VA Nurse Scientist Directory
The investigators are listed alphabetically by last name. Click on a letter below to access that section of the page.
Lisa Aiello, RN, PhD, AOCNS
Dr. Aiello is an advance practice nurse with over 25 years nursing experience. She is a Cancer Genetics Research Nurse at the Corporal Michael Crescenz VAMC in Philadelphia where she co-directs the Cancer Genetics program with Dr. Maxwell. She is an adjunct professor at Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions, focusing on genetics education, as well as LaSalle University. She is on the Board of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG).
Dr. Aiello is an advance practice nurse with over 25 years nursing experience. She is a Cancer Genetics Research Nurse at the Corporal Michael Crescenz VAMC in Philadelphia where she co-directs the Cancer Genetics program with Dr. Maxwell. She is an adjunct professor at Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions, focusing on genetics education, as well as LaSalle University. She is on the Board of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG).Jane Anderson, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Dr. Anderson, is the Director of Education and Research for the VA National TeleStroke Program (NTSP) where her work is focused on development, implementation and evaluation of a nationwide curriculum to train interprofessional clinical teams across participating VA facilities in telehealth delivery of acute stroke care. A substantial portion of the NTSP curriculum involves using simulation in conjunction with the VA National SimLearn Center. In this role her work also involves identifying research partnerships with the NTSP to investigate effective telehealth and health information technologies for the continuum of stroke care and prevention. As a nurse scientist with the Houston HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuEST), her funded projects include development and implementation of a telehealth self-management support program for stroke risk reduction, decision support tools for evidence based stroke care, and a valid and reliable nurse-administered swallowing screening tool for patients with stroke. Dr. Anderson is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine and has expanded her program of research, developed in the VA, to the State of Texas through collaboration with the Lone Star Stroke (LSS) Consortium; a collaboration among leading medical research institutions in Texas to improve the health of Texans affected by stroke through patient-centered research. She serves as the Principal Investigator for LSS studies at the BCM and is a member of the LSS Executive Committee.
Dr. Anderson, is the Director of Education and Research for the VA National TeleStroke Program (NTSP) where her work is focused on development, implementation and evaluation of a nationwide curriculum to train interprofessional clinical teams across participating VA facilities in telehealth delivery of acute stroke care. A substantial portion of the NTSP curriculum involves using simulation in conjunction with the VA National SimLearn Center. In this role her work also involves identifying research partnerships with the NTSP to investigate effective telehealth and health information technologies for the continuum of stroke care and prevention. As a nurse scientist with the Houston HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuEST), her funded projects include development and implementation of a telehealth self-management support program for stroke risk reduction, decision support tools for evidence based stroke care, and a valid and reliable nurse-administered swallowing screening tool for patients with stroke. Dr. Anderson is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine and has expanded her program of research, developed in the VA, to the State of Texas through collaboration with the Lone Star Stroke (LSS) Consortium; a collaboration among leading medical research institutions in Texas to improve the health of Texans affected by stroke through patient-centered research. She serves as the Principal Investigator for LSS studies at the BCM and is a member of the LSS Executive Committee.Lyda Arevalo-Flechas, PhD, RN
Clinical activities and quality improvement projects focused on family caregiver support and end-of life care. Direct the Introduction to Dementia Program, the Dementia Caregiver Support and Education Program, and Life Sustaining Treatment Decisions Initiative trainings. Developer of the Dementia Immersion Simulation Experience - DISE.
Mona Baharestani, PhD, APN, CWON, CWS, FACCWS, FAPWCA
Dr. Baharestani, is the Associate Chief of Wound Care & Research Programs at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee where she provides interprofessional wound healing education, second opinion consultation and clinical research. Dr. Baharestani holds a Clinical Associate Professor appointment at the East Tennessee State University, Quillen College of Medicine in the Department of Surgery. In the past 4 years Dr. Baharestani has served as Principal Investigator on five clinical wound healing studies. Prior to returning to her native home of Tennessee, Dr. Baharestani served as the Director of Wound Healing in the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in New Hyde Park, New York. She has served on the Executive Boards of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC), the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP), the International Pressure Ulcer Guidelines Committee as the Debridement Task Force Chair, and the Pressure Ulcer Staging Update Task Force. Dr. Baharestani has served as a past NPUAP Vice-President and Chair of the NPUAP Neonatal and Pediatric Pressure Ulcer Task Force.
Dr. Baharestani, is the Associate Chief of Wound Care & Research Programs at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee where she provides interprofessional wound healing education, second opinion consultation and clinical research. Dr. Baharestani holds a Clinical Associate Professor appointment at the East Tennessee State University, Quillen College of Medicine in the Department of Surgery. In the past 4 years Dr. Baharestani has served as Principal Investigator on five clinical wound healing studies. Prior to returning to her native home of Tennessee, Dr. Baharestani served as the Director of Wound Healing in the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in New Hyde Park, New York. She has served on the Executive Boards of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC), the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP), the International Pressure Ulcer Guidelines Committee as the Debridement Task Force Chair, and the Pressure Ulcer Staging Update Task Force. Dr. Baharestani has served as a past NPUAP Vice-President and Chair of the NPUAP Neonatal and Pediatric Pressure Ulcer Task Force.Lynn M. Baniak, PhD, RN
Dr. Baniak is the Associate Chief Nurse for Research at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) and adjunct faculty at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. She is also a fellow with the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators (2023 cohort) and co-chair of the Office of Nursing Services Nursing Research Field Advisory Committee. Her program of research investigates the impact of impaired sleep on patient-centered outcomes in older adults and more recently the impact on nurse performance and patient safety. Her current study, funded by the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship, aims to provide foundational evidence needed for the development of an effective scheduling policy that incorporates sleep science, aimed at reducing medication administration errors among nurses.
Dr. Baniak is the Associate Chief Nurse for Research at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) and adjunct faculty at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. She is also a fellow with the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators (2023 cohort) and co-chair of the Office of Nursing Services Nursing Research Field Advisory Committee. Her program of research investigates the impact of impaired sleep on patient-centered outcomes in older adults and more recently the impact on nurse performance and patient safety. Her current study, funded by the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship, aims to provide foundational evidence needed for the development of an effective scheduling policy that incorporates sleep science, aimed at reducing medication administration errors among nurses.Dr. Baniak is a member of the Sleep and Circadian Science Research Hub at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing and of the Veterans Health Foundation Education Committee. In 2021 Lynn received a VHA Innovators Network grant to address inequity in telehealth access and usage by Veterans. Dr. Baniak has been an active member of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Assembly on Nursing since 2015. Her efforts were recognized by the ATS as a recipient of the 2022 Early Career Achievement Award and by the VA as the 2023 VISN 4 Secretary’s Award for Excellence. She has authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters and serves as a peer reviewer for several journals.
Catherine Battaglia, PhD, RN
I am a nurse scientist and core investigator at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System and Director of the Denver Research Education and Mentor Program at the Denver site of the Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation. I have a strong background in health services research, dissemination/implementation of interventions in routine clinical practice and mixed methods analyses. I am currently the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Triple Aim QUERI and the Transition of Care quality improvement project as well as the Site PI for two Investigator-Initiated Research (IIR) grants. I completed a VA Nursing Research Initiative (NRI) Merit Award (2009-2014), a Substance Use Disorder QUERI, and quantitative/qualitative evaluations for various operational programs. As an Associate Professor in the Health System Management and Policy Department in the Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Colorado Denver, I co-direct the Health Services Research PhD program and the Data Science to Patient Value (D2V) Training Core. I teach Clinical Outcomes and Applications and Grant Writing in the Clinical Science Graduate Program. Over the past 13 years, I have mentored ~20 PhD, DNP, master’s students and four postdoctoral fellows. I am the primary mentor for a VA career development awardee.
