Morgan Staver

Morgan Staver is a Ph.D. candidate on the BSN to PhD track in UNMC’s College of Nursing. She is also enrolled in a post-graduate certificate program on the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner track.


Current credentials and degrees: BSN, RN
Hometown: Clive, IA
Twitter handle: @MorganStaver
Graduated: May 2022
Research interest: Maternal distress in mothers of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.


Why I chose a PhD in nursing:


I chose a Ph.D. in nursing because I wanted to help provide the evidence base for safe and effective clinical care. My nursing background gives me a lens to approach healthcare research in a highly effective way.

Research/professional interests:


My dissertation study involves using a mixed methods approach to study maternal mental health in mothers of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. I am passionate about combining clinical expertise with research to improve healthcare for vulnerable individuals.

What I like about UNMC:


The faculty and my peers in the Ph.D. program. Everyone at UNMC is working towards student success, which provides a positive environment for growth and professional development.

Professional memberships:


  • UNMC Student Senate
  • International Marcé Society
  • Midwest Nursing Research Society
  • Sigma Theta Tau International

Three things people may not know about me:


  • I have two dogs Luna, a Great Pyrenees mix and Riley, a Beagle mix
  • I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family
  • I like to knit