Nursing , University of Victoria , Canada
Dr. Nancy Clark is a passionate scholar and educator in the field of nursing, currently a faculty member at the University of Victoria’s School of Nursing. Her research focuses on refugee health, community capacity, and mental health, particularly for marginalized populations such as refugee women. She has an extensive academic background, holding a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Clark is known for her leadership in nursing research and education and has been honored with numerous awards, including the 2023 President’s Chair Award at the University of Victoria. Her dedication to advancing nursing knowledge, along with her teaching and mentorship, has made her a respected figure in the academic and healthcare communities. Dr. Clark’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to global health and social justice, ensuring that her research and teaching have lasting, positive impacts on public health and nursing practice. 🌍🩺
Profile
Strengths for the Award
- Extensive Academic Background:
- Dr. Clark holds a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of British Columbia, complemented by an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Nursing, showcasing a strong foundation in advanced nursing education.
- Her academic path is marked by numerous scholarships, fellowships, and grants, including prestigious awards such as the Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Award and The President’s Chair Award from the University of Victoria, indicating her recognition as a leading scholar in her field.
- Groundbreaking Research:
- Her doctoral dissertation on community capacity to support Karen refugee women’s mental health during resettlement highlights a commitment to addressing critical global health issues, particularly in marginalized populations.
- Dr. Clark’s research focuses on refugees’ mental health and the incorporation of spirituality in the care of individuals with serious mental illness, topics that are both timely and impactful in today’s healthcare landscape.
- She has been recognized for her contributions through awards like the Emerald Publishing Literati Award and her significant publications in journals such as the International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare. These honors reflect the impact of her work in advancing knowledge in global health, community capacity, and mental health.
- Leadership and Advocacy in Nursing:
- She has made substantial contributions to the development of nursing as an academic discipline and a practice through her roles as an educator and mentor at the University of Victoria. Her involvement in the Centre for Evidence-Informed Nursing and Healthcare (CEiNHC) further solidifies her leadership in nursing research.
- Dr. Clark has demonstrated excellence in teaching across a broad range of nursing topics, from ethics and mental health to research methodology. This highlights her versatility as both a researcher and educator.
- Recognition and Awards:
- The 2023 Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Award and the 2023 Presidents Chair Award affirm Dr. Clark’s distinguished contributions to nursing research. These awards not only recognize her expertise but also provide funding to continue her critical work on mental health services for refugees.
- Her recent nomination for a Canada Research Chair in Refugee and Migrant Health Promotion and Integration shows the breadth and significance of her research on global health issues.
Areas for Improvement
- Broader Public Engagement:
- While Dr. Clark’s research has been highly influential within academic and professional circles, further engagement with broader audiences, including policy makers, community leaders, and the general public, could enhance the impact of her work. Disseminating her findings in more accessible formats (e.g., through media, conferences, or public seminars) could increase awareness and foster change on refugee health and mental health integration.
- Collaboration with International Researchers:
- Expanding her research collaborations with international researchers and institutions could enrich her work and offer additional perspectives, particularly in the context of global refugee health. Her expertise in community-based research could be strengthened through more cross-national studies or partnerships.
- Integration of New Methodologies:
- While her research uses qualitative methods effectively, exploring innovative research methodologies such as mixed-methods approaches or digital health tools could enhance the breadth of her investigations. This would allow her to address complex, multifaceted problems in refugee and migrant health with even more rigor and precision.
