Susan Grayson, PhD, MPH, RN
For Dr. Susan Grayson, nursing research is a powerful tool for improving lives. By combining scientific discovery with compassionate care, she is helping expand our understanding of cancer while preparing future nurses to ask meaningful questions that drive healthcare forward. As a 2026 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Awardee, Dr. Grayson is advancing nursing science through research, education, and an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals living with cancer.
A Foundation in Nursing Science
Dr. Grayson serves as an Assistant Professor at the Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, where she educates future nurses while advancing innovative cancer research. Her educational journey reflects a deep commitment to both nursing and public health, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing and a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She also completed a prestigious Cancer Prevention Fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, further strengthening her expertise in oncology research.
These experiences have shaped her interdisciplinary approach to nursing science, bringing together clinical knowledge, public health, and research to improve patient outcomes.
Advancing Cancer Research
Dr. Grayson’s research focuses on the intersection of cancer biology and the symptoms experienced by people living with cancer. Her doctoral dissertation, Psychoneurological Symptoms and Their Association with Markers of Genomic Instability from Circulating Tumor DNA in Metastatic Breast Cancer, explored how liquid biopsy technology can be used to better understand the relationship between genomic changes and patient symptoms.
Through this work, she is helping advance knowledge that may lead to more personalized approaches to symptom management and improved quality of life for individuals living with cancer. Her research reflects the important role nurses play in generating evidence that informs practice and improves patient care.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Nurse Scientists
In addition to her research, Dr. Grayson is passionate about mentoring future nurses and encouraging them to view research as an essential part of the nursing profession. She believes that many of healthcare’s greatest challenges can only be solved through curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to evidence-based discovery.
By inspiring students to participate in research and ask thoughtful questions, Dr. Grayson is helping prepare the next generation of nurse scientists and leaders who will continue advancing nursing knowledge and improving care for patients around the world.
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly recognizes Dr. Susan Grayson as a 2026 40 Under 40 Awardee for her dedication to nursing research, oncology, nursing education, and scientific discovery. Through her commitment to advancing cancer research and mentoring future nurse researchers, she continues to strengthen the nursing profession and improve the lives of individuals living with cancer.
Support the future of nursing leaders like Susan. Donate to INF to help us continue empowering nurse leaders across Illinois. Donate today!