New faculty spotlight: Robin Lally, Ph.D.

Registered nurse Robin Lally, Ph.D.

Robin Lally, Ph.D., is a new faculty member at UNMC.

  • Name: Robin Lally, Ph.D.
  • Hometown: Eagan, Minn.
  • New title and department at UNMC: Professor, College of Nursing

Research/Professional Interests:
My clinical area of specialty is oncology, with a focus on breast cancer. My program of research in the field of psycho-oncology focuses on the psychological adjustment of people newly diagnosed with cancer and their families.

How I fell in love with oncology:
I chose to specialize in oncology because of the major impact nurses have on the physical, social and psychological well-being of people with cancer and their families. I practiced as a clinical nurse specialist in breast oncology at the Jane Brattain Breast Center in Minnesota for eight years, during which time I worked closely with newly diagnosed women and became curious about the variety of ways that women reacted to and coped with the diagnosis. My initial research developed a theory of thought processes of women during the early post-diagnosis period from which I developed an Internet-based program (CaringGuidance: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis) to address the cognitive, emotional and behavioral needs of women and families in an easily accessible manner. I love that I can make a difference in many people’s lives through my research and the dissemination and translation of my research to cancer care.

Degrees:

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, 2006
  • Master of Science, oncology nursing, minor in biomedical ethics, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, 1999
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Magna cum laude with distinction, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, 1991
  • Bachelor of Arts, human physiology, University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts, Minneapolis, 1987

Professional Certification:

  • Advanced oncology certified nurse – Oncology Nursing Society Certification Corp.
  • Registered nurse

Memberships:

  • American Psychosocial Oncology Society
  • Society of Behavioral Medicine
  • Society of Health Psychology
  • Oncology Nursing Society

Three things people may not know about me:

  • I have completed two marathons and 17 half marathons.
  • I was a figure skater in my younger days.
  • I enjoy camping in a tent.