I am a nurse scientist and core investigator at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System and Director of the Denver Research Education and Mentor Program at the Denver site of the Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation. I have a strong background in health services research, dissemination/implementation of interventions in routine clinical practice and mixed methods analyses. I am currently the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Triple Aim QUERI and the Transition of Care quality improvement project as well as the Site PI for two Investigator-Initiated Research (IIR) grants. I completed a VA Nursing Research Initiative (NRI) Merit Award (2009-2014), a Substance Use Disorder QUERI, and quantitative/qualitative evaluations for various operational programs. As an Associate Professor in the Health System Management and Policy Department in the Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Colorado Denver, I co-direct the Health Services Research PhD program and the Data Science to Patient Value (D2V) Training Core. I teach Clinical Outcomes and Applications and Grant Writing in the Clinical Science Graduate Program. Over the past 13 years, I have mentored ~20 PhD, DNP, master’s students and four postdoctoral fellows. I am the primary mentor for a VA career development awardee.Rachael Beard, PhD, EdD, RN
Dr. Beard is a nurse researcher and clinical educator for the St. Louis VA Healthcare System (St. Louis VAHCS) Learning and Organizational Development service, where she organizes and leads programs and resources to support the development and engagement of nurses across the nursing workforce in research, EBP, and scholarship. Dr. Beard serves as the Site-PI for the MIRROR-TCM trial and manages her own program of research focused on disease management, virtual care, and psychosocial risk for poor health outcomes. Dr. Beard chairs the Nursing EBP and Research Committee, serves on the St. Louis VAHCS Institutional Review Board, the Nurse Executive Board, the executive board for the National Veterans Education and Information Network, and is appointed as a reviewer for the Geriatric Nursing Research journal. She holds a PhD in nursing and a EdD in educational leadership and is a graduate faculty member in the School of Nursing at Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville.
Dr. Beard is a nurse researcher and clinical educator for the St. Louis VA Healthcare System (St. Louis VAHCS) Learning and Organizational Development service, where she organizes and leads programs and resources to support the development and engagement of nurses across the nursing workforce in research, EBP, and scholarship. Dr. Beard serves as the Site-PI for the MIRROR-TCM trial and manages her own program of research focused on disease management, virtual care, and psychosocial risk for poor health outcomes. Dr. Beard chairs the Nursing EBP and Research Committee, serves on the St. Louis VAHCS Institutional Review Board, the Nurse Executive Board, the executive board for the National Veterans Education and Information Network, and is appointed as a reviewer for the Geriatric Nursing Research journal. She holds a PhD in nursing and a EdD in educational leadership and is a graduate faculty member in the School of Nursing at Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville.Pegi Black, PhD, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, CHTP-I
Dr. Black holds a PhD in Mind Body Medicine/Integrative Health and is Board Certified as a Nurse Practitioner in both Family Practice and Acute Care. She is currently working locally with two underserved communities; the visually impaired Veterans at Long Beach VA Hospital managing acute and chronic health issues and part-time as a nursing supervisor at Children’s Hospital of Orange County serving the care and needs of our community’s pediatric patients and families. Pegi is certified as a Healing Touch Practitioner and Instructor providing treatments and classes for the VA and community. Partnering with the National Patient Centered Care Program she helped to develop a toolkit bringing Healing Touch to the entire VA Healthcare system nationwide. She is currently working as the Principal Investigator on a research study at the VA looking at the use of Healing Touch in the Treatment of PTSD symptoms. Pegi’s many years of nursing experience in Critical Care, Emergency, Cardiology, Geriatrics, Hospice/Palliative Care, and Teaching has shaped her passion for a holistic approach to caring. Recognizing the importance of the whole person, Mind Body and Sprit underscores her belief and practice in all aspects of her work.
Rebecca Brown, PhD, MEd, RN
Dr. Brown is a Nurse Scientist with a key focus on expanding nursing research and implementation of evidence based practice. As a Clinical Translational Science Institute TL1 Scholar at the University of Minnesota and VA Quality Scholar, Dr. Brown cares deeply about building a culture of collaboration across disciplines, brining insights from clinical care to research, and ensuring innovative research solutions reach patients. As an HSR&D and RR&D investigator, her program of research aims to improve detection and treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Dr. Brown is a Nurse Scientist with a key focus on expanding nursing research and implementation of evidence based practice. As a Clinical Translational Science Institute TL1 Scholar at the University of Minnesota and VA Quality Scholar, Dr. Brown cares deeply about building a culture of collaboration across disciplines, brining insights from clinical care to research, and ensuring innovative research solutions reach patients. As an HSR&D and RR&D investigator, her program of research aims to improve detection and treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD).Lisa Burkhart, PhD, RN, ANEF
As a health services researcher, I hold a joint appointment with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago. My area of research uses mixed methods to promote preventive care in primary care settings. Current research is developing and piloting a decision support tool to prevent community-acquired pressure injuries in Veterans living with spinal cord injury (SCI) for use in the SCI clinic (HSR&D IIR 16-267, PI Burkhart) . My research also includes developing primary care models in nursing education and evaluating nurse residency programs through the VA Office of Academic Affiliations.
As a health services researcher, I hold a joint appointment with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago. My area of research uses mixed methods to promote preventive care in primary care settings. Current research is developing and piloting a decision support tool to prevent community-acquired pressure injuries in Veterans living with spinal cord injury (SCI) for use in the SCI clinic (HSR&D IIR 16-267, PI Burkhart) . My research also includes developing primary care models in nursing education and evaluating nurse residency programs through the VA Office of Academic Affiliations.Judy Carlson, EdD, APRN, FNP, BCN
Dr. Carlson, received an EdD, a research doctorate, from Rutgers University in Program Development and Outcomes Research, her Masters of Nursing Science at Hunter University in Bio-Behavioral Nursing, and a Bachelor’s of Nursing Science at Long Island University. She received a certificate in Family Nurse Practice from University of Virginia. She is Board-Certified in Neurofeedback. As a scientist and neurotherapist, her clinical, research and grant interests involve the investigation of the impact of neurofeedback on several health issues, to include mTBI, PTSD, pain and sleep disorders. Dr. Carlson founded and chairs the EBP Council and has been a leader in creating an EBP culture throughout the VA Pacific Islands. She conducts EBP Workshops, provides EBP trainings and consultation services and mentors project teams.
Dr. Carlson, received an EdD, a research doctorate, from Rutgers University in Program Development and Outcomes Research, her Masters of Nursing Science at Hunter University in Bio-Behavioral Nursing, and a Bachelor’s of Nursing Science at Long Island University. She received a certificate in Family Nurse Practice from University of Virginia. She is Board-Certified in Neurofeedback. As a scientist and neurotherapist, her clinical, research and grant interests involve the investigation of the impact of neurofeedback on several health issues, to include mTBI, PTSD, pain and sleep disorders. Dr. Carlson founded and chairs the EBP Council and has been a leader in creating an EBP culture throughout the VA Pacific Islands. She conducts EBP Workshops, provides EBP trainings and consultation services and mentors project teams.Renee Colsch, PhD, RN, SCRN, CQ
Dr. Colsch is a Nurse Professional Development (NPD) Practitioner Educator for the Minneapolis VA Medical Center where her work is focused on curriculum design and aligning NPD scope and standards to the NPD educator role. As a 2nd year VA Quality Scholars Fellow Nurse Scientist her work focuses on alignment, development, implementation, and evaluation of becoming a state designated stroke center, and delineating stroke risk factors specific to women Veterans. Dr. Colsch is an Associate Professor, Graduate Core Coordinator in the Department of Nursing at St. Catherine’s University and continues to work on her research trajectory on developing and advancing scientific knowledge using symptom research, comparative effectiveness, and implementation science to reduce health inequities and maximize quality of life for women and women Veterans. Specifically, aiming to reduce stroke-related health inequities among women.
