PhD Grads
The inaugural class of doctoral students and Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing Dean Heather M. Young, center.

Famed anthropologist Margaret Mead once wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Small, committed and thoughtful perfectly describe the first class of students, who in June 2014 completed the doctoral program at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis. More than simply impart facts; professors at the graduate school transform students’ perspectives and reshape their outlook toward health care. After conducting rigorous research projects, these graduates leave with a better understanding of what approaches in health care are successful and areas they can effectively change.

In her graduation keynote address, Associate Dean for Research Jill Joseph told graduates, “In a month, or year, or perhaps in a decade, the facts that you learned will have changed. But your ability to approach questions systematically, to thoughtfully define your objectives, to gather accurate information, to work with colleagues, to apply what you know, will remain with you forever.”

The understanding that the knowledge and practice of health care is not static, drives the curriculum, faculty and students at the School of Nursing. Students learn how to embrace the constant evolution of health care and the leadership skills to improve the outcomes of those for whom they are caring.

Established in 2009 with a $100 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the school seeks to create new generations of health leaders, who collaboratively investigate shortcomings in our health-care system, devise novel solutions to address those deficiencies and implement those changes in their spheres of influence. By equipping graduates with top-flight research and leadership skills, the program strives to make a positive, long-term impact. These eight graduates offer a snapshot of the quality and value that the nursing school produces through its innovative programs, tackling research that will change health care for generations to come.

Click on the links below to see a ful story and photo about each of the doctoral 2014 graduates: