Theresa Watts

Theresa Watts is an Assistant Professor at the Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Reno, with a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MPH from George Washington University, and a BSN from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Her educational background:

• Ph.D., School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 2019
• MPH, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 2011
• BSN, State University of New York (SUNY)–Plattsburgh, 2008

Dr. Watts' research program addresses health disparities among marginalized populations through big-data, qualitative, and survey methodologies, with specific expertise in infectious diseases (particularly Hepatitis C), harm reduction, climate change impacts on health, and public health nursing. Her work consistently bridges nursing practice, health policy, and social justice advocacy.

Her publication record demonstrates evolving interdisciplinary focus—from pandemic responses in nursing homes to climate-health intersections and substance use disparities—while maintaining core commitment to vulnerable populations. Recent articles show increasing integration of environmental health perspectives with traditional public health nursing frameworks.

As an educator, Dr. Watts integrates population health perspectives into nursing curricula to develop leaders capable of addressing complex health challenges through competent care and social justice initiatives. Her clinical background as a public health nurse in communicable disease, disaster preparedness, environmental health, and STI programs directly informs both her teaching and research approaches.