Recent Dissertations & Graduate Outcomes
Linda Anderson, PhD'23
Advisor: Dr. Kari Lane
Dissertation Title –Health-Related Quality of Life Older Women with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders
Initial Placement After Graduation – TBD
Lisa Young, PhD'23
Advisor: Dr. Amy Vogelsmeier
Dissertation Title –Hospital Nurse Managers’ Perceived Use of Dashboards for Quality and Performance Improvement: A Qualitative Study
Initial Placement After Graduation – Clinical Quality Leader, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL
Leslie Zimpelman, PhD'23
Advisor: Dr. Laurel Despins
Dissertation Title –Signal Detection For Pediatric Patient Deterioration In Simulation With Nursing Students: A Mixed Methods Study
Initial Placement After Graduation –Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, Texas
Heather "Hez" Naylor, PhD'23
Advisor: Dr. LeeAnne Sherwin
Dissertation Title – Using Therapeutic Suggestions in a Preoperative Analgesia Education Intervention to Improve Postoperative Pain Outcomes in Endometriosis Surgery: A Feasible Study
Initial Placement After Graduation – Assistant Professor & Faculty Chair of Nursing, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ
Natsayakarn "Gift" Narthong, PhD'23
Advisor: Dr. Jane Armer
Dissertation Title – The Return-to-work Experiences of Thai Women With Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Initial Placement After Graduation – Lecturer, Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
Awards: 2024 Midwest Nursing Research Society Annual Research Conference – First place poster ribbon – PhD Student Poster Competition
Jamie Morton, PhD'22
Advisor: Dr. Linda Bullock
Dissertation Title – Exploring Perinatal Prescription Opioid Use and Misuse in Rural Settings.
Initial Placement After Graduation – Postdoctoral Scholar, T32 Interdisciplinary Training Program in Pain Research, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine
Dissertation Award – 2023 Midwest Nursing Research Society, Perinatal, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Interest & Implementation Group
Janet M. Delgado, PhD'22
Advisors: Dr. Bonnie Wakefield and Dr. Deidre Wipke-Tevis
Dissertation Title – Strain, Satisfaction and Hospitalization in Caregiver/Veteran with Heart Failure Dyads: A Secondary Analysis
Chelsea Howland, PhD'22
Advisor: Dr. Bonnie Wakefield
Dissertation Title – Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Health Action Process Approach Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Self-Guided Workbook in Rural Adults with Type 2 Diabetes.
Initial Placement After Graduation – Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Iowa College of Nursing
Dissertation Award – 2023 Midwest Nursing Research Society, Self-Care Research Interest & Implementation Group
Colleen Becker, PhD'22
Advisor: Dr. Deidre Wipke-Tevis
Dissertation Title – Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury In Adult Orthopedic Spine Surgery Patients: Risk Factors & Risk Assessment Tools.
Initial Placement After Graduation – Director of Perioperative Education for the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
Mike Bueno, PhD'22
Advisor: Dr. Jo-Ana Chase
Dissertation Title – A Duty to Care: Male Perspective on Their Role as Caregivers for Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia
Initial Placement After Graduation – Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor & Academic Practice Partner for UCI Health for the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing at the University of California, Irvine
Dissertation Award – 2023 Midwest Nursing Research Society, Family Health Research Interest & Implementation Group
Michele Butkiewicz, PhD'22
Advisor: Dr. Bonnie Wakefield
Dissertation Title – Animal Assisted Interventions For Military Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Rosalia Molina, PhD'22
Advisor: Dr. Maithe Enriquez
Dissertation Title – Enhancing Diabetes Health Outcomes Among Haitian Migrants Living in Dominican Bateyes
Initial Placement After Graduation – Assistant Professor at Research College of Nursing in Kansas City, Missouri
Dissertation Award – 2023 Midwest Nursing Research Society, Health of Diverse Populations Research Interest & Implementation Group
Michele Kennett, PhD'22
Advisor: Dr. Lori Popejoy
Dissertation Title – Evaluating Organizational Research Climate to Assess Research Integrity
Initial Placement After Graduation – Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at University of Missouri-Columbia
Danielle Karasko, PhD'22
Advisor: Dr. Jo-Ana Chase
