Cassandra M. Godzik, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC
- Previous training: I received my PhD and APRN from University of Massachusetts Medical School.
- Past T32 primary mentors: Martha L. Bruce, PhD, MPH; Kathy Lyons, ScD, OTR/L; and Susan Reeves, EdD, RN
Research interests
Throughout my doctoral work, I focused on sleep medicine and mental health symptoms. During my training, I was awarded a grant through the Nurse Educational Funds to conduct a trial of an online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) program. I am now a practicing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) as well as a postdoctoral research fellow.
My current research training aims include learning the basic mechanics of multi-site study design and management, developing an understanding of novel methods in which to assess home sleep environments, leading a retrospective data analysis of primary care provider data on insomnia prescribing practices, and obtaining guidance in my professional development as an academic nurse scientist and leader in healthcare research. Preliminary findings from the retrospective data analysis indicate that there are gaps in treating insomnia according to evidence-based practice guidelines set forth via the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Focus groups with primary care providers (PCP) are planned to understand treatment decisions being made in PCP offices.
In addition to my work at Dartmouth, I have been awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to University of Haifa, Israel, to work alongside sleep researcher, Dr. Tamar Shochat, D.Sc. My overall career goal is to be an independent nurse scientist who conducts interventional studies in home sleep environments to improve psychological health, improve quality of life and functioning, and prevent disease in older adults treated in community health settings. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, travel, and hiking!/p>
Publications
Chasens, E.R., Imes, C.C., Kariuki, J., Luyster, F.S., Morris, J., DiNardo, M., Godzik, C.M., Jeon, B., & Yang, K. (2021). Sleep and Metabolic Syndrome. Nursing Clinics of North America, 56(2). Doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2020.10.012
Godzik, C.M., Ryan, E.T., Crawford, S.L. (2021). Feasibility of an online cognitive behavioral therapy program to improve insomnia, mood, and quality of life in bereaved adults ages 55 and older. Geriatric Nursing, 42(1), 99-106. Doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2020.12.006
Godzik, C.M. (2020). Sleep disturbances in bereaved older people: a review of the literature. Mental Health Practice, 24(1). Doi: 10.7748/mhp.2020.e1492
Lysaght-Hurley, S., Welsh, D.M., Roy, K.M., & Godzik, C.M. (2020). Bridging the Gap: A Hospice Nurse Residency Program,The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 51(8), 371-376. Doi:10.3928/00220124-20200716-07.
Godzik, C.M. (2019). Gateless Communication: A Concept Analysis, Nursing Forum, 54(4), 636-641. Doi:10.111/nuf/12388.
Milan Satcher, MD, MPH
- Previous training: I received my medical and master of public health degrees from Brown University and completed family medicine residency at Boston Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, where I served as chief resident. I completed an emergency medicine fellowship at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta, Maine.
- Past T32 primary mentors: Sarah Lord, PhD; and Lisa Marsch, PhD
- Completion date: August 2023
- Current position: Health Equity Faculty Fellow at Dartmouth Health & The Dartmouth Institute of Health Policy and Clinical Practice
Research interests
After years of clinical experience caring for persons returning home after incarceration, I joined Dartmouth's Primary Care T32, where my research focused on mass criminalization as a determinant of health inequity. I worked under the mentorship of Dr. Sarah Lord to examine the biopsychosocial correlates of prenatal care utilization among women with a history of criminal legal system involvement and opioid use disorder (CL-OUD). This research revealed prenatal care disparities among pregnant women with CL-OUD. Relative to the general population of Northern New England, a higher proportion of pregnant women with CL-OUD experienced later prenatal care initiation and less prenatal care visits.
Under Dr. Lisa Marsch, I am completing a qualitative study with recently incarcerated adults to assess the interrelationship between biopsychosocial experiences and engagement in OUD treatment during reentry, as well as their perceptions of potential care approaches to support recovery during reentry. Early results highlight an array of structural failures that paradoxically position recovery and basic human survival at odds during reentry. Participants also describe effective system- and individual-level recovery strategies.
My career goal is to develop a transdisciplinary, multisectoral program of research to address structural vulnerabilities to criminal legal system involvement and advance health equity and dignity for impacted individuals and families. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and faith community, veganizing popular dishes (though I'm not vegan), indoor gardening, and hiking/picnicking with loved ones.