University of Arizona PhD Student Welcomed into the Distinguished University Fellows Program

Incoming University of Arizona College of Nursing PhD student Elizabeth Johnson, BSN, MS, is the latest CON student to receive a prestigious University Fellows award. Offered to the UA’s top incoming graduate students through a collaborative selection process, the University Fellows Award is a multiyear fellowship that provides in the first year a $32,000 fellowship, base graduation tuition in the fall and spring semesters, and healthcare coverage through the University of Arizona Student Health Insurance Plan; in the second year, Fellows are awarded funds for attending conferences or professional development activities. In addition to the financial benefits, University Fellows receive specialized leadership, professional development, mentoring, and interdisciplinary training.

“To be named a University Fellow is to be associated with an interdisciplinary group of leaders and innovators, a fantastic touch point to have as a developing nurse scientist,” said Johnson. “The honor resonates in the ability to convert ideas and collaborations to enhanced nursing practice and community outreach.”

Before coming to the UA College of Nursing, Johnson received her BS in Nursing from Purdue University and her MS in Clinical Research Management from Arizona State University. She has held positions as a research nurse in pediatric endocrinology/metabolic disorders at Baylor College of Medicine and as a Clinical Trial Manager in adult oncology with the US Oncology Network. Throughout her nursing career working with research participants, their families and participating sites, Elizabeth participated in numerous task forces and appointments to support optimal trial conduct and elevate research integrity. Given this experience, her research interests include research participant protections within Electronic Health Records (EHRs) with a focus in prevention of participant withdrawals and injury. A newcomer to Tucson, Elizabeth eagerly awaits desert nature walks with her husband and son. 

“To be named a University Fellow is to be associated with an interdisciplinary group of leaders and innovators, a fantastic touch point to have as a developing nurse scientist." ~ Elizabeth Johnson

“We are delighted to welcome Elizabeth as our new University Fellow representing the College of Nursing,” said Lois Loescher, Director UA CON PhD Program. “The College of Nursing has a 100 percent success rate in nominating exceptional, newly-admitted PhD students who are as University Fellows. The University Fellows Program provides an amazing opportunity for new doctoral student to work with leaders in the CON and on main campus. The fellowship will provide additional training and experience for Elizabeth to become a well-informed, collaborative, and innovative leader on campus and beyond.”