Dr. Nancy Clark holds a Ph.D. in Nursing (2015) from the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she also earned her M.Sc. in Nursing (2005) and B.Sc. in Nursing (1993). Her academic journey began with a Diploma in Nursing from Langara College in 1990. Her doctoral thesis focused on the mental health and well-being of Karen refugee women in Canada, a groundbreaking study on community capacity and resettlement challenges. Dr. Clark’s master’s thesis explored the perspectives of mental health professionals on incorporating spirituality into care for clients with serious mental illnesses. Through her advanced studies, Dr. Clark has developed a deep understanding of the intersections between mental health, social justice, and healthcare systems, equipping her with the skills to advocate for vulnerable populations in both academic and healthcare settings. 📚🎓
Experience
Dr. Nancy Clark’s professional experience spans both clinical and academic realms, with a strong focus on research, teaching, and leadership. As a faculty member at the University of Victoria’s School of Nursing, she has taught a wide range of courses, including Health and Healing, Nursing Research, and Global Health Issues, to graduate and undergraduate students. Her teaching integrates evidence-based practice and emphasizes critical thinking in addressing global health and mental health challenges. Dr. Clark has also supervised doctoral and master’s students, guiding them through research projects related to community health and refugee integration. In addition to her academic role, Dr. Clark is involved in numerous research initiatives, including projects on refugee mental health and integrated health services for displaced populations. Her work bridges the gap between academic research and real-world healthcare practice, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities. 👩🏫🌱
Awards and Honors
Dr. Nancy Clark has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her exceptional contributions to nursing research and education. In 2023, she was awarded the President’s Chair Award from the University of Victoria, the highest honor bestowed on UVic scholars. She also received the Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Award in 2023, supporting her research on integrated mental health services for refugees. Her work has earned multiple recognitions, including the Emerald Publishing Literati Award (2019) for her doctoral thesis paper, which explored community capacity to support Karen refugee women’s mental health. Other notable honors include the Award of Excellence in Advancing Nursing Knowledge & Research from the Association of Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC (2020), and multiple scholarships such as the Liu Scholar Institute for Global Issues (2012). These awards highlight Dr. Clark’s commitment to advancing nursing practice, especially in refugee and marginalized communities. 🏆🎖️
Research Focus
Dr. Nancy Clark’s research focuses on the intersection of mental health, community capacity, and refugee health, with an emphasis on marginalized populations. Her groundbreaking doctoral research examined how community structures and support systems can improve the mental health and well-being of Karen refugee women resettling in Canada. Dr. Clark is particularly interested in integrated mental health services for refugees and the role of spirituality in mental health care. Her research seeks to bridge gaps between healthcare systems and community-driven support, promoting holistic, culturally competent care for refugees and migrants. She also explores the social determinants of health and how community engagement can enhance mental health outcomes. Through her work, Dr. Clark advocates for policies that promote mental health integration and the well-being of displaced populations. She combines qualitative and community-based research methodologies to ensure her findings have practical applications in real-world healthcare settings. 🌱💡
Publication Top Notes
- Give me the reigns of taking care of myself with a home: Healing environments in an Indigenous-led alcohol harm reduction program” (2024) 🏠✨
- “Neonatal nursing research in low-and middle-income countries: A scoping review” (2024) 🌍👶
- “The association of the quality of life with Afghan households’ food insecurity before and after the recent political change in Afghanistan: a comparative analysis” (2023) 🍽️📉
- “Factors associated with Afghan household food security pre- and post-Taliban regime” (2023) 🏠🌾
- “Using Narrative Inquiry to Understand Anti-Muslim Racism in Canadian Nursing” (2023) 📚✊
- “JBI systematic review protocol of text/opinions on how to best collect race-based data in healthcare contexts” (2023) 🧑🏽🤝🧑🏼🔍
- “Use of participatory action research to support Syrian refugee mothers in the resettlement period in Canada: A longitudinal study” (2023) 🌍👩👧
- “Equity Promoting Integrated Care: Definition and Future Development” (2023) 🏥💡
- “If You Can Just Break the Stigma Around It: LGBTQI+ Migrants’ Experiences of Stigma and Mental Health” (2022) 🌈🧠
- “Themes for evaluating the quality of initiatives to engage patients and family caregivers in decision-making in healthcare systems: A scoping review” (2021) 🏥
Conclusion
Dr. Nancy Clark is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her groundbreaking research on refugee mental health, her leadership in nursing education, and her consistent recognition through prestigious awards demonstrate her significant contributions to the field. Her dedication to advancing nursing knowledge, particularly in the context of global health challenges, sets her apart as an expert and advocate for vulnerable populations.With continued engagement in broader public discourse and international collaborations, Dr. Clark could further amplify her impact, making her an even more influential figure in global health research.