Liz Diener

Dr. Elizabeth Diener is an Associate Professor in the CON at Walden University. She has taught in nursing programs for the past 34 years in New York, Missouri, and Oklahoma. She currently works as full-time faculty in the College of Nursing with PhD students. Liz is a Caritas Coach in Watson’s Caring Science Institute, holds a certificate as a SoulCollage Facilitator, completed a post-doctoral Fellowship at the University of Arizona in Integrative Nursing Curriculum, holds a Level 1 teaching qualification in MBSR, and is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. In 2024, she completed her training as a facilitator for Healing Circles Global and volunteers to lead social support groups for aging individuals and for individuals with a cancer diagnosis. Her research interests are qualitative research, with experience in several methodologies. Topic interests include a wide range of educator concerns, both in the classroom and the exploration of DEI, ethical, and work culture issues. Other research interests include applications of Caring Theory and the Integrative curriculum. Prior educator experience before coming to Walden included appointments as Assistant Dean and Chair of Graduate Programs, and as a tenured Professor of Nursing. Clinical expertise includes 28 years of experience as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Administrative Supervisor, and experience in Hospice, Palliative Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Newborn Nursery.

Education

PhD, University of Missouri-St. Louis

MSN, University of Missouri-Kansas City

BSN, Lindenwood College (now Lindenwood University)

BSN, Lindenwood College (now Lindenwood University)

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Washington University School of Medicine- Division of Healthcare Research

Caritas Coach Education- Cohort 1 Watson's Caring Science, Watson's Caring Science Institute

Public Service

Diversity Center of Oklahoma City, Volunteer - Oklahoma City

Awards / Honors

Faculty Excellence Award, Daisy Foundation, 2022

Oklahoma State Nurse of the Year in Education, March of Dimes, 2014

Scholarly Excellence Recognition, Oklahoma City University, 2014

Presentations

Diener, E. J. (2023). Troubling Qualitative Research in Doctoral Education: New Methodologies with Old Rules. University of Illinois

Diener, E. J. (2022). “Getting lost” in the Forest: Walking with Epistemic Upheaval. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign