Yuanlu Sun

Yuanlu Sun serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing, joining the faculty in 2022. A certified lymphedema therapist and oncology nurse, she conducts interdisciplinary research to enhance cancer survivorship care through technology and culturally sensitive interventions for vulnerable populations, with emphasis on health equity and resource-constrained settings.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Nursing, University of Missouri-Columbia
• Ph.D. Minor in Statistics, University of Missouri-Columbia
• BSN, Sun Yat-sen University

Dr. Sun's research program centers on chronic effects of cancer, specifically lymphedema self-management, symptom assessment, occupational rehabilitation, and quality of life among cancer survivors. She investigates barriers in underserved communities and develops digital health tools for patient-centered self-management and clinician-caregiver communication, integrating naturalistic inquiry with data science to address health disparities.

Her notable recognition includes the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) Self-Care RIG dissertation award for pioneering work on breast cancer survivors' lymphedema management and return-to-work challenges.

Dr. Sun has secured funding as principal investigator and co-investigator on multiple research grants. She actively mentors PhD and DNP students and brings a decade of teaching experience across undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, delivering instruction in didactic, laboratory, and clinical settings through online and in-person formats.