Teresa Kathleen Sparks, PhD, JD, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Nurse Scientist | Center for Nursing Research, Education & Practice, Houston Methodist Hospital
At Houston Methodist, Teresa is helping shape the future of patient-centered care by bridging research, nursing practice, and patient experience. As a Nurse Scientist, she brings a passion for qualitative research and a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through evidence-based innovation, values that align closely with the mission of the Patient Engagement (PE) Lab.
Building Connections Through Shared Passion
Teresa’s journey with the PE Lab began in Summer 2025, when she met Dr. Amy Waterman while consulting on a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project focused on transplant patients. What started as a collaboration quickly revealed a shared enthusiasm for qualitative research and a mutual vision for expanding its role at Houston Methodist.
Together, they began exploring the idea of developing a Qualitative Research Core, an initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration and advancing qualitative inquiry across disciplines.
In a small-world moment, Teresa later realized that she had previously cited Dr. Waterman’s research on medical error disclosure in her own dissertation, long before the two met.
Aligning Nursing Science with Patient Engagement
Teresa’s work as a Nurse Scientist centers on identifying clinical gaps and designing studies that lead to practical, evidence-based solutions. She collaborates closely with nurses and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure research findings translate into meaningful improvements in clinical practice, policy, and patient outcomes.
This approach aligns seamlessly with the PE Lab’s mission: to transform healthcare by prioritizing patient engagement, supporting informed decision-making, and focusing on what matters most to patients.
For Teresa, improving nursing practice ultimately means improving the health and experiences of the patients and communities served, making patient-centered care not just an ideal, but a measurable reality.
Growing a Qualitative Research Community
Within the PE Lab, Teresa has played a key role in helping establish the Qualitative Research Core alongside Dr. Waterman and her team. What began as a grassroots effort has evolved into a collaborative space where researchers and practitioners come together to share ideas, resources, and support.
By breaking down traditional departmental silos, this initiative is laying the foundation for a thriving qualitative research community at Houston Methodist, one that will continue to grow as the PE Lab transitions into a Center.
Teresa envisions her role expanding alongside this evolution, contributing to a stronger infrastructure for qualitative research and fostering interdisciplinary partnerships that amplify impact.
Inspired by Collaboration and Leadership
One of the highlights of Teresa’s experience with the PE Lab has been working alongside Dr. Waterman and her team. She describes Dr. Waterman’s energy as “contagious,” creating an environment that is both inspiring and collaborative.
The team’s openness in sharing their journey, particularly in building the lab and developing qualitative research capacity, has been invaluable to Teresa’s work in Nursing Science. These insights are helping guide the growth of qualitative research efforts and deepen their impact across the institution.
Life Outside the Lab
Outside of her professional work, Teresa finds joy in nature, especially along the trails of Buffalo Bayou Park. Having lived within walking distance of the park since moving to Houston five years ago, she has made it part of her daily routine and describes it as her favorite place in the city.
Her connection to the outdoors reflects a broader appreciation for balance, reflection, and well-being, values that also influence her approach to patient-centered care.
A Vision for Transforming Healthcare
Looking ahead, Teresa hopes the PE Lab will play a transformative role in redefining how success is measured in healthcare.
Rather than focusing solely on clinical metrics or policy outcomes, she envisions a system where success is also defined by patients’ personal goals, lived experiences, and what truly matters to them.
This human-centered approach has the potential to reshape the healthcare landscape—ensuring that care is not only effective, but meaningful.
Advice for Future Collaborators
For those considering getting involved with the PE Lab, Teresa offers simple but encouraging advice: if your values align with the mission, dive in.
She emphasizes the welcoming nature of Dr. Waterman and the PE Lab team, highlighting the wealth of knowledge and experience they bring to anyone eager to make a difference.
Teresa’s work exemplifies the power of collaboration, curiosity, and compassion in advancing healthcare. Through her contributions to Nursing Science and the Patient Engagement Research Lab, she is helping build a future where research and patient experience come together to create lasting, meaningful change.