Dr. Colsch is a Nurse Professional Development (NPD) Practitioner Educator for the Minneapolis VA Medical Center where her work is focused on curriculum design and aligning NPD scope and standards to the NPD educator role. As a 2nd year VA Quality Scholars Fellow Nurse Scientist her work focuses on alignment, development, implementation, and evaluation of becoming a state designated stroke center, and delineating stroke risk factors specific to women Veterans. Dr. Colsch is an Associate Professor, Graduate Core Coordinator in the Department of Nursing at St. Catherine’s University and continues to work on her research trajectory on developing and advancing scientific knowledge using symptom research, comparative effectiveness, and implementation science to reduce health inequities and maximize quality of life for women and women Veterans. Specifically, aiming to reduce stroke-related health inequities among women.Sheila Cox Sullivan, PhD RN
Dr. Sheila Cox Sullivan has been funded to support investigation into staff empowerment and shared governance as well as geriatric nutrition. The latter came from her time in the VISN 16 GRECC. She has publications documenting these efforts in addition to manuscripts reporting direct-care staff efforts to improve care through the implementation of evidence-based practice methods. Currently, Dr. Sullivan is collaborating on an evaluation of a virtual program for supporting EBP mentors through the implementation process. Dr. Sullivan serves on the board for Ghana West Africa Missions, a non-profit that seeks to provide clean water and prevent guinea worm infestation in rural West Africa. She has traveled to Ghana and Haiti on healthcare mission efforts nearly a dozen times. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for the National Institute of Nursing Research and reviews manuscripts for two international publications. Dr. Sullivan obtained her BSN from Harding University, her MSN from the University of Virginia, and her PhD from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She has held certifications in mentoring, critical care, and nursing education.
Dr. Sheila Cox Sullivan has been funded to support investigation into staff empowerment and shared governance as well as geriatric nutrition. The latter came from her time in the VISN 16 GRECC. She has publications documenting these efforts in addition to manuscripts reporting direct-care staff efforts to improve care through the implementation of evidence-based practice methods. Currently, Dr. Sullivan is collaborating on an evaluation of a virtual program for supporting EBP mentors through the implementation process. Dr. Sullivan serves on the board for Ghana West Africa Missions, a non-profit that seeks to provide clean water and prevent guinea worm infestation in rural West Africa. She has traveled to Ghana and Haiti on healthcare mission efforts nearly a dozen times. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for the National Institute of Nursing Research and reviews manuscripts for two international publications. Dr. Sullivan obtained her BSN from Harding University, her MSN from the University of Virginia, and her PhD from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She has held certifications in mentoring, critical care, and nursing education.Pamela Crary, Phd, RN, AHN-BC, VHA-CM
Dr. Crary's research focuses on nursing practice, nurse wellbeing and safe work behaviors. She has published and presented locally, regionally and nationally. Prior experience includes: Associate Professor of Nursing teaching undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students; and Director of Nursing in LTC.
Dr. Crary's research focuses on nursing practice, nurse wellbeing and safe work behaviors. She has published and presented locally, regionally and nationally. Prior experience includes: Associate Professor of Nursing teaching undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students; and Director of Nursing in LTC.Elizabeth Edmiston, PhD, RN
Dr. Edmiston is the Chief Nurse Scientist at the Cleveland VA Medical Center and serves as adjunct faculty at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University.
Dr. Edmiston is the Chief Nurse Scientist at the Cleveland VA Medical Center and serves as adjunct faculty at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University.She completed her PhD in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University in 2020 and then spent three years as a postdoctoral fellow at the Cleveland VA, first as a fellow in the VA Quality Scholars program and then as a Health Professions Education, Evaluation, and Research fellow. Previously, Dr. Edmiston worked as an intensive care unit nurse and as a structural heart research coordinator. Her efforts are focused in interprofessional quality improvement education, leading the VA Northeast Ohio nursing research program, and continuing her own research in the realm of sleep.
Mary Ersek, PhD, RN, FAAN
Dr. Ersek joined the VA in 2011 as Director of the Veteran Experience Center, a national VA quality improvement initiative to enhance the quality of end-of-life care across the VA. She has received funding from the VA (HSR & D, QUERI) and NIH. In 2019, she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.
Dr. Ersek joined the VA in 2011 as Director of the Veteran Experience Center, a national VA quality improvement initiative to enhance the quality of end-of-life care across the VA. She has received funding from the VA (HSR & D, QUERI) and NIH. In 2019, she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.Maureen Falcone, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, EBP-C
Dr. Falcone joined the VA in 2016. Her research work and interests focus on nurses' reporting of adverse events, patient safety culture, HROs, and communication in healthcare. She has had two articles recently published in the Journal of Patient Safety and has submitted two manuscripts health communication journals, Most recently she is exploring mobile health communication and behavior change outcomes.
Dr. Falcone joined the VA in 2016. Her research work and interests focus on nurses' reporting of adverse events, patient safety culture, HROs, and communication in healthcare. She has had two articles recently published in the Journal of Patient Safety and has submitted two manuscripts health communication journals, Most recently she is exploring mobile health communication and behavior change outcomes.Marquetta Flaugher, PhD, APRN-BC, RN-BC
Dr. Flaugher has published books and articles on Nursing Research. Her interests include: Pain Management, Sleep Disorders, and Teaching Concepts. She has conducted research within the VA setting and is often sought after to lecture on the Basic Steps of Nursing Research. In her current role, she was awarded the VA Innovative award for $40,000 to obtain new sleep equipment to enhance the care of our obstructive sleep apnea patients.
Susan B. Fowler, PhD, RN CNRN, CRRN, FAHA, FCNS
Dr. Fowler is Chief Nurse of Research and Innovation at the Orlando VAMC, contributing faculty in the PhD and DNP program at Walden University, and mentor for DNP students at Thomas Edison State University. She is board liaison with the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) advancing science and practice committee and member of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) clinical science committee. Dr. Fowler’s research expertise and efforts has been recognized by the Florida Nurses Association (FNA), National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, New Jersey Governor, and New Jersey State Nurses Association. Hope has been a focus of her research as well as patients/family members’ and nurses’ perceptions of caring, knowledge, readiness, social support, and quality of life. Sue’s clinical expertise in the neurosciences has provided a consistent population for her research. Dr. Fowler is an editorial board member of journals including the Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, and manuscript reviewer for numerous specialty journals.
Dr. Fowler is Chief Nurse of Research and Innovation at the Orlando VAMC, contributing faculty in the PhD and DNP program at Walden University, and mentor for DNP students at Thomas Edison State University. She is board liaison with the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) advancing science and practice committee and member of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) clinical science committee. Dr. Fowler’s research expertise and efforts has been recognized by the Florida Nurses Association (FNA), National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, New Jersey Governor, and New Jersey State Nurses Association. Hope has been a focus of her research as well as patients/family members’ and nurses’ perceptions of caring, knowledge, readiness, social support, and quality of life. Sue’s clinical expertise in the neurosciences has provided a consistent population for her research. Dr. Fowler is an editorial board member of journals including the Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, and manuscript reviewer for numerous specialty journals.Heather Gilmartin, PhD, NP
Dr. Gilmartin is a health services researcher and nurse scientist in the Denver/Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value Driven Care at the Rocky Mountain Regional Veteran Health Administration (VA) Medical Center. She has been a core investigator since 2016. From 2014-2016, she was a VA post-doctoral nurse fellow. Her research focus is on understanding and optimizing the culture of healthcare to enhance employee engagement and patient safety. She aims to achieve this by facilitating organizational learning through the implementation of high reliability practices such as team training, mindfulness, and relational coordination. In 2019, she was awarded a VA Career Development Award to study supportive learning environments in VA cardiac catheterization laboratories. Heather completed her undergraduate degree from Boston College, her master’s degree from Yale University, and her doctorate from the University of Colorado. Her 20+ years of clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner has included acute care, family practice, infection prevention, epidemiology, and public health. She is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado, School of Public Health and adjunct faculty at the University of Colorado, School of Nursing.
