Umber Darilek

Umber Darilek is an Assistant Professor in Undergraduate Nursing at The University of Texas at Arlington. Her research examines toxic stress impacts on preterm infants and maternal mental health in NICU settings.

Research focuses on:

• Early relational health interventions strengthening parent-infant bonds
• Trauma-informed care approaches for NICU environments
• Maternal mental health during infant hospitalization
• Implementation science for evidence-based NICU practices

She investigates how quality improvement protocols can enhance neurodevelopmental outcomes through family-centered approaches.

Honors include Presidential Scholar and Sigma Theta Tau recognition. She holds IBCLC certification and maintains clinical practice in neonatal intensive care.