Leadership in Action: Alumni, Faculty, Staff, and Student Milestones

Katerina Melino Named 2026 Macy Faculty Scholar

Katerina Melino, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, associate professor, has been named a 2026 Macy Faculty Scholar, a highly selective national honor awarded to just five recipients annually. The program aims to develop the next generation of national leaders in nursing and medical education. As a scholar, Melino will receive support to create a novel, replicable interprofessional clinical training model for nurse practitioner and clinical pharmacy students to collaboratively assess and provide care to older adults affected by complex social, structural, and behavioral health factors. Read more about Melino’s work and research.

Katerina Melino, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC

Laura Wagner, Ifeyinwa Asiodu, Carol Dawson-Rose, and Jen James — *From left: Wagner, Asiodu, Carol Dawson-Rose, and James celebrate during a School of Nursing community event honoring the newly endowed chairs.*

Celebrating Three Newly Appointed Endowed Chairs

The School of Nursing celebrates the appointment of three new endowed chairs: Ifeyinwa Asiodu, PhD, RN, FAAN, associate professor, who has been appointed the James P. and Marjorie A. Livingston Chair in Nursing Excellence; Laura M. Wagner, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, who has been appointed the Winnifred Montgomery Endowed Chair in Aging; and Jennifer James, PhD, MS, MSW, associate professor, who has been appointed the Nursing Alumni and Mary Harms Endowed Chair.

Carol Dawson-Rose Receives Helen Miramontes Advocacy Award

Carol Dawson-Rose, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean and professor, received the Helen Miramontes Advocacy Award from the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC). Named for Professor Emerita Helen Miramontes, a nursing pioneer whose advocacy transformed AIDS care, the award honors an individual whose work is focused on improving the lives of vulnerable communities, influencing policy, and driving change. Dawson-Rose received the award at a reception during the 2025 ANAC Conference, Nov. 6-8, in Philadelphia.

Carol Dawson-Rose stands with two colleagues at the 2025 ANAC Conference — From left: Yvette Cuca, specialist, Carol Dawson-Rose, and Nicole Padillo, clinical research coordinator, celebrate at the 2025 ANAC Conference awards reception.

Cherry Leung, PhD, RN

Cherry Leung Named Chief of Nursing for LEAH Faculty at UCSF

Following a university-wide search, Cherry Leung, PhD, RN, associate professor, has been appointed Chief of Nursing for UCSF Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) faculty. LEAH is a national interprofessional training program that seeks to train leaders in adolescent health across research, education, and health policy.

Jennie Chin Hansen, Jarmin Yeh Strengthen Future of Medi-Cal

Jennie Chin Hansen, MS '71, alumna and 2022 UCSF Medal recipient, has been selected among a distinguished group of California health care leaders to serve on the Future of Medi-Cal Commission. The 29-member commission is charged with developing a bold, 10-year vision and actionable roadmap for Medi-Cal, aimed at ensuring every Californian who needs affordable, high-quality health care can continue to access the services they rely on to stay healthy. Additionally, Jarmin Yeh, PhD, MPH, MSSW, associate professor, will serve on the commission’s advisory board, bringing her expertise as a sociologist and gerontologist to improve access to health services for all Californians.

Jennie Chin Hansen and Jarmin Yeh — *From left: Chin Hansen and Yeh*

Erica Sedlander, DrPH, MPH

Erica Sedlander Selected for SHARP Program

Erica Sedlander, DrPH, MPH, assistant professor, was selected for the 2025-2026 cohort of the Science and Healthcare Advocates for Research Policy (SHARP) program, led by UCSF’s Community and Government Relations and Office of Research. SHARP is a professional development program for UCSF faculty to develop science policy and advocacy skills to become health and biomedical research policy leaders.

CARE Registry Turns Five Years Old

The Collaborative Approach for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Research and Education (CARE) Registry recently reached an important milestone: it turned five years old. Founded by Van Park, PhD, MPH, professor, and housed within the UCSF School of Nursing, CARE is dedicated to increasing the inclusion of AANHPI community members in health research. It is believed to be the first and only research registry in the country that is solely dedicated to AANHPI communities. Registry participants may be contacted about participating in studies related to prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; aging-related health issues; the health and wellness of caregivers; and more. In just five years, the registry has enrolled over 15,000 AANHPI adults and made over 17,400 research study matches.

New Books Authored by School of Nursing Experts in 2025

Congratulations to the following faculty members who celebrated the publication of new books in 2025:

Leslie Dubbin, PhD, RN, associate professor, co-authored the book "Unraveling the Layers of Chronic Illness and Loneliness: A Social Perspective" (Palgrave Macmillan Singapore).
Stacy Torres, PhD, assistant professor, authored the book "At Home in the City: Growing Old in Urban America" (University of California Press).

