Dr. Velda Gonzalez Mercado

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Velda Gonzalez Mercado, PhD, MSN, RN is an Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her research centers on symptom science and symptom management, particularly in understanding the needs of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancer populations. Utilizing innovative patient-centered phenotyping 'omic' approaches including microbiomics, metabolomics, and genomics, her work investigates the biobehavioral underpinnings of cancer-related symptoms. Dr. Gonzalez Mercado's post-doctoral research, supported by the National Institute of Nursing Research, focused on the relationships between chemo-radiation, dysbiosis, and fatigue in rectal cancer patients. She has also served as a nursing instructor at the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus. Dr. Gonzalez Mercado completed her PhD in Nursing from the University of Kansas and has received several honors for her academic contributions. Her publications discuss various aspects of cancer care and symptomatology, emphasizing the role of gut microbiota in managing fatigue among cancer patients.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing • New York, NY

Engaged in teaching and research focusing on nursing objectives.

Postdoctoral Scholar

— Present

University of South Florida College of Nursing • Tampa, FL

Conducted research on cancer patient care and symptomology.

Nursing Instructor

— Present

University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus School of Nursing • San Juan, PR

Instructed nursing students and contributed to academic research.

Research Coordinator

— Present

University of Puerto Rico Cancer Center • San Juan, PR

Oversaw research programs focused on cancer care.

Heart Transplant Coordinator

— Present

Cardiovascular Center of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean • San Juan, PR

Coordinated care for patients receiving heart transplants.

Awards

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Goddard Fellowship Award

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Sousa Award for Excellence

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Crighton Award

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Ruth O. McKibben Alumni Research Award

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Manuel Pérez Award

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Paulina R. Dávila Award

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International Inductee, Sigma Theta Tau

Requirements for New York University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from accredited institution Strong background in biological, chemical, physical, or mathematical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/Resume
  • Unofficial transcripts
Specialization Notes

Open Program in Biomedical Sciences (Vilcek Institute) covers departments like Biochemistry, Pathology, Neuroscience, Microbiology, etc.