With a successful career in clinical practice and nursing administration, Karen Saban never planned to become a researcher. But today, she’s an internationally recognized nurse scientist with a talent for grant-writing and coaching early career scientists—and, as of July, the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing Endowed Chair for Research.

A three-time Loyola Nursing alum (BSN ’86, MSN ’90, PhD ’06), Saban has received more than $15 million in funding to study health disparities. Driven by Loyola’s social justice mission, she comes to her new role after five years as the school’s associate dean for research and scholarly innovation.

As Endowed Chair, she leads the school’s growing nursing science program, focusing on expanding research aligned with her own work in stress inflammation and epigenetics across populations.

Today, she’s a vocal advocate for improving health outcomes in all communities through nursing science.

“There’s so much more we can do to prevent people from becoming sick,” she said.

You spent 20 years in clinical practice and administration. How did you end up in research?
I was curious and I liked trying to figure out why things worked, and how we could address (health equity) issues.

I always liked learning so I went back to school.

I went through the whole PhD program at Loyola and didn’t know I was going to take a position as an academic. The dean at the time (Sheila Haas) encouraged me to apply and it worked out.

What do you enjoy most about nursing science?
I never get bored. There’s always something to learn. I love to read and figure out why things happen the way they do, answering all those “why” questions. There’s always something new to look at.

I also love working in groups and collaborating.

I love brainstorming with others and working with interdisciplinary teams.

What inspires you as a researcher?
Being able to make a difference in people’s lives. As a nurse, you impact individuals, families, and communities, but with applied research you impact everybody. You can make changes that affect policy and practice, not just in the country but worldwide.

Why did you return to Loyola Nursing as a faculty member?
I had such a great experience as a student here.

It was a very nurturing environment and I liked the faculty, and I appreciated the Jesuit mission. That’s why I ended up coming back and staying as long as I have. I feel like we live out our social justice mission and that’s important to me.

I also stay because I really like the incredibly smart people I work with, who always keep me challenged.

You’re passionate about being a mentor. Why?
I love mentoring. I have two postdocs and what I really enjoy is seeing them succeed and figure things out, and helping them think about what their future is going to look like. They’re so smart and have so much potential, and it’s the same working with faculty. It’s so encouraging to see them grow and succeed.

Any advice for future nurse scientists?
Find good mentors who have a passion for research. Think about having not just one mentor, but a mentoring team. And find mentors who are really committed to your success. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors that I’ve stayed connected with for decades. I can still reach out and get advice from them.

Be open to different ideas and take advantage of opportunities when they come to you. That’s where I was successful—I didn’t plan this as a career, but I took opportunities when they came my way.