Dr. Gilmartin is a health services researcher and nurse scientist in the Denver/Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value Driven Care at the Rocky Mountain Regional Veteran Health Administration (VA) Medical Center. She has been a core investigator since 2016. From 2014-2016, she was a VA post-doctoral nurse fellow. Her research focus is on understanding and optimizing the culture of healthcare to enhance employee engagement and patient safety. She aims to achieve this by facilitating organizational learning through the implementation of high reliability practices such as team training, mindfulness, and relational coordination. In 2019, she was awarded a VA Career Development Award to study supportive learning environments in VA cardiac catheterization laboratories. Heather completed her undergraduate degree from Boston College, her master’s degree from Yale University, and her doctorate from the University of Colorado. Her 20+ years of clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner has included acute care, family practice, infection prevention, epidemiology, and public health. She is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado, School of Public Health and adjunct faculty at the University of Colorado, School of Nursing.Donna Glynn, PhD, RN, ANP
Dr. Glynn is a Nurse Scientist with the Boston VA Healthcare System. Her areas of research include models of nursing education, reflective practice, transition to practice and Nurse Residency Programs. She is active with CCNE Nurse Residency Accreditation and recently served as a member of the RN standards revision committee.
Dr. Glynn is a Nurse Scientist with the Boston VA Healthcare System. Her areas of research include models of nursing education, reflective practice, transition to practice and Nurse Residency Programs. She is active with CCNE Nurse Residency Accreditation and recently served as a member of the RN standards revision committee.Jenice Guzman, PhD, RN, GNP-BC, FAMIA
Dr. Guzman is a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Scientist based in Tucson, AZ. She received her educational degrees (BSN, MSN, & PhD) from the UCLA School of Nursing. Her research interest focuses on Veteran adherence to the use of home Telehealth technologist for chronic disease monitoring and management, implementation science, and heart failure. Prior to moving to the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System in 2017, she was with the Geriatric Research Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC) in VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System since 2001.
Dr. Guzman is a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Scientist based in Tucson, AZ. She received her educational degrees (BSN, MSN, & PhD) from the UCLA School of Nursing. Her research interest focuses on Veteran adherence to the use of home Telehealth technologist for chronic disease monitoring and management, implementation science, and heart failure. Prior to moving to the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System in 2017, she was with the Geriatric Research Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC) in VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System since 2001.Mary Hagle, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN
Dr. Hagle is a Nurse Scientist in the Department of Nursing Education & Research and IRB Chair for the medical center. PI and mentor for funded research studies, as well as Co-Director for Interprofessional Patient Safety Fellowship Program and Women's Health Postdoctoral Fellowship. Previous service for NRFAC and as an oncology clinical nurse specialist. Of special interest is synthesizing and translating research evidence into actionable practice recommendations.
Dr. Hagle is a Nurse Scientist in the Department of Nursing Education & Research and IRB Chair for the medical center. PI and mentor for funded research studies, as well as Co-Director for Interprofessional Patient Safety Fellowship Program and Women's Health Postdoctoral Fellowship. Previous service for NRFAC and as an oncology clinical nurse specialist. Of special interest is synthesizing and translating research evidence into actionable practice recommendations.Cathy Hebert, PhD, RN, GCNS-BC
Dr. Hebert mentors nurses in research and EBP at the Western NC VA, in Asheville, NC. Her primary research interests are aging, chronic disease and dementia.
Denise Hopkins-Chadwick, PhD, RN
Dr. Hopkins-Chadwick is the Chief Nurse, Nurse Science at the South Texas Healthcare System (STVHCS) located in San Antonio, TX where her work focuses on initiating, facilitating, and supporting STVHCS Nurses’ scholarly activities to include nurses as investigators conducting research and translating evidence into practice though evidence-based practice initiatives. Dr. Hopkins-Chadwick also oversees the 15-bed outpatient Clinical Research Unit that is all RN staffed. The Clinical Research Unit is supported by a CTSA grant and welcomes intramural and extramurally funded investigators and their studies. Dr. Hopkins-Chadwick’s personal research interests are in Veterans & psychedelics, post service transition, building EBP skills, and sensory based nurse-driven interventions aimed to target neural rehabilitation. Dr. Hopkins-Chadwick is a 30-year Army Nurse Veteran with DoD funded work in trauma care and medical modeling and simulation.
Dr. Hopkins-Chadwick is the Chief Nurse, Nurse Science at the South Texas Healthcare System (STVHCS) located in San Antonio, TX where her work focuses on initiating, facilitating, and supporting STVHCS Nurses’ scholarly activities to include nurses as investigators conducting research and translating evidence into practice though evidence-based practice initiatives. Dr. Hopkins-Chadwick also oversees the 15-bed outpatient Clinical Research Unit that is all RN staffed. The Clinical Research Unit is supported by a CTSA grant and welcomes intramural and extramurally funded investigators and their studies. Dr. Hopkins-Chadwick’s personal research interests are in Veterans & psychedelics, post service transition, building EBP skills, and sensory based nurse-driven interventions aimed to target neural rehabilitation. Dr. Hopkins-Chadwick is a 30-year Army Nurse Veteran with DoD funded work in trauma care and medical modeling and simulation.Denise Hynes, BSN, MPH, PhD, RN
As a nurse and health scientist, I have built expertise in health services research methods, including working with complex data and information systems, focused on improving chronic disease management, including care coordination, access, quality, and economic outcomes. Veterans are a special focus of my research. I have led or participated in a broad range of specific study designs, including prospective multisite clinical trials, observational studies, and implementation research. My currently research focus is on issues related to care coordination and care transitions.
Alvin Jeffery, PhD, RN-BC, CCRN-K, FNP-BC
Dr. Jeffery is an Assistant Professor of Nursing and Biomedical Informatics at Vanderbilt University. He recently completed a Medical Informatics Post-Doctoral Fellowship with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Nashville, TN in collaboration with Vanderbilt University’s Department of Biomedical Informatics. He has a background in pediatric critical care nursing and as a staff educator at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. He holds board certifications in nursing professional development, pediatric critical care nursing, and as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Jeffery completed his PhD (Nursing Science & Health Services Research) at Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing in 2017 and is currently funded by an AHRQ K12 focused on Learning Healthcare Systems. He recently completed a 2-year term as an Emerging Leader with the Alliance of Nursing Informatics. Expertise: Dr. Jeffery focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of probability-based clinical decision support tools. He leverages machine learning and data science techniques for developing prediction models, and he incorporates qualitative methods for exploring how to implement CDS tools within nurses’ cognitive and physical workflows.
Dr. Jeffery is an Assistant Professor of Nursing and Biomedical Informatics at Vanderbilt University. He recently completed a Medical Informatics Post-Doctoral Fellowship with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Nashville, TN in collaboration with Vanderbilt University’s Department of Biomedical Informatics. He has a background in pediatric critical care nursing and as a staff educator at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. He holds board certifications in nursing professional development, pediatric critical care nursing, and as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Jeffery completed his PhD (Nursing Science & Health Services Research) at Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing in 2017 and is currently funded by an AHRQ K12 focused on Learning Healthcare Systems. He recently completed a 2-year term as an Emerging Leader with the Alliance of Nursing Informatics. Expertise: Dr. Jeffery focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of probability-based clinical decision support tools. He leverages machine learning and data science techniques for developing prediction models, and he incorporates qualitative methods for exploring how to implement CDS tools within nurses’ cognitive and physical workflows.Katie Fitzgerald Jones, PhD, ACHPN, CARN-AP
Dr. Jones is a Nurse Scientist and clinically practices as a Palliative and Addiction Nurse Practitioner. She joins the VA Boston GRECC in a research capacity after completing a PhD in Nursing at Boston College and Post-Doctoral Research fellow at the Center for Aging and Serious Illness at the Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Pittsburgh Challenges in Managing and Preventing Pain. Her clinical and research interests include improving substance use disorder, pain management, and quality of life of older adults and people with serious illness.
