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Why VA research matters to Rosie, U.S. Navy Veteran

Research volunteer Rosie - head and shoulders photo of a person with large smile and a warm expression, they have dark brown, tight curls framing their face like a crown, they have gold hoop earrings and a red shirt

Rosie Glenn, Navy Veteran and law school graduate, loves building her knowledge, sharing what she learns with others and advocating for those around her, especially for the younger members of her family and her fellow Veterans.

While still a student in law school Rosie opened her home to a baby boy, who she adopted one year later. She currently teaches him at home and is very proud that he will graduate high school next spring.

Rosie first participated in VA research while coping with pain from ankle replacement surgery. She entered that study wanting to learn as much as she could about herself and available treatments. The more she learned, the more she wanted to share with the study team and fellow Veterans.

This curiosity and openness make her a valued Veteran Engagement Partner (VEP). As a VEP member, Rosie is a colleague to researchers. Her recommendations for recruitment, assessment tool design and Veteran engagement are highly valued among VA researchers.

Rosie appreciates that having VEPs promotes an exchange of knowledge, experience and ideas among Veterans and researchers. As Rosie says, “We get it done. Everybody is respectful of each other, we all just get along.”

"[Research] is so worth it because you’re going to learn about yourself and can share that with others. It’s important that you share knowledge so that you aren’t the only one to learn from your experiences,” states Rosie.

Thank you for your dedication to others! 


VA researchers wouldn't be able to make the advancements they do without help from the volunteers who take part in studies. If you'd like to contribute to VA's medical advancements, consider participating in research.