Dr. Smith’s program of research focuses on capturing opportunity for health improvement among community-dwelling adults, older adults, and families in the face of chronic diseases including cancer and the need for palliative care. The importance of individual self-management of chronic health among vulnerable populations in Oklahoma and humanity at large is immeasurable. Her expertise is in medical-surgical nursing and in sharing self-care information with vulnerable community-dwelling older adults. Dr. Smith’s research focuses on older adults with attention to the cultural influences of lifestyle, the meaning of health, and what it means to participate in and take control of one’s health management. Further, she is instrumental in the development of lay volunteers to enhance skillful support for self-management through motivational health coaching techniques. She is committed to support initiatives for discovery of knowledge and dissemination of results through publication, presentation, nursing education and nursing practice nationally, regionally, and in Oklahoma, a state where rural residence, the urban rural, and poverty adversely affect the health of older adults.
Education:
Texas Woman's University Denton, TX
Board Certification(s):
Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
Clinical/Research Interests:
Research interests include:
- Research in aging with special interest in resilience among minority elders facing chronic, life-threatening medical conditions, with specific interest in recurrent cancer diagnoses
- Mentoring graduate nursing students who provide health care and conduct research tailored to vulnerable older adults
- Service through lending expertise to community members and community agencies
- Providing community education services and influencing policy
Select Honors and Accomplishments:
Lifetime Achievement in Education and Research Award, Association of Black Nursing Faculty, Inc. (2021) Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Superior Professional and University Service and Public Outreach (2020) David L. Boren Faculty Governance Award, Faculty Senate, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2018)