Dr. Jones is a Nurse Scientist and clinically practices as a Palliative and Addiction Nurse Practitioner. She joins the VA Boston GRECC in a research capacity after completing a PhD in Nursing at Boston College and Post-Doctoral Research fellow at the Center for Aging and Serious Illness at the Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Pittsburgh Challenges in Managing and Preventing Pain. Her clinical and research interests include improving substance use disorder, pain management, and quality of life of older adults and people with serious illness.Nipa Kamdar, PhD, RN, FNP-BC
Dr. Kamdar is an experienced family nurse practitioner who is now conducting research at the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. Currently in Year 2 of her VA HSR Career Development Award using Human-Centered Design to develop and pilot an interventions to address social needs in Veterans and their family. Also researching Food Is Medicine programs and nursing practice to address social needs.
Dr. Kamdar is an experienced family nurse practitioner who is now conducting research at the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. Currently in Year 2 of her VA HSR Career Development Award using Human-Centered Design to develop and pilot an interventions to address social needs in Veterans and their family. Also researching Food Is Medicine programs and nursing practice to address social needs.Julius Kehinde, PhD, RN
Dr. Kehinde, Chief Nurse for Research and Evidence -Based Practice at Bay Pines VAHCS, chose a system-approach to his clinical research on patient safety, beginning with fall prevention among older adults living in nursing homes and VA community living centers. Falls and fall-related injuries among older adults lead to serious consequences for Veterans including physical disability, immobility, increased risk of mortality, and enormous health care costs. As traditional individual-centered approaches used for older adults living in long-term care facilities has yielded uneven fall prevention results, a paradigm shift to a broader system-approach is therefore warranted. Dr. Kehinde was recently appointed as the University of Central Florida College of Nursing Graduate Scholar and he also serves as an affiliate faculty at the Idaho State University College of Nursing. He is the current Bay Pines VAHCS Institutional Review Board (IRB) Chair, a position he has held since fall of 2015. As IRB Chair, he protects the rights of research participants and ensures Bay Pines VAHCS compliance with the 2018 revised Common Rule and the VA human subjects research requirements (VHA Directive 1200.05). He received a Clinical Translational Science Award from the National Center for Research Resources/National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Kehinde, Chief Nurse for Research and Evidence -Based Practice at Bay Pines VAHCS, chose a system-approach to his clinical research on patient safety, beginning with fall prevention among older adults living in nursing homes and VA community living centers. Falls and fall-related injuries among older adults lead to serious consequences for Veterans including physical disability, immobility, increased risk of mortality, and enormous health care costs. As traditional individual-centered approaches used for older adults living in long-term care facilities has yielded uneven fall prevention results, a paradigm shift to a broader system-approach is therefore warranted. Dr. Kehinde was recently appointed as the University of Central Florida College of Nursing Graduate Scholar and he also serves as an affiliate faculty at the Idaho State University College of Nursing. He is the current Bay Pines VAHCS Institutional Review Board (IRB) Chair, a position he has held since fall of 2015. As IRB Chair, he protects the rights of research participants and ensures Bay Pines VAHCS compliance with the 2018 revised Common Rule and the VA human subjects research requirements (VHA Directive 1200.05). He received a Clinical Translational Science Award from the National Center for Research Resources/National Institutes of Health.Ursula Kelly, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP
Dr. Kelly’s research and clinical expertise are the impact of interpersonal violence on women’s mental and physical health. The central foci of her research have been on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in women who experienced intimate partner violence and military sexual trauma (MST), particularly exploring barriers to care and developing and evaluating innovative treatment models. She has conducted research with immigrant Latino women and women Veterans utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods and integrating intersectionality and biomedical frameworks. She received NIH National Institute of Nursing Research pre- and post-doctoral fellowships and private foundation funding for her research with Latinas. She is principal investigator of a VA HSR&D NRI-funded study of trauma sensitive yoga for female veterans with PTSD. Dr. Kelly serves as the Chair-Elect on the ONS Nursing Research Field Advisory Committee, Co-Lead for the VA Women’s Health Research Consortium Trauma Research Workgroup, and Site-PI for the for VA Women’s Health Research Practice-Based Research Network.
Dr. Kelly’s research and clinical expertise are the impact of interpersonal violence on women’s mental and physical health. The central foci of her research have been on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in women who experienced intimate partner violence and military sexual trauma (MST), particularly exploring barriers to care and developing and evaluating innovative treatment models. She has conducted research with immigrant Latino women and women Veterans utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods and integrating intersectionality and biomedical frameworks. She received NIH National Institute of Nursing Research pre- and post-doctoral fellowships and private foundation funding for her research with Latinas. She is principal investigator of a VA HSR&D NRI-funded study of trauma sensitive yoga for female veterans with PTSD. Dr. Kelly serves as the Chair-Elect on the ONS Nursing Research Field Advisory Committee, Co-Lead for the VA Women’s Health Research Consortium Trauma Research Workgroup, and Site-PI for the for VA Women’s Health Research Practice-Based Research Network.Denise M Kresevic, PhD, RN, APN-BC, FGSA, FAAN
Dr. Kresevic is a nurse researcher, educator, mentor, and clinician. She has extensive experience in research methodology, collaboration and education. She completed Her PhD in nursing at Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, in 1997. Her research includes the development and testing of nursing protocols to regain, maintain and enhance cognitive and physical function including continence in older adults as part of the Acute Care of the Elderly ( ACE ) Model which has been cited by numerous investigators worldwide. She has experience in collaborative research as PI, site PI and/or co-Investigator on several grants and projects and has expertise in collaboration with multi-site projects. Specifically, Dr. Kresevic has worked on funded projects on a plethora of topics including: teaching nurses, patients, and families’ complementary therapies. urinary incontinence and prevention of catheter associated infections and dementia and delirium. She has successfully managed several projects (e.g. grant preparation and submission to IRB and funding agencies, staffing, budget, data collection and analysis. She has provided consultation at the national level for complex organizational and clinical issues related to care of older adults. She has reviewed grants for funding for the Health Services Research and Development National Committee (HSR&D) and serves on two Institutional Review Boards.
Dr. Kresevic is a nurse researcher, educator, mentor, and clinician. She has extensive experience in research methodology, collaboration and education. She completed Her PhD in nursing at Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, in 1997. Her research includes the development and testing of nursing protocols to regain, maintain and enhance cognitive and physical function including continence in older adults as part of the Acute Care of the Elderly ( ACE ) Model which has been cited by numerous investigators worldwide. She has experience in collaborative research as PI, site PI and/or co-Investigator on several grants and projects and has expertise in collaboration with multi-site projects. Specifically, Dr. Kresevic has worked on funded projects on a plethora of topics including: teaching nurses, patients, and families’ complementary therapies. urinary incontinence and prevention of catheter associated infections and dementia and delirium. She has successfully managed several projects (e.g. grant preparation and submission to IRB and funding agencies, staffing, budget, data collection and analysis. She has provided consultation at the national level for complex organizational and clinical issues related to care of older adults. She has reviewed grants for funding for the Health Services Research and Development National Committee (HSR&D) and serves on two Institutional Review Boards.Allison Lewinski, PhD, MPH
Dr. Lewinski is a health services researcher with a focus on eHealth interventions and chronic illness self-management. Her interest in health services and nursing research, specifically in developing and implementing sustainable interventions to improve health outcomes, is an extension of her experiences in public health and nursing. She aims to develop meaningful interventions that are relevant, appropriate, and can be implemented in real-world clinical settings with interdisciplinary collaborators. She is interested in examining intervention implementation and adaptation to understand how, why, when, and for what populations and settings interventions work. Her use of mixed methods enables her to understand how individuals engage with healthcare teams, how best to support behavior change in diverse populations and with varying disease states, and how to foster stronger engagement with the healthcare system. Her career development award examines the association of diabetes distress and related factors in order to develop a novel intervention to improve self-management in Veterans with diabetes. Dr. Lewinski completed her postdoctoral fellowship in health services research at the Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation at the Durham VA, a PhD in Nursing at Duke University, and a Master of Public Health at University of Michigan.
