---
title: Nursing Research Happening at the University of San Diego
description: At the Hahn School of Nursing, both students and faculty share a dedication to improving patient outcomes through nursing research.
image: https://nursing.sandiego.edu/hubfs/SON/son-blogs/son-images/nurses-around-a-computer.jpg
---
[Skip Navigation](https://nursing.sandiego.edu/blog/nursing-research-happening-at-the-university-of-san-diego#main)
[](https://www.sandiego.edu/)
[Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/)
- [Programs](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/academic-programs/)
- [Pathways](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/pathways/)
- [Admissions & Aid](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/admission-and-aid/)
- [Student Experience](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/student-experience/)
- [Faculty](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/faculty/)
- [About](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/about/)
Information for
- [Admitted Students](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/students/admitted-students.php)
- [Students & Alumni](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/students-and-alumni/)
- [Military](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/military/)
- [International](https://staging.sandiego.edu/nursing/students-and-alumni/global.php)
Info for
USD Resources Menu
Search
[Request Information](https://sonresources.sandiego.edu/request-information) [Apply Now](https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/) [Make a Gift](https://www.givecampus.com/sandxx)
Information For
- [Admitted Students](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/students/admitted-students.php)
- [Students & Alumni](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/students-and-alumni/)
- [Military](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/military/)
- [International](https://staging.sandiego.edu/nursing/students-and-alumni/global.php)
SITE NAV
- [Programs](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/academic-programs/)
- [Pathways](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/pathways/)
- [Admissions & Aid](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/admission-and-aid/)
- [Student Experience](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/student-experience/)
- [Faculty](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/faculty/)
- [About](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/about/)
TORERO RESOURCES
[MySanDiego](https://my.sandiego.edu/)
[Email](http://toreromail.sandiego.edu/)
[Torero Hub](https://www.sandiego.edu/torero-hub/)
[News Center](https://www.sandiego.edu/newscenter/)
[Canvas](https://canvas.sandiego.edu/)
[Directory](https://www.sandiego.edu/directory/)
[Calendar](https://www.sandiego.edu/events)
[Bookstore](https://www.usdtorerostores.com/)
[Libraries](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/libraries.php)
[Maps](https://www.sandiego.edu/maps/)
[Public Safety](https://www.sandiego.edu/safety)
[Knowledge Base](https://usdkb.sandiego.edu/s/)
SEARCH
*Search*
TOP SEARCH RESULTS
[academic calendars](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/academic-calendars.php)
[majors](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/majors-and-minors.php)
[tuition](https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/tuition-and-financial-aid.php)
[jobs](https://www.sandiego.edu/jobs/)
[housing](https://www.sandiego.edu/student-experience/housing.php)
[study abroad](https://www.sandiego.edu/global/study-abroad.php)
[transcripts](https://www.sandiego.edu/torero-hub/student-records/transcripts.php)
[knowledge base](https://usdkb.sandiego.edu/s/)
# Nursing Research Happening at the University of San Diego
Published on: April 29, 2021
4 min read
On This Page
## Discover the Benefits of a Nursing Degree From USD
[Request Information](https://nursing.sandiego.edu/request-information)
[USD Nursing](https://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/)
The University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science prepares compassionate nurse leaders at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. For more than 50 years, the school has advanced nursing education through academic excellence, innovative research, and a commitment to improving health outcomes in the communities nurses serve.
*The information in this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical, financial, or professional advice.*
Health care in the United States is changing. People are living longer, many with chronic conditions that would have been considered fatal just a few decades ago. Technology is advancing the way diseases are diagnosed and treated. Public health has become a major priority in our communities.
With the shape of the health care landscape shifting so drastically, research is an essential tool needed to navigate the emerging trends in health care. Nursing research allows us to uncover and determine the best ways to provide patient care and increase the efficiency of health care delivery.
### How is nursing research improving health care delivery?
Nursing research is the commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry that provides the knowledge that helps advance nursing practice, shape health care policy, and impact the level of care received by patients.
