Neurodegenerative disease refers to progressive neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal degeneration, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis that change the way people think, behave, remember, and much more. My program of research utilizes state of the art neuroscience methods to understand the cognitive and neural mechanisms that contribute to symptoms in neurodegenerative disease.
My theoretical foundation in nursing science and neuroscience has positioned me to build a translational research program that integrates behavioral and biological markers to improve our understanding and treatment of individuals with neurodegenerative disease.
Education
- PhD, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 2014
- Post-Master’s, University of Pennsylvania, Teacher Education Program, 2012
- MSN, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 2005
- BSN, Pennsylvania State University, 2002
Teaching
Dr. Massimo has extensive experience teaching in undergraduate and graduate courses at Penn Nursing and often serves as a guest lecturer on the topic of geriatric mental health and cognitive disorders.
Research
Dr. Massimo’s research program focuses on identifying the cognitive and neural basis for symptoms of neurodegenerative disease. Her rich clinical experience and background in neuroscience enable her to translate these findings to design interventions based on an understanding of underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
Clinical Practice
Over her decade-long career as a Nurse Practitioner in Cognitive Neurology, Dr. Massimo has enjoyed the opportunity to work with and support many patients with neurodegenerative disease and their families.
Opportunities to Learn and Collaborate at Penn Nursing
Dr. Massimo is an active investigator in the University of Pennsylvania Frontotemporal Degeneration Center. Dr. Massimo works closely with other Center members including neurologists, neuropathologists, neuroscientists, geneticists, genetic counselors, neuropsychologists and social workers. She has supervised and mentored research assistants, undergraduate students and doctoral students on projects related to neurodegenerative disease and feels strongly about the mission to train the next generation of scientists to engage in research to improve the lives of individuals living with neurodegenerative disease and their family.
Selected Career Highlights
- 2023, Fellow, American Academy of Nursing
- 2023, Barbara J. Lowery Doctoral Student Organization Faculty Award
- 2020 “Emerging Leader in Gerontological Nursing,” (Geriatric Nursing, 41:7-13)
- 2018 Abstract of Distinction, State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research, Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science
- 2011-2013 John A. Hartford Foundation, Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Scholar
- 2014, Marion R. Gregory Award for a distinguished completed doctoral dissertation, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
- Member, Geropsychiatric Nursing Collaborative (GPNC)
- Ambassador, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Loan Repayment Award Program
Accepting Mentees?
- Yes
