Advancing Discovery and Impact: Matthias to lead research growth at the College of Nursing
The College of Nursing is proud to welcome Marianne S. Matthias, PhD, as its new Associate Dean of Research (ADR). A nationally recognized investigator in the fields of pain management, health communication, and patient-centered care, Matthias brings a wealth of experience, deep curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to her new leadership role.
Matthias currently leads a $3.7 million National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded clinical trial focused on improving chronic pain outcomes for Black patients who also experience depression. Her project, Equity Using Interventions to Improve Pain and Depression (EQUIPD), is part of the HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-Term) Initiative. The study employs a novel coaching model that integrates decision aids with motivational interviewing, delivered by phone, to facilitate patient engagement in shared decision-making and adherence to nonpharmacological treatments for pain. By addressing longstanding disparities in how pain is treated, particularly among Black patients, her work aims to transform the way care is delivered in primary care settings.
“Black patients tend to report poorer quality interactions with clinicians and are often offered fewer treatment options,” Matthias says. “We are testing an intervention to change that dynamic, by helping patients become more engaged and confident in communicating with their providers.”
A seasoned investigator, Matthias has been conducting federally funded research since 2008, supported by both the NIH and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Her research has shifted from observational studies on communication in pain management to intervention-based trials that aim to directly improve patient well-being. What keeps her engaged is seeing her work make a tangible difference. “When you see that your interventions are helping people live with less pain and greater quality of life, that’s incredibly rewarding,” she says.
“I came to the U of A because it has robust programs in the health sciences, with numerous researchers across many colleges working together on innovative, collaborative, and meaningful projects, especially in the College of Nursing,” explains Matthias. “As the ADR, I am eager to support the ongoing growth of the college’s robust nursing research enterprise by providing leadership, mentorship, and collaboration to our outstanding faculty. The College of Nursing is perfectly positioned to make significant contributions to the university’s research mission and to foster new collaborations that help advance health care science.”
“Marianne Matthias is an outstanding researcher and leader whose work aligns perfectly with the college’s mission to improve patient-centered care and scientific progress," said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. “As ADR, she offers not only extensive expertise in pain management and health disparities but also a strong record of obtaining federal funding, mentoring investigators, and forming collaborative research teams. Her leadership is essential as we expand the college’s research efforts, enhance our national profile, and support faculty in developing impactful studies that improve health outcomes. Dr. Matthias’s presence will help improve our research environment and position the college as a leader in nurse-led, interdisciplinary research.”
As associate dean, Matthias is dedicated to supporting and expanding the college’s already strong research community. She’s especially eager to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship among faculty. “I want to hear from every faculty member involved in research — what’s working, where the gaps are, and how we can help fill them,” she says. “My goal is to maximize our support of grant submissions, high-impact research, and wide dissemination of results.”
Matthias also brings a deep appreciation for the unique role that nurse scientists play in advancing health care. “In my post-doc and throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with nurses as interventionists and investigators. Nurses bring a patient- and relationship-centered approach that is essential to effective, compassionate care. That perspective is compelling in research focused on improving outcomes for underserved patients.”
Matthias’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for the College of Nursing, strengthening its commitment to research that brings meaningful change to health care. With her proven record in mentoring future investigators, she combines vision with action in her new role. Under her leadership, the college is ready to expand its influence, fostering innovative, interdisciplinary research that enhances the lives of patients and communities across Arizona and beyond.