Meet our Students
Within the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing PhD program, you'll have the opportunity to work with outstanding student nurse researchers with a diverse range of backgrounds, research interests and career experiences.
Khairayah Alali, MSN, BSN
- Hometown: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from KSAU-HS, Master of Science in Nursing from University of South Hampton
- Research interests: end of life care, critical care, cultural competence
- Why UC? "UC has strong academic and research innovation reputation, making it an ideal institution to pursue a PhD. With access to outstanding faculty, facilities, and resources, I was sure that I would receive top-notch training and experience to become a leading scholar in my field."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2024
Hanan Al-Faraj, MSN, BSN
- Hometown: Irbid, Jordan
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jordan University of Science and Technology, Master of Science in Nursing from the American University in Beirut
- Research interests: geriatric mental health
- Why UC? "I was aware of the outstanding reputation of the University of Cincinnati. The distinguished faculty members can significantly contribute to my doctoral journey and research endeavors. UC also offers a supportive and collaborative learning environment."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2025
Fuad Essam Alhorani, MPA, BSN
- Hometown: Irbid, Jordan
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jordan University of Science and Technology, Master of Public Administration from Al Yarmouk University
- Research interests: quality of care for critically ill older adults
- Why UC? "UC offers a great opportuniy to learn quality nursing care with from great faculty and curriculum superior to other competing nursing colleges in the country. It also offers a very supportive environment for international students."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2025
Shatha Al-Sabbah, MSN, BSN
- Hometown: Jordan
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Jordan University of Science and Technology.
- Research interests: non-verbal pain assessment and managment in critical care units.
- Why UC? "UC's PhD program prepares and strengthens nurses to serve the community and improve health care by conducting independent and collaborative research, developing and testing theory relevant to nursing, improving the quality of care and expanding the body of nursing knowledge."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2026
Fahad Alanezi, MSN, BSN
- Hometown: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from King Saud University, Master of Science in Nursing from University of Southampton
- Research interests: critical care education and simulation
- Why UC? "I found a match for my research interests with Dr. Elaine Miller and got positive student feedback on the program and how faculty members are supportive."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2024
Erin Barker, MSN, BA
- Hometown: Middletown, Ohio
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Arts from Miami University; Master of Science in Nursing from Saint Joseph University
- Research interests: quality of care in the inpatient adult psychiatric setting, specifically a reduction or elimination of the use of coercive measures
- Why UC? "I have taught in the classroom and clinical setting for UC College of Nursing for several years and believe in the quality of their programs."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2023
Islam Mustafa Mahmoud Banisalman, MSN, BSN
- Hometown: Jarash/Sakib, Jordan
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Services Administraton from Jordan Univeristy of Science and Technology
- Research interests: patient safety, quality, health policies
- Why UC? "UC offers students a balance of educational excellence and real-world experience. It also serves a diverse community and is considered as a research pioneer."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2024/2025
Henry Duah, MPH, BSN
- Hometown: Assin Bereku, Ghana
- Previous degrees: Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Ghana
- Research interests: big data, secondary data research, social determinants of health, child health
- Why UC? "Because of the alignment of UC's faculty research with my research interest."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2024
Elizabeth Hutzel Dunham, BSN, CPN
- Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Arts from University of Cincinnati; Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University
- Research interests: maternal addiction
- Why UC? "UC offers diverse studies that allow you to craft your degree."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2024
Afton Erbe, MSN, MPH, BSN, BS
- Hometown: Twinsburg, Ohio
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science from Bowling Gren State University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Public Health from UC, Master of Science in Nursing from Wright State University
- Research interests: mental health, burnout and compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, total worker health
- Why UC? "I was impressed with the education and opportunities I received as a BSN and MPH student at UC. I wanted the same for my PhD, in addition to the ability to do interdisciplinary research."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2024
Tausi Haruna, MBE, BSN
- Hometown: Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Bioethics from Muhimbili University of Science and Allied Sciences
- Research interests: ethics and women's health
- Why UC? "UC makes me feel like I belong here."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2025
Destiny Thomas-Hayes, BSN
- Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Cincinnati
- Research interests: mother & baby health disparities
- Why UC? "UC was my top choice for years and, after weighing all of my options, I realized that it offered a tremendous amount of opportunities and a wealth of resources. UC is also very engaged in the community, which is important to me and for the work that I do. And nothing beats the liveliness of the Bearcat spirit!
