Research Focus Areas

The PhD Research Focus Areas are based upon MU Sinclair School of Nursing PhD faculty research interests and expertise. Each PhD student selects one Research Focus Area upon which to focus. Research Focus Areas include Innovations to Improve Health & Health Systems, Population Health & Health Disparities, and Symptom & Health Behavior Science. Content related to these areas form the basis of the rotating Research Focus Area courses. Students are required to take at least one Research Focus Area Seminar course as part of their PhD coursework.

Julio C. Loya, a 2021 PhD graduate, was a fellow in our NIH/NINR funded T32 Health Behavior Science Predoctoral Training program. Julio is now an Assistant Professor in the Biobehavioral Health Science Division of the School of Nursing at the University of Arizona.

Innovations to Improve Health & Health Systems

Content and research interests of students selecting this focus area might include innovations in:

  • Care Coordination
  • Healthcare Systems
  • Human Factors
  • Health Informatics and Technology
  • Patient Safety
  • Quality Improvement

Population Health & Health Disparities

Content and research interests of students selecting this focus area might include:

  • Aging/Older Adults
  • Health Disparities 
  • Rural Health
  • Social Determinants of Health

Symptom & Health Behavior Science

Content and research interests of students selecting this focus area might include:

  • Increasing Physical Activity
  • Improving Medication Adherence
  • Managing Symptoms During Cancer Survivorship
  • Optimizing Physiologic, Psychosocial & Physical Function
  • Self-Management of Acute or Chronic Conditions