Celebrating our Alumni

Congratulations to the following School of Nursing alumni who recently received national accolades:

Jennie Chin Hansen, MS '71, alumna, was inducted into the Continuing Care Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the development of Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Care at Home programs.
Austin Nation, PhD '16, RN, FHN, alumnus, was recognized with the 2025 HIV Educator Distinguished Service Award by the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care.
The Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research recognized the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging as the recipient of the 2025 Faye Glenn Abdellah Leadership Award. Alumna Basia Belza, PhD '91, RN, FAAN, leads the center as director.

Faculty Share Expertise at National, International Events

Karen Barrett, PhD, assistant professor, presented the 2025 Speech and Hearing Foundation of Massachusetts Lecture, Oct. 23, at Emerson College. The keynote, titled "Benefits of Music Interventions on Speech and Sound Outcomes Among Individuals with Hearing Loss," provided an overview of Barrett's work bridging neuroscience, music, and health.
Stella Bialous, DrPH, RN, FAAN, professor, participated in the Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. The events were held the week of Nov. 17, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Rosalind De Lisser, PhD, FNP, PMHNP, associate professor, presented on the state of geriatric behavioral health and the workforce in California at the California Department of Health Care Access and Information's California Health Workforce Education and Training Council meeting on Oct. 16. The virtual session provided a landscape analysis of behavioral health needs among California's aging population with a focus on the current state of the behavioral health workforce.
OiSaeng Hong, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, represented the United States on the scientific committee of the 2025 Joint Congress of the International Commission on Occupational Health Work Organization and Psychosocial Factors and the Asia Pacific Academy for Psychological Factors at Work, Dec. 10-12, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The event brings together global researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and professionals to exchange ideas, discuss solutions and foster multidisciplinary international collaborations in occupational health and safety. During the congress, Hong presented "The Impact of Job Stress on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Career Firefighters."
Amy Law, PhD, CNM, assistant professor, was a panelist during the UCSF Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Conference on Oct. 17. The virtual, all-day event covered a variety of topics including the state of APP practice, innovative APP-led work at UCSF, and more.
Soo-Jeong Lee, PhD, RN, FAAOHN, professor, was invited by the Taiwan Nurses Association as a keynote speaker for the Cross-Strait and Hong Kong, Macau Nursing Research Conference, Nov. 29, in Taipei, Taiwan. Her presentation was titled "Health Nurses for a Healthy Nation: Advocating for Nurse Health and Well-Being." Additionally, Lee gave a presentation at the Taiwan Nurses Association's International Nursing Professional Forum on Nov. 28, titled "Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Among Nurses."
Katerina Melino, PhD, RN, NP, associate professor, presented at the American Public Health Association Conference, Nov. 4, in Washington, D.C. Melino presented on her dissertation work, which focused on the social organization of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner's work in community mental health care.
Jerry John Ouner, PhD, RN, FAAN, associate professor and Sigma liaison to the United Nations, was an invited panelist for an event co-hosted by the International Council of Nursing and NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing on Sept. 27 in New York City. The title of the event was "Shaping Global Health Policy Through Nursing Leadership: Partnership and Solutions for a Healthier World." Ouner shared how Sigma UN liaisons are working to elevate nursing voices in global health.
Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP, professor, participated in the University Psychedelics Education Program (U-PEP) as an advisor and speaker. U-PEP has enrolled over 50 faculty fellows from 23 schools of nursing and social work around the country to learn how to teach content related to psychedelic-assisted therapy in their programs. U-PEP recently met in Scott's Valley, California, for a four-day training retreat where Penn gave a talk entitled "Contemporary Psychedelic Studies: A Historical Overview."
Erica Sedlander, DrPH, MPH, assistant professor, was the featured speaker at the Feb. 4 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health webinar, "Harnessing Fertility Desires Among Women Living with HIV to Improve Antiretroviral Adherence and Help Women Reach Their Fertility Goals."
Sandra Staveski, PhD, CPNP-AC, FAAN, associate professor, was an invited speaker at the 2025 American Heart Association Meeting, Nov. 7-10, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her session was titled "Global Innovations in Cardiovascular Prevention and Nursing Leadership."
Lauren Suchman, PhD, assistant professor, presented two posters at the annual meeting of the Menopause Society, Oct. 21-25, in Orlando, Florida. The posters were titled "The Menopausal Transition Among Women with HIV: How Can Clinicians Best Support This Patient Population?" and "Navigating Menopause with HIV: Perspectives on Hormone Therapy and Recommendations for Patient-Centered Care."
Meg Wallhagen, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, shared her expertise during the American Academy of Nursing's Feb. 3 policy dialogue "Ageism: Removing Stereotypes Through a Geroscience Lens." Additionally, Wallhagen was appointed to a steering committee for the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors. In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the group is working to integrate brain health messaging into chronic disease programs and facilitate collaboration among Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure programs, developing and expanding risk-reduction resources and building capacity to address Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
KT Waxman, DNP, RN, FAAN, professor, has been invited to present at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing 2026 Doctoral Education Conference, Jan. 14-16, in Bonita Springs, Florida. The title of her presentation is "Innovation with Purpose: Simulation-Enabled Leadership for Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs.
Sandra Weiss, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor and an expert in the field of perinatal suicide, was invited to participate in a summit sponsored by Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Nov. 8-11, in Boston, Massachusetts. Weiss presented a talk titled "Composition and Diversity of the Microbiome Among Women at Prenatal Risk of Suicide."
Jarmin Yeh, PhD, MPH, MSSW, associate professor, moderated the Jan. 29 Research Connections webinar of the UC Consortium on Aging.
Seven School of Nursing community members presented at the International Society of Nurses in Genetics World Congress, Nov. 13-16, in Montreal, Canada. The theme of the conference was "Genomics and Informatics: Implications for Personalized Care Today and in the Future." Speaking on their innovative work and leadership, presenters included: Elena Flowers, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor; Shaimaa Elrefaay, PhD, RN, FNP, alumna; Victoria Keeton, PhD, CPNP, CNS, alumna; Sandra Weiss, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor; Carolyn Harris, PhD, RN, OCN, assistant professor; Cherry Leung, PhD, RN, associate professor; and Kayla Longoria, PhD, MA, RN, postdoctoral scholar (Mentors: Elena Flowers and Sandra Weiss). The presenters shared expertise across a range of diverse topics including foundational microbiome research methods, multi-omics strategies for understanding multimorbidity, and more.
Faculty and staff shared their expertise at the International Conference on Family Planning, Nov. 1-6, in Bogotá, Colombia. Presenters included: Kelsey Holt, ScD, MA, associate professor, who presented "Changes in Contraceptive Agency with Self-Injection of Contraception: Findings from a 12-month Cohort Study in Uganda" and "Development and Validation of the Agency in Contraceptive Decisions Scale in Uganda and Nigeria"; Kristen Kirksey, PhD, MPH, project policy analyst, who presented "A Qualitative Study of Women’s Perspectives on the Effects of Contraceptive Use on Future Fertility in Kenya and Ethiopia, Using Human-Centered Design to Develop a Multi-Faceted Intervention for Helping Women Anticipate and Manage Contraceptive Side Effects"; and Erica Sedlander, DrPH, MPH, assistant professor, who presented "'The Difference When Infertility Occurs is a Woman Can be Chased Out of Her Own Home, but You Can’t Chase a Man Out:' An Exploration of How Gender Norms Shape Behaviors Around Infertility in Tanzania” and moderated the panel "Advancing Self-Care: Innovations and Achievements."