Caroline Madrigal, PhD, RN
Dr. Madrigal is a health services researcher working to improve the quality of care for nursing home residents. Dr. Madrigal graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014 and served as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing Scholar while completing her Ph.D. in Nursing at The Pennsylvania State University. During her doctoral studies, she worked on refining the measurement of residents’ preferences for care and linking the fulfillment of residents’ preferences to their overall satisfaction with care. Dr. Madrigal’s research is informed by her work as a direct care provider and registered nurse in the nursing home setting. Her research interests span across the long-term care continuum with a particular passion for understanding and improving nursing home residents’ care experiences.
Dr. Madrigal is a health services researcher working to improve the quality of care for nursing home residents. Dr. Madrigal graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014 and served as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing Scholar while completing her Ph.D. in Nursing at The Pennsylvania State University. During her doctoral studies, she worked on refining the measurement of residents’ preferences for care and linking the fulfillment of residents’ preferences to their overall satisfaction with care. Dr. Madrigal’s research is informed by her work as a direct care provider and registered nurse in the nursing home setting. Her research interests span across the long-term care continuum with a particular passion for understanding and improving nursing home residents’ care experiences.Satish M. Mahajan, PhD, MStat, MEng, RN
Dr. Mahajan has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare, nursing, and technology fields. He received his PhD in Nursing Science and Healthcare Leadership as well as master’s degrees in Biostatistics and Systems Engineering with a fellowship in Business Development from UC Davis. He has also worked as a postdoctoral fellow with UC Davis, Cornell University, and University of Chicago. While at VA, Dr. Mahajan has worked in various capacities as a part of ICU, Informatics, and Nursing Education teams. As the Associate Chief of Research & Innovation in Patient Care Services, he currently mentors multidisciplinary teams engaged in patient-centered research and evidence-based practice. Apart from carrying his own research projects, Dr. Mahajan works collaboratively with other scientists and researchers to effectively serve our veterans. He also continues to precept graduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral students. His research interests extend into building and implementing data-driven care models using large-scale complex datasets for better outcomes in chronic disease management. He has more than a dozen publications in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his findings at many international conferences.
Michaela McCarthy, PhD, RN
I am a health services specialist with the Denver Center of Innovation. I have been a nurse since 2006 and received my PhD with an emphasis in biobehavioral studies from the University of Colorado College of Nursing.
I am a health services specialist with the Denver Center of Innovation. I have been a nurse since 2006 and received my PhD with an emphasis in biobehavioral studies from the University of Colorado College of Nursing.Eleanor McConnell, PhD, RN
Dr. McConnell's program of research focuses on improving quality of life and quality of care of people living with dementia using person-centered care approaches. She has been funded by the NIH and by VHA's Rehab R&D and HSR&D to conduct studies designed to identify and modify risk factors for worsening self-care disability in long-stay nursing home residents with chronic cognitive impairment. with chronic illness. She has also conducted studies focused on use of implementation models to accelerate uptake of evidence-based practices.
Aimee McDonald, PhD, RN
I joined the KCVA in 2022 as the first Nurse Researcher. I have over 20 years experience in critical care and nursing education. My personal research area of interest is in nursing retention and engagement.
I joined the KCVA in 2022 as the first Nurse Researcher. I have over 20 years experience in critical care and nursing education. My personal research area of interest is in nursing retention and engagement.Christine Melillo, PHD, MPH, RN
Dr. Christine Melillo is a Health Science Specialist at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL. She has over 25 years of nursing experience in a variety of environments, including oncology, mental health and brain injury rehabilitation. She has over 15 years of research experience within the VA with a focus on cognition, community reintegration and program development. Her primary research goal is to advance the science of community reintegration in Veterans with disabilities. Dr. Melillo is committed to contributing to the evidence base and developing interventions for improving community reintegration among Veterans with a range of disabilities, including traumatic brain injury.
Maura Farrell Miller , PhD, APRN, GNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, ACHPN
Dr. Miller is a Board Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse. She was the recipient of a New York State Regents Scholarship in Nursing in 1973 and obtained her AAS in Nursing from Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, New York, in 1975. She obtained her BSN from State University of New York College of Technology @ Utica/Rome in 1978. Her VA career began in 1981 as an ICU Staff RN at the Miami VA. She was the recipient of a Federal Traineeship to pursue graduate school in 1982. She obtained her MSN from University of Miami School of Nursing with dual role preparation as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist in 1984. She began her doctoral studies in 1986 and was awarded a Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Beta Tau Chapter Research Award.
Dr. Miller is a Board Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse. She was the recipient of a New York State Regents Scholarship in Nursing in 1973 and obtained her AAS in Nursing from Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, New York, in 1975. She obtained her BSN from State University of New York College of Technology @ Utica/Rome in 1978. Her VA career began in 1981 as an ICU Staff RN at the Miami VA. She was the recipient of a Federal Traineeship to pursue graduate school in 1982. She obtained her MSN from University of Miami School of Nursing with dual role preparation as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist in 1984. She began her doctoral studies in 1986 and was awarded a Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Beta Tau Chapter Research Award.Dr. Miller's early career focus was the specialized, advanced gerontological nursing care of cognitively impaired veterans. Later in her career, she established a model for shared outpatient clinic appointments for aging veterans diagnosed with chronic mental illness in collaboration with Geriatric and Psychiatric Medicine Fellows. In May, 1994 she was recruited to join the pre-activation team then celebrated the grand opening of the West Palm Beach VA in June, 1995. Dr. Miller completed her doctoral dissertation research "Nursing Staff Responses to Physically Aggressive Behavior in Institutionalized Elderly: A Qualitative Study" and obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing from University of Miami School of Nursing in August,1996. Dr. Miller currently serves as Director, Hospice and Palliative Care and Therapeutic Gardening Programs. She uses innovative approaches for veteran-centric end-of-life and mental health care.
She established the Hospice and Palliative Care Program at the West Palm Beach VA in 2006 serving Veterans in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Glades and Hendry counties. She established the South Florida Hospice-Veteran Partnership in 2007 as a collaborative effort of VA and community hospice and palliative care agencies sharing education and resources to ensure quality end of life care to Veterans and their families. She holds Affiliate Faculty appointments at University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Florida State University College of Nursing, and UM-JFK-VA-Hospice of Palm Beach County Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program. She serves as a VA clinical preceptor for Masters and Doctoral Students and serves on DNP Project and Doctoral Dissertation Committees. She teaches students virtually in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate Program and Geriatric Mental Health DNP Programs at Florida State University College of Nursing. She is a national board member of the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center ACHPN Examination Development Committee. As ACHPN she participates in the Global Palliative Care India Project offering virtual palliative care education for nurses and other disciplines at the Cachar Cancer Center in Silchar, India.
Dr. Miller is passionate about the profession of nursing.
Deborah Monson, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, PHN
I have maintained a faculty position at Loma Linda University since 2005. Initially I was a fulltime Clinical Instructor and then progressed to Assistant Professor. In Fall 2010, I accepted a fulltime position at VA Loma Linda Healthcare System while maintaining a part-time adjunct faculty position at Loma Linda University. During my appointment at Loma Linda University, I was Course Coordinator for Basic Nursing Skills/Health Assessment, Clinical Coordinator/ Instructor for a student cohort to Kanye, Botswana Africa, Army ROTC Nursing liaison representing the university at the Nursing Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Washington, and served as an expert in developing methodologies that lead to improved outcomes. For many years, I have mentored/tutored students at the Academic Center for Excellence.
