Nursing’s Rina Fox recognized for work in behavioral cancer care
U of A College of Nursing
Rina Fox, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing and member of the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center, was awarded the 2025 Rising Star Award by the center’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program during its annual retreat in April.
Fox, who joined the College of Nursing in 2021, received recognition for her work developing behavioral and psychosocial interventions to improve the quality of life for people diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers.
Rina Fox, PhD, MPH
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Health Sciences Office of Communications
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by my cancer prevention and control colleagues in this way,” said Fox. “I am constantly inspired and impressed by the rigorous research led by this program’s members, and I am grateful for the chance to work with these incredible colleagues.”
Fox’s research has been widely recognized for its innovation and impact. One of her research projects explores novel, more accessible ways to address sleep disturbance among gynecologic cancer survivors, an issue reported by more than 80% of people in this population. Fox’s work aims to enhance health-related quality of life by addressing both sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions through behavioral interventions that are more acceptable and feasible for survivors.
“Dr. Fox’s strong commitment and service to the psychosocial oncology profession contribute to her emergence as a leader deserving of this award,” said Terry Badger, PhD, RN, the Eleanor Bauwens Endowed Chair, a professor and the interim associate dean for research at the college, who nominated Fox for the award. “Her dedication to advancing cancer care through research and mentorship is truly inspiring.”
In addition to her research, Fox has published 73 peer-reviewed manuscripts and has earned honors from the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Prevention, the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s Cancer Special Interest Group and the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She is also deeply committed to mentorship, guiding young scientists within the College of Nursing and fostering the next generation of cancer researchers.
“Dr. Fox exemplifies our college’s mission by combining scientific innovation with genuine compassion to improve lives. Her groundbreaking research on behavioral interventions for cancer survivors not only advances the field of oncology but also highlights the importance of integrative, patient-centered care,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. “We are incredibly proud of her recognition and look forward to the ongoing impact of her research, mentorship and advocacy within our community and beyond.”
Fox is also leading a line of research focused on a digitally delivered stress management skills training intervention for young adult cancer survivors.
Two additional awards presented at the retreat were the Impact Award, presented to Denise Roe, DrPH, a professor at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, who retired at the end of the spring semester, and the Outstanding Trainee Award, presented to Sarah Yeo, PhD, a National Institutes of Health T32 Cancer Prevention and Control Postdoctoral Fellow at the Zuckerman College of Public Health.
A version of this story originally appeared on the U of A College of Nursing website.