Dr. Mariana Da Costa

Biography

Dr. Da Costa started her career at Western Carolina University in 2014 as a mentor for the Nursing Network-Careers and Technology Mentoring Program and became full-time faculty in 2019. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Nursing and Program Director for the Traditional BSN program here at WCU. Dr. Da Costa also serves as faculty advisor for the Pathway to equity in Nursing Scholars Program, Association of Nursing Students, and Mujeres Con Proposito; leading efforts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as community engagement and leadership.<br><br>Dr. Da Costa also practices as a float pool nurse and clinical educator at Haywood Regional Medical Center and Harris Regional Hospital. Prior to working at WCU, she served as the Infection Prevention Specialist at Haywood Regional and worked in leadership roles as the Director of Acute Care Services at Harris Regional Hospital, and as Director of Patient Care Services for LifePath Hospice and Palliative Care.<br><br>Dr. Da Costa is a board member for Kids Advocacy Resource Efforts (KARE), a non-profit organization dedicated to provide evidence-based, community-coordinated response to child abuse, neglect and exploitation in Haywood County through outreach, advocacy, and specialized interventions. Dr. Da Costa holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Florida and a B.S.N from the University of Miami. She received a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from East Tennessee State University and has a Doctorate in Nursing Practice degree from Duke University. Dr. Da Costa resides in Haywood County with her two daughters, one of which is a current Catamount. She enjoys yoga, reading, running, traveling, and hiking with her family.

Education

• MSN, East Tennessee State University, Nursing Administration
• BSN, University of Miami
• BA, University of Florida

Teaching Interests

Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing Leadership, Intensive Care Nursing, Emergency Care Nursing, End-of-life Care

Research Interests

Student Resiliency, Incorporating Evidence Based Research, Vaping/Tobacco use among vulnerable populations, student success, JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion).