School of Nursing happenings
Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing faculty, students and scholars continually participate in lectures, speaker series, symposiums and other special events that reflect the school's vision and mission to transform health care through nursing education and research. This frequently updated list is a sample of the breadth of such activities.
2024 Happenings
Lori Kennedy, a Class of 2014 graduate of the Doctor of Philosophy program at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, is a new fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. Induction was held during the academy’s annual conference in Washington D.C. Lori is director of the Center for Nursing Science at UC Davis Health where she leads nursing and interdisciplinary research and evidence implementation in a range of clinical settings. She is the first health system employee to earn the F.A.A.N. (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing) credential. The newest fellows represent 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and 14 countries.
The School of Nursing’s Dean Stephen Cavanagh and Professor Holly Kirkland-Kyhn joined Associate Professor Brent Luu for the 6th Annual East & West Health Fair on Nov. 3. Hosted by the Sacramento Chinese Culture Foundation, the event brings together Eastern and Western providers, as well as students from various schools and health care systems within the Sacramento and Greater Sacramento areas, to serve hundreds of patients who may have limited access to care. More than 80 health care organizations and vendors engaged with more than 1,000 community residents in this historical health fair, community business and cultural event.Nov. 4 – PhD alumna publishes dissertation in nursing science journal
Gennifer Holt, an alumna from the Class of 2020 Doctor of Philosophy program, published her dissertation work, “It’s Hard Being a Girl, A Qualitative Content Analysis Examining Emotional Distress and Suicidality in Adolescent Girls,” in Advances in Nursing Science. Co-authored by Associate Professor Jessica Draughon Moret, who served as Gennifer’s dissertation chair, this research examines how the complexity of social problems contributes to the mental health crisis in adolescent girls. Gennifer is now an assistant professor at Sacramento State’s School of Nursing.
Representatives from the Family Caregiving Institute at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis presented at the “CA for ALL Ages & Abilities: 2024 Master Plan for Aging Day of Action.” Pauline DeLange Martinez led a panel discussion with local leaders, focusing on successes, innovations, challenges and sustainability strategies to enhance support for older adults, individuals with disabilities and family caregivers in their regions. Institute staff members Jessica Famula and Quynh Vo also attended the Oct. 8 event. The team actively supports several California Department of Aging Master Plan for Aging initiatives, including the Local Aging & Disability Action Planning (LADAP) grant program, the California Community Program for Alzheimer’s Services and Supports (Cal-COMPASS) Pilot Program and the development of a statewide plan aimed at improving equity and service quality for family caregivers. The biennial event brings together legislative, state, and local leaders to advance the California Master Plan for Aging (MPA).Emily Thatcher, an assistant professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, published “A Pregnant Woman with Vaginal Bleeding” in the Annals of Emergency Medicine. Emily discusses a case of superfetation, an extremely rare phenomenon where a dichorionic-diamniotic pregnancy involves two distinct fertilization and implantation events, leading to a size discrepancy between the fetuses. Fewer than 20 cases of superfetation in humans have been documented. Emily teaches in the School of Nursing’s physician assistant (PA) program. In addition to teaching and clinical endeavors, her research interests encompass improving health literacy and addressing social determinants of health in Latinx communities.
Nov. 1 — Faculty and doctoral graduate
Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing Associate Adjunct Professor Cara Sandholdt and PhD Class of 2023 alumna Kougang Anne Mbe are co-authors of a new study to gain insight into training on adult obesity. “Perceptions of Adult Obesity Education: A Pilot Study,” was led by Seleda Ann Williams from the UC Davis Department of Internal Medicine and published in in the Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development. The team surveyed a group of primary care trainees and faculty family medicine and internal medicine residency programs, as well as family nurse practitioner and physician assistant training programs. They found that respondents perceive that academic and clinical training on adult obesity is inadequate, and that trainees need more education on such topics as nutrition, physical activity, behavioral health, antiobesity medications, and bariatric surgery. Jeffrey Robert Fine, from the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design at UC Davis Health, also contributed to the study.