Here are some of the ways nursing research impacts health care delivery:
- Nursing research influences the practice of nursing as a whole to improve outcomes for patients across the spectrum, from individuals to communities.
- Nursing research can help streamline processes, ensuring that all aspects of health care delivery are as efficient as possible.
- Nursing research contributes to the foundational knowledge of the field and supports the notion of evidence-based care, which forms the backbone of health care delivery.
### Nursing Research Happening at USD
At the Hahn School of Nursing, both students and faculty share a dedication to improving patient outcomes through nursing research. Our faculty conduct research on topics ranging from post-traumatic stress in returning veterans to maternal depression among low-income, culturally diverse populations.
As experienced researchers, our faculty are dedicated to developing students as scholars and helping them attain basic research skills through coursework and through the dissertation process.
Underscoring our faculty’s outstanding experience is their commitment to creating individualized learning opportunities that truly engage our students. Students are encouraged to participate in a partnership of inquiry with our multidisciplinary faculty, expert clinicians and other doctoral students.
It’s a collaborative process, with faculty helping our students enhance their career opportunities through a focus on research—and the scholarship of discovery.
[*Learn about the ways you can be involved in the exciting research happening at USD. Check out our Guide to Achieving a PhD in Nursing.*](https://sonresources.sandiego.edu/a-guide-to-achieving-a-phd-in-nursing)
### Recognition of USD Student Research
Recently, three scholars represented the Hahn School of Nursing at the Scientist of the Year event held by Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS). ARCS Foundation advances science and technology in the United States by providing financial awards to academically outstanding students working toward degrees in science, engineering and medical research.
The following USD students received awards for their research:
#### **Byron Batz, 2nd Year PhD Student**
Byron's research focus is on the caregiver's burden and its effects on the health of the caregiver. He explores the toll it often takes to care for another person with the goal of determining solutions to negative caregiver outcomes.
[Discover more of Byron's research as he explores health disparities among non-English speaking patients.](https://www.sandiego.edu/news/nursing/detail.php?_focus=80401)
#### **Dr. Nicole Martinez, 2020 PhD Graduate**
The focus of Dr. Martinez’s research was on skin and soft tissue infections in the emergency department. Dr. Martinez is also a professor at USD SON and works as a nurse practitioner at a local hospital.
[Faculty Spotlight: Find out more about Dr. Martinez's work and interests in a recent interview.](https://www.sandiego.edu/news/detail.php?_focus=80936)
#### **Brooke Rakes, 3rd Year PhD Student**
Brooke focused her research on the timing of therapeutic hypothermia and short-term infant outcomes. Her goal is to advance nursing science by improving neonatal neurological development and health care services.
[You can also watch her presentation to ARCS at their Annual Membership Meeting.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIuXZivhoJI)
### Research is an integral part of USD nursing programs.
The Office of Nursing Research for the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science is pleased to assist you in your research endeavors. The department is dedicated to guiding both novice and experienced nurses in developing their individual programs of research.
*The information provided by USD’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical or financial advice. This includes, but is not limited to, blog posts, eBooks, webinars, emails, graphics, social media posts, and other content. Always seek the guidance of your physician or a qualified medical or financial professional.*
### A Guide to Achieving the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing at USD
The University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science ranks among the best in the nation. But that's not the only reason future students walk through our doors to pursue a degree. Download our guide to learn more about the [PhD in Nursing](https://sonresources.sandiego.edu/a-guide-to-achieving-a-phd-in-nursing?hsLang=en) program and how we can help you achieve your professional goals.
