Diana Layne | Nursing Workforce | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Diana Layne | Nursing Workforce | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Medical University of South Carolina | United States

Diana M. Layne, PhD, RN, CPHQ, is an accomplished nursing scientist and educator whose work exemplifies excellence in research, mentorship, and clinical innovation. As an assistant professor, she leads interdisciplinary research projects focused on dementia care, palliative interventions, patient safety, and resilience in healthcare teams. Her extensive publication record includes empirical studies, integrative reviews, and manuscripts that mentor emerging researchers, demonstrating both scholarly rigor and dedication to developing future healthcare leaders. Dr. Layne has successfully secured competitive research funding and translates findings into practical applications, improving patient outcomes and healthcare quality. She is highly active in presenting her work at national and international conferences, fostering collaboration and knowledge dissemination. Her professional expertise integrates clinical insight, quality improvement, and evidence-based research, positioning her as a thought leader in nursing science. Dr. Layne’s contributions have a meaningful impact on nursing education, practice, and policy, making her a distinguished researcher in her field.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Diana M. Layne possesses a strong academic foundation in nursing, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University. She further advanced her expertise by completing a PhD in Nursing Science at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she developed a deep understanding of healthcare quality, patient safety, and nursing research methodologies. Throughout her education, Dr. Layne gained exposure to clinical practice, quality improvement initiatives, and healthcare administration, which informed her evidence-based approach to research. Her academic training was complemented by professional certifications, including Registered Nurse licensure, Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, reflecting her commitment to integrating clinical practice with system-level improvements. She also engaged in numerous professional development programs and continuing education opportunities, such as dementia palliative care training, digital accessibility, and faculty career development, equipping her with both the theoretical and practical skills needed to lead innovative research projects and contribute meaningfully to nursing education and patient care.

Experience

Diana M. Layne has extensive experience spanning clinical practice, administration, and academia. She began her career in bedside nursing, working in cardiac intermediate and post-anesthesia care units, gaining hands-on clinical insight and understanding patient care dynamics. She transitioned into quality improvement roles, serving as a Quality Nurse Specialist and Manager in peer review and quality programs, where she led initiatives to enhance patient safety and healthcare outcomes. In academia, Dr. Layne currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, where she also led the PhD program as faculty. Her experience combines teaching, mentoring, and research leadership, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, development of nursing scholars, and integration of evidence-based practices into clinical and educational settings. She has presented nationally and internationally, highlighting her expertise and commitment to advancing nursing science and fostering resilient healthcare teams.

Research Focus

Dr. Diana M. Layne’s research centers on improving patient care, healthcare workforce resilience, and the quality of nursing practice. She investigates interventions for dementia care, palliative care, and caregiver support, emphasizing evidence-based strategies that enhance holistic care for vulnerable populations. Her work also examines negative behaviors and incivility in healthcare and academic settings, exploring their impact on patient safety, team resilience, and professional well-being. Dr. Layne integrates technology, such as telehealth and virtual reality, into her studies to create innovative solutions for nursing education and clinical practice. She mentors students in research, fostering the next generation of nursing scholars, and disseminates findings through high-impact publications, presentations, and workshops. Her research is characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration, translation of findings into practice, and a commitment to both improving healthcare delivery and supporting the professional growth and well-being of nurses.

Award and Honor

Diana M. Layne has been recognized for her excellence in research, teaching, and leadership throughout her career. She received the SC Palmetto Gold Award, highlighting her contributions to healthcare quality and nursing practice. As an Early Career Research Faculty Fellow at the College of Nursing, she demonstrated exceptional promise in advancing nursing research and mentoring emerging scholars. Dr. Layne has earned accolades for her presentations, including first-place podium recognition at national quality improvement symposia. Her professional certifications and continuing education, including Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, underscore her commitment to advancing healthcare excellence. These awards and recognitions reflect her sustained dedication to scholarly rigor, innovative research, and improving patient care outcomes, establishing her as a leader in nursing science and a role model for faculty, students, and colleagues in the healthcare community.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Caring While Moving: Case Studies on Physical Activity and Dementia Caregiver Well-Being
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Healthcare Team Resilience during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Experiences with Negative Behavior and Incivility: Perspectives of Unlicensed Assistive Personnel and Registered Nurses
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Palliative Care Coordination Interventions for Caregivers of Community-Dwelling Individuals with Dementia: An Integrative Review
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Disruptive Academic Behaviors: The Dance Between Emotional Intelligence and Academic Incivility
    Year: 2023

  • Title: A National Survey of Nursing Faculty Resilience, Moral Courage, and Purpose
    Year: 2023

  • Title: A Systematic Concept Analysis of Healthcare Team Resilience in Times of Pandemic Disasters
    Year: 2022

  • Title: An Analysis of the Perceptions of Incivility in Higher Education
    Year: 2022

  • Title: Symptom Assessment in the Home Environment Using a Technology-Enhanced Self-Management Intervention in Adults with COPD and Dyspnea
    Year: 2022

  • Title: The Effect of Academic Nurse Leaders’ Toxic Behaviors
    Year: 2022

  • Title: A Qualitative Protocol to Examine Resilience Culture in Healthcare Teams during COVID-19
    Year: 2021

Conclusion

Diana M. Layne is a highly accomplished nursing researcher whose work spans clinical practice, quality improvement, and academic scholarship. Her research addresses critical issues such as dementia care, palliative interventions, healthcare team resilience, and the impact of negative behaviors on professional and patient outcomes. She demonstrates a consistent record of scholarly productivity, mentorship of emerging researchers, and successful translation of research into practice. Her publications and presentations reflect both innovation and a commitment to advancing nursing science and education. Dr. Layne’s combination of clinical insight, research expertise, and dedication to improving healthcare delivery positions her as a distinguished leader in her field. Her ongoing contributions significantly enhance patient care, workforce development, and the broader nursing community, making her an exemplary candidate for recognition through research awards and professional accolades.

