The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is thrilled to recognize two-time alum Maura McCall (NURS '10G, '22G), who received the Council of Graduate Schools/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation award on Dec. 7 in the field of Biological and Life Sciences--a prestigious international honor for doctoral dissertations, with only two such awards given each year.
This recognition of McCall’s research is a reflection of the excellence of Pitt’s School of Nursing and the health sciences overall.
“I was astounded,” said McCall when she learned she was receiving the award. “I am very humbled.”
McCall’s dissertation “Genotypic and Phenotypic Predictors of Cancer Therapy Adherence and Symptom Trajectories in Women with Breast Cancer” analyzed women’s experiences with side effects from types of early-stage breast cancer treatment that, when taken, are highly effective in eradicating the cancer after five years.
“The University of Pittsburgh is thrilled that Dr. McCall was honored for her groundbreaking research on breast cancer treatment,” said Amanda Godley, vice provost for graduate studies, who nominated McCall for the award.
This is the second time someone from Pitt has been recognized with this award. In 1998, Luis Lehner’s (A&S ’98G) dissertation, “Gravitational Radiation from Black Hole Space Times,” won in the Math/Physical Sciences field.