Angel Solorzano Martinez, Ph.D. ‘23
Angel Solorzano Martinez, Ph.D., DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, CNS, PMHNP-BC, stands as a shining example of what dedication, resilience and a passion for innovation can achieve in the field of nursing. A proud graduate of Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Dr. Solorzano Martinez earned his Ph.D. in December 2023, and he has since charted an inspiring path marked by academic excellence, clinical leadership and transformative advocacy.
Motivated by a deep-seated commitment to psychiatric mental health and a desire to address the critical shortage of mental health providers across the nation, Dr. Solorzano Martinez’s journey began in 2006. Early in his career, he served as a registered nurse and clinical nurse specialist in various inpatient psychiatric settings in San Francisco, gaining valuable frontline experience and insights into the complex needs of vulnerable populations.
“There is significant need of mental health services across the nation, and there is also a shortage of mental health providers,” stated Dr. Solorzano Martinez. “Therefore, I wanted to make a contribution in this field to help those in need, and also to bridge the gap of shortage of mental health providers.”
Currently, Dr. Solorzano Martinez holds several vital roles at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. As Assistant Professor and Program Director for the DNP-PMHNP, MSN-PMHNP and PMHNP-Certificate Programs, he shapes the next generation of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, ensuring they are equipped to meet the evolving challenges of today’s health care landscape.
“As a nurse faculty and program director, some of the most rewarding parts of my job include student engagement, student support, sharing my knowledge and skills and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the PMHNP programs,” expressed Dr. Solorzano Martinez.
A passionate researcher, he focuses on advancing psychiatric mental health nursing through studies on nursing simulations, prevention and management of workplace violence, and prevention and management of substance use disorders in Latino communities. His scholarly work is matched by a reputation for fostering academic excellence, supporting students and leading curriculum development initiatives that keep pace with emerging best practices.
Dr. Solorzano Martinez credits much of his success to the world-class faculty and supportive mentors at Florida Atlantic, particularly his advisor, Dr. Lisa Wiese, who encouraged his growth as a nurse researcher and leader.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Florida Atlantic Ph.D. Nursing faculty and to my Ph.D. advisor, professor and mentor Dr. Lisa Wiese,” noted Dr. Solorzano Martinez. “Her mentorship and support have been essential to become a better nurse researcher.”
In January 2025, Dr. Solorzano Martinez became the associate editor for the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (JAPNA). In addition, he was also named a Top 10 Reviewer for the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services in 2019.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my role include overseeing the manuscript peer-review process to disseminate the latest scientific nursing evidence,” shared Dr. Solorzano Martinez. “This position has enabled me to make a contribution to the field of psychiatric nursing and nursing science.”