Oct. 6 — PA students compete in annual quiz competition
Six second-year physician assistant (PA) students from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis competed in the annual California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA) Student Challenge Bowl. The highly competitive trivia-style competition is an opportunity for PA students to showcase their medical knowledge and represent their school. Students Tavis Valenzuela, Savannah Lombrano and Caylea Molyneux represented the team on stage. The bowl is part of the organization’s annual conference held during National PA Week in Southern California.
Two faculty from the physician assistant (PA) program at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis had podium presentations during CAPACon 2024. CAPACon is the annual Southern California conference for general medicine and specialty PAs by the California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA). Assistant Professor presented "Antimicrobial Stewardship: What is it? Why is it important? How Can Providers Practice Good Stewardship?" She discussed the drug-resistant organisms of great concern and how PA s and other health care providers can avoid contributing to antimicrobial resistance through accurate diagnosis, thoughtful use of laboratory testing and judicious prescribing of antimicrobials. Assistant Professor Emily Thatcher presented "The Power of POCUS: A Beginner’s Guide to Bedside Ultrasound." She focused on learning the basics of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to enhance physical examination and diagnostic capabilities, improve patient care and safety, increase procedural success and expand PA scope of practice.
Sept. 23 — Postdoctoral scholar receives national travel award
Everlyne Ogugu, a Heather M. Young Postdoctoral Fellow at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, received an Early Career Research Travel Grant from the American Heart Association (AHA). She earned the award for her submission, “An Examination of Contextual and Self-Management Factors in Relation to Blood Pressure Control among Adults Managing Comorbid HIV and Hypertension in Malawi!” Eve will present this work in November at the Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association in Chicago. The grants support the efforts of early career investigators and encourage young investigators and under-represented minorities to participate in council and AHA activities.
Sept. 10 — Professor’s research cited by World Health Organization
Jessica Draughon Moret, an associate professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, had her research cited in updated guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO). “Guidelines for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis” focused on expanding access to post-exposure prophylaxis, known as PEP, by incorporating community-based delivery and task sharing. Jessica’s 2021 paper, “’Reclaiming Control’ Patient Acceptance and Adherence to HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Following Sexual Assault,” is among the works cited in the new guidelines that aim to overcome barriers like stigma to ensure timely access after exposure. Jessica is furthering her work focused on expanding access to preventive strategies like HIV PEP following sexual assault as a fellow in the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators program.
Aug. 26 — Physician assistant students donate school supplies
A group of students from the physician assistant program at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis donations supplies and money totaling more than $250 to support students at the Language Academy of Sacramento. The students hope to alleviate the financial challenges faced by both students and teachers at the bilingual school. Lead organizer Melinda Xiong said she and her classmates are dedicated to establishing themselves as a valued profession and demonstrating a commitment to the community that extends beyond the health care setting. This was the first community outreach for the local chapter of the Student Academy in the American Academy of Physician Associates (SAAAPA).
Allison Bacani, a second-year physician assistant (P.A.) student at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, has been selected as a 2024-25 Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Student Health Policy Fellow. The prestigious and competitive fellowship recognizes exceptional P.A. students who are committed to making a significant impact on education, the profession and health care systems. Allison says her clinical experiences to date have shown her how health systems largely ignore the principles of social determinants of health. She hopes to become a P.A. who can alleviate poor health that stems from stress brought on by barriers to economic stability, education, safety and overall lack of health care access. As a fellow, she will gain insights from various policy and advocacy and have the chance to meet with her elected representatives to advocate for PAEA’s legislative priorities. PAEA is the only national organization representing P.A. educational programs in the United States. August 7 — Professor emeritus joins podcast discussion on migrant mental health
Mary Lou de Leon Siantz, a professor emeritus at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, presented on a recent episode of the Mental Health Trailblazers Podcast. In “From Migrant Head Start to Space: Transforming Mental Health Nursing,” Mary Lou provided an in-depth look at the unique challenges faced by Hispanic populations, emphasizing the critical need for culturally tailored mental health services. She discusses the evolution of community-based care models and the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in improving mental health outcomes. Mary Lou is a distinguished alumna of the Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association. Season four of the podcast celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association.
