Three faculty members from the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ were recognized for their research at the 2026 Â鶹´«Ã½ State Center for Nursing symposium, highlighting contributions that advance health care innovation in Â鶹´«Ã½ and beyond.
The honorees were Assistant Professor Samia Valeria Ozorio Dutra, who received the Emerging Nurse Scientist Award; Associate Professor and PhD Program Director Molly Altman, who received the Exemplary Nurse Scientist Award; and Associate Professor and Department of Nursing Chair Gary Glauberman, who received the inaugural Â鶹´«Ã½ Impact Award.
Gut microbiome, mental health, AI
The Emerging Nurse Scientist Award recognizes early-career researchers with strong promise in advancing nursing science. Dutra¡¯s work explores the intersection of gut microbiome science, mental health and artificial intelligence, including machine learning approaches to identify depression risk in medical records. Her research also examines how biological, behavioral and psychosocial factors interact to influence mental health and resilience, alongside community-engaged work related to the Maui wildfires.
Reproductive health care disparities
The Exemplary Nurse Scientist Award honors sustained research that improves practice, education and policy. Altman¡¯s community-based research addresses health disparities in reproductive health care, with more than 16 major studies, more than $2 million in funding and 50 peer-reviewed publications. Her work has influenced clinical practice, national education standards and health policy while reducing bias and improving access to care.
Public health emergency preparedness
The inaugural Â鶹´«Ã½ Impact Award recognizes research with direct benefit to local communities. Glauberman¡¯s work focuses on environmental and population health, including public health emergency preparedness. His research highlights gaps between awareness and action and includes development of a digital, location-based emergency planning tool for families. With more than 26 publications and strong community partnerships, his work emphasizes science designed to serve Â鶹´«Ã½ communities.
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