educator.