August 7 — Assistant professor awarded NIH loan repayment award
Alex Fauer, an assistant professor in the Family Caregiving Institute at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, was awarded a National Institutes of Health Clinical Research Loan Repayment Award (LRP) from the National Cancer Institute. The LRP is a competitive award that provides repayment of up to $50,000 of educational debt over a two-year period to highly qualified health professionals in biomedical and biobehavioral research. In return, Alex will continue to engage in his current research to determine if a hybrid care model can benefit outcomes for older cancer survivors and their caregivers. He leads a clinical trial to improve health for older adult cancer survivors.
August 7 — Program director selected into leadership mentoring program
Charleen Singh, the program director for the Doctor of Nursing Practice — Family Nurse Practitioner Degree Program at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, was selected into the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) 2024-2025 Faculty Leadership Mentoring Program. The program aims to develop leadership knowledge and skills, especially those associated with those in nurse practitioner (NP)educator roles. NONPF launched the program for NP faculty who had newly assumed leadership roles as program directors and/or administrators at their academic institutions. Charleen became a program director in 2024. The program aims to cultivate a cohort of confident, transformative and visionary NP leaders equipped to drive positive change, optimize NP education and advance scholarship.
August 3 — School of Nursing alumni present at national Hispanic nurses’ conference
Several graduates of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, along with nurses from UC Davis Health, presented their research at the 49th Annual Conference of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. Sandra Calderon, a third-year doctoral student and family nurse practitioner program alumna, presented the poster, “Numbers Don’t Lie: Hispanic Nurses in the U.S.” Reyna Portillo, a graduate of the master’s-degree leadership program, presented the poster, “Buscando Sonrisas (Searching for Smiles) by Means of a Community Event,” along with UC Davis Health nurses Monica Aguilar and Valeria Martinez. And Misara Bambao, another master’s-degree leadership alumna, presented her poster, “Standardized Documentation of Certified Medical Interpreter Utilization to Address Health Disparities,” with UC Davis Health nurse Christina Malone. The conference celebrates the cultural achievements and professional expertise of its membership and challenges attendees to expand their skillsets.
July 27 — Doctoral student earns health foundation scholarship
Shontaya Carrico, a second-year Doctor of Philosophy student at Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, is awarded a $5,000 United Health Foundation Scholarship from the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA). She received it during the 2024 NBNA Institute and Conference Scholarship & Awards program in San Francisco. The goal of the scholarship it to help reduce ongoing disparities in health conditions, experiences and outcomes – as well as address persistent workforce representation challenges. Shontaya’s research focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism in health care. This year’s NBNA conference focused on “Advancing Health Care Across the Lifespan: Through Re-Imagining Nursing and Human Caring.”
July 26 — Faculty present at international nursing conference
Three faculty attended the Sigma Theta Tau Congress 2024,” Sharing Insights, Advancing Care: Disseminating Nursing Research and Evidence for the Future,” in Singapore. Dean Stephen Cavanagh and Associate Professor Laura Van Auker shared their work in Kenya. The presentation, “United States and Kenyan Nursing Schools Partner for Interprofessional Education Training Using Case-based Tabletop Simulation for Faculty Development,” focused on interprofessional-education simulation training at the University of Nairobi School of Nursing. Charleen Singh, director for the Doctor of Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner Degree Program, served as moderator for three sessions. In addition, Jerry John Nutor, a graduate of the master’s-degree leadership program and Sigma liaison to the United Nations, was a plenary speaker. The annual event brings together over 800 nurse researchers, students, clinicians and leaders who are focused on evidence-based research.
