Mariana Da Costa

Dr. Mariana Da Costa is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Western Carolina University, affiliated with the College of Health and Human Sciences and the School of Nursing. She chairs the faculty senate (2024-2025) and is active in Mujeres Con Proposito and the Pathway to Equity in Nursing Scholars Program. Her clinical roles include float pool nurse and clinical educator at Haywood Regional Medical Center and Harris Regional Hospital. She previously held roles such as Infection Prevention Specialist and Director of Acute Care Services. She serves on the boards of Kids Advocacy Resource Efforts (KARE) and Child Medical Collaborative, focusing on child abuse prevention and medical evaluations.

Education:

• Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Duke University
• Master of Science in Nursing Administration, East Tennessee State University
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Miami
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, University of Florida

Research and Teaching Focus: Her research interests include student resiliency, evidence-based practice, vaping/tobacco use in vulnerable populations, and student success strategies. Teaching interests span Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing Leadership, Intensive Care Nursing, Emergency Care Nursing, and End-of-life Care.

Advising and Advocacy: Committed to student success, mental health, and nursing workforce development through mentorship programs and community partnerships.