Across our campus, women working and studying in science are responsible for groundbreaking research, innovative discoveries and transformative education. In areas as diverse as engineering, cognitive science, healthcare and patent law, these role models are pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation of women scientists.
Their work not only advances knowledge but also paves the way for greater inclusivity in STEM fields, where women have historically been underrepresented. To celebrate today’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the CWRU Daily highlighted the contributions of a few of the women who teach, learn, research and lead at Case Western Reserve University.
As a researcher dedicated to making a meaningful difference by improving health outcomes for aging individuals with HIV, Assistant Professor Christine Horvat Davey integrates science, technology and data analysis to address critical health challenges—particularly in sleep health and neurocognitive function.
Funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, her research examines how sleep hygiene, exercise interventions and inflammation affect sleep quality in older adults with HIV. Early findings reveal that poor sleep habits—shaped by late-night eating, work stress and inactivity—significantly impact overall health.
Horvat Davey also collaborates globally through the International Nursing Network for HIV Research, where she helped lead a study on COVID-19’s impact on people with HIV. Her work helped generate critical insights that shaped public health strategies for vulnerable populations.
“I was drawn to nursing because nursing combines science, compassion and human connection,” she said. “It’s a unique opportunity to address health from a holistic perspective—which is important in relation to health and well-being.”
A strong advocate for women in STEM, Horvat Davey credits her PhD mentor, and former CWRU faculty member, Allison Webel—now the associate dean for research and innovation at the University of Washington School of Nursing—with inspiring her interdisciplinary approach, commitment to health equity and confidence in the field.
“As a woman involved in STEM research, I want to highlight the power of mentorship and representation, demonstrating to women that they belong in research and can make a difference in healthcare,” she said.