- Anticipated graduation year: 2024
- Hometown: Hebron, Kentucky
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Cincinnati
- Research interests: occupational health, home healthcare
- Anticipated graduation year: 2024
Bailey Martin, BSN
- Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wright State University
- Research interests: maternal health, infant health and development, social determinants of health
- Why UC? "UC has an outstanding reputation and several of my mentors from nursing school are graduates of this program. It also offers a BSN-PhD curriculum and faculty provide exceptional mentorship.
- Anticipated graduation year: 2025
Hasan Mohammad, BSN
- Hometown: Amman, Jordan
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jordan University of Science & Technology
- Research interests: emergency nursing, trauma
- Why UC? "UC has a distinguished reputation and offers a comprehensive, rigorous program tailored to nursing research. It has established partnerships with leading healthcare institutions and research centers in the area, which provides opportunities for collaboration and access to valuable resources. Being part of this collaborative community will enrich my learning experience and allow me to make significant contributions to nursing research.
- Anticipated graduation year: 2026
Bupe Mwandali, MPH, BSN
- Hometown: Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, Master of Public Health from Tumani Makumira (Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College)
- Research interests: adolescent and youth health, maternal and newborn health, mental health
- Why UC? "UC is highly creditable university in doing research, availability of funds for school fees and stipend."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2024
Anas Okour, MSN, BSN
- Hometown: Irbid, Jordan
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Community Nursing from Jordan Univeristy of Science and Technology
- Research interests: quality care, health promotion
- Why UC? "UC offers a nice and supportive environment for teaching."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2024
Shammah Omololu, MSN, BSN
- Hometown: Kwara State, Nigeria
- Previous degrees: Nursing Diploma from Sacred Heart Hospital School of Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from University of Cape Coast
- Research interests: non-communicable diseases, patient quality of care, nursing education, infertility
- Why UC? "UC’s program fit perfectly with what I hoped for a PhD program, the work of some faculty members resonated with my research interests and goals. I also connected with a faculty member who got me excited to pursue my PhD at UC. The applications team were quick and friendly in responding to my questions and UC offers graduate assistantship scholarship opportunities for students."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2023
Islam Qasem, MSN, BSN
- Hometown: Irbid, Jordan
- Previous degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Jordan and Master of Science from Jordan University of Science and Technology - Research interests: workplace violence
- Why UC? "UC's excellent reputation and the university goals matched mine. Faculty are very supportive, welcoming and approachable.
- Anticipated graduation year: 2025
Paul Shidende, MSN, BSN
- Hometown: Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. John's University of Tanzania, Master of Science in Nursing from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science
- Research interests: maternal and child health
- Why UC? "Because of the college's faculty research output and the credibility of the university."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2024
Deborah Singh, BSN
- Hometown: Clovis, CA
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Women's University
- Research interests: family caregivers of individuals living with dementia, respite care for family caregivers, in-home care
- Why UC? "UC has a strong interest in research, and I found faculty whose research interests aligned with my own."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2025
Angela Thiel, BSN
- Hometown: St. Clairsville, OH
- Previous degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Miami University
- Research interests: nurse burnout caused by work environment, nursing shortage and turnover, team culture in nursing
- Why UC? "The College of Nursing has an exceptional focus on research and a commitment to better the nursing profession through research and innovation. Faculty offer support and guidance to make this a reality."
- Anticipated graduation year: 2027
Learn about our PhD in nursing research. Sign up for more information on the PhD program main page, or contact our Office of Student Recruitment at at 513-558-8400 or nursingbearcats@uc.edu.