Meghan Scott, FNP

Celebrating Preceptors

October Preceptor: Meghan Scott

Meghan Scott, FNP, is the school's October 2025 Preceptor Award recipient. Scott works at Kaiser Permanente Redwood City and has been a longstanding preceptor in obstetrics and gynecology.

“Meghan has demonstrated exceptional leadership in clinical teaching by creating a supportive, hands-on learning environment that fosters both confidence and clinical competence in students,” said Julie Poepoe, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, associate professor in Family Health Care Nursing and the school's Family Nurse Practitioner specialty coordinator. "[Meghan's] commitment to patient-centered care, clear communication, and real-time feedback exemplifies excellence in guiding future providers toward professional growth and compassionate practice."

Sherri Borden, MS, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC

December Preceptor: Sherri Borden

Sherri Borden, MS, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, is the school's December 2025 Preceptor Award recipient. Borden works with the UCSF Citywide Community Assessment and Services Center and the Minna Project. She has been a dedicated preceptor for our school's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty students for 20 years.

"[She] has been the kind of preceptor who makes you feel supported from day one," shares a student who was precepted by Borden. "She teaches with patience, warmth, and real-world insight that sticks with me after each shift. Sherri never hesitates to slow down, explain, or turn a tough moment into a learning opportunity. I'm genuinely grateful for her guidance, and I know I'll be a stronger, more confident clinician because of her."

Read more about Scott and Borden on the Preceptor Portal.