Dissertation Title – A Meta-Analysis Exploring the Effect of Age on Weight Loss Following a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Initial Placement After Graduation – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Division of Pediatric Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA (CHOP)
Elizabeth Anderson, PhD'21
Advisor: Dr. Jane Armer
Dissertation Title – Using Photo-Elicitation to Explore Challenges and Creativity in Self-Managing Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema and Work in U.S. Hispanic/Latina Survivors: A Case Study Approach
Initial Placement After Graduation – Postdoctoral Fellow, MU Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Dissertation Award – 2022 Midwest Nursing Research Society, Self-Care Research Interest & Implementation Group
Lynette Harvey, PhD'21
Advisor: Dr. Kari Lane
Dissertation Title – Walk a Hound and Lose of Pound and Stay Fit for Older Adults: A Secondary Analysis
Initial Placement After Graduation – Assistant Professor of Nursing, Tennessee Tech University Cookeville, Tennessee
Chuka Nestor Emezue, PhD'21
Advisor: Drs. Tina Bloom & Linda Bullock
Dissertation Title – It’s All Country Boys: Rural Young Male Perceptions of Risk and Protective Factors for Dating Violence and Digital Interventions as an Acceptable Response
Initial Placement After Graduation – Assistant Professor of Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL
Dissertation Award – 2022 Midwest Nursing Research Society, Qualitative Methods Research Interest & Implementation Group
Maureen Rabbitte, PhD'21
Advisor: Dr. Maithe Enriquez
Dissertation Title – Factors that Impact Assigned Female at Birth Sexual Minority Individuals’ Healthcare Experiences: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Initial Placement After Graduation – Assistant Professor at the Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Amy Reed, PhD'21
Advisor: Dr. Linda Bullock
Dissertation Title – Does Geography Matter? Comparing Maternal Stressors to Birth Outcomes in Rural and Urban Missouri
Initial Placement After Graduation – Assistant Professor and Director of the Simulation Laboratory for Health Sciences at SIU Edwardsville School of Nursing
Christiana Oyewusi, PhD'21
Advisor: Dr. Maithe Enriquez
Dissertation Title – The Experience of Living with Hypertension: A Narrative Analysis
Initial Placement After Graduation – Student of Master of Health Administration in the Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Missouri – Columbia
Dissertation Award – 2022 Midwest Nursing Research Society, Health of Diverse Populations Research Interest & Implementation Group
Julio Loya, PhD'21
Advisor: Dr. Maithe Enriquez
Dissertation Title – Salud Paso por Paso: A Culturally-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention with Hispanic Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Initial Placement After Graduation – Assistant Professor of Nursing at University of Arizona College of Nursing, Tucson, AZ
Daryl Traylor, PhD'21
Advisor: Dr. Maithe Enriquez
Dissertation Title – Primary Care PrEP Prescribing Practices: Southern United States
Initial Placement After Graduation – Student at the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine in San Antonio, TX
Elizabeth Fritz, PhD'21
Advisor: Dr. Amy Vogelsmeier
Dissertation Title – Nursing Professional Development in Ambulatory Care: What is It?
Initial Placement After Graduation – RN Program Manager-System Clinical Education, SSM Health, Madison, WI
Justina Yevu Johnson, PhD '21
Advisor: Dr. Lori Popejoy
Dissertation Title – Communication at the End of Life Among Advanced Cancer Patients in Ghana: What Patients Have to Say
Initial Placement After Graduation – Post-Degree Academic Trainee, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Jennifer Otmanowski, PhD '20
Advisor: Dr. Jo-Ana Chase
Dissertation Title –Systematic Review & MetaAnalysis of Primary-Care Based Physical Activity Interventions Among Older Adults
Initial Placement After Graduation –Associate Professor of Nursing, Baker College, Jackson, MI
Reem Al Alawi, PhD '20
Advisor: Dr. Chelsea Deroche & Greg Alexander
Dissertation Title –Factors Influencing Nursing Student Academic Success: A Mixed-Methods Study
Initial Placement After Graduation –Head of Monitoring and Evaluation, Directorate of Quality Assurance, Muscat, Oman
Rungnapha "Lek" Khiewchaum, PhD '20
Advisor: Dr. Kari Lane
Dissertation Title –The Effectiveness of Psychoeducational Intervention of Quality of Life for Family Caregivers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Initial Placement After Graduation –Associate Professor, Phrapokklao Nursing College, Chanthaburi, Thailand
Jody Blankenship, PhD '20
Advisor: Dr. Kari Lane
