Betty Irene Moore School of NursingJuly 18, 2025
UC Davis nursing school welcomes new associate dean for research
(SACRAMENTO)
The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis announces the appointment of Jennifer Lingler as the new leader of its research program. Lingler brings more than 20 years of experience in clinical research, with a focus on aging and ethical implications of late life cognitive decline.
Lingler’s passion for improving health care through research aligns closely with the mission of the Family Caregiving Institute and the School of Nursing’s commitment to advancing health equity and high-quality care. Her thoughtful approach to understanding individual strengths and goals, and helping people grow in their work, will benefit research teams across the school.
“Dr. Lingler will be an asset to the school as we strengthen our research mission and foster deeper connections across our work,” said Dean Stephen Cavanagh. “With a strong background in clinical research and proven success in funding, she’s highly committed to bringing people together and empowering them to do their best work.”
In her new role, which began July 1, Lingler focuses on expanding and enhancing the school’s research program, building stronger collaboration among investigative teams and supporting research excellence from conceptualization through dissemination.
I am excited to work with talented faculty, staff and students to strengthen our research programs, build meaningful collaborations and advance the science that improves health across the lifespan.—Jennifer Lingler, Associate Dean for Research
“I’m honored to be part of such a dedicated and forward-thinking community,” Lingler said. “I am excited to work with talented faculty, staff and students to strengthen our research programs, build meaningful collaborations and advance the science that improves health across the lifespan.”
Her federally funded research explores how to best support patients and families of those undergoing novel and emerging biomarker testing for Alzheimer's disease. She has published extensively on the experiences of older adults being evaluated for cognitive impairment and been a lead contributor to toolkits and best practice guidelines on this topic.
Prior to joining the School of Nursing, Lingler held several leadership positions at the University of Pittsburgh. She served as a tenured professor and vice chair for research at the School of Nursing’s Department of Health and Community Systems. She also held a faculty appointment in the School of Medicine’s Center for Bioethics and Health Law. In addition, she served as director of Outreach, Recruitment and Engagement at the university’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
Lingler earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Case Western Reserve University and holds a Master of Science in Nursing, master’s degree in Bioethics and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. Lingler completed postdoctoral research training in Geriatric Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
