Faculty Research Groups

The faculty within the UAH College of Nursing engage in collaborative research groups that ignite the generation of advanced scholarly work in crucial domains of nursing science and practice. 

Research Group Directory

Pediatric / Adolescent Health

This group aims to improve health outcomes for children and adolescents through evidence-based research. Faculty and students explore topics like childhood obesity, mental health, and preventive care to address the unique needs of younger populations and support their long-term well-being.

Faculty Members: Dr. Lauren Niles, Dr. Tracie Morgan, Dr. Rachel Seady

Leadership / Policy

This group explores leadership, organizational change, and policy analysis to improve patient care and healthcare systems. Faculty and students work together to develop innovative strategies that influence nursing practice and shape policy at local and national levels, preparing students to become effective healthcare leaders and advocates.

Faculty Members: Dr. Michele Kane, Dr. Monica Beck

Public Health / Data Science

This group focuses on community engagement to address social determinants of health and reduce disparities. Faculty and students analyze data on access, behavior, and outcomes to develop strategies that aim to improve life expectancy and promote health equity. By working directly with communities, this group helps to create lasting, actionable solutions that support population well-being.

Faculty Members: Dr. Elizabeth Barnby, Dr. Shikha Modi, Dr. Melissa Foster

Nursing Education: Simulation / Holistic Learning / Teaching, Learning Strategies, and Education Pathways

This group explores innovative teaching methods, including simulation and holistic learning, to enhance nursing education. Faculty and students examine strategies that build clinical competence, critical thinking, and compassionate, patient-centered care. Their work helps shape effective, real-world learning experiences for future nurses.

Faculty Members: Sandy Sommerkamp, Dr. Deanna Womble, Kathy Morrison, Dr. Darlene Showalter, Dr. Rebecca Davis, Dr. Bethany Gilbert, Dr. Donna Guerra, Dr. Sheila Gentry, Alicia Boyd, Dr. Tracy Lakin, Dr. Kim Budisalich, Dr. Misty Smith

Curriculum and Program Evaluation in Nursing Education

This group aims to evaluate and improve nursing curricula to ensure programs meet accreditation standards and evolving healthcare needs. Through data-driven analysis and stakeholder input, faculty and students aim to develop strategies that enhance learning outcomes and graduate readiness for today’s healthcare environment.

Faculty Members: Kathy Morrison, Dr. Misty Smith, Dr. Sheila Gentry, Dr. Jennifer Palmer, Tammy Shults, Dr. Rebecca Davis, Dr. Charles Reynolds

Patient Education

This group aims to develop strategies to improve health literacy and patient engagement. Faculty and students explore educational tools like multimedia, workshops, and counseling to help patients manage their health. The goal is to support informed decision-making and better health outcomes through tailored, patient-centered education.

Faculty Members: Sandy Sommerkamp, Alicia Boyd, Dr. Miranda Smith

Pallative Care / Oncology

This group focuses on enhancing quality of life for patients with serious illnesses through palliative and oncology care research. Faculty and students explore pain management, symptom relief, and psychosocial support to develop holistic, patient-centered approaches. Their work aims to improve communication, align care with patient values, and support dignity and comfort throughout the illness journey.

Faculty Members: Dr. Lenora Smith, Dr. Monica Beck, Dr. Veronica Sullivan

Mental Health

This group explores the complexities of mental health disorders and their impact on individuals and communities. Faculty and students examine prevention, intervention, and integration of mental health care in primary settings to improve outcomes, reduce stigma, and support overall well-being.

Faculty Members: Dr. Hannah Nolte, Dr. Lauren Niles, Dr. Tracie Morgan, Dr. Laura Graham, Dr. Veronica Sullivan, Dr. Melissa Foster

Nurse Burnout and Moral Distress

This group investigates nurse burnout, moral distress, and emotional well-being in healthcare settings. Faculty and students explore the causes of stress and compassion fatigue while identifying strategies to promote resilience, empathy, and supportive work environments. The goal is to improve nurse satisfaction, retention, and patient care outcomes.

Faculty Members: Dr. Hannah Nolte, Dr. Deanna Womble, Dr. Laura Graham, Alicia Boyd, Dr. Preston Miller, Dr. Misty Smith, Tammy Shults

Gerontology

This group addresses the unique health needs of older adults through research on chronic disease management, fall prevention, mental health, and social determinants of health. Faculty and students work to improve care strategies, support aging in place, and advocate for policies that promote healthy aging and quality of life.