I have maintained a faculty position at Loma Linda University since 2005. Initially I was a fulltime Clinical Instructor and then progressed to Assistant Professor. In Fall 2010, I accepted a fulltime position at VA Loma Linda Healthcare System while maintaining a part-time adjunct faculty position at Loma Linda University. During my appointment at Loma Linda University, I was Course Coordinator for Basic Nursing Skills/Health Assessment, Clinical Coordinator/ Instructor for a student cohort to Kanye, Botswana Africa, Army ROTC Nursing liaison representing the university at the Nursing Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Washington, and served as an expert in developing methodologies that lead to improved outcomes. For many years, I have mentored/tutored students at the Academic Center for Excellence.In 2007, I joined VA Loma Linda Healthcare System part-time and then fulltime in 2010. I recently accepted a position as Joint Incentive Funds (JIF) Preventive Medicine Nurse in Research. Prior to this, for over 10 years, I was Nurse Educator for both Ambulatory Care & Specialty Clinics and OR/PACU/SSU/MRI. Ancillary duties included serving as Co-editor for the On Location Monthly Nursing Newsletter, Affiliations Assistant Coordinator, Nursing New Employee Orientation Lead Coordinator, and Evidence Based Practice Point of Contact. In addition, I serve on the Nurse Professional Standard Board, Nursing Professional Practice & Policy Committee, MRI Safety Committee and a variety of other committees and workgroups. I was Acting Associate Chief of Nursing Service for Nursing Education for two extended periods.
Intermingled with my fulltime and part-time jobs, I have been part-time Clinical Instructor at both Cal State San Marcos and Indiana State University. I have 30 years’ hands-on experience in nursing across the services of Preventive Medicine, Operating Room, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Short Stay Unit, Emergency Department, Intensive Care, Acute Care, Acute Psychiatric, Ambulatory Care & Specialty Clinics, and have management experience in two venues: Pain Management, Pre-op Clinic; and Senior Wellness Clinic.
I maintain membership in professional organizations: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, National League of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and American Nurses Association California (ANA\C). As a member of the ANA\C Education Committee, I co-authored the Resolution: Strategies to Address the Nursing Shortage Crisis. I held prior offices in the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau.
I had first exposure to nursing at age 14 years as Candy Striper (aka hospital volunteer, work without pay, under the direct supervision of nurses). Then I became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse and worked in a rural hospital. Following that, I became a Medical Assistant under the direct supervision of a physician in medical offices (Family Practice, Cardiology, Orthopaedics) while I was an Ombudsman for the USS Mobile LKA 115 troop transport carrier. I then took a brief hiatus as a Mother of Many (MOM): Mother to my own children and foster children and ran a Licensed Day Care in my home while I returned to school to pursue a degree as a Registered Nurse. I earned the Associate Degree in Nursing and national board certification as a Certified Operating Nurse of the Operating Room, followed by the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and certification as a Public Health Nurse (PHN), then the Master of Science in Nursing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult-Gerontology and national board certification as an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, and topped this off with the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing specializing in gerontology and dementia.
I have certificates as Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach, Mentor Fellow, Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Master Trainer, and as Civility, Respect & Engagement in the Workplace Assistant Coordinator, in addition to a myriad of other certificates. I am a Public Health Nurse and hold board certification as Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist with emphasis in gerontology and dementia. I completed research on Life satisfaction: Aging female informal caregivers of persons with dementia.
I live in Twin Peaks, CA and enjoy the frequent company of my adult children and grandchildren. When I am not keeping busy with work and research, I engage in writing poetry, crocheting, knitting, sewing, gardening, bird watching, canning, baking, performing home improvement, and volunteering in my local community. If you are in my neighborhood you may find me walking in the woods enjoying the foliage and woodland creatures!
Helene Moriarty, PhD, RN, FAAN
Dr. Moriarty is Nurse Researcher and Co-Program Director of a VA Interprofessional Fellowship at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center. In addition, she is Professor, Diane & Robert Moritz, Jr. Endowed Chair in Nursing Research at Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing and a member of the NewCourtland Research Center for Transitions and Health at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Dr. Moriarty’s research has focused on improving our understanding and care of individuals and families experiencing severe stressors, with a special emphasis on veterans and their families. She has received funding from NIH, VA, and professional organizations. Dr. Moriarty and colleague, Laraine Winter, PhD, were Principal Investigators on a recent NIH-funded RCT that evaluated the impact of an innovative rehabilitation intervention, the Veterans’ In-home Program (VIP), for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families. The VIP is the first intervention demonstrating benefits for both veterans with TBI and their families. Recognized as a leader in family research, Dr. Moriarty has been Co-Chair of the Eastern Nursing Research Society’s Family Research Interest Group and Editorial Board member of the Journal of Family Nursing since 1995, and Co-Chair of the Research Committee of the International Family Nursing Association since 2013. In 2019, she was appointed to the VA Nursing Research Advisory Field Committee.
Dr. Moriarty is Nurse Researcher and Co-Program Director of a VA Interprofessional Fellowship at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center. In addition, she is Professor, Diane & Robert Moritz, Jr. Endowed Chair in Nursing Research at Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing and a member of the NewCourtland Research Center for Transitions and Health at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Dr. Moriarty’s research has focused on improving our understanding and care of individuals and families experiencing severe stressors, with a special emphasis on veterans and their families. She has received funding from NIH, VA, and professional organizations. Dr. Moriarty and colleague, Laraine Winter, PhD, were Principal Investigators on a recent NIH-funded RCT that evaluated the impact of an innovative rehabilitation intervention, the Veterans’ In-home Program (VIP), for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families. The VIP is the first intervention demonstrating benefits for both veterans with TBI and their families. Recognized as a leader in family research, Dr. Moriarty has been Co-Chair of the Eastern Nursing Research Society’s Family Research Interest Group and Editorial Board member of the Journal of Family Nursing since 1995, and Co-Chair of the Research Committee of the International Family Nursing Association since 2013. In 2019, she was appointed to the VA Nursing Research Advisory Field Committee.Shannon Munro, PhD, APRN, BC, NP
Dr. Munro is a Researcher and Nurse Practitioner at the Salem, Virginia VAMC. She is a VHA Diffusion of Excellence Fellow, and former chair of the Nursing Research Field Advisory Committee. She has presented and published her research internationally and has also served as IRB Chair. Her research interests include implementation science, hospital acquired pneumonia prevention, and improvement in patient self-management skills. Dr. Munro and her team significantly reduced the risk of developing hospital acquired pneumonia among non-ventilated patients by providing consistent oral hygiene during hospital admissions. She is leading the national VA deployment of Project HAPPEN, a pneumonia prevention initiative, that is underway in 67 VA hospitals to date and is supported by funding from the VHA Diffusion of Excellence Initiative, the Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, the Office of Strategic Integration, the Office of Rural Health, and the Veterans Engineering Resource Center.
Dr. Munro is a Researcher and Nurse Practitioner at the Salem, Virginia VAMC. She is a VHA Diffusion of Excellence Fellow, and former chair of the Nursing Research Field Advisory Committee. She has presented and published her research internationally and has also served as IRB Chair. Her research interests include implementation science, hospital acquired pneumonia prevention, and improvement in patient self-management skills. Dr. Munro and her team significantly reduced the risk of developing hospital acquired pneumonia among non-ventilated patients by providing consistent oral hygiene during hospital admissions. She is leading the national VA deployment of Project HAPPEN, a pneumonia prevention initiative, that is underway in 67 VA hospitals to date and is supported by funding from the VHA Diffusion of Excellence Initiative, the Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, the Office of Strategic Integration, the Office of Rural Health, and the Veterans Engineering Resource Center.Chizoba Nwosu, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC
Dr. Nwosu is Associate Chief Nurse of Academic Affiliations and nurse scientist at VA Boston Healthcare System. Her areas of interest include women veterans with PTSD, academic-practice partnerships and residency programs (including RN and NP). She has partnered with both OAA and ONS on these initiatives. She also is a CCNE evaluator for NP residency/fellowship programs.
