Madison Horton
PhD ’25
I believe in the power of human resiliency. As a nurse, I am honored to help patients and communities adapt to health changes and challenges in a way that promotes quality of life, fulfillment, and empowerment.
Please tell us a bit about yourself; where are you from, and what do you like to do in your spare time?
I was born in Russia and adopted at 15 months old, which is the age I came to the United States. I grew up in a city north of Detroit, Michigan, and made my first big move to New York to pursue my PhD in nursing. I am proud to be a first-generation student and grateful to have received my nursing education and experience from both the University of Michigan and Columbia University. In my spare time, I am very active and love creative pursuits. I enjoy CrossFit, long-distance running, experimenting with new recipes, baking fresh bread, and embroidery. I never underestimate the power and relief of being outside or turn down spontaneous plans.
Why did you decide to pursue nursing, and why did you choose Columbia?
I believe in the power of human resiliency. As a nurse, I am honored to help patients and communities adapt to health changes and challenges in a way that promotes quality of life, fulfillment, and empowerment. When I decided to expand my role as a nurse to include research, Columbia quickly became an excellent fit for me with its resources, faculty expertise, and dedication to addressing health disparities and promoting better outcomes for all patients.
What are you passionate about, and how has being a student at Columbia Nursing allowed you to follow that passion?
I’ve always been naturally curious, easily inspired, and eager to learn. These characteristics made it easy for me to become a researcher. I am passionate about listening to people’s lived experiences and using those insights to tailor care to strengthen patient engagement and autonomy. Columbia Nursing has expanded my nursing community that shares this passion and commitment. Through connecting with my fellow nurses at Columbia, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the throughline and ripple effect of nursing care not just on patients, but on families, communities, and society.
Can you tell us a bit about your PhD research?
My dissertation research focuses on language barriers in primary care settings. I am particularly interested in community-level factors influencing how we engage in health care systems and understanding more culturally meaningful ways to expand access to care. I believe in the role of nurses in improving health care experiences and the importance of supporting practices to care for language-diverse communities.
Do you have a favorite memory of your time at Columbia Nursing?
My favorite memory, or collection of memories, was traveling with my advisor, Dr. Lusine Poghosyan, and her research team to a conference in Athens, Greece, focused on the role of nursing in caring for displaced populations. During this incredibly enriching experience, I engaged in many insightful conversations with experts from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. This opportunity further ignited my passion for nursing and perfectly embodied what I love about being a nurse scientist. I will forever be impacted by these meaningful collaborations, inspiring research ideas, and the global nursing research community I became a part of.
What are your next steps after graduation?
My experience at Columbia has deepened my appreciation for the many vital roles nurses play not only in health care facilities, but also in communities and globally through policy and research. After graduation, I will continue my journey as a nurse scientist and build on what I have learned and the program of research I have begun. I plan to continue research efforts focused on expanding access to health care by leveraging community resources and promoting well-being through patient empowerment. My goal is to support individuals to be leaders in their own health and in the health of their communities.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am endlessly thankful for the support of my family, friends, and community at Columbia Nursing. My advisor, Dr. Lusine Poghosyan, has been the most supportive mentor I could ask for and has consistently helped me navigate the challenges and successes during the past three years. My PhD cohort has become one of the most inspiring, passionate, and reliable intellectual communities that I am excited to continue to be a part of throughout my career.
I would not be where I am today without the support of my friends, partner, and family. Thank you to my friends for all the laughs when times were stressful. To my partner, Ahmad, who is the color and light in my life. Most importantly, my family, who always encourages me to dream big and supports all my endeavors. As a first-generation student, I am excited to share this celebration of completing my PhD with them. To my mom: Thank you for being my inspiration. I love you.