Dissertation Title –The Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of an Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Older Nursing Home Residents
Initial Placement After Graduation –Assistant Professor in the Nursing Department at Alfred State College in Alfred, NY
Benjamin Coe, PhD '20
Advisor: Dr. Maithe Enriquez
Dissertation Title –The Relationship Between Medication Adherence, Health Literacy and Social Support Network in the Hypertensive Emergency Department Patient
Initial Placement After Graduation –Adjust Assistant Teaching Professor, MU Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Neethu Arikupurathu Phillips, PhD '20
Advisor: Drs. Tina Bloom & Linda Bullock
Dissertation Title – Mental Health Education in New York State Schools: The Teachers’ Perspective
Initial Placement After Graduation –Quality Management Coordinator, Northwell Health, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Queens, NY
Maureen Varty, PhD '20
Dr. Lori Popejoy
Dissertation Title –Decision-Making Involvement, Self-Efficacy and the Relationship to Transition Readiness in Youth with Sickle Cell Disease
Initial Placement After Graduation –Research Nurse Scientist, UC Health, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO
Laura Remy, PhD '20
Advisor: Dr.Maithe Enriquez
Dissertation Title –We Have a Duty to Eradicate HIV in the Community, in the World: Successful Prep Use Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men
Initial Placement After Graduation –Head, Office of Infection Control & Clinical Trials Coordinator, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City
Lea Brandt, PhD '20
Advisor: Dr. Lori Popejoy
Dissertation Title –Transforming the Ethical Behavior of Clinicians through Pedagogical Innovation: Sensemaking as a Means to Promote Ethical Practice in the Face of Moral Ambiguity
Initial Placement After Graduation –Associate Professional Practice Professor, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
MaryAnn Niemeyer, PhD '20
Advisor Dr. Amy Vogelsmeier
Dissertation Title –Exploring Novice RN’s Perception ACLS Simulation: Recognition and Prevention of Failure to Rescue
Initial Placement After Graduation –Assistant Professor, Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College, St. Louis MO
Poungkamon Krisanabud, PhD'19
Advisor: Drs. Deidre Wipke-Tevis & LeeAnne Sherwin
Dissertation Title –Symptoms, Walking Behaviors, and Mobility of Thai Patients After Colonoscopy-rectal Cancer Surgery
Initial Placement After Graduation –Instructor, Department of Adult & Gerontology Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
Lynn Glenn, PhD'19
Advisor: Dr. Maithe Enriquez
Dissertation Title –A socioecological Perspective: The “Ups and Downs” pf Living with Type 2 Diabetes among Working Adults int he Rural South
Initial Placement After Graduation –Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Augusta University Augusta, GA
Tipparat Udmuangpia, PhD '19
Advisor: Tina Bloom
Dissertation Title –A Mixed-Methods Research: Predicting Intentions and Perceptions about Intimate Partner Violence Screen Among Nursing Students and Nurse Educators in Thailand
Initial Placement After Graduation –Instructor, Department of Maternal-Child Health and Midwifery, Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Jennifer O'Connor, PhD '19
Advisor: Dr. Deidre Wipke-Tevis
Dissertation Title –Effects of a Community-Based Foot Care Self-Management Program in Older Adults without Diabetes
Initial Placement After Graduation –Assistant Teaching Professor, MU Sinclair School of Nursing, Columbia, MO
Karen Clark, PhD '19
Advisor: Dr.Kari Lane
Dissertation Title –Custodial Grandparents: An Analysis of Parenting & It’s Impact on Health
Initial Placement After Graduation –Assistant Professor, College of Nursing & Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Jeri Sindt, PhD'19
Advisor: Dr. Bonnie Wakefield
Dissertation Title –The Development of Clinical Reasoning in Undergraduate Baccalaureate Nursing Students
Initial Placement After Graduation –Associate Professor, Graceland University School of Nursing, Lamoni, Iowa
Jan Akright, PhD '19
Advisor: Dr. Lawrence Ganong
Dissertation Title –Maternal-Child Nurses Social Judgments About Types of Fathers
Initial Placement After Graduation –Academic Dean, Blessing-Rieman College if Nursing and Health Sciences, Quincy, IL
Sharon Van Wicklin, PhD '19
Advisor: Drs. Jo-Ana Chase & Vicki Conn
Dissertation Title –Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Trendelenburg And Prone Position on Intraocular Pressure in Adult Patients Undergoing Surgery
Initial Placement After Graduation –Perioperative Consultant & Professional Legal Nurse Consultant, Denver, CO