July 1 — Professor publishes study in national midwifery journal
Leigh Ann Simmons, a professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, published “Patient-Provider Trust as a Key Component of Prenatal Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES): A Concept Analysis” in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health. The concept analysis illuminates the role of trust in prenatal ACE screening to improve patient-provider relationships, increase patient uptake of ACE screening and ensure that ACE screening is implemented in a strengths-based, trauma-informed way. Leigh Ann is one of seven authors of the study. She runs the Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, which brings together behavioral science and technology research to better understand – and ultimately intervene in – prenatal and early life factors that affect later life health.
July 1 — Doctoral student named national diversity scholar
Shontaya Carrico, a second-year Doctor of Philosophy student at Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, is named a 2024 Policy and Politics in Nursing Scholar from the AcademyHealth Diversity Scholars Program. The program aims to support the professional development of underrepresented racial/ethnic minority groups in the field of health services research. Shontaya’s research addresses diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism within health care. Specifically, she aims to confront systemic and institutional racism within nursing academia and the workforce. AcademyHealth – together with its members – increases the understanding of methods and data used in the health care field, enhances the professional skills of researchers and research users, and expands awareness.
June 12 — Associate dean named NBNA Trailblazer
Piri Ackerman-Barger, associate dean for Student Affairs and Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, was awarded the 2024 Trailblazer Award from the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA). She is recognized for being “an individual who has taken risks.” Piri leads the school’s efforts to create a diverse and welcoming setting in which to learn, work and collaborate. She also designs initiatives, so the school’s learning environments, workforce, programs, services and partnerships are more diverse and inclusive. Awardees lead their community, state and the nation in nursing, business, philanthropy, communications, government, education or the arts.
Alex Fauer, an assistant professor in the Family Caregiving Institute at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, completed the 43rd Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. The annual event attracts world champions, Olympic medalists and the best amateur triathletes from 50 states and over 50 countries. Competitors complete a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shores of the St. Francis Yacht Club, an 18-mile bike ride and an 8-mile run through the trails of the Golden Gate Recreational Area. Alex has raced in triathlons for the past 11 years. He said this race was a lesson in overcoming fears and tackling uncomfortable tasks.
First-year Doctor of Philosophy students at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis celebrated with an end-of-year poster session showcasing their final research projects. Gina Finical, Pawanrat Panjatharakul, Melissa Sablik, Erwin Simanjuntak, Jan Wagstaff and Julia Zabala completed group projects over two quarters with Professors Janice Bell and Leigh Ann Simmons and Assistant Professor Victoria Keeton using the California Health Interview Survey. They examined vaccine information sources during COVID, acculturation and mental health status and access to dental care among Californians. The students will finalize their manuscripts and submit for publication over the summer.June 7 — Assistant professor presents at national dermatology organization
Assistant Professor Elenitsa “Nitsa” Sebat presented “Literature Update: What You Need to Know” at the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) summer conference in San Diego. The session outlined the most clinically relevant peer-reviewed articles published this past year in the top tiered dermatologic journals. Nitsa teaches in the School of Nursing’s physician assistant (P.A.) program. The SDPA is the largest P.A. specialty organization with over 4700 members.
June 6 — Recent graduates celebrated by local Hispanic nursing organization
Graduates from the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis were celebrated by the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). Approximately 25 to 30 nurse graduates, family members, NAHN members and friends gathered to honor the graduates during the time of their commencement. The local NAHN chapter was started by School of Nursing graduates. Along with the national organization, chapter members aim to advance the health in Hispanic communities and to lead, promote and advocate the educational, professional and leadership opportunities for Hispanic nurses.
May 31 — Assistant professor presents on mobile health clinic
Sandra Kamba, an assistant professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, presented on the school’s nurse-led mobile clinic at the California Academic Geriatrics Institutions Inaugural Conference. Sandra highlighted the efforts to mitigate barriers to access to care amongst unhoused geriatric populations, how the patient panel has expanded and the significant improvement on health outcomes on patients seen on a consistent basis. The event, held at UC Irvine, brought together leading experts, researchers and practitioners in the field of geriatrics.
