College of Nursing receives prestigious NIH T32 training grant to support future nurse scientists
The College of Nursing has received a prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) T32 institutional training grant, a significant milestone that recognizes the college's nationally competitive research environment and its commitment to preparing the next generation of nurse scientists.
The NIH grant provides $1,005,640 over five years to support the college’s new Training in Health Research for Innovative Vital Healthcare (THRIVE) award. The funding will support four doctoral students in the Nursing PhD program each year by covering stipends, tuition, research expenses, and professional development, reducing financial barriers so students can focus on their doctoral education and scientific training.
T32 grants are among the NIH's most competitive institutional training awards. Rather than funding individual research projects, these grants support comprehensive research training programs that prepare doctoral students for careers as independent scientists. According to NIH data, historically, only about 30% to 45% of competing T32 applications have been funded.
“This award is a remarkable achievement for our college and a testament to the strength of our research enterprise, faculty mentorship, and doctoral education,” said Cindy Rishel, PhD, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, interim dean and clinical professor at the College of Nursing. “This investment enables talented doctoral students to focus on research rather than on the financial burden of pursuing a PhD. By supporting these emerging scientists, we are strengthening the future of nursing research and improving health in communities throughout Arizona and beyond.”
Under the leadership of principal investigators Terry Badger, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN, interim associate dean for research and Eleanor Bauwens Endowed Chair, and Thaddeus Pace, PhD, associate professor, the college will select PhD students for training appointments.
The training program emphasizes foundational research methods, hands-on research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career development. Working alongside the college’s nationally recognized faculty mentors, trainees will develop the expertise to lead innovative nursing and translational research addressing some of the nation's most pressing health challenges. As nurse scientists, they will generate evidence that informs clinical practice, shapes health policy, and advances solutions to complex health challenges.
“This award reflects the excellence of our PhD faculty and the exceptional doctoral students we attract,” said Badger. “THRIVE fosters an environment in which doctoral students can fully immerse themselves in research and learn from experienced investigators. The award will prepare future nurse scientists to lead innovative research that improves health and transforms care.”
“Too often, talented students delay or forgo pursuing a PhD because of the financial burden,” said Pace. “This program makes doctoral education more accessible by reducing those barriers, enabling us to attract and support more outstanding students who will become leaders in nursing research.”
As THRIVE scholars advance into careers as nurse researchers, educators, and policy leaders, the impact of this NIH investment will extend beyond the College of Nursing. Their discoveries will help shape the future of nursing science and improve health care delivery and outcomes for generations.