The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing announces faculty transitions and promotions, effective August 2025.
Heather Cuevas, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, FCNS, FAAN
Dr. Heather Cuevas will be promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure, subject to approval by the UT System Board of Regents.
Dr. Cuevas is currently an assistant professor teaching in the clinical nurse specialist program. Her research focuses on diabetes self-management and cognitive function, with her current National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Nursing Research-funded project examining cognitive training for diabetes management. She serves on the Board of Directors for Texas Clinical Nurse Specialists as a past president. Clinically, she specializes in endocrine disorders and practices at the UT Austin School of Nursing’s Family Wellness Clinic, caring for patients with diabetes and other conditions.
Li-Chen Lin, PhD, RN, CNRN
Dr. Li-Chen Lin will be promoted to Clinical Associate Professor.
Dr. Lin currently serves as a clinical assistant professor of adult health nursing. Since 2015, she has led the University of Texas’s Medical Reserve Corps to sustain disaster response programs and respond to public health crises. She has led 12 disaster-related programs totaling $236,492. She is committed to preparing nursing students to become skillful, compassionate nurses who will provide high-quality care across the settings of our complex healthcare system. Her research focuses on nurses' work environments, resilience, disaster preparedness, role transitions, and healthcare quality and safety. She is developing her research about resilience and improving health-related outcomes among people with limited English proficiency and limited health literacy. In addition to teaching and research, she practices as a staff nurse in acute care settings, providing direct patient care. Her roles as a nurse, educator, researcher, and MRC coordinator have placed her in a critical position in disaster preparedness and response. Her numerous services at the international, national, and local levels have had a positive impact on underserved populations. The School of Nursing and national organizations have recognized her mentorship, service, research and scholarly work. The recognitions include the Dean’s awards in research, research and teaching and the DAISY Award, outstanding Mentor, Advisor and Partnership.
Nico Osier, PhD, BSN, BS, RN
Dr. Nico Osier will be promoted to Clinical Associate Professor.
Dr. Osier is currently a clinical assistant professor in the division of holistic adult health and was recently promoted to clinical associate professor. Their research has spanned molecular genomics and protein quantification and now focuses on educational and mentorship program development. Passionate about teaching, they instruct courses in genetics, ethics, and science communication while mentoring students through The Osier Laboratory. Committed to advancing nursing and health science research, they actively publish peer-reviewed manuscripts and present at scientific conferences. Their dedication has earned them several honors, including the Recent Graduate Achievement Award from Michigan State University (2017), recognition from the Austin American-Statesman (2019), and selection as one of the 25 Outstanding Texas Nurses by the Texas Nurses Association (2024).
Kavita Radhakrishnan, PhD, MSEE, RN, FAAN, FAHA
Dr Kavita Radhakrishnan will be promoted to Professor.
Dr. Radhakrishnan is the Associate Dean for Research, as well as Director of the Cain Center and the Luci Baines Johnson and Ian J. Turpin Center for Gerontological Nursing. Her research focuses on using technologies like telemonitoring, connected sensors, and digital gaming to support chronic disease self-management and aging in place. She has led over $6.8 million in NIH-funded studies, including two ongoing R01-funded trials addressing cardiovascular disease disparities in the southern U.S. and among Native Americans. A widely published researcher, she has authored over 60 articles cited in more than 30 countries. She also contributes to the American Heart Association’s policy and research committees on telehealth, cardiovascular care and health outcomes.
Katie Sanders, DNP, RN, CNE
Dr. Katie Sanders will be promoted to Clinical Associate Professor.
Dr. Sanders is currently a clinical assistant professor. She brings a wealth of clinical and academic experience to her role, focusing on fostering the next generation of nursing professionals. Her teaching emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making, preparing students for success in both patient care and the health care environment. With a strong commitment to nursing education, Sanders is passionate about enhancing the learning experience and contributing to the development of competent and compassionate nurses. Her academic interests include interprofessional education, nursing education, leadership and clinical practice, and she is dedicated to advancing the field through both her teaching and scholarly contributions.
Ana Todd, PhD, RN
Dr. Ana Todd will be promoted to Clinical Associate Professor.
Dr. Todd currently serves as Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and a clinical assistant professor. Her research focuses on health promotion in faith-based settings for various populations to improve mental health and physical health outcomes, especially the African American population.