Faculty Members: Alicia Boyd, Dr. Tracy Lakin, Dr. Lenora Smith, Dr. Andrea King

Maternal Infant Health

This group focuses on improving maternal and infant health during the perinatal period. Faculty and students study factors like prenatal care, breastfeeding, and social determinants to address maternal and infant mortality. Their work supports evidence-based interventions that promote bonding, reduce disparities, and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns.

Faculty Members: Dr. Darlene Showalter, Dr. Elizabeth Elmore, Jarmel Poole, Dr. Lauren Milam, Dr. Shikha Modi, Dr. Amy McIntosh

Chronic Diseases

This group studies autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, and other chronic conditions to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Faculty and students explore treatment innovations, lifestyle interventions, and education strategies that empower patients and support evidence-based nursing care.

Faculty Members: Dr. Bethany Gilbert, Dr. Nilsa Black-Mead, Dr. Kim Buisalich, Dr. Deanna Womble

Genetics / Genomics

This group explores how genetics influence health and disease, with a focus on applying genomic data to personalize care. Faculty and students investigate how genetic insights can improve screening, prevention, and treatment strategies, advancing more precise and effective nursing practice.

Faculty Members: Dr. Monica Beck, Dr. Elizabeth Barnby, Dr. Nilsa Black-Mead, Dr. Jennifer Palmer, Dr. Misty Smith, Dr. Laura Graham

Transplant

This group focuses on improving care for organ transplant patients through research on education, psychosocial support, and complication management. Faculty and students explore best practices to enhance the transplant experience and support long-term health and quality of life for recipients.

Faculty Members: Dr. Haley Hoy, Dr. Preston Miller, Dr. Misty Smith, Dr. Nilsa Black-Mead, Dr. Elizabeth Barnby, Dr. Shikha Modi, Dr. Jennifer Vann

Global Health

This group focuses on global health challenges, exploring issues like infectious diseases, health disparities, and access to care across diverse populations. Faculty and students collaborate with international partners to develop culturally sensitive interventions that promote health equity and improve outcomes worldwide.

Faculty Members: Dr. Tracy Lakin, Dr. Michele Kane, Dr. Elizabeth Barnby

Nursing Ethics / Bioethics

This group examines ethical challenges in healthcare, including informed consent, end-of-life decisions, and emerging technologies. Faculty and students aim to guide ethical practice and policy, ensuring quality care that respects patient rights and autonomy.

Faculty Members: Dr. Laura Graham, Dr. Preston Miller, Dr. Hannah Nolte, Dr. Jennifer Vann

Quality Improvement

This group focuses on improving healthcare delivery through quality improvement and innovation. Faculty and students apply methods like Lean, Six Sigma, and evidence-based practices to close care gaps, enhance safety, and ensure high standards in nursing practice.

Faculty Members: Dr. Deanna Womble, Dr. Charles Reynolds, Dr. Rachel Seady

Critical Care Medicine

This group investigates the care of critically ill patients, focusing on advanced technologies, patient safety, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Faculty and students explore innovative practices to improve outcomes, recovery, and quality of life in intensive care settings.

Faculty Members: Dr. Nila Black-Mead, Dr. Tracy Lakin, Dr. Preston Miller, Dr. Sheila Gentry, Dr. Miranda Smith

Hospice Care / End-of-life Care

This group focuses on enhancing comfort and quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses and their families. Faculty and students explore pain management, symptom relief, and ethical end-of-life care to develop compassionate, patient-centered hospice models that promote dignity and support.

Faculty Members: Dr. Lenora Smith, Dr. Tracy Lakin

Space and Health

This group studies the health challenges of space travel, including the effects of microgravity, isolation, and confinement. Faculty and students explore strategies to support astronaut well-being, integrating nursing with aerospace medicine to improve care in space and inform healthcare on Earth.

Faculty Members: Dr. Azita Amiri, Dr. Michele Kane, Dr. Shikha Modi, Dr. Preston Miller, Dr. Melissa Foster

Emergent Technologies and Heath Access

This group explores how emerging technologies, like telehealth, wearables, drones, and AI, can improve healthcare delivery and access. Faculty and students examine practical applications, ethical considerations, and barriers to adoption to ensure tech-driven care promotes equity and benefits diverse populations.

Faculty Members: Dr. Azita Amiri, Dr. Michele Kane, Dr. Shikha Modi, Dr. Preston Miller