Hernandez named assistant dean for research

Professor Daphne C. Hernandez, PhD, MSEd, FAAHB, FSBM, has been appointed assistant dean for research at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston effective Jan. 20, 2026.

“Dr. Hernandez’ passion for mentoring students and early-stage researchers makes her an excellent choice for this leadership role,” said Ansley Stanfill, PhD, RN, FAAN, associate dean for research. “Cizik School of Nursing receives more funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) than any other nursing school in Texas, and I look forward to working with Dr. Hernandez as we continue grow.”

Hernandez joined Cizik School of Nursing as an associate professor in 2020 and was promoted to professor as of Sept. 1, 2025. She is a Lee and Joseph Jamail Distinguished Professor.

As a developmental psychologist, Hernandez’ research focus includes food insecurity, housing instability and homelessness, and Latino health. She has published more than 100 papers as primary or senior author.

Hernandez currently serves as principal or co-investigator on nearly $3 million in NIH-funded projects. In addition, she leads the Houston-area Opportunities for Undergraduate Student Training in Obesity & Nutrition (HOUSTON) Academy 2.0 program funded by a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Her many awards include recognition from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the American Academy of Health Behaviors, and the National Council on Family Relations.

Before joining the Cizik School of Nursing, Hernandez was a faculty member at Pennsylvania State University and the University of Houston, and she completed a Ford Foundation postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan. She earned her PhD in applied developmental and educational psychology from Boston College, a master’s degree in psychological services from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Princeton University.