Dr. Anna McDaniel, Dean and the Linda Harman Aiken Professor of the University of Florida College of Nursing, is our new Co-Director (together with Dr. Cook and Dr. Leeman) of the SHARC T32 Program: TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE TRAINING TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF ALCOHOL ON HIV INFECTION. Dr. McDaniel will lead the mentoring component of our T32 Training curriculum.
Dr. McDaniel took some time from her busy schedule to tell us at SHARC about her career path and to share a glimpse of her life away from campus.
Tell us about your educational background.
I received my undergraduate degree in nursing from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. After working in the ICU for several years, I returned to school and pursued a master’s degree specializing in medical-surgical nursing and teaching. After teaching undergraduates at a small, private college, I returned for my PhD in Nursing Science.
Tell us about your previous work/research experience.
I have been a nurse educator for many years in many settings (from undergraduate teaching to doctoral and post-doctoral education at small colleges to large academic health centers.)
I have a strong affinity for social science and behavior change research. Early on, I was fascinated by understanding clinician behavior change (specifically system changes to support clinicians in adhering to practice guidelines). My earliest work in this area focused on “bedside” tobacco cessation treatment, which lead to a series of studies in what would now be called “implementation science”.
I completed a post-doc in informatics, which expanded my skills and understanding of how technology can support decision making and behavior change in clinicians and consumers. My research program has focused on tobacco use prevention and cessation as well as cancer control/symptom management. I was on the faculty at the Indiana University School of Nursing for 21 years and served as Associate Dean for Research. I held a dual appointment in the School of Informatics and directed the master’s of health informatics program.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with my family (my husband and 3 sons and 6 grandchildren who live in California and Indiana). I like to travel and explore the beautiful Florida natural spaces. And, of course, cheering for the Gators at all sporting events!
Do you have a favorite pet?
I have two dogs – Alex and Belle. They are Cavachons (mixed breed of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and bichon frise). They love attention and lap time.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
That I lie on surveys (just kidding). Not much – I am pretty transparent and what you see is what you get!
Who inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by the faculty, staff, and students at the University of Florida and their dedication to serving others through research and practice.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with it?
I would donate (some) of the money to establish the Lucille Manley College of Nursing (named after my mother). This plaque hung in her bedroom wall all my life. When she died, we discovered it was actually a pamphlet about how to make the world a better place.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
Always do your very best.