Rafael Romo

Rafael Romo is an Assistant Professor at Dominican University's School of Health and Natural Sciences, Department of Nursing. Prior to his academic career, he worked for 20 years in software engineering, developing embedded systems for global clients. After his mother's passing, he transitioned to nursing, focusing on care for hospitalized older adults in cardiac, stroke, and progressive care units. His academic journey includes a PhD in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco, and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of San Francisco.

• Education:
  • PhD in Nursing, University of California, San Francisco
  • MS in Nursing, University of San Francisco
  • BS in Mathematics, California State University, Bakersfield

Rafael’s research explores how older adults make healthcare decisions as they approach the end of life, examining the impact of interpersonal relationships, literacy, health policy, and physical health on patient outcomes. He has recently expanded his focus to study mild cognitive impairment and how changing cognition influences decision-making processes.

• Scientific Awards:
  • UVA School of Nursing Roberts Scholar
  • Hospice and Palliative Nursing Foundation Research Scholar
  • John A. Hartford Foundation, Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Fellowship
  • UCSF Distinguished Dissertation in Nursing Award
  • UCSF Hartford Center Leadership Development Award
  • UCSF Graduate Dean’s Health Science Fellowship
  • UCSF Hartford Center for Nursing Excellence Scholarship

As a first-generation American and ethnic minority, Rafael values Dominican University's mission, which aligns with his personal and professional goals of mentoring future nurses and addressing systemic gaps in geriatric healthcare.