May 23 — Assistant professor shares challenges faced by older adults with cancer
Alex Fauer, an assistant professor in the Family Caregiving Institute at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, presented “Navigating Cancer Care for Older Adults,” to ACC Senior Services in Sacramento. The presentation shed light on unique challenges faced by older adults with cancer. He discussed special considerations related to cancer treatment in older patients and introduced the topic of a geriatric assessment. Attendees gained insights about resources to address these special considerations. Alex’s current research Fauer’s study involves adults between the ages of 65 and 90 with cancer. He examines whether a combination of geriatric syndrome assessments, coupled with in-person and virtual coaching from community health workers, can significantly improve physical health and quality of life outcomes for patients and their caregivers.
Emily Thatcher, a physician assistant (P.A.) and assistant professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, taught an emergency medicine ultrasound Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) workshop at the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) National Conference in Houston. She also supervised the inaugural UC Davis PA student POCUS team. The second-year students competed against 50 other P.A. programs in the national ultrasound competition and came in 12th place. iScan tested their knowledge in bedside radiology, diagnosis and management of medical conditions. AAPA is the national professional society for P.A.s and represents more than 68,000 P.A.s across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states.May 20 — Doctoral candidate awarded NIH fellowship
Kurt Anthony David, a Doctor of Philosophy candidate at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, was awarded an F31 fellowship through the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Nursing Research. The National Research Service Award for predoctoral researchers, knows as an F31, supports a mentored research experience for promising predoctoral students. Kurt’s “Examining Health Disparities in the use of Hematopoietic Cell Transplants for HIV-related Lymphoma” seeks to characterize the social determinants of health that influence hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) utilization in patients with HIV-related lymphoma and determine if supportive measures are needed to address differences in care outcomes based on HIV status.
May 7 — Assistant professor publishes study on childhood cancer survivors
Alex Fauer, an assistant professor at the Family Caregiving Institute at the Betty Irene More School of Nursing at UC Davis, published "Financial Hardship and Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage in Long-term Childhood Cancer Survivors" in the JNCI Cancer Spectrum. Alex serves as lead author on the manuscript that builds upon the growing evidence of the complex, long-term outcomes affecting childhood cancer survivors. Authors highlight a multi-level, interdisciplinary investigation on long-term socioeconomic outcomes and levels of neighborhood disadvantage where survivors reside. It also expands calls for pediatric cancer survivorship research studying long-term outcomes and enhanced supportive care.
May 3 — Faculty discusses diverse collaboration at team research celebration
Leigh Ann Simmons, a professor at the Betty Irene More School of Nursing at UC Davis, gave a Ted-talk-inspired presentation at the Convergence Research Celebration, which was presented by the UC Davis School of Medicine’s Office of Research, the UC Davis Clinical and Translational Science Center and the UC Davis Office of Research. She discussed how working collaboratively with a diverse array of scientific colleagues and community stakeholders promotes health equity. This is the first joint event of the three offices to highlight team research. Leigh Ann is co-director of the Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, which advances research that contributes to preventing health disparities early in life.
Faculty and alumni from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis presented on wound-care-related research at the 34th Annual European Wound Management Association (EWMA) Conference in London. Assistant Professor Holly Kirkland-Kyhn, along with collaborating would Professor Tuba Sengul of Koç University in Istanbul, Turkey, spoke on “Comparative Analysis of Skin Lesions in Covid-19 and Hospital- Acquired Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: A Retrospective Study During the First Year of the Pandemic” and “Determining the Optimal Pressure Redistribution Surface in Children: Pressure Mapping on Different Bed Surfaces.” Holly also shared her poster on “Best Practices for Pressure Injury Treatment and Prevention at Hospital Discharge.” Lisa Peterson, a graduate of the school’s Master’s Entry Program in Nursing, presented a poster of her research on “Pediatric Intraoperative Pressure Injury Prevention.” Holly serves as associate director for the School of Nursing’s mobile health clinic and leads wound care at UC Davis Medical Center. EWMA is a European not-for-profit umbrella organization, linking national wound management organizations, individuals and groups with interest in wound care.April 30 — Nursing faculty publish chapter in nursing simulation book
Faculty from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis contributed to the new textbook, Comprehensive Healthcare Simulation: Nursing. Associate Dean for Academics Amy Nichols and Laura Van Auker, an associate professor, wrote “Using Simulation with Master’s Entry to the Profession of Nursing Students (MEPN)” for the publication. Amy and Laura address the unique learning style of MEPN students as adult learners, older, second career and more diverse in gender representation. They argue that these students want learning to be realistically experiential so they can apply their real world decision-making skills so simulation is particularly well-matched to their learning needs. They also identified gaps in the literature which will provide a roadmap for future study.