Sumi Lee | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sumi Lee | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Department of Nursing Science at Howon University, South Korea

Dr. Sumi Lee, Ph.D., RN, is an accomplished academic and clinical nursing professional, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Nursing Science, Howon University. She holds a Ph.D. in Nursing from Yonsei University and has a strong background in nursing education, with prior teaching roles at several esteemed universities, including Jeonju University and Yonsei University. Her clinical experience includes patient care in the hemato-oncological department at Samsung Medical Center. Dr. Lee’s research interests focus on dementia care, particularly eating behavior management in long-term care settings, aiming to enhance the quality of life for elderly patients. With a dedication to advancing both nursing practice and education, she has contributed significantly to the development of nursing students and professionals. Dr. Lee’s work bridges the gap between academic research and clinical applications, and she is committed to improving healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly those in long-term and community care settings.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Sumi Lee’s educational journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing her knowledge in the nursing field. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Yonsei University, one of South Korea’s leading institutions, where she conducted significant research on enhancing nursing practices for elderly patients. Her doctoral studies, which were completed in February 2023, focused on topics that have direct clinical relevance, particularly in dementia care. Prior to her Ph.D., Dr. Lee obtained a Master of Science in Nursing from Korea University, where she investigated the eating behavior management needs of dementia patients in long-term care hospitals. This thesis laid the groundwork for her future research interests in geriatric and community health. Dr. Lee also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jesus University, which provided her with the foundational knowledge necessary for her successful academic and clinical career. Her robust educational background has shaped her as a leader in both research and nursing education.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sumi Lee has an extensive professional background that blends research, teaching, and clinical practice. She began her career as a clinical nurse in the hemato-oncological department at Samsung Medical Center, where she provided specialized patient care, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a high-demand environment. Transitioning into academia, Dr. Lee became a researcher at the Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute at Yonsei University, where she contributed to important nursing studies, particularly in the areas of dementia care and geriatric health. She has held teaching roles at multiple prestigious institutions, including Jesus University, Jeonju University, and Yonsei University, where she taught various nursing courses such as adult nursing, community nursing, and clinical reasoning. Currently, Dr. Lee is an Assistant Professor at Howon University’s Department of Nursing Science, where she continues to shape the next generation of nurses through her teaching and mentorship. Her diverse professional experience has made her a well-rounded educator and researcher in the nursing field.

Research interest

Dr. Sumi Lee’s primary research interests are centered around dementia care, geriatric nursing, and community healthcare interventions. Her research has a strong focus on improving the quality of life for elderly patients, particularly those in long-term care settings. One of her notable areas of research is eating behavior management in dementia patients, which she explored in her thesis during her master’s studies. This work aimed to address the complex care needs of dementia patients in institutional settings, emphasizing the importance of tailored care strategies to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Lee is also deeply invested in nursing education, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and clinical practice by developing evidence-based approaches that can be integrated into nursing curricula. She seeks to innovate and refine nursing practices, particularly in community and long-term care environments, to better serve vulnerable populations and enhance overall healthcare delivery for the elderly.

Award & Honor

While specific details about awards and honors for Dr. Sumi Lee are not explicitly mentioned, her career reflects a strong commitment to advancing nursing education and research, earning recognition in her field. Her work in dementia care and long-term care management, particularly related to eating behavior management in elderly patients, has undoubtedly contributed to improving healthcare practices. The fact that she has secured research positions at prestigious institutions such as the Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute at Yonsei University speaks to the respect her peers hold for her research capabilities. Additionally, her teaching roles across several esteemed universities and her ongoing work at Howon University suggest that she is recognized for her dedication to shaping future nurses and healthcare professionals. As she continues to build her research portfolio, it is likely that Dr. Lee will gain further accolades and recognition for her contributions to nursing practice, education, and research in the coming years.

Conclusion

Dr. Sumi Lee has a strong academic and professional background with expertise in dementia care and community nursing. However, to be highly competitive for the Best Researcher Award, she would benefit from a stronger research publication record, leadership in funded projects, and increased recognition in the academic and clinical research community. If she has significant research contributions that are not listed, highlighting them would improve her candidacy.

Publications Top Noted

📄 “Impact of Modifiable Factors Associated with Physical Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Trajectory of Older Adults: Using the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging 2006–2018”

📄 “Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomization Controlled and Nonrandomized Controlled Studies on Nurse-led Nonpharmacological Interventions to Improve Cognition in People with Dementia”

  • Author: Sumi Lee
  • Year: 2022
  • Journal: Journal of Clinical Nursing
  • Writing Role: Review & Editing

📄 “Combined effects of handgrip strength and sensory impairment on the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults in Korea”

  • Author: Sumi Lee
  • Year: 2022
  • Journal: Scientific Reports
  • Writing Role: Original Draft

📄 “Trends of Concept Development in Nursing Published in Korean Journals”

  • Authors: Sumi Lee, Jinhae Lee, Yugyeong Hwang, Il Sun Ko
  • Year: 2020
  • Journal: Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
  • DOI: 10.4040/jkan.2020.50.2.178

📄 “Revisiting The Meaning of A Good Nurse”

📄 “Experience of Long-term Care Workers’ Communication with Older Adults with Dementia Focused on Emotional Expression”