This is Who We Are: Our Faculty Voices

Laura Chyu, Associate Professor, Program Director

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The Role and Impact of a USF Jesuit Education

A mission-driven Jesuit education is a transformative journey that instills the values of social justice, health equity, and service to others. It equips students to navigate a rapidly changing world and lead with integrity and compassion, inspiring a healthier, more just future for all.

Our Public Health programs at USF are more than just academic. We've cultivated a supportive ecosystem that provides holistic wraparound services, including academic, mental, spiritual, and social support. We understand that each student is unique, and we're committed to providing the support they need to succeed and thrive. 

The Next Generation of Public Health Leaders 

We are not just educating, we are empowering the next generation of public health leaders. Our programs provide the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to tackle today’s most pressing public health issues. Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, we offer unparalleled learning opportunities and career pathways. Our students are not just learning, they are creating healthier and more equitable communities locally and globally.

Bob Patterson, Assistant Professor, Master's Entry – MSN, Clinical Nurse Leader

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Building Strong Relationships

Our program empowers learners to transform healthcare through the engagement of their hearts, minds, and souls. Clinical instructors play a crucial role as key figures in shaping the next generation of nurses. To support them, we offer a comprehensive, evidence-based onboarding, orientation, and mentoring program that fosters strong relationships and advocates for compassionate care. 

Emphasizing the Jesuit value of cura personalis—caring for the whole person—we aim to develop skilled practitioners who prioritize empathy and social responsibility. In an inclusive environment, faculty members connect and reflect on their teaching practices, nurturing a passion for nursing education. Their guidance emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, excellence in patient care, and the instillation of core values, including empathy and social responsibility. 

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Janice Mark, Faculty Director of Immersive Learning

Learners Develop Decision-Making, Clinical Judgment, and Nursing Skills

Immersive Learning (IL) systematically enhances nursing education. We create real-world simulations that help learners sharpen their decision-making, clinical judgment, and nursing skills within a safe learning environment. Our goal is to prepare students to apply these skills safely and professionally in clinical settings.

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Dina Silverthorne, RN, MSN

Deeper Understanding - Transformative Impact

USF uniquely educates nurses by emphasizing care for the whole person from the very beginning. Our students engage in guided discussions rooted in Jesuit values, particularly the concept of cura personalis. This approach helps them develop core nursing skills and a deeper understanding of holistic patient care. In our foundational course, Nursing in the Jesuit Tradition, I observe the transformative impact of these discussions, preparing students to care for patients as individuals—hearts, minds, and souls. At USF, we equip future nurses to face the challenges of our diverse and evolving world.

Victoria Chaudhary, Assistant Professor

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Engage in the Vital Transformation of Healthcare

I guide students through BSN to DNP programs at USF, empowering them to engage their hearts, minds, and spirits in transforming healthcare. By aligning with the Jesuit mission, we champion compassion, equity, and service, preparing our learners to become leaders driving meaningful change in their communities.

Gina Lee, DNP ‘24, PMHNP Clinical Faculty and Preceptor

Every Patient has a Unique Story

I prepare future psychiatric nurse practitioners by emphasizing patient-centered and holistic care, meeting individuals where they are. It is essential to recognize each patient’s experiences without judgment. By fostering deep empathy and unconditional support, I help our learners build meaningful connections that lead to healing and lasting change.

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Martin Gillette, Adjunct faculty, ME MSN Pediatric Clinical Lead

Respond to a Call to Action That Requires Passion

As I prepare our future healers—the candles our world needs—I embrace my responsibility and privilege. Through didactic instruction, simulation, and clinical education, I motivate students to engage their minds, hearts, and souls in community care. Following Florence Nightingale’s example, I exemplify human excellence by answering calls that demand passion, excellence, and sacrifice. 

Eugene Mamaril, Adjunct faculty, ME MSN

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Actively Shaping the Future

It is both a profound honor and a privilege to belong to an extraordinary community that is actively shaping the future of nursing at a university passionately committed to the principle of cura personalis. Teaching Nursing Fundamentals not only broadens our understanding but also deepens our appreciation for the sacred duty we have to serve others. Guided by the principle of cura personalis, we integrate its values into our daily lives, empowering the next generation of Clinical Nurse Leaders to harness their hearts, minds, and souls to genuinely 'change the world from here.'

Courtney Keeler, Associate Professor, BSPH and MPH

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Inspire Students to Think Critically and Creatively

Our students set a high bar in public health practice as they use their hearts, minds, and souls to change the health of the world. USF's MPH and BSPH programs empower learners to positively impact their communities. We integrate academic rigor, practical experience, and social responsibility into a comprehensive education. Through teaching and mentorship, I foster compassion and empathy in our classrooms, encouraging students to tackle complex health problems. I challenge them to consider innovative solutions that address the root causes of health disparities. I am continually humbled by our exceptional students and alumni, who accomplish great things, including earning advanced degrees and pioneering innovative public health solutions.