Nancy Tierney

Nancy Tierney, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Education & Health Systems Science at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center. Her research focuses on cardiovascular physiology, autonomic nervous system dynamics, and gerontology. She holds a BS in Nursing from Marquette University, an MS in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a Post-Graduate Degree in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a PhD in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin.

Her work explores mechanisms of cardiovascular dysfunction in aging populations, including autonomic regulation, cerebral autoregulation during stress, and the impact of exercise on elderly health. She has conducted projects like the Pain-Mediated Sympathoexcitation in Heart Failure study (2012-2013), funded by UNTHSC. Her publications span topics from pulmonary microvascular pressure post-cardiopulmonary bypass to chronic physical activity's role in mitigating cerebral hypoperfusion in the elderly. Despite no listed advisees, her research collaborations include prominent institutions like Marquette University and the University of Texas systems.

Key scientific contributions include uncovering how physically active lifestyles enhance vagal-cardiac function in the elderly and elucidating cerebral autoregulation mechanisms during orthostatic stress. Her work integrates clinical nursing expertise with physiological systems science.