MIRECC / CoE

Dr. Giselle Day Earns Doctorate

Congratulations to Dr. Giselle Day for completing her PhD in Epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – School of Public Health (UTHealth Houston). She minored in biostatistics and health services research. She also has a BS in biology with a minor in women’s studies from the University of Houston and an MPH in health promotion and health education from UTHealth Houston.

Q. Who are the people who have played important roles in your educational development that you would like to mention?

I am incredibly grateful to my mother, who prioritized education early on and laid the foundation for my academic success and always making sure I always got my homework done early. I also want to recognize my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Denise Hlavaty, who continues to be a part of my life and whose early influence sparked my love for school. More recently, Dr. Jan Lindsay, who I fondly refer to as Coach Jan, has had a profound impact on my path. Her wisdom, encouragement, and belief in my potential inspired me to pursue a PhD. I am thankful for her mentorship and the way she champions both my ideas and my future.

Q. You’ve worked with the SC MIRECC and the Personalized Implementation of Virtual Treatments for Rural Veterans (PIVOT-R) project for six years. How have these roles impacted your career?

Working with the SC MIRECC and PIVOT-R for the past 6 years has been incredibly rewarding. I have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most caring, thoughtful, and intelligent colleagues. Their generosity with their time and their innovative, team-oriented approach have shaped how I think about research and collaboration. They have shown me how our work can lead to real, actionable impact for Veterans, which has been both inspiring and transformative for my career.

Q. What are your goals for the next few years of your career?

Over the next few years, my goal is to establish myself as a researcher focused on populations that are often underrepresented in research, particularly women, Black Veterans, and Veterans experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. I am especially interested in the rural South and understanding the unique challenges these communities face in managing chronic physical and mental health conditions. I hope to explore how we can better support these Veterans by elevating their voices, meeting them where they are, and advancing more equitable, accessible, and impactful care.

Q. Is there anything that you’d like to mention that I haven’t asked?

I just wany to share how grateful I am to be part of the SC MIRECC. It is a privilege to contribute to research that aims to make a meaningful difference in Veteran’s lives. I am constantly inspired by my colleagues, and I am excited for what’s ahead!

Last updated: October 22, 2025