The future of nursing is here.
Researcher Profile: UB's Carleara Weiss, PhD, MS, RN
Published November 20, 2025
University at Buffalo investigator Carleara Weiss, PhD, MS, RN, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, is an expert sleep researcher with a background as a geriatric and oncology nurse in multiple healthcare settings. Here, she explains how her personal experiences led to her focus on aging and dementia.
What made you decide to pursue a career in research?
I decided to pursue a research career based on my personal experience as a family caregiver in an intergenerational household and being a geriatric nurse. I wanted to make a difference and help improve healthcare for patients — from healthcare access to better clinical practice — while also supporting their families and communities.
Who in your life influenced your career choice?
My career choice was profoundly shaped by the unwavering support of my mother and grandmother. Although they may not have understood what a scientist truly does, their encouragement, strong work ethic, and resilience in their own careers have inspired me to pursue my dreams with passion and conviction.
What career achievement makes you most proud?
Being a bridge between the community and the university in Buffalo and serving as a mentor for students. I am also proud to have become a scientific communicator, sharing scientific content to a larger audience in media outlets like CNN.
What are some of the career challenges you have overcome?
Immigrating from Brazil and restarting my career in the United States. Also, establishing the first wet laboratory at the UB School of Nursing, with the support from our research leadership and our Dean. [A wet laboratory works with cells or other human and animal tissues while a dry laboratory uses existing data to create models or computer simulations.]
You specialize in working with older adults. What made you decide to work with this group of people?
Working with older adults in research and healthcare echoes my experience as a family caregiver in an intergenerational household. Since graduating from nursing school in 2005 I have often worked with older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, other related dementias, and cancer. I relate to their struggles as a healthcare professional and as family caregiver. In addition to that, there is a growing population of older adults in the U.S. needing our support as healthcare professionals and researchers.
What are some motivating factors that have helped you through difficult times at work?
First and foremost, faith supports me through tough times. In addition to faith, the community enthusiasm and support for the research, their encouragement for future projects and my mentees’ passion for the research. I also have friends and mentors in academia, at the UB School of Nursing and beyond who motivate and inspire me.
Outside of academia, how do you typically like to spend your time?
I am a wife, a mom, and a daughter with an aging mother. My time outside of academia is spent with family and making a conscious effort to prioritize self-care and well-being.
Do you have any advice for young people who might be interested in becoming researchers?
I often receive requests from high school students across the country, wanting to become researchers. I would encourage them to reach out to a researcher on their field of choice and ask them to join any opportunities that they may have — for example, volunteering in activities that may provide research insight. Asking to shadow a “day in the life” of a researcher is also helpful, keeping in mind that access may be restricted depending on the scope of the research.