Impactful Teaching and Research
As part of an initiative to recognize impactful research, teaching and creative scholarship across Idaho State University campuses, two faculty who have made meaningful contributions in these key focus areas are being honored each month during the academic year.
Impactful Teaching
JANET TERRY, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
School of Nursing
College of Nursing, Rehabilitation and Human Health
Drawing from her research, Mitigating Early Nursing Burnout in Nursing Students, Dr. Terry identified that many learners begin experiencing emotional fatigue and stress long before entering the workforce. She also witnessed firsthand how the rigorous demands of nursing school can overwhelm students who lack effective coping strategies. In response, she designed a course that equips students with practical, evidence-based tools to understand their emotions, manage stress, and build resilience. This early intervention approach is essential: it supports students throughout their education and strengthens their long-term ability to thrive as new nurses in a high-pressure profession.
Dr. Terry also champions community engagement. She leads her NURS 4200 Population Health students in organizing Benny’s Teddy Bear Health Clinic at the annual ISU Health Fair, as well as additional community events that actively involve nursing students. These experiences provide meaningful opportunities for students to build confidence in public health education and develop strong skills in community outreach.
Through research-driven curriculum development, student centered teaching, and impactful community involvement, Dr. Terry has created lasting, measurable improvements in student wellness, resilience, and professional readiness.
Her work continues to shape the future of nursing education at ISU and beyond. When asked about her role at ISU, she says it is her dream job—and she cannot imagine herself in any other career.
Your wellness class has taught me so much about how to manage my stress and anxiety, especially when it comes to test-taking. I’ll be honest — I wasn’t sure why this class was part of nursing school at first, and I didn’t fully understand its purpose. But after taking it, I can honestly say it has been one of the most impactful classes I’ve ever taken. Thank you, Dr. Terry, for helping me become a stronger, more resilient nursing student.”
— Student at Idaho State University
Impactful Research
ELAINE NGUYEN, PharmD, MPH, MBA
Associate Professor, Research & Publication Lead
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences
L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Dr. Nguyen’s research focuses on improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in rural and underserved communities by leveraging pharmacy professionals and other interprofessional team members. Her work addresses challenges faced by patients and communities, including access to evidence-based diabetes services and immunizations. Most recently, her work has focused on building the infrastructure and partnerships needed to conduct research in real-world community settings.
As the Director of INSPIRE (Idaho Network for Supporting Practice, Innovation, Research, and Education), Idaho’s practice-based research and learning network, she is building partnerships that connect patients and clinicians with researchers across Idaho.
Ultimately, her research aims to translate evidence into practical improvements in healthcare, strengthen communities’ capacity to engage in research, and improve health outcomes for Idahoans.
Elaine has been instrumental in turning the vision of the Community Engagement and Outreach Core and INSPIRE into meaningful action across Idaho. Her ability to build trusted partnerships, connect organizations and communities, and move ideas toward implementation has expanded our reach and strengthened the infrastructure for community-engaged research statewide. Because of her leadership, we are creating new opportunities for communities and healthcare partners to shape research priorities, participate in collaborative projects, and see their needs translated into action. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside her as we build the CEO Core and INSPIRE.”
— Katherine Doyon, Ph.D., M.Ed., RN, CHPN
Associate Professor | School of Nursing, Boise State