SCHOLAR DIRECTORY

In September of 2014, I began pursuing my doctoral education at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. Prior to my matriculation into the PhD program, I received my Masters in Science degree and clinical nurse leader certification from the University of Portland. Prior to becoming a nurse, I was a master’s prepared elementary education teacher. Additionally, I received honors in biology for my bachelor’s degree from Lewis and Clark College. My career goal is to become an influential nurse scientist with an innovative and productive interdisciplinary program of research dedicated to understanding the interaction between heart failure symptom biology, patient behaviors and patient outcomes. I have over 10 years of clinical practice in caring for patients with cardiovascular disorders as well as my experiences participating in complex large multi-center research trials and observational research. My clinical experiences as a ventricular assist device coordinator caring for patients with advanced stage HF facilitated my identification of important questions regarding the heterogeneous nature of HF symptoms and the role of patient behaviors in managing their HF to minimize or prevent symptoms. Through my role as a ventricular assist device coordinator and member of the OHSU HF/Transplant team, I had the opportunity to develop strong interprofessional relationships that, in conjunction with my unanswered clinical questions, influenced me to pursue my PhD. In 2014, I received the Dean’s Award from OHSU and a Hearst PhD Scholar Award.