Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) faculty members are Yvonne Callahan, clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing, and Dr. Caitlin Masterson, assistant professor in the School of Health Care Professions.
Both bring a wealth of experience and a passion for education, shaping the next generation of health care professionals. Let’s get to know them better.
Where are you originally from?
Callahan: I grew up in a small town south of Santa Fe and east of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Masterson: I was born in Mississippi but grew up right here in Springfield, Missouri.
What brought you to Missouri State University and how long have you been here?
Callahan: After relocating to Missouri in 2013, I set a goal to earn a master’s in nursing and become a nurse educator. I joined MSU as an adjunct clinical instructor in spring 2021, transitioned to a full-time role in fall 2023 and became a course instructor in fall 2024.
Masterson: My husband and I both have family here and wanted to be close by. I also was drawn to the unique opportunities for collaboration and teaching at MSU. I’ve been here since 2021.
Where did you work prior to Missouri State?
Callahan: I began my nursing career at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, working on a Medical-Surgical floor before moving to the Intensive Care Unit. Oncology became my primary focus, particularly in the Specialty Infusion Unit, where I administered immune therapies and targeted biologics.
Masterson: After earning my PhD, I worked at Radford University in Virginia before moving to the University of Central Arkansas. When I moved back to Springfield, I became a biostatistician for a medical research company, a role I continue to hold while also working at MSU.
Can you share your academic journey?
Callahan: I earned my undergraduate degree in English Literature and taught English as a Second Language in Bucharest, Romania. However, eventually I felt passionate about nursing education. Then, I completed my Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from Denver College of Nursing and Southwest Baptist University. I’m currently working on my Doctor of Nursing Practice at Missouri State.
Masterson: I pursued my athletic dreams on a track scholarship at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. My junior year, I switched from pre-med to psychology in the halfway considering better work life balance. I earned my Master of Science in Experimental Psychology from Missouri State then my PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience with a specialization in quantitative studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
What inspired you to pursue a career in health care and higher education?
Callahan: I’ve always loved science and learning about the human body. My aunt and great-aunt are both nurses and hearing their inspiring stories sparked my passion for health care and teaching.
Masterson: I started pre-med but found my passion in neuroscience, research and statistics. Working in higher education is the cherry on top as I get to share that passion and show students that statistics isn’t so scary after all!
Are there any trends or advancements in nursing or health care that you find particularly exciting?
Callahan I’m excited about the growing field of cardio-oncology, which addresses the cardiac effects of cancer treatments. As a member of the International Cardio-Oncology Society’s nursing advocacy group, I work to advance education and implement updated guidelines to improve nursing practices in this area.
Masterson: I’m excited about AI’s growing impact on health care, revolutionizing research and data analysis. It uncovers patterns traditional methods might miss, which helps to make decision-making more precise and efficient. The intersection of real-time data, advanced statistics and technology holds incredible potential to improve population health.
What do you enjoy most about your job and working at Missouri State?
Callahan: I’m an educator at heart. I love sharing about the nursing profession and all the different ways a nurse can make a difference in the community.
Masterson: I love the variety my job offers, from teaching research and statistics to collaborating with faculty and students through RStats consults. Exploring research beyond my field keeps my courses dynamic and I genuinely enjoy designing studies and analyzing data. Having grown up here, working at MSU feels like coming home.
What’s your teaching philosophy and how do you engage students in the classroom?
Callahan: My teaching philosophy is rooted in leading by example, hands-on learning and creativity to build practical nursing skills. As president of our local Oncology Nurses Society chapter, I encourage students to join professional groups, attend advocacy events and engage in nursing conferences.
Masterson: My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a collaborative, engaging learning environment. I emphasize real-world applications, clear and structured content and practical examples that make complex concepts accessible. My goal is to spark curiosity and build student confidence beyond the classroom.
What are your favorite activities to enjoy during the spring season?
Callahan: I enjoy hiking in local trails and exploring festivals like Artsfest and the Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival. I also love pizza nights at Millsap Farms, especially their New Mexico-style horno ovens.
Masterson: I love getting coffee and going on walks with my husband at Sequiota Park while our 3-year-old rides his bike. I also spend a lot of time at Springfield Rugby matches!
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
Callahan: I never expected my passion for cardio-oncology to lead me to a national stage. This April, I’ll speak at the Oncology Nurses Society 50th Congress — not in a breakout session, but as a main session speaker!
Masterson: I learned to kneeboard and waterski before I could ride a bike, thanks to my family’s love for water sports! That passion led me to teach waterski, wakeboard, kneeboard, barefoot and surf lessons in Branson for five years.
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