Dr. Ballout 's program of research is focused on enhancing the quality of life of culturally diverse persons with chronic illnesses and their families. Her training included exploration of the concepts of quality of life, gender and health, social constructions of masculine norms, and partner relationships in culturally diverse patients and families with chronic illnesses, specifically prostate cancer.  Dr. Ballout has worked arduously to strengthen NCLEX-RN first time pass rate, has advanced the use of IPAD technology as well as other creative technologies and pedagogies and has co-lead the Teaching Excellence Group to help other teachers achieve excellence for the sake of our students.  Additionally, Dr. Ballout frequently has a train of students overflowing her office, usually in stitches of laughter.