School of Nursing Community Members Capture New Funding

Charisse Ahmed, PhD, RN, assistant professor, received a Research Resilience Initiative Mini-Grant from the UCSF Office of Research and the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Opportunity and Impact to support research infrastructure and sustain community-based partnerships in Zambia. The award is $8,000. Additionally, Ahmed received a $5,000 award from the University of Pennsylvania to support her project "Building Research Capacity to Support Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Zambia."
Stephanie Arteaga, MPH, PhD Sociology student, received a grant from the Society of Family Planning for her project “Exploring the Relationship Between Pre-Pregnancy Mental Health and Pregnancy Resolution: A Qualitative Study." The award is $7,500. Arteaga’s advisor is Jennifer James, PhD, MS, MSW, associate professor.
Calvin Chiu, PhD, assistant professor, received a $10,000 Research Resilience Initiative Mini-Grant from the UCSF Office of Research and the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Opportunity and Impact.
Sarah Gutin, PhD, assistant professor, received a $10,000 Research Resilience Initiative Mini-Grant from the UCSF Office of Research and the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Opportunity and Impact, and a $4,000 IMPACT Last Mile Grant through the UCSF Clinical & Translational Science Institute, which will support the dissemination of qualitative and quantitative findings from her project “Couple’s Reproductive Decision-making (CoRD) Study in Kisumu, Kenya.”
Carolyn Harris, PhD, RN, OCN, assistant professor, received an award from the National Cancer Institute for her project “Characterization of the Symptom Experience of Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy.” The award is $151,829.
Jennifer Jain, PhD, assistant professor, received a Research Resilience Initiative Mini-Grant from the UCSF Office of Research and the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Opportunity and Impact.
Kourtney Nham, BA, PhD Sociology student, received a grant from the American Sociological Association for her project "Toxic Reuse: Chemical and Carceral Afterlives on Repurposed Military Bases." The award is $16,000. Nham's advisor is Janet Shim, PhD, professor.
Linda Park, PhD, NP, FAAN, associate professor, received a a Resource Allocation Program grant to support her project "The Healthy Heart Program: Development of a Digital Health Secondary Prevention Program for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease."
Glenn-Milo Santos, PhD, MPH, received a Resource Allocation Program grant to support his project "SMART Study: Sweat Monitoring and Antecedents for Meth Use in Real Time."
Erica Sedlander, DrPH, MPH, assistant professor, received a $10,000 Research Resilience Initiative Mini-Grant from the UCSF Office of Research and the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Opportunity and Impact.
Lila Sheira, PhD, MPH, assistant professor, received an R21 grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to support her project "PHARMA-GIRL: Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women with Choice and Prevention in Pharmacy-Based HIV Interventions." The award is $151,482. She also received a $10,000 Research Resilience Initiative Mini-Grant from the UCSF Office of Research and the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Opportunity and Impact.
Lauren Suchman, PhD, assistant professor, received a Research Resilience Initiative Mini-Grant from the UCSF Office of Research and the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Opportunity and Impact. The award is $10,000.
Lisa Thompson, PhD, RN, FNP, professor, received an award from Castner Inc., for her project "Environmental Health Research Institute for Nurse and Clinician Scientists." The award is $17,389.
The school's Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse-Midwifery specialties secured a combined $247,000 in Song-Brown Healthcare workforce training funds to increase access to primary care education and training in areas of unmet need in California. Special thanks to Amy Law, PhD, MS, CNM, and Julie Poepoe, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, both associate professors, for leading the successful grant application processes.

In the News

Karen Barrett, PhD, assistant professor, was featured in an engaging KALW segment that aired on Crosscurrents on Dec. 8, titled "What Adults Can Learn from Kids' Creativity."
Stella Bialous, DrPH, RN, FAAN, professor, was featured in the Nov. 21 NPR article "Can Vaping Help Wean People off Cigarettes? Anti-Smoking Advocates are Sharply Split."
Ulrike Muench, PhD, RN, FAAN, associate professor, was featured in the Nov. 11 San Francisco Chronicle article "Have Efforts to Curb Opioids Left Nursing Home Residents in Pain? UCSF Study Raises Concerns." Muench was also featured in the Nov. 4 Medical Xpress article "How Nursing Home Residents Got Caught in the Opioid Backlash."
Elena Portacolone, PhD, MBA, MPH, professor, was a featured guest on NBC News Daily on Nov. 25, where she discussed her research on older adults living alone in the United States. Watch the interview. Portacolone also shared her expertise in AARP's Nov. 10 article "More Older Adults Are Living Alone. Is That a Good Thing?"
Glenn-Milo Santos, PhD, MPH, professor, shared his expertise in the Dec. 31 National Geographic Magazine article "A Decades-Old Drug is Helping People Drink Less Alcohol — Without Giving It Up Completely."
Stacy Torres, PhD, assistant professor in Social and Behavioral Sciences, shared her expertise in the Oct. 29 Shelterforce article "RAD Plan in Chelsea will Build in Mixed-Incoming Housing, but Disrupt Low-Income Seniors."
Tingting Yao, PhD, associate professor in the Institute for Health & Aging, was featured in the Oct. 29 UCSF News article "How Dual Smokers of Pot and Tobacco Feel the Burn of Higher Prices."