Precision Science
Precision science is aimed at predicting symptom susceptibility, disease occurrence and progression, and developing tailored interventions.
Precision science maximizes effectiveness by taking into account individual personal and environmental characteristics (e.g., how an individual’s type of lifestyle, co-existing diseases, biomarkers of risk, cognitive and emotional factors, and genetic and environmental factors) are associated with disease risk and progression. Precision science spans basic science through implementation science methodologies.
Within precision science, our researchers are addressing topics such as omics, physiological, psychological, and environmental factors, and also phenotypes, chronic disease, symptoms, self-management, and palliative care within a variety of health-related conditions.
Faculty
Hyochol Brian Ahn
Hyochol Brian Ahn , PhD, MSN, MS-CTS, MS-ECE, APRN, ANP-BC, FAAN
Research Impact
My research is aimed at enhancing health and promoting independence within vulnerable populations, with a particular emphasis on underserved communities. Currently, my primary focus lies in leveraging innovative technologies to advance pain and symptom management.
Terry A Badger
Terry A Badger , PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAPOS, FAAN
Director, Research Initiatives
Endowed Chair, Eleanor Bauwens - Nursing
Professor
Professor, Psychiatry
Professor, Public Health
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Research Impact
My research helps cancer survivors and their caregivers to reduce psychological distress and manage cancer symptoms during and after cancer treatment. I remove the barriers to receiving supportive care services by using the telephone to provide health education and counseling.
Aleeca Bell
Aleeca Bell , PhD, RN, CNM
Research Impact
I aim to improve the health and well-being of mothers and babies by promoting physiologic birth, a positive birth experience, and healthy mother-baby attachment/interaction. I also aim to understand the role of oxytocin as an underlying mechanism of conditions related to birth, attachment and adversity.
Elise Erickson
Elise Erickson , PhD, CNM, FACNM
Assistant Professor, BIO5 Institute
Assistant Professor, Clinical Translational Sciences
Assistant Professor, Nursing
Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice-Science
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Rina S Fox
Rina S Fox , PhD, MPH
Research Impact
I conduct research to identify non-pharmacological interventions that can help individuals with chronic illnesses, particularly cancer, have better quality of life and lower symptom burden. Although I study many different symptoms, I am currently focusing on the role of sleep disturbance in health-related quality of life.
Judith S Gordon
Judith S Gordon , PhD
Associate Dean, Research
Professor
Professor, BIO5 Institute
Professor, Family and Community Medicine
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Research Impact
I conduct research to help people engage in healthier lifestyle behaviors, primarily tobacco use cessation and prevention. Currently, I focus on reaching tobacco users in a variety of healthcare settings, and using integrative approaches and technology to reduce tobacco use.
Kathleen C Insel
Kathleen C Insel , PhD, RN
Research Impact
My area of research focuses on cognitive function and how cognition is influenced by age, illness, and treatment; this also informs how cognitive function influences self-management. Using cognitive theories, we developed an intervention to improve medication adherence. We are now translating this intervention to an App.
Helena W Morrison
Helena W Morrison , PhD, RN
Research Impact
I am working to improve stroke patient outcomes by informing novel sex-specific therapeutics. I investigate microglia cells—the brain phagocyte—under physiologic and pathologic conditions. My primary research inquiry focuses on discovering how sex, estrus cycle and ovarian function influences microglial morphology in the healthy brain and their phagocytic phenotypes after ischemic stroke.
Thaddeus Pace
Thaddeus Pace , PhD
Associate Professor
Associate Professor, Psychiatry
Associate Professor, Psychology
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Research Impact
I study mechanisms of stress-biological changes in cancer survivors who experience distress, fatigue and depression. Informed by this work, I also investigate effectiveness of novel integrative interventions for survivors designed to optimize psychosocial wellness. These include Cognitively-Based Compassion Training, a compassion meditation program, and curcumin.
Kimberly Denise Shea
Kimberly Denise Shea , PhD, RN, CHPN
Research Impact
I conduct research that combines serious illness care (palliative and hospice) and technology, primarily in residential settings. Currently, I am focusing on tele-palliative care that uses mobile device instant video conferencing to reduce stress and time to symptom reduction.
Ruth E Taylor-Piliae
Ruth E Taylor-Piliae , PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN
Research Impact
My research focuses on increasing physical activity among older adults, especially those with heart disease and stroke. I use innovative interventions such as Tai Chi, to help them improve their physical and cognitive function, reduce fall rates, ameliorate negative symptoms, and enhance quality of life.
Shu-Fen Wung
Shu-Fen Wung , PhD, MS, RN, ACNP-BC, FAAN
Research Impact
I conduct research to help clinicians and caregivers effectively and safely use of health technologies when caring for patients who are acutely ill or with multiple chronic illness. Currently, I focus on improving interactions between nurses and medical devices to lower medical device alarms and associated sensory overload among critical care nurses to improve critical care working environment.