Doncy J. Eapen, PhD, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Doncy Eapen, PHD, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, is an Associate Professor and PARTNERS Faculty Scholar at the Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's in Nursing from Manipal College of Nursing in India, followed by a post-master’s in Family Nurse Practitioner and a PhD from the University of Kansas School of Nursing. Dr. Eapen is actively involved in educating the next generation of nurses, teaching across both graduate and undergraduate programs. Additionally, she maintains her clinical practice as a Nurse Practitioner.
Dr. Eapen's research primarily investigates interpersonal violence, encompassing domestic violence, and its impact on the health of women, children, and families. She is actively engaged in developing interventions using robust research methodologies to address partner violence that adversely affects maternal and child health. To gain a comprehensive understanding of interpersonal violence among marginalized populations, including those experiencing homelessness, she employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. She leads multiple studies aimed at understanding interpersonal violence and developing effective support strategies for survivors. Her doctoral dissertation received significant acclaim, including the prestigious Crighton Award for research with vulnerable populations, the Dr. Valmi De Sousa Award of Excellence for innovation in nursing research, and the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Midwest Nursing Research Society.
Her work has garnered national recognition, including being named a Heilbrunn National Scholar at Rockefeller University in 2022. In 2023, she was among ten nurse scientists in the U.S. to receive the esteemed Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation Grant, and was also honored as a PARTNERS Faculty Scholar and a recipient of the Good Samaritan Foundation Award. In June 2025, she was recognized as one of the top 25 outstanding nurses in Texas.
Dr. Eapen publishes her work in scientific journals, has contributed to book chapters, and frequently presents her findings at national and international conferences. Her commitment to the field extends to leadership roles, having served as a research committee chair, on the board of the Indian American Nurses Association of Greater Houston, and as Leadership Committee Chair for Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society (STTI) Zeta Pi chapter. She currently chairs the Qualitative Research Interest and Implementation Group of the Southern Nursing Research Society.
