Debra Lyon, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN

Debra Lyon was named the College of Nursing’s executive associate dean and the Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo endowed chair, in January 2014. She served in those roles, and as Interim Dean, until January 2024. She continues to serve as the Kirbo Endowed Chair. Lyon has contributed to more than 200 scientific publications and presentations, and she has served as a principal investigator or co-investigator on more than $10 million in research grants and contracts from organizations such as the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. She also has served as the chair of the major grant review committee of the Oncology Nursing Society.

The Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo chair was established to attract a dynamic scholar whose research focuses on cancer care. Lyon came to UF from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she served as associate dean for research and the Judith B. Collins and Joseph M. Teefey distinguished professor. Lyon has years of experience in nursing education administration, having previously served as a department chair prior to her tenure as associate dean. She also served as a faculty member at the University of Virginia from 1998 to 2004.

Symptom management, including complementary modalities, in women with breast cancer and other chronic illnesses. Biobehavioral research, including molecular markers of inflammation and genetic markers.