Research
The School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene focuses its research and scholarship on reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes.
Meet the Researchers
| Molly R. Altman PhD Program Director and Associate Professor Dr. Altman’s program of research focuses on improving health care interactions for people who experience bias and discrimination, including communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities. Her specialty areas include abortion, pregnancy/birth care, and sexual/reproductive health care. |
| Katie Azama Assistant Professor Dr. Azama’s program of research focuses on occupational health and the use of novel technology to solve critical nursing workforce challenges and care delivery. |
| Katherine Finn Davis COLs Stephanie Marshall & Charles Miller Endowed Director of Community Partnerships & Specialist. Dr. Katherine Finn Davis’s program of research focuses on translational science related to implementing innovative approaches to embed evidence-based practices in healthcare settings and the effects of disrupted sleep on health outcomes, with a special interest in pediatric behavioral sleep disorders. |
| Samia Dutra Assistant Professor Dr. Dutra’s program of research currently focuses on exploring the microbiome-gut-brain axis relationship with neurodevelopment, mental health promotion, and women’s health. |
| Holly B. Fontenot Associate Dean for Research, Frances A. Matsuda Chair in Women’s Health, & Professor Dr. Fontenot’s program of research currently focuses on developing innovative strategies to reduce HPV-associated cancers and cancer disparities via vaccination and screening. |
| Gary Glauberman Associate Professor Dr. Glauberman’s program of research is centered on health emergencies and the impact of the environment on health and health disparities. |
| Cynthia Greywolf Assistant Professor Dr. Greywolf’s program of research focuses on the behavioral and clinical outcomes of Historical and Intergenerational Trauma and the historical determinants that have shaped and impacted Native Hawaiians and Native Americans, leading to present-day proximal health inequities, physical and psychiatric comorbidities/disparities, and problem substance use. |
| Frankie Hale Assistant Professor Dr. Hale’s program of research currently focuses on developing evidence-based well-being strategies to help prevent burnout and health disparities associated with poor well-being and mental health. |
| Merle Kataoka-Yahiro Professor Dr. Kataoka-Yahiro’s program of research focuses on Native Hawaiians & Asian Americans at risk for chronic kidney disease and improving their health outcomes through culturally appropriate interventions. |
| Kyoung Lee Associate Professor Dr. Lee’s program of research currently focuses on developing a culturally tailored community-based perinatal education programs designed to reduce health disparities among underserved immigrant women. |
| Deborah Mattheus Professor Dr. Mattheus’s program of research currently focuses on developing strategies to provide equitable access to oral and health services using a nurse-run school-based health model and enhancing school and community engagement to improve the health and wellness of Hawaii’s keiki. |
| Donna-Marie Palakiko Assistant Professor Dr. Palakiko’s program of research currently focuses on developing an asthma mHealth tool for Native Hawaiians. |
| Lorrie Wong Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & HMSA Distinguished Professor Dr. Wong’s program of research focuses on education research that examines simulation teaching methodology, cultural influences on learning, and interprofessional education. |
Student Research
HONU Scientists: Hui to promote Opportunities for the development of NUrse scientists
The purpose of this faculty-student organization is to provide a supportive environment for students to learn about and engage in nursing research.
This group is the primary organization that fosters undergraduate nursing students ability to learn about and participate in Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
Office of Research
The Research Support and Administrative Team in the Office of Research supports pre- and post-award, grant writing, scientific writing, and statistical support.
Associate Dean for Research, Frances A. Matsuda Chair in Women's Health & Professor
School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster Hall 402D
Honolulu, HI 96822
Ph: 808-956-4917
Fax: 808-956-3257
Email: hbfont@hawaii.edu
SONDH Faculty Member Selected as Fellow to Two Prestigious Nursing Organizations
Donna-Marie Palakiko, PhD, Director of Cultural Innovation and Strategy and Associate Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, has been named a…
SONDH Faculty Member Joins National Public Health Leadership Team
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is one of the most influential voices in the nation’s public health landscape—bringing together experts, advocates, and communities to improve the health of all…