Monika Schuler

Monika Schuler is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Community Nursing Department at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s College of Nursing & Health Sciences. A three-generation UMass Dartmouth Corsair, she transitioned from cranberry biology research to nursing education, driven by her experience in emergency care for patients with substance use disorder (SUD). Her work focuses on reducing healthcare stigma through simulation training, supported by a $591,485 grant from the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts.

Education:

• Undergraduate in Biology, UMass Dartmouth (1989)
• Master’s in Nursing, UMass Dartmouth (2012)
• PhD in Nursing, Northeastern University (2015)

Dr. Schuler’s research bridges her dual expertise in biology and nursing. She advocates for fear-free teaching methods, emphasizing simulation-based learning and metacognitive strategies to improve student readiness. Her recent publications explore remote learning during the pandemic, online educational tools, and empathy development in SUD care.

Dr. Schuler serves on the UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association and practices as a board-certified family nurse practitioner. Her career reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, from cranberry pest management to SUD nursing practice.