Description of Core
The Administrative Core takes the lead role in developing a sustainable trans-disciplinary infrastructure for nurse scientists to conduct research that enhances self-management science. This core will centralize research resources and promote collaborations among Center scientists and experts throughout The University of Texas at Austin and the surrounding community.
We aim to facilitate relevant interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary research within the Center and across the UT Austin campus and contribute to the field of self-management science at the national and international levels by showcasing its efficacy and effectiveness.
Director
Miyong T. Kim, PhD, RN, FAAN
Dr. Kim is the Director of the Center for Health Equity Research formerly known as TCRSS and the Administrative Core. Dr. Kim has extensive research expertise and experience in self-management and health equity science, and she is experienced in the administration of research centers. As Associate Vice President of Community Health Engagement at The University of Texas at Austin, she has made it a priority to systematically facilitate interdepartmental collaborations among researchers to focus on improving health outcomes, including effective and sustainable self-care strategies for people with chronic conditions.
Co-Director
Alexa Stuifbergen, PhD, RN, FAAN, Dean of the School of Nursing
Dr. Stuifbergen is the co-director of the Administrative Core and a member of the Executive Committee for the Center for Health Equity Research. Dr. Stuifbergen has conducted NIH-funded research in self-management of chronic and disabling conditions for the past 20 years. She is currently conducting a novel computer-based cognitive rehabilitation intervention to improve cognitive functioning and self-management skills in persons with multiple sclerosis with funding from NINR (R01NR014362, 2013-2018).
Managing Director
Jacki Hecht, MSN, RN
Ms. Hecht is the Managing Director of the Center for Health Equity Research and has extensive background in designing, delivering, and providing training for motivational interventions to promote self-management for improving chronic conditions. Ms. Hecht assists Dr. Kim, the Core Directors, and Center Investigators in the Center’s day-to-day operations.