Biography

Son earned her PhD from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. She holds an MSN in Nursing Education from the University of Texas at Austin and a BSN from Cha University in Seoul, Korea.

Currently, Son serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Nursing. She teaches undergraduate courses on fundamental nursing research. Her research program focuses on understanding family dynamics in childhood cancer contexts to improve adjustment and coping among youth with cancer. Specifically, Son studies the impact of supportive family environments on childhood cancer survivors’ physical and psychological health outcomes. Her doctoral research, funded by the American Cancer Society, explored the relationship between parent-child communication and the use of courageous coping strategies.

Recently, Son received both internal and external grants to support her work. She was awarded funding from the Trinity Health Foundation for her proposal, “Improving Coping with Cancer among Youth in East Tennessee.” Additionally, she earned the Human Health and Wellness Research Development Program Team-Building Award (2024) to further support her team-building initiatives for external grant proposals.

Son remains actively involved in professional pediatric oncology nursing organizations. She also contributes as a reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals within her area of expertise. Notably, she is an alumna of the 2023 cohort of the UT Research Development Academy.

Biography

Dr. Sarkar earned his PhD in Human genetics from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in India. He received his master’s in marine biotechnology from Annamalai University and bachelor’s degree in chemistry (Hons.) from Vinoba Bhave University. Dr. Sarkar undertook postdoctoral training from the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa prior joining UT. His primary research interest includes understanding how the oral and the gut microbiota interacts, particularly investigate how the microbes from the oral cavity can influence or cause gut microbiome dysbiosis and its implications towards human health and metabolic disorders. He is also interested in understanding the integrative effort of host genomics and microbiome towards shaping complex phenotypes in human. Dr. Sarkar applies genomics and multiomic technologies which include both laboratory experiments and bioinformatics to address his research objectives. He also collaborates with other faculties at UTK and USF and assist in bioinformatic and statistical analyses of genomic data generated as part of the collaborative efforts. Additionally, Dr. Sarkar is a reviewer for several journals like Scientific Reports (Nature), Microbes and Infection (Elsevier), and Nutrients, Microorganisms, Cancers and International journal of Molecular Sciences (MDPI).

Biography

Vivian is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing – Education (MSN-Education) and an Associate’s degree in Contemporary Management. Throughout her nursing career, she has specialized in cardiac care, providing compassionate care in acute and intensive settings, including Cardiovascular ICU, step-down care, progressive care, and medical-surgical units. Her experience spans various healthcare environments, including a magnet designated, level one trauma center in East Tennessee and one of Atlanta’s top-ranked hospitals.

Biography

Rhoten obtained his BSN in 2013 and MSN in 2018 from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He received an Outstanding Clinical Faculty award in 2023 from students. Rhoten worked as an oncology nurse with over five years of experience in providing specialized care to cancer patients. He has been teaching at the CON for 6 years in the undergraduate programs as a clinical and lab instructor.

Biography

Eddie Petrie, MSN-Ed, RN, is the Junior Coordinator and Lecturer at the University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Nursing. With a specialization in nursing education, Petrie focuses on community health and the care of vulnerable populations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to both the classroom and clinical settings.

A dedicated educator and researcher, Petrie is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of nursing professionals. His work emphasizes the importance of equity and inclusivity in health care, including innovative approaches like gender-affirming care simulations. Petrie’s positive attitude and tireless energy inspire students and colleagues alike, creating an environment that encourages collaboration, growth, and success.

In addition to his teaching role, Petrie is an award-winning faculty member, having received the Outstanding Classroom Teaching Award. He is also actively involved in professional development, presenting his research at national conferences such as the Southern Nurses Research Society.

Petrie began his nursing career as an LPN before earning his ASN, BSN, and MSN, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. He is currently pursuing his PhD, with plans to defend his dissertation on gender-affirming care in May 2025.

Petrie’s passion for nursing education, coupled with his dedication to student success and advancing health equity, make him a valued leader in nursing academia.

Biography

Sarah Neller, PhD, APRN, AGPCNP-BC is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Nursing and Gerontology Certificate from the University of Utah, MSN from Vanderbilt University, and BSN from Harding University. Neller is a committed gerontologist, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, and nurse scientist with a vision to advance research that promotes healthy aging by fostering well-being, intentional living, and life engagement among older adults.  Neller’s work explores the cultivation of generativity and the concept of leaving a legacy of values to enhance social and communal engagement for older adults, ultimately helping them find purpose and remain actively involved in their communities as they age.

Neller has been recognized as a Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Excellence by the National Hartford Center for Gerontological Nursing Excellence. She actively serves older adults in the Knoxville community as a member and treasurer of the Executive Committee of the Knoxville-Knox County Council on Aging. Through her work and community engagement, Neller is dedicated to promoting healthy longevity and improving the quality of life for older adults.

Biography

Murr is currently working as a Clinical Instructor and Social Worker at Vine School Health Center. Murr grew up in Knoxville and graduated with her BSSW in 2016 and MSSW in 2017 from the University of Tennessee College of Social Work. She became licensed as a clinical social worker (LCSW) in 2022. Murr has over 8 years of experience working with children and adolescents in school-based and community mental health settings as a therapist. She is currently pursuing becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).

When Murr is not at work, she can be found spending time with her two dogs (June and Finn) and husband (Ryan) who works at her alma mater (UTK- College of Social Work) as a website designer. She also volunteers with an afterschool program at Karns Middle School called YOKE.

Biography

Katie Keller began working in the College of Nursing in 2022. She started my journey as a nurse after graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2011. She has worked in a variety of areas as a nurse including a step-down ICU, a neuro floor, and the emergency department. She found her passion to help people facing serious illness and end-of-life after caring for patients in an inpatient hospice unit.

After discovering this passion, Keller obtained her master’s degree in nursing in 2017 from the University of Tampa. After graduating, she worked as a palliative care nurse practitioner in an outpatient setting and enjoyed getting to know her patients and families, educating them about their disease process, and empowering them to make informed decisions. Since her journey began at the University of Tennessee, she has had the opportunity to lecture in pathophysiology and nursing care of the adult, assist with health assessment, clinicals, labs, simulation, and create a specialty course focused on aging adults, palliative care, and hospice.

Her goal is to empower students and to prepare them to be confident, competent nurses who will impact the lives of the people they care for every day.

Biography

Ivy has been a nurse practitioner for 30 years. Her focus has been on serving children in underserved areas. It has been a privilege and a pleasure, and one that she hopes to continue for many years.