Biography
Dr. Mariana Da Costa is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Western Carolina University.
Beginning her career as a mentor in the Nursing Network-Careers and Technology Mentoring
Program, she became a full-time faculty member in 2019. Dr. Da Costa currently chairs
the faculty senate for the 2024-2025 academic year and is actively involved with Mujeres
Con Proposito and the Pathway to Equity in Nursing Scholars Program.<br><br>In addition
to her educational roles, Dr. Da Costa serves as a float pool nurse and clinical educator
at Haywood Regional Medical Center and Harris Regional Hospital. Her prior positions
include Infection Prevention Specialist at Haywood Regional, Director of Acute Care
Services at Harris Regional Hospital, and Director of Patient Care Services for LifePath
Hospice and Palliative Care.<br><br>Dr. Da Costa is a committed board member for both
Kids Advocacy Resource Efforts (KARE) and Child Medical Collaborative, Inc. These
organizations are dedicated to providing evidence-based responses to child abuse,
neglect, and exploitation in Haywood County and promoting healing for abused children
through specialized medical evaluations in partnership with Children’s Advocacy Centers.<br><br>She
is dedicated to supporting student success, enhancing mental health, ensuring degree
completion, and strengthening the nursing workforce. Dr. Da Costa holds a B.A. in
Sociology from the University of Florida, a B.S.N from the University of Miami, a
Master of Science in Nursing Administration from East Tennessee State University,
and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Duke University. Her personal interests include
yoga, reading, running, traveling, and hiking with her family.
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
