Deborah Klesel

Deborah Klesel, PhD, MSN, RN, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas. Her academic and clinical expertise spans biomedical sciences, nursing, and holistic healthcare approaches.

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences
• MSN in Nursing
• BSN in Nursing
• BA in Fine Arts

Dr. Klesel’s research focuses on quality of life improvements in chronic disease contexts, particularly Parkinson’s disease, and integrates mind-body interventions like centering prayer. Her work bridges biomedical sciences and neurological nursing.

Recent scholarly activity includes a 2022 publication on holistic approaches in Parkinson’s disease treatment. She has been nominated for the Daisy Award (2025) and received the John P. McGovern Foundation Award (2023).

• Daisy Award nominee, 2025
• John P. McGovern Foundation Award Recipient, 2023