[GET THE GUIDE](https://bit.ly/3MnmTcB)
[](https://bit.ly/3MnmTcB)
Related Articles
[ 11.3.2022 Why You Should Pursue Nursing in San Diego Read More](https://nursing.sandiego.edu/blog/why-you-should-pursue-nursing-in-san-diego)
[ 10.26.2022 The 13 Best Podcasts for Nursing Students Right Now Read More](https://nursing.sandiego.edu/blog/7-best-podcasts-for-nursing-students-right-now)
[ 10.19.2022 PhD or DNP in Nursing: Salary, Career Paths & Which One to Choose Read More](https://nursing.sandiego.edu/blog/dnp-vs-phd-which-is-right-for-me)
Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science
[Hahn School of Nursing](https://www.sandiego.edu/maps/?id=357&mrkIid=78531)5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
[(619) 260-7509](tel:(619)%20260-7509)
[View Directory](https://www.sandiego.edu/directory/?alpha=&expert=&division_id=NaN&office_department_id=39&sub_department_id=NaN&sub_unit_id=NaN&user_type=&list_view_type=box-view&filter_type=&group_id=&show_image=&details_button=hide-details-button&row_limit=24&state=NaNamp;&usd_expert_keyword=&department_filter_type=0&filter_action=clicks)
Helpful links
- [Maps & Directions](https://www.sandiego.edu/maps/)
- [Request Info](https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/undergraduate/connect/)
- [Jobs at USD](https://www.sandiego.edu/jobs/)
- [Make a Gift](https://www.sandiego.edu/giving/)
- [Apply](https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/)
- [Degrees & Programs](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/)
- [Colleges & Schools](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/college-and-schools.php)
- [Offices & Departments](https://www.sandiego.edu/directory/)
- [Education Partners](https://www.fst.edu/)
- [Libraries](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/libraries.php)
© 2026 University of San Diego. All Rights Reserved.
[Web Privacy](https://www.sandiego.edu/its/about/policies/#accordion-panel3) [Accessibility](https://www.sandiego.edu/its/about/policies/#accordion-panel25) [Website Redesign](https://www.sandiego.edu/brand/web-and-mobile/redesign/) [Emergency](https://www.sandiego.edu/emergency/)
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "USD Nursing",
"url" : "https://nursing.sandiego.edu/blog/author/usd-nursing"
},
"dateModified" : "2025-04-02T12:32:57.111Z",
"datePublished" : "2021-04-29T13:34:39.000Z",
"headline" : "Nursing Research Happening at the University of San Diego",
"image" : [ "https://nursing.sandiego.edu/hubfs/SON/son-blogs/son-images/nurses-around-a-computer.jpg" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://nursing.sandiego.edu/blog/nursing-research-happening-at-the-university-of-san-diego",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://nursing.sandiego.edu/hubfs/2c%20Horizontal%20Logo%20(2).png"
},
"name" : "University of San Diego"
}
}
```
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "VideoObject",
"contentUrl" : "https://6041001.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6041001/SON/son-blogs/son-videos/Batz.mp4",
"dateModified" : "2022-02-10T00:45:17.257Z",
"description" : "",
"duration" : "PT26S",
"height" : 360,
"name" : "Batz",
"thumbnailUrl" : "https://api.hubspot.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect//45530223911?portalId=6041001&size=medium&t=1618929219815",
"uploadDate" : "2021-04-20T14:33:39.815Z",
"width" : 640
}
```
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "VideoObject",
"contentUrl" : "https://6041001.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6041001/SON/son-blogs/son-videos/Martinez.mp4",
"dateModified" : "2022-02-10T00:45:13.935Z",
"description" : "",
"duration" : "PT1M4S",
"height" : 360,
"name" : "Martinez",
"thumbnailUrl" : "https://api.hubspot.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect//45531294637?portalId=6041001&size=medium&t=1618929222838",
"uploadDate" : "2021-04-20T14:33:39.166Z",
"width" : 640
}
```
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "VideoObject",
"contentUrl" : "https://6041001.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6041001/SON/son-blogs/son-videos/Rakes.mp4",
"dateModified" : "2022-02-10T00:45:15.299Z",
"description" : "",
"duration" : "PT27S",
"height" : 360,
"name" : "Rakes",
"thumbnailUrl" : "https://api.hubspot.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect//45530223912?portalId=6041001&size=medium&t=1618929219847",
"uploadDate" : "2021-04-20T14:33:39.847Z",
"width" : 640
}
```