Nine people recently made history as the first graduates of the UAB Graduate Certificate in Applications of Mixed Methods Research. Highlighting the diverse nature of this research certificate, the graduates range from Schools of Education, Health Professions, Nursing and Public Health and include doctoral students, researchers, and faculty.

”I am extremely happy to welcome the first graduates of this unique program that is designed for those who want to build their mixed methods research capacity and become certified experts in mixed methods research,” said Nataliya Ivankova, Ph.D., MPH, program director and professor in the Department of Health Services Administration. “With an expanding interest in mixed methods research and its wide applications across disciplines and research topics, the program provides opportunities for researchers to develop applied knowledge and skills to become successful users of mixed methods research.”

The first class of graduates are:

• Jami Anderson, School of Health Professions, UAB
• Kristin Ashley, School of Nursing, UAB
• Amy Beasley, School of Nursing, UAB
• Alison Footman, School of Public Health, UAB
• Demetria Hubbard, School of Public Health, UAB
• Kachina Kudroff, School of Education, UAB
• Megan Mileski, School of Nursing, UAB
• Haiyan Qu, Ph.D., School of Health Professions, UAB
• Pamela Rothpletz-Puglia, Ph.D., School of Health Professions, Rutgers University

“Being one of the inaugural graduates of the MMR certificate program has been an honor. I was interested in enrolling in the certificate program because I felt it would equip me with the tools and resources needed to begin my career as a nurse scientist,” said Kristin Ashley, MSN, RN, CNE, instructor and PhD student, UAB School of Nursing. “This certificate will complement my doctoral degree and the knowledge and skills I have gained will assist me in establishing my program of research to reduce health disparities among post-stroke individuals.”

The Graduate Certificate in Applications of Mixed Methods Research program is designed to prepare students to address complex issues and real-world problems by integrating quantitative and qualitative research approaches. It delivers applied knowledge and allows students to develop skills necessary to meaningfully combine these research methods.

“Completing the program substantially advanced my skills in conducting and teaching mixed methods research,” said Pamela Rothpletz-Puglia, EdD, RD, associate professor, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Rutgers University. “During the program, I produced two manuscripts for publication and submitted two funding applications – with one being funded – due to the caliber of the teaching and learning experiences.”

The graduate certificate only requires five three-credit hour courses and is offered totally online.

All graduates are exposed to information to help them design, conduct, and evaluate mixed methods research in diverse contexts. They also learn how to use mixed methods to design a meaningful intervention and how to write effective mixed methods grant proposals.

“This program was exceptional! I learned comprehensive skills in mixed methods research design, grant proposal writing, and community-based applications,” said Jami Anderson, MSc, MBS, student, UAB PhD in Administration-Health Services. “With this training, I know I can develop innovative and high-quality studies to improve the lives of cancer patients and survivors. I would encourage anyone interested in expanding their research skills and portfolio to consider this program.”

More information can be found at go.uab.edu/gcmmr.