Rutgers School of Nursing Magazine - Summer 2026

led her to pursue a PhD to build the evidence that guides nursing practice. Encouraged by a mentor to com- bine clinical practice with academia, Starkweather took on leadership roles, including department chair, PhD pro- gram director, associate dean for aca- demic affairs, and assistant dean for research development, while making impressive gains in her own program of research. Research with Impact Today, she studies the causes and treatment of pain and other dis- tressing conditions and develops approaches to improve care. Continu- ously funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for over a decade, she has secured more than $20 million in support, authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, and writ- ten three books. She has held volunteer leadership roles with organizations, including the National Academies of Sciences, Engi- neering, and Medicine and the Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research. Her many awards and hon- ors include her 2024 induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame. Research is a top priority at the School of Nursing, which recently established the Center for Health Equity and Systems Research. “We have a strong infrastructure,” she says, “that supports collaboration and innovation to address the factors that affect health outcomes.” She also prioritizes faculty devel- opment and cites recent success in recruiting research-focused and tenure-track faculty, including the appointment of an inaugural vice dean for nursing research. Looking Ahead Beyond recruitment and faculty development, Starkweather has made celebrating achievement a priority, establishing new awards programs that recognize faculty, students, and staff. She believes recognition strengthens the community and high- lights the contributions that advance the school’s mission. Starkweather views the school as a hub offering multiple pathways to a bachelor’s or advanced degree in nursing. A lifelong learner guided by her curiosity, she encourages students to think broadly about where a nurs- ing career can lead. “There is a place for everyone in nursing, which really excites me,” she says. With U.S. enrollments in nursing PhD programs plateauing, she points to the need for a stronger research pipeline. “We certainly need more minds focused on advancing our science and practice. In other disciplines, graduate students receive robust tuition sup- port and stipends,” she says. “We need to have a similar investment in nurse scientists who are improving the care of patients and communities.” RN Expanding faculty resources and amplifying faculty achievements are among Starkweather’s top priorities. NURSING.RUTGERS.EDU 3