Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ

Biography

Dr. Mariana Da Costa is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ. Beginning her career as a mentor in the Nursing Network-Careers and Technology Mentoring Program, she became a full-time faculty member in 2019. Dr. Da Costa currently chairs the faculty senate for the 2024-2025 academic year and is actively involved with Mujeres Con Proposito and the Pathway to Equity in Nursing Scholars Program.<br><br>In addition to her educational roles, Dr. Da Costa serves as a float pool nurse and clinical educator at Haywood Regional Medical Center and Harris Regional Hospital. Her prior positions include Infection Prevention Specialist at Haywood Regional, Director of Acute Care Services at Harris Regional Hospital, and Director of Patient Care Services for LifePath Hospice and Palliative Care.<br><br>Dr. Da Costa is a committed board member for both Kids Advocacy Resource Efforts (KARE) and Child Medical Collaborative, Inc. These organizations are dedicated to providing evidence-based responses to child abuse, neglect, and exploitation in Haywood County and promoting healing for abused children through specialized medical evaluations in partnership with Children’s Advocacy Centers.<br><br>She is dedicated to supporting student success, enhancing mental health, ensuring degree completion, and strengthening the nursing workforce. Dr. Da Costa holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Florida, a B.S.N from the University of Miami, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from East Tennessee State University, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Duke University. Her personal interests include yoga, reading, running, traveling, and hiking with her family.

Education

• MSN, East Tennessee State University, Nursing Administration
• BSN, University of Miami
• BA, University of Florida

Teaching Interests

Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing Leadership, Intensive Care Nursing, Emergency Care Nursing, End-of-life Care

Research Interests

Student Resiliency, Incorporating Evidence Based Research, Vaping/Tobacco use among vulnerable populations, student success