The nurse-led mobile clinic operated by the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis participated in the First Step Communities – River District Health Fair to serve people experiencing homelessness. More than 50 organizations served roughly 150 people from the Sacramento River District with STI/HIV testing, primary medical care, OB/GYN clinic services, Narcan distribution, mental health support, sexual harm assistance, shelter navigation aid, showers, free produce and more. Holly Kirkland-Kyhn, co-director of the mobile clinic, held two classes on "Treating your skin and wounds from the dollar store" and the School of Nursing team performed education on blood pressure and diabetes.April 19 — Doctoral candidate wins outstanding abstract award
Valerie Steinmetz, a third-year doctoral student at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, was awarded outstanding abstract that the Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) Conference. "Associations of Caregiver Health and Loneliness Among Older Adults in California" was a standout of the gerontology special interest group. Valerie’s research examines the predictors of loneliness in adults over the age of 65 who are caregivers, testing the associations between caregiver health, caregiver intensity and sociodemographic factors and loneliness in a large population of Californian caregivers. WIN strives to improve the health of the public through visionary leadership in nursing research, practice and education.
More than 15 faculty, staff, students and alumni presented during the annual Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) Conference. During the three days of “Health and Equity in Changing Environmental and Social Climates,” they presented on topics ranging from family caregiving and our nurse-led mobile clinic to advanced practice and acute care. WIN strives to improve the health of the public through visionary leadership in nursing research, practice and education.
The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing's Graduate Health Professionals Council student representatives hosted: “What comes next after graduation?” to share their experiences and advice. More than 60 current master’s-entry nursing and physician assistant (P.A.) students attended to hear six alumni panelists. Moderated by Bailey Briscoe and Justin Le Dang, students asked a variety of questions to Aliya Bell and Keoki Leong represented the school’s P.A. alumni. Natasha Madamba, Jenna Ricks and Ashley Sozzi shared perspectives from the entry-level nursing program. Rounding out the panel was professional expert Ron Ordona.April 9 — Professor awarded for career-long dedication to inclusion
Jann Murray-García, a professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, received the 2024 Eleonor Fontes-Fulton Award for Diversity and Principles of Community from UC Davis. Organizers from the Office of Campus and Community Relations and the Vice Chancellor's Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion announced the honor. The accolade is a testament to Jann’s exceptional career-long dedication and substantial contributions towards cultivating an inclusive atmosphere within our university community, aligned with UC Davis’ deeply held Principles of Community. Jann founded and directs the Interprofessional Central Valley Road Trip developed and directs the Anti-Racism and Cultural Humility (ARC) Training Program at UC Davis Health. She was honored at the Soaring to New Heights Diversity celebration
Faculty from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis and the UC Davis School of Medicine contributed to the new textbook, Geriatric Medicine: A Person Centered Evidence Based Approach. Deb Bakerjian, the School of Nursing’s associate dean for practice, served as co-editor in chief, while more than a dozen faculty from the School of Medicine contributed chapters. Geriatric medicine revolves around providing personalized care that prioritizes function and quality of life. This book presents over 40 freshly reviewed chapters, augmented with new references and a diverse set of practical tools contributed by interdisciplinary and interprofessional specialists in the field of geriatric medicine.
