A Look at Faculty Research

The discovery of new knowledge, the search for truth in all its forms, the development of novel approaches to complex issues … Scholarly and scientific research is integral to Creighton University’s mission. Below, we share a sampling of Creighton faculty members living out that directive. Corresponding pictures appear at left, from top to bottom.

Rui-Ping Xia, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical therapy… her research in rigidity (stiffness or inflexibility) associated with Parkinson’s disease could lead to better clinical diagnosis and assessment of treatment outcomes.

Nursing professors Misty Schwartz, BSN’92, Ph.D., and Ann Laughlin, BSN’76, MS’94, Ph.D. … their work with approximately 25 parochial schools has lead to various research opportunities, including projects relating to prevention and interventions for childhood obesity.

Cristina Fernandez, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics … her research interests span from childhood obesity to safety programs for school children, from vitamin D to asthma and obesity, from health disparities and cultural sensitivity in medicine to breast feeding and lead intoxication.

Sonia Rocha-Sanchez, Ph.D., assistant professor in oral biology and biomedical sciences … she is studying inner-ear sensory cells (hair cells) with the ultimate goal of developing gene therapies for cell regeneration to assist those suffering from hearing loss.

Political scientists Richard Witmer, Ph.D., and Erika Moreno, Ph.D., are also husband and wife … Moreno’s research interests include Latin American politics, comparative politics, political institutions and electoral systems, while Witmer’s primary interests are American Indian politics and political institutions.