The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing's T32 Precision Health Training Program welcomed three new members to its fifth cohort of fellows, each bringing a unique research focus and a commitment to advancing health equity through precision health approaches.
Dongmi Kim, BSN, RN, has a research interest in women’s and minority health, with a focus on chronic disease management among Asian American women. Her work aims to identify social determinants of health that affect middle-aged women, especially regarding risk factors for chronic kidney disease. By examining these determinants, Kim seeks to develop targeted interventions to help prevent and manage chronic kidney disease in this population.
Bora Sun, MSB, BSN, is focused on how modifiable social determinants of health impact cancer-related cognitive impairment outcomes. Her research aims to develop personalized interventions that address these factors to improve health outcomes for cancer patients and enhance health equity in cancer care. Through her work, Sun hopes to contribute to more individualized, effective care plans for patients facing cognitive challenges related to cancer treatment.
Darla Grimes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, brings expertise in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and resilience. Her research focuses on identifying modifiable barriers and facilitators to improve self-efficacy and minimize disease exacerbations in underserved and marginalized populations affected by SLE. Grimes’ goal is to enhance quality of life and empower patients to manage their condition more effectively.
Continuing from Cohort 4, Emily West, MA, BA, is in her second year researching geriatric health promotion, focusing on mitigating the adverse effects of driving cessation in older adults. Her work aims to support healthy aging by developing strategies that address the emotional and practical challenges faced by seniors as they transition away from driving.
“Precision health, for me, starts from this central idea that the world is a beautifully and fascinatingly diverse place,” West said. “And that same quality that makes the world so joyful can also make it a tough place to do research. The T32 program changed the way that I approach research. The methodologies and technologies that we were introduced to have allowed me to be more creative in the kinds of questions I can ask.”
“This program has trained me to be more strategic in how I think about within-group variance and meaningful tailoring variables,” she continued. “Our social and cultural identities are complex—nursing research should reflect that. The T32 program also facilitated a once-in-a-lifetime mentorship opportunity for me. Dr. Miyong Kim, who was the program’s inaugural director, was an excellent mentor. She was exceptionally generous in sharing her experience and insight, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been her student.”
Namuun Clifford, MSN, RN, FNP-C, also in her second year, is dedicated to precision health research in cardiovascular disease. Her research leverages digital health technologies and machine learning to develop preventive interventions for cardiovascular conditions in underserved and marginalized communities.
The UT Austin School of Nursing's T32 Precision Health Training Program represents a groundbreaking approach to advancing health care through precision health, a field that emphasizes personalized care tailored to individuals’ unique genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.
Funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, the T32 program aims to equip the next generation of nurse scientists with the knowledge, skills and expertise to develop and implement innovative, patient-centered health solutions. The program's core mission is to advance research that identifies and addresses health disparities, enhances treatment efficacy and fosters overall well-being by focusing on personalized interventions.
Participants in the program benefit from rigorous research training led by accomplished faculty and mentors across disciplines, including genetics, bioinformatics, epidemiology and nursing practice.
The program integrates cutting-edge coursework and hands-on research experiences that delve into the molecular, clinical and social determinants of health. Trainees gain expertise in utilizing advanced data analysis and precision health methodologies, which enable them to develop evidence-based interventions that can be tailored to diverse populations. This research is impactful, as it aims to address chronic conditions and other critical health issues through prevention, early detection and personalized care strategies.
In addition to training the next generation of precision health researchers, the T32 program contributes to the School of Nursing’s commitment to improving health outcomes and promoting health equity. Graduates of the program emerge as leaders prepared to make significant contributions to the evolving field of nursing research and precision health. Their work not only elevates the standard of care within their immediate communities but also paves the way for broader systemic changes that prioritize individualized, equity-focused health care solutions.
Learn more about the T32 Precision Health Training Program.