Research and Initiatives
Research That Makes a Difference
Mennonite College of Nursing is dedicated to producing research of the highest quality, centering around symptom science and aging/gerontological nursing. Our nurse scientists strive to improve health outcomes locally and globally and are nationally and internationally recognized for their research and scholarship.
Improving survival and quality of life outcomes in artificial internal organs - Dr. Jessie Casida - Margaret Randolph Research & Innovation Scholar & Professor
The long-term goal of Dr. Casida's research program is to optimize the survival and quality of life outcomes among individuals living with artificial internal organs, focusing on patients with durable implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Dr. Casida pioneered developing and advancing the science underpinning caregiving and self-management for LVAD. In this context, he examined and tested the first mHealth self-management intervention in the LVAD population, where patients, family caregivers, and nurses worked collaboratively to achieve desired outcomes. Dr. Casida and his team are conducting an NIH-supported study to evaluate the influence of cognition and patient activation on LVAD care self-efficacy, adherence, and healthcare utilization. Through his research, Dr. Casida aimed to influence healthcare delivery policy tailored to maintaining health, well-being, and overall quality of life for LVADs, total artificial hearts, and lungs.
Cardiovascular Disease and Symptom Science - Dr. John Blakeman, Faculty
Dr. Blakeman’s program of research is focused on cardiovascular disease and symptom science, especially the way that the public conceives of and perceives cardiovascular symptoms and the decisions they make based on their symptom experience. His primary goal is to reduce the time it takes for individuals to seek care for heart attack symptoms. Dr. Blakeman has particular interest in acute coronary syndrome (“heart attack”), instrument design and testing, rural populations, and women’s experiences of cardiovascular disease. He has published multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts in well-respected journals and presented work regionally and nationally. Additionally, he received the 2023 Clinical Article of the Year Award from the American Heart Association’s Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing for a paper on which he was first author describing the development of the Chest Pain Conception Questionnaire, an instrument that measures the public’s conceptions of chest pain related to a heart attack.
Children's Oral Health Research - Dr. Susana Calderón, Faculty
Dr. Calderón is a biobehavioral nurse scientist specializes in children's oral health research—particularly using early behavioral intervention with social media and dietary to reduce the risk for dental caries and obesity. Her research focus is to discover the role of the oral microbiome in the prevention of systematic inflammation.
Investigating Decision-Making and Assessment of Heart Failure - Dr. Marilyn Prasun, Faculty
Dr. Prasun Carle BroMenn Medical Center Endowed Professor has served as primary investigator and co-investigator on several research studies regarding heart failure. Her research focus is heart failure management and optimizing patient outcomes. She recently completing a funded study examining provider's accuracy in assigning New York Heart Association Class (NYHA-FC).
Quality of Life, Symptom Management, and Nursing Care for Older Adults - Dr. Michele Shropshire, Faculty
Dr. Michele Shropshire is a nurse researcher with research foci on improving the quality of life, symptom management, and nursing care for older adults. Her research focus and advocacy for essential caregivers to older adults in long term care environments continues to be a priority. In addition, education for undergraduate students when caring for older adults living in long-term care environments remains a research passion.