Dr. Newburn-Cook received her MSN in 1979 from the University of British Columbia and her PhD in 1996 from the University of British Columbia in Interdisciplinary Studies: Epidemiology, Research Design and Measurement, Biostatistics. In 1999, she completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Alberta in the Perinatal Research Centre under the supervision of Dr. David Olson. She joined the Faculty of Nursing as an Assistant Professor in 1996 and progressed through the ranks to Professor. In 2006, she assumed the role of Associate Dean (Research), a position that she held until her death.
Dr. Newburn-Cook joined the Queen’s Commission (Navy) in 1974, and was a member of the naval reserves at the time of her death. Dr. Newburn-Cook served for 10 years as Consultant and Senior Advisor (Naval Reserve) and for 17 years as a Member of the Naval Reserve Council. She also served as Commanding Officer of the HMCS Discovery from 1993-1996 and as Officer-in-Charge of the HMCS STAR, Engineering & Boatswain Division from 1980-1987. In 1994 she was promoted to Captain (Navy) – Senior Officer Appointment and in 2006, she received her second clasp to Canadian Forces Service Decoration (CFSD).
“We share a very deep sadness, personally and professionally over this loss,” said Anita Molzahn, dean of the Faculty of Nursing. “Chris’ contributions to the Faculty have been immeasurable and we will miss her wisdom and sense of humour. The Faculty’s reputation as a research intensive organization has been strengthened as a result of her dedication to advancing the work of all our students, scholars and researchers.”