Jasmine Solorzano, a senior in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Integrative Health program and a cadet in the U.S. Army ROTC, is balancing two demanding paths with a shared purpose: service. As the first in her family to pursue both a health care career and military service, Solorzano is driven by values like integrity, compassion, and resilience. Her experience in the BSN-IH program and the ROTC have shaped her into a future nurse and officer who leads with empathy and discipline. Despite challenges, she remains committed to serving others as she prepares for her next chapter after graduation.

The university reported more inventions in fiscal year 2025 than ever before, making this its most inventive year for the second year in a row.

Chronic pain affects millions, but what if we could rewire the brain to experience less of it? Chiyoung Lee, a researcher at the College of Nursing, recently received a prestigious national award to pursue this goal. Supported by the inaugural USASP-MAYDAY Clinical/Translational Research Scholar award, Lee is leading efforts in non-invasive brain stimulation to ease chronic, widespread pain in older adults with knee osteoarthritis.

The College of Nursing is leading efforts to expand mental health care in Arizona’s underserved communities, backed by a $2.3 million federal grant. At the forefront is faculty leader and alumna Sara Edmund, PMHNP-BC, who authored the grant and is directing the project. Focused on rural impact, trauma-informed care, and interdisciplinary training, the program will prepare students to address urgent behavioral health needs across the state, shaping the future of mental health care in underserved areas of Arizona.

Meet the College of Nursing’s new research leader dedicated to boosting faculty success and advancing high-impact science. Learn how Dr. Marianne Matthias is supporting nurse researchers to expand their funding opportunities and why her vision is strengthening nurse-led research. Her arrival marks a key step forward in establishing a vibrant, collaborative research community that makes a difference in patients’ lives.

The College of Nursing hosted eight nursing students from South Korea’s CHA University for the first session of its 2025 Summer Program for International Nursing Students, held June 23–26. Led by Professor Juyoung Park, the immersive program offered hands-on experiences at local health care facilities, simulation training, and presentations by U of A nursing faculty. Students observed U.S. nursing practices in critical care, pediatrics, labor and delivery, and community health.

Silvia Xu, assistant dean for finance and administration at the College of Nursing, received the 2025 University of Arizona Staff Award of Excellence for her outstanding leadership and service. With over a decade at the college and 12 years at the University, she has played a key role in the college's financial growth, doubling its budget, expanding enrollment, and helping it rank among the top 20 nursing schools in the nation. Dean Ahn praised Xu as a trusted leader whose financial expertise and dedication have been pivotal to the college’s success.

Think nurses only work at the bedside? Think again. Dr. Shu-Fen Wung is a nurse scientist, innovator, and key member of CoDiRA, a groundbreaking project that just won the U of A’s prestigious 2025 Big Idea Challenge award. Her combined experience as a nurse and knowledge as a scientist are vital to helping the cross-disciplinary team transform health care access and outcomes through digital technology.

Juvel-lou Velasco, a PhD student and adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, has been awarded the 2025 Emmons-Dean’s Dissertation Award. Her research investigates the application of wearable Dysphagia Strain Sensors to detect early signs of decompensated heart failure, to enhance symptom monitoring, and reduce hospitalizations. Her innovative project exemplifies the college’s commitment to advancing patient-centered, technology-driven nursing research.

The College of Nursing is leading the way in dementia care by forming strategic partnerships with other colleges within the university. Juyoung Park is collaborating with the Zuckerman College of Public Health to develop advanced statistical models that address inconsistencies in Alzheimer's research. Additionally, she is collaborating with the College of Medicine to develop AI-powered tools that objectively assess pain in patients with dementia. These interdisciplinary efforts illustrate the college's commitment to tackling complex healthcare challenges through collaboration across campus.