Empowering Tucson through research and advocacy, Fox joins 40 Under 40 honorees
The College of Nursing is proud to announce that Rina Fox, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor and member of the U of A Cancer Center, has been honored with the prestigious 40 Under 40 Award by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes leadership, community involvement, and contributions to advancing the Tucson community. Fox's groundbreaking work in psychosocial oncology has gained significant recognition locally and nationally.
She was nominated by her colleague, Sheila Gephart, PhD, RN, professor, and interim chair of the Advanced Nursing Practice and Science Division. Gephart emphasized that Fox should be recognized for her academic achievements and her relentless efforts to improve the lives of cancer survivors and caregivers in Tucson and beyond. As a clinical psychologist and health outcomes researcher, Fox focuses on enhancing sleep, well-being, and quality of life for adults and young adults affected by cancer, areas often overlooked in conventional oncology research.
Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing, said, “Dr. Fox is an impressive new investigator. Her research program develops supportive care interventions to improve health-related quality of life issues among cancer survivors and caregivers. Her work and compassion improve people's lives in Tucson and beyond.”
Fox's commitment to service extends beyond her work in the lab and classroom. In the past year, she has served on the board of directors for the Tucson Jewish Community Center, led impactful sessions at the BagIt Cancer Escape to Thrive Leadership Conference, and co-authored a heartfelt op-ed in the Arizona Daily Star advocating for better community support for young adult cancer survivors.
Despite being early in her career, Fox has already made substantial contributions to the field of psychosocial oncology. She has received multiple awards and honors, with an impressive record of 70 peer-reviewed manuscripts and more than 120 presentations at national and international conferences. Gephart said, “Dr. Fox both sees the horizon and cares for the people right before her. She does not turn away from difficulty but persists and transforms 'what is' to strive toward a preferred future.”
Fox said, accepting her award, “It is an incredible honor to be counted among the 40 Under 40 honorees. Over the years, those recognized with this award have done so much for Tucson in countless meaningful and impactful ways. I am truly humbled.”
Fox’s impact can be felt throughout the Tucson community, where her research has led to innovative solutions for cancer survivorship and created new opportunities for collaboration and mentorship. She is a sought-after advisor for nursing, psychology, and public health students, empowering the next generation to approach healthcare with empathy and equity. As a leader, mentor, and advocate, she consistently uplifts others and ensures that her recognition translates into opportunities for those around her.
The 40 Under 40 Award represents just the latest chapter in Dr. Fox’s inspiring story, which continues to elevate the Tucson community. Looking ahead, her vision remains clear: to advance health equity and improve cancer survivorship care.