
Improving Long-Term Outcomes for Childhood Cancer Survivors
Sophie Junak - PhD ’26
I am passionate about improving long-term outcomes for survivors of childhood cancer, particularly in areas where clinical guidance is limited, such as immune recovery and survivorship care delivery.
Please tell us a bit about yourself; where are you from, and what do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m originally from Boulder, Colorado, and have spent time training and working in both the U.S. and the U.K., which has really shaped how I think about health care delivery across systems. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, ceramics, choir, and spending time with friends and family.
Why did you decide to pursue nursing, and why did you choose Columbia?
I pursued nursing because I wanted a career that combined scientific rigor with direct patient impact. Nursing uniquely allows for both—engaging deeply with complex clinical care while also advocating for patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments.
I chose Columbia because of its strong emphasis on leadership, research, and health equity, as well as its proximity to world-class clinical institutions. Columbia Nursing offered an environment where I could continue to grow as both a clinician and a researcher.
What are you passionate about, and how has being a student at Columbia Nursing allowed you to follow that passion?
I am passionate about improving long-term outcomes for survivors of childhood cancer, particularly in areas where clinical guidance is limited, such as immune recovery and survivorship care delivery. Columbia has provided the mentorship, resources, and interdisciplinary environment needed to pursue this work at a high level. Through my doctoral research, I’ve been able to examine gaps in survivorship care, engage with clinicians across institutions, and contribute to conversations around how we translate emerging evidence into standardized practice.
Do you have a favorite memory of your time at Columbia Nursing?
One of my favorite aspects of my time at Columbia has been the opportunity to collaborate with peers and faculty who are deeply committed to advancing nursing science. Whether through coursework, research discussions, or informal conversations, being surrounded by people who are equally passionate and driven has been incredibly motivating and rewarding.
What are your next steps after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue working at the intersection of clinical research, survivorship care, and implementation science. My goal is to contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines and care models that improve long-term outcomes for pediatric cancer survivors, particularly in areas like vaccination and immune monitoring where practice remains highly variable.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
My time at Columbia Nursing has reinforced the critical role nurses play not only in patient care, but in shaping research, policy, and clinical practice. I’m excited to carry that perspective forward and continue contributing to a field that is constantly evolving and deeply impactful.