Background

Dr. Wickersham is an Associate Professor, with Tenure and the Assistant Dean for Research at the University of South Carolina, College of Nursing. She received her BSN in 1991 from the University of Virginia, her MSN with a specialty in Nursing Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 2011, and her PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012. Dr. Wickersham completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Nursing where she conducted her fellowship study, “Genetic, Clinical, and Biomarker Correlates of EGFR Inhibitor-related Rash” (NINR F32NR014753; American Nurses Foundation).

Teaching

Dr. Wickersham has experience teaching undergraduate (health assessment skills laboratory, evidence-based practice nursing) and graduate (organizational health systems, qualitative research, professional writing) students. She now teaches in the PhD Program and has taught NURS800 Philosophical Foundations and Theoretical Applications in Nursing Science, NURS813 Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research, and NURS 855 Biobehavioral Research Methods.

Research

Dr. Wickersham’s research focuses on adherence to and management of side effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors to improve quality of life for individuals with advanced cancer who experience disparities in cancer care (e.g., race, age, rurality). Her research has included qualitative, quantitative, and translational research methods. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a second line of inquiry, which is to examine the effect of COVID-19 on patients and health care providers. She is a core faculty member of the Cancer Survivorship Research Center and a Co-Investigator of the South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network.

Her research expertise includes:

• Side effects related to oral targeted therapy
• Adherence to oral cancer therapy
• Symptom management
• Aging and cancer
• Health disparities

Professional Service

Dr. Wickersham has been a long-time, active member of the Oncology Nursing Society and is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, the International Society of Geriatric Oncology, and the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer. She serves as Co-Chair of the Genetics Workgroup for the South Carolina Cancer Alliance State Cancer Plan 2027-2031 and on the USC Faculty Senate, Faculty Committee on Research.

Professional Practice

Dr. Wickersham practiced in the intensive care setting, including trauma, solid organ transplant, medical-surgical, and neurosurgical specialties.

Research Studies (selected)

Oncology Nursing Foundation ONFRE26. Wickersham (PI). 01/01/2026 – 01/01/2028. Proof-of-concept testing of a theory-based self-management intervention for tyrosine kinase inhibitor side effects in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

U48DP006879-01-00. Adams/Herbert (Co-PI). 09/30/2024 - 09/29/2029. The South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network IV - SCCPCRN IV. The CPCRN is a national network of academic, public health, and community partners who work together to reduce the burden of cancer, especially among those disproportionately affected. Role: Co-I

1R01CA287360-01A1. Adams/Bell (Co-PI). 07/01/2024 – 6/30/2028. A Systems Theory Approach to the Study of Colon and Lung Cancer Health Disparities using Novel Data Linkages. Role: Co-I. 1P20GM155896-01. Spinale/Hebert (Co-PI). 07/15/2024 - 06/30/2029. The Center for Clinical and Translational Research at USC (CLINTRUSC) Community Outreach and Engagement Core. Role: Co-I.

R01-CA242745-04. Pinto (PI). 2023-2026. Peer Coaching for Physical Activity Promotion among Breast Cancer Survivors: Adapting an Efficacious Intervention to Prepare for Implementation. Role: Co-I.

Publications (selected)

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