The University of Michigan School of Nursing welcomes visiting scholars from around the world who bring new perspectives to our community while advancing their research and professional development at UMSN. In this Q&A series, we’re introducing you to some of the international scholars spending time at Michigan Nursing.
For the third installment of our series, we're introducing Caroline Lopes Ciofi Silva, Ph.D., RN, an assistant professor at the School of Nursing at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil. Silva is visiting UMSN from August 2026 through January 2027, working with faculty mentor Dr. Jeanne Stacciarini. Her research focuses on infection prevention and control, antimicrobial resistance and the role of advanced practice nurses in antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship.
Tell us a little about yourself and your work at your home institution.
I am an assistant professor at the School of Nursing, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), located in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. I teach Fundamentals of Nursing to both undergraduate and graduate students in nursing and medicine. I earned my Ph.D. in science from the Adult Health Nursing Program at the University of São Paulo (USP) School of Nursing in 2017. I earned my master’s degree in science from the Fundamental Nursing Program at the University of São Paulo (USP) Ribeirão Preto School of Nursing in 2012. I also completed my undergraduate education in nursing at the University of São Paulo (USP) Ribeirão Preto School of Nursing in 2006.
Currently, I conduct research focused on infection control and antimicrobial resistance. I am also the coordinator of the interdisciplinary research group on health care-related infections, “GPIIRAS,” at Unicamp's School of Nursing, and I lead the Research Committee of the Brazilian Nurses’ Network for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (REBRAN).
What brought you to UMSN?
My main goal is to analyze the training model and scope of practice for advanced practice nurses regarding antimicrobial prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship. I have received mentorship from Dr. Jeanne Stacciarini, who has published papers on advanced practice nursing.
What are you focusing on during your time here?
My aim is to compare the policies, guidelines and programs that support nurse prescribers of antimicrobials in Brazil and the United States. Additionally, I will learn about the University of Michigan’s advanced practice nurse training program. I plan to conduct research on these topics with my mentor.
What are you hoping to learn, explore or accomplish during your visit?
I plan to explore nurses' antimicrobial prescribing practices by visiting some health facilities, including primary care clinics and hospitals, and assessing how these professionals utilize digital technologies to prescribe and manage antibiotics. I also plan to attend classes and simulation sessions to better understand how competencies are integrated into the education program at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.
What perspectives or expertise from your home country or institution are you excited to share with the UMSN community?
I would like to share the main themes of research studies my research group and I have been conducting in Brazil regarding infection prevention and control.
In addition, I would like to share my experience working with the Brazilian Network of Nurses Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (known by its Portuguese acronym, REBRAN). Established in 2022, REBRAN is a national initiative dedicated to strengthening and empowering the nursing workforce as a critical front line in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Led by a dedicated team of researchers, the network has advanced rigorous, practice-oriented research that foregrounds the essential, yet often under-recognized, role of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship programs. Besides conducting scientific studies, we have been creating and disseminating educational materials that are widely shared through digital platforms and social media.
What has been a highlight or memorable moment from your time at Michigan so far?
Meeting with international students and professionals to learn about their experiences related to research and nursing work in their home countries.
What is something you hope to take home with you from this experience?
I hope to deepen my understanding of global health, which will support the development of new research initiatives and enrich discussions about my scientific findings. Additionally, I hope that by engaging with innovative teaching methods centered on nursing education, I will be able to bring new insights and ideas to Brazil, aiming to enhance curricula and incorporate new initiatives into nursing training. I also aspire to support the advancement of public policies in my country.
Just for fun, what have you enjoyed most about Ann Arbor or Michigan outside of your work?
I really enjoy contemplating the natural fields and green landscapes (before the snow arrives!), as well as walking and running outside.