April 2 — Nursing students sew blankets for hospitalized babies Students from the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis sewed 40 blankets for babies receiving treatment at UC Davis Medical Center. Students say they wanted to continue a tradition started a few years back and the donations coincided with their clinical experiences in maternity and pediatrics. The handmaid goodies were delivered for use by babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, children in the pediatrics and pediatric intensive care unit, those that lacked social support or needed a bit of extra comfort.
April 1 — Professor teaches new course on climate change and resiliency
Philippe Goldin, a professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, serves as co-director of the new University of California course, Transforming Climate Distress to Action. The class starts spring quarter 2024 and aims to fill a critical gap in climate education and well-being, building on the science of personal and social resilience and climate change action, building a sense of belonging and motivating empowerment and self-efficacy via actionable projects. Philippe is an expert in mindfulness and meditative practice and research as well as sustainability education. Jyoti Mishra of UCSD and Elissa Epel of UCSF, two leaders at the intersection of climate change and mental health, also serve as lecturers and facilitators.
A group of students from the physician assistant program at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis created Easter baskets for teenagers in the hospital during the holiday. Student and faculty donations resulted in 20 baskets that included games and activities for teens at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. Program Director Teresa Thetford said students had experienced having a child admitted to a hospital during holidays and wanted to make the stay a bit better.March 20 — Associate dean awarded for positive change in health care
Deb Bakerjian, associate dean for practice at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, was awarded the 2024 Bridging Health Care Needs Award from the California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP). The prestigious award is presented to a nurse practitioner who is an active catalyst for positive change in the health care system and who demonstrates the value of the care that nurse practitioners provide to their patients. Deb leads the School of Nursing’s leads the school’s clinical enterprise, including community strategic partnerships and advocacy. She currently serves as director of the nurse-led mobile clinic and several workforce enhancement grants funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration. Deb received the award on March 20 during CANP’s 46th Annual Educational Conference. CANP is solely dedicated to advocating for nurse practitioners (N.P.s) in California and works to protect and expand the critical roles filled by N.P.s.
Elenitsa “Nitsa” Sebat, a physician assistant (P.A.) and assistant clinical professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, presented “Exploring Dermatology's Latest Insights: Unveiling Key Findings from JAAD's November 2023-January 2024 Editions” at a recent webinar hosted by the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA). Nitsa discussed the findings on surgical excision approaches, margin status in melanoma prediction and how the findings can be applied to enhance daily practice in the field. SDPA composed primarily of P.A. members who provide dermatologic care or have an interest in the medical specialty of dermatology.
Sandra Calderon, a member of the Doctor of Philosophy Class of 2025 at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, is named to the Brain Health Equity Nurse Fellowship Class of 2024. An initiative of the UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Center for Brain Health Equity, the fellowship program focuses on empowering nurses with the knowledge and public health skills needed to promote brain health in African American and Latino communities. The Fellowship is led by the center in collaboration with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) and the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA). Sandra is a founder and past president of the Sacramento NAHN chapter. She is also a graduate of the School of Nursing’s master’s-degree family nurse practitioner program.Feb. 1 — Alumni and students join black nurses on Capitol Hill
Several alumni and current students of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis joined the 36th Annual Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill. Aron King, master’s-degree leadership graduate and current Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) student, along with master’s-degree leadership alumna Sheree Criner and Ph.D. student Calene Roseman, joined hundreds of others in the yearly event dedicated to congressional health issues and policy. They are members of the Capitol City Black Nurses Association, a local chapter of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) founded by School of Nursing alumni.
Jan. 1 — Professor emerita reappointed to diversity board
Professor Emerita Mary Lou de Leon Siantz has been reappointed to the National Advisory Committee to the American Nurses Association Minority Fellowship Program. The program was in response to the lack of mental health and substance abuse nurse professionals who could provide culturally competent care to an increasingly diverse population. Members address the needs for mental health and substance abuse disorders services, research, advocacy and policy development. She will serve a two-year term.
Past Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing Happenings
