Dr. Antonia Villarruel

When Dr. Antonia Villarruel began her nursing career, she had little interest in being a nurse researcher. Yet, after completing her Master’s degree and working with children as a clinical nurse specialist, she concluded that research isn’t just about data; it’s a chance to make an impact at the individual level, family level, and even at the policy level.

With this realization, Dr. Villarruel chose to pursue her PhD in order to expand her work in research, and to be involved in the science at higher level. And after earning her PhD, she also discovered that working in research opened doors to many opportunities, through collaborators, committee appointments, and presentations, nationally and internationally.

Now, as a U-M faculty member, Dr. Villarruel advises students considering pursing a PhD to seek out faculty who are involved in research and interested in working with students to develop their ideas. “We have incredible resources for doing research – whether it’s at UMHS, through colleagues across the nation, or with collaborators around the world. We have the network to help you pursue your interests and passion.”

On her personal approach to mentoring doctoral students, Dr. Villarruel says her goal is to help students find their interest and passion, and also challenge them to find the best way to answer their particular research question. “You want to focus your thinking and approach so you can maximize the impact that your work will have.”

Dr. Villarruel acknowledges that U-M is a strong research institution. “The intellectual resources here are unsurpassed, and the opportunity to work across disciplines is unique.” It’s characteristics like these that further enrich the high level of scholarship established in the School of Nursing.