My name is Thao Griffith. I am a highly motivated registered nurse with a BSN and PhD in nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and Aesthetic Nurse at Aelan Aesthetics.
RESEARCH
I have devoted my learning and research to improve neonatal care and outcomes with an emphasis on oral feeding in preterm infants. My research goal is to utilize biobehavioral epigenetic approaches as a clinical strategy to reduce the impact of early life stress on preterm infant development, facilitate optimal individualized care for preterm infants, as well as develop parent-guided interventions to empower parents of preterm infants.
TEACHING
I love teaching Pathophysiology and Nursing Research to undergraduate nursing students. Guided by the Jesuit values, my teaching philosophy is student-centered with a focus on transformative education. During didactic discussions, I encourage students to think critically of the course concepts and apply them in a holistic approach. Nursing school is challenging, and the content may be complex, but it does not have to be boring nor intimidating. I believe we learn and retain the most knowledge when we are self-motivated, not by fear of failing the class, but by the desire to know more. I strive to connect with students and apply various teaching strategies to make the content more relatable/applicable and the class more enjoyable. Through the respect, kindness, knowledge, and perseverance that I demonstrate, I hope to nourish the seeds of these qualities in students, facilitating their journeys to becoming leaders and a person for and with others.
SERVICE
In rapid response to the pandemic, I co-organized and established an interdisciplinary organization known as COVID Equity Response Collaborative Loyola (CERCL) in April 2020. I devoted my time and passion to address health inequalities in various underserved communities of color in Western suburban Cook County, IL. I effectively served as CERCL’s COVID Testing Faculty Lead (May 2020 – December 2021) during the most critical and uncertain times of the pandemic while building a strong foundation for CERCL to grow.
PRACTICE
I am currently practicing as an Aesthetic Nurse at Aelan Aesthetics in Park Ridge, IL. I specialize in non-surgical aesthetic procedures. My approach is to embrace the patient's natural look while enhancing their best facial features and minimizing the aging effects. I truly believe in the beauty of harmony and rejuvenation: less is more. I love to work in an environment that inspires positivity and artistry. Aesthetic nursing continues to fuel my passion for learning and allows me to fulfill my creative side while still using my clinical judgment. I am passionate in establishing trust, building long-lasting relationships with patients, and helping them achieve their beauty goals. I absolutely love when my patients feel beautiful and confident.
HONORS AND AWARDS (HIGHLIGHTED)
MNRS Harriet H. Werley New Investigator Award Nomination, 2023
St. Ignatius Loyola Award for Excellence in Teaching Nomination, 2019, 2020, 2021
Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Freshmen Nomination, 2021
40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader Award, 2020
Midwest Nursing Research Society Distinguished Abstract Award, 2020
Midwest Nursing Research Society Family Health RIIG Early Investigator Award Nomination, 2020
Power of Nursing Leadership Pinnacle Nurse Leader Award, 2019
UIC College of Nursing Dean Award Nomination, 2017
Bachelor of Science in Nursing distinction of Magna Cum Laude, 2012
Sigma Theta Tau International Evidence-based Research Poster Award, 2012
Honor College Graduate, 2012
College of DuPage Student Spotlight, 2010
Honorable Bonnie M. Wheaton Scholarship, 2009
FAMILY & HOBBIES
I am a wife and mother of two boys and two dogs. I love cooking and reading books.
FAVORITE BOOKS
A Promised Land by Barack Obama, Becoming by Michelle Obama, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates, The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs, Educated by Tara Westover, The Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger, Maid by Stephanie Land, What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey, Lab Girl by Hope Jahren, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
FAVORITE QUOTES
“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” Wayne Dyer
“If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are now.” Master Shifu
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why it is called present." Oogway
RESEARCH
I have devoted my learning and research to improve neonatal care and outcomes with an emphasis on oral feeding in preterm infants. My research goal is to utilize biobehavioral epigenetic approaches as a clinical strategy to reduce the impact of early life stress on preterm infant development, facilitate optimal individualized care for preterm infants, as well as develop parent-guided interventions to empower parents of preterm infants.
TEACHING
I love teaching Pathophysiology and Nursing Research to undergraduate nursing students. Guided by the Jesuit values, my teaching philosophy is student-centered with a focus on transformative education. During didactic discussions, I encourage students to think critically of the course concepts and apply them in a holistic approach. Nursing school is challenging, and the content may be complex, but it does not have to be boring nor intimidating. I believe we learn and retain the most knowledge when we are self-motivated, not by fear of failing the class, but by the desire to know more. I strive to connect with students and apply various teaching strategies to make the content more relatable/applicable and the class more enjoyable. Through the respect, kindness, knowledge, and perseverance that I demonstrate, I hope to nourish the seeds of these qualities in students, facilitating their journeys to becoming leaders and a person for and with others.
SERVICE
In rapid response to the pandemic, I co-organized and established an interdisciplinary organization known as COVID Equity Response Collaborative Loyola (CERCL) in April 2020. I devoted my time and passion to address health inequalities in various underserved communities of color in Western suburban Cook County, IL. I effectively served as CERCL’s COVID Testing Faculty Lead (May 2020 – December 2021) during the most critical and uncertain times of the pandemic while building a strong foundation for CERCL to grow.
PRACTICE
I am currently practicing as an Aesthetic Nurse at Aelan Aesthetics in Park Ridge, IL. I specialize in non-surgical aesthetic procedures. My approach is to embrace the patient's natural look while enhancing their best facial features and minimizing the aging effects. I truly believe in the beauty of harmony and rejuvenation: less is more. I love to work in an environment that inspires positivity and artistry. Aesthetic nursing continues to fuel my passion for learning and allows me to fulfill my creative side while still using my clinical judgment. I am passionate in establishing trust, building long-lasting relationships with patients, and helping them achieve their beauty goals. I absolutely love when my patients feel beautiful and confident.
HONORS AND AWARDS (HIGHLIGHTED)
MNRS Harriet H. Werley New Investigator Award Nomination, 2023
St. Ignatius Loyola Award for Excellence in Teaching Nomination, 2019, 2020, 2021
Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Freshmen Nomination, 2021
40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader Award, 2020
Midwest Nursing Research Society Distinguished Abstract Award, 2020
Midwest Nursing Research Society Family Health RIIG Early Investigator Award Nomination, 2020
Power of Nursing Leadership Pinnacle Nurse Leader Award, 2019
UIC College of Nursing Dean Award Nomination, 2017
Bachelor of Science in Nursing distinction of Magna Cum Laude, 2012
Sigma Theta Tau International Evidence-based Research Poster Award, 2012
Honor College Graduate, 2012
College of DuPage Student Spotlight, 2010
Honorable Bonnie M. Wheaton Scholarship, 2009
FAMILY & HOBBIES
I am a wife and mother of two boys and two dogs. I love cooking and reading books.
FAVORITE BOOKS
A Promised Land by Barack Obama, Becoming by Michelle Obama, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates, The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs, Educated by Tara Westover, The Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger, Maid by Stephanie Land, What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey, Lab Girl by Hope Jahren, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
FAVORITE QUOTES
“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” Wayne Dyer
“If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are now.” Master Shifu
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why it is called present." Oogway