Breanne Levarity, BSN-Ph.D. ’24
Distinguished Alumna
Alumna Spotlight: Breanne Levarity
Accomplished alumna Breanne Levarity, BSN-Ph.D. ’24, had such a positive academic experience at Florida Atlantic that she took a job after graduation as an adjunct clinical instructor for the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.
“I truly appreciate the caring culture of the College of Nursing,” shared Dr. Levarity. “They don’t just teach caring; they live it, and that spirit is contagious.”
As a student, she had the opportunity to study at Florida Atlantic’s College of Computer Science and Engineering. She was welcomed as a nurse with no background in computer science, and Engineering faculty patiently shared their knowledge with her during her fellowship as a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Trainee in Data Science and Applications.
“Their support was so impactful that I joined the AI/ML Club in Healthcare after graduation,” noted Dr. Levarity. “Florida Atlantic provides such rich experiences and resources that it is impossible not to want to return. This university is a place that not only educates but inspires.”
Within the College of Nursing, Dr. Levarity’s responsibilities include organizing and overseeing students' hands-on learning experiences in real-world clinical settings.
“As a nurse educator, I strive to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead change in clinical settings and beyond,” expressed Dr. Levarity. “I want to inspire them to develop the confidence and drive to push the nursing profession forward.”
Dr. Levarity’s research focuses on trauma clusters, a concept she developed to describe the occurrence of two or more natural disasters experienced simultaneously or consecutively within a short period of time. This concept emerged following the dual trauma experienced by the Bahamian population during Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her research, Dr. Levarity seeks to shift a change in disaster response by developing and implementing nursing interventions that focus on resilience and coping skills, rather than solely on the loss and suffering caused by the disaster.
“Given the increasing likelihood of frequent and severe disasters in the future, my goal is to help individuals and communities in preparing for and recovering from these events,” stated Dr. Levarity. “I aim to promote improved mental health outcomes and contribute to the development of innovative approaches in disaster care.”
After receiving exceptional care from compassionate nurses during a challenging diagnosis, Dr. Levarity left her position as a chemist in a research and development laboratory in Miami. She enrolled in the Accelerated BSN program at the University of Miami, and following her graduation in 2013, she gained clinical expertise in cardiac interventional care and diagnostic studies at the University of Miami Hospital, followed by a role in case management at Delray Medical Center. In 2018, she further advanced her education by joining the BSN to Ph.D. program at Florida Atlantic.
“The most rewarding part of being a nurse educator is the opportunity to mentor and inspire the next generation of nurses,” said Dr. Levarity. “I find fulfillment in helping the students develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their careers.”