Margaret H. Kearney, PhD, RN, FAAN

Professor Emerita Maggie Kearney is a nationally recognized expert on rigorous qualitative research. Her early research centered on socially high-risk pregnant and parenting women's health perceptions and decisions. She specialized in to the study of health behavior using systematic naturalistic approaches to analysis of open-ended interviews and observations.

As a sought-after consultant on qualitative research methods and as the editor in chief of Research in Nursing & Health, Kearney had an international impact on the rigor of research in health science. She published more than 100 scholarly articles, books, and chapters and made many presentations at regional and national conferences.

As a URSON professor from 2005-2019, as PhD Program Director from 2005-2011, and as the University of Rochester Dean of Graduate Studies from 2011 to retirement in 2019, Kearney focused on advancing interdisciplinary collaborations and strengthening the quality and relevance of graduate research at the SON and the University. She served on more than 45 doctoral dissertation committees and was devoted to mentoring students and faculty on research and writing for publication. Retired in western Massachusetts, she enjoys hiking, yoga, birding, cooking, mysteries, and appreciating the natural environment.