In Memoriam: Remembering Dr. Catherine Carpenter

UCLA School of Nursing & Fielding School of Public Health Adjunct Professor Catherine Carpenter, PhD, passed away on April 26, 2024.

A proud product of the University of California System, Dr. Carpenter often reflected on her early academic experiences at UC Berkeley that led her to research and teaching. She first came to UCLA as a doctoral student, completing her PhD in Epidemiology in 1996. After a postdoctoral fellowship at USC, Dr. Carpenter joined UC Irvine and eventually UCLA as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine in 2003.

Dr. Carpenter joined the faculty of the School of Nursing in 2009 and has held joint appointments with the Fielding School of Public Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine. She was also the Director of the Human Performance Laboratory and was one of the first scientists to receive a license to perform research-related x-ray bone densitometry (Dexascan).

Well respected by her colleagues for her broad teaching & research expertise, Dr. Carpenter was also often praised by her students and received several teaching awards throughout her tenure. Her work in India developing nutritional support and women’s health programs was also very close to her heart.

As a School of Nursing, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Carpenter’s family and friends. She will always be remembered in our School as an impactful educator, innovative researcher, and compassionate human being.