Dr. Nwosu is Associate Chief Nurse of Academic Affiliations and nurse scientist at VA Boston Healthcare System. Her areas of interest include women veterans with PTSD, academic-practice partnerships and residency programs (including RN and NP). She has partnered with both OAA and ONS on these initiatives. She also is a CCNE evaluator for NP residency/fellowship programs.Christine Olney, PhD, RN
Dr. Olney is a nurse scientist with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. She completed her doctorate at USF, Tampa and post-doctoral work with the Tampa VA [funded by Office of Academic Affiliation]. Her research focus is prevention of pressure injury for Veterans with spinal cord injury. Dr. Olney works collaboratively with the Minneapolis Adaptive Design& Engineering (MADE) Program, a multidisciplinary team of clinicians (MDs, OTs, PTs, and Nurses), engineers and specialists who design, develop, and test adaptive devices for Veterans. Her currently funded projects include development and testing of 1) a skin self-screening tool for persons with spinal cord injury [funded by VA]; 2) a supine arm-ergometer for patients on prolonged bedrest [funded by VA]; and 3) refinement of a personal use seating pressure measurement system for persons with spinal cord injury [funded by a VA]. Dr. Olney is associated with the University of Minnesota and enjoys mentoring nurses, engineers, physicians, and other clinical staff who are learning to conduct research.
Dr. Olney is a nurse scientist with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. She completed her doctorate at USF, Tampa and post-doctoral work with the Tampa VA [funded by Office of Academic Affiliation]. Her research focus is prevention of pressure injury for Veterans with spinal cord injury. Dr. Olney works collaboratively with the Minneapolis Adaptive Design& Engineering (MADE) Program, a multidisciplinary team of clinicians (MDs, OTs, PTs, and Nurses), engineers and specialists who design, develop, and test adaptive devices for Veterans. Her currently funded projects include development and testing of 1) a skin self-screening tool for persons with spinal cord injury [funded by VA]; 2) a supine arm-ergometer for patients on prolonged bedrest [funded by VA]; and 3) refinement of a personal use seating pressure measurement system for persons with spinal cord injury [funded by a VA]. Dr. Olney is associated with the University of Minnesota and enjoys mentoring nurses, engineers, physicians, and other clinical staff who are learning to conduct research.Kate R. Oppegaard, PhD, RN, ACCNS-AG, OCN
Dr. Oppegaard joined the Portland VA Health Care System in April of 2024. She has approximately two decades of hospital nursing experience, taking on progressive leadership roles. She completed her Masters and Doctorate at the University of California San Francisco. Her developing program of research focuses on an evaluation of the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of common cancer-associated symptoms, with the goal of identifying targets for prevention or mitigation strategies.
Jennifer Orshak, PhD, RN
Dr. Orshak is a Nurse Scientist for the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, where she has worked as a nurse for more than 12 years. In May 2021, she received her PhD in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. After graduating, she went on to the VA’s Women’s Health Post-Doctoral Fellowship. She also has a master’s degree in Women’ Studies from San Diego State University in California. Her research interests are a natural extension of her knowledge, skills, and clinical expertise. The overarching goal of her program of research is to design, implement, and evaluate nursing interventions to improve women’s health, especially the cardiovascular health of women veterans who receive care in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Her dissertation study, “Women Veterans’ Care-seeking for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention” is a foundational first step designed to identify and describe younger women veterans’ reasons for, and barriers to, care-seeking for CVD prevention. Her research aligns with national priorities of the American Heart Association, VA Health Services Research & Development, and the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Dr. Orshak is a Nurse Scientist for the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, where she has worked as a nurse for more than 12 years. In May 2021, she received her PhD in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. After graduating, she went on to the VA’s Women’s Health Post-Doctoral Fellowship. She also has a master’s degree in Women’ Studies from San Diego State University in California. Her research interests are a natural extension of her knowledge, skills, and clinical expertise. The overarching goal of her program of research is to design, implement, and evaluate nursing interventions to improve women’s health, especially the cardiovascular health of women veterans who receive care in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Her dissertation study, “Women Veterans’ Care-seeking for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention” is a foundational first step designed to identify and describe younger women veterans’ reasons for, and barriers to, care-seeking for CVD prevention. Her research aligns with national priorities of the American Heart Association, VA Health Services Research & Development, and the National Institute of Nursing Research.Dr. Kathleen Parker, PhD, APRN-CNP
Dr. Parker is a National Consultant and presenter for VHA ONS Evidence Based Practice (EBP) program and past Chair of the EBP Field Advisory Committee. Nationally she is the Vice-President of the Association of Black Nursing Faculty (ABNF) an organization that promote developing and mentoring academician, scholars and future researchers. Dr. Parker was the first graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s inaugural PhD in Nursing program (2011). She completed her BSN (1986) and MSN-FNP (1996) at the University of Oklahoma HSC CON. Dr. Parker is a 2017 VHA Leadership VA Graduate (LVA). Dr. Parker is a published investigator and serves on the local IRB. As Principal Investigator, she has received grant funds from WHS and the Office of Public Health (FY13); “Women Veteran’s Health and Hepatitis- Fight the Silent Enemy with Awareness, Advocacy, and Action”. Co-investigator of a VA study; “The Effect of Distance Mentoring on EBP” IRB # 15921 (2013). Publication: Correlates of physical activity and the theory of planned behavior between African American women who are physically and those who are not. Carter-Parker, K., Edwards, K., & McCleary-Jones, V. (2012). ABNF Journal, 23 (3), 51-58. White Paper: 2017 Shared Services: Fast, Lean, Effective, Efficient Transportation (FLEET) presented a business case nationally to manage the Department of Veteran Affairs’ Fleet Services under a Shared Services Model.
Dr. Parker is a National Consultant and presenter for VHA ONS Evidence Based Practice (EBP) program and past Chair of the EBP Field Advisory Committee. Nationally she is the Vice-President of the Association of Black Nursing Faculty (ABNF) an organization that promote developing and mentoring academician, scholars and future researchers. Dr. Parker was the first graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s inaugural PhD in Nursing program (2011). She completed her BSN (1986) and MSN-FNP (1996) at the University of Oklahoma HSC CON. Dr. Parker is a 2017 VHA Leadership VA Graduate (LVA). Dr. Parker is a published investigator and serves on the local IRB. As Principal Investigator, she has received grant funds from WHS and the Office of Public Health (FY13); “Women Veteran’s Health and Hepatitis- Fight the Silent Enemy with Awareness, Advocacy, and Action”. Co-investigator of a VA study; “The Effect of Distance Mentoring on EBP” IRB # 15921 (2013). Publication: Correlates of physical activity and the theory of planned behavior between African American women who are physically and those who are not. Carter-Parker, K., Edwards, K., & McCleary-Jones, V. (2012). ABNF Journal, 23 (3), 51-58. White Paper: 2017 Shared Services: Fast, Lean, Effective, Efficient Transportation (FLEET) presented a business case nationally to manage the Department of Veteran Affairs’ Fleet Services under a Shared Services Model.Kim C. Phillips, PhD, RN
Dr. Phillips is a High Reliability Specialist in OPQ at Salisbury VAMC. Lean Black Belt certified; certified Yellow/Bronze Belt Instructor. Research collaboration with Mara Z. Vitolins, DrPH at Wake Forest University School of Medicine for HELP-PD Vets project.
Charlene Pope, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN
After 25 years of advanced nurse practice as a certified nurse midwife, I am trained as a health service researcher who uses sociolinguistics to study variations in communication, in how patients and health providers speak with one another, and in racial disparities as a mixed methods and qualitative methodologist.
After 25 years of advanced nurse practice as a certified nurse midwife, I am trained as a health service researcher who uses sociolinguistics to study variations in communication, in how patients and health providers speak with one another, and in racial disparities as a mixed methods and qualitative methodologist.Clinta Ché Reed, PhD, RN, CNL
Associate Nurse Executive for Research
Kathryn Rugen, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN
Dr. Rugen is the Program Manger for Research in the Office of Nursing Services. She is involved in program evaluation on a variety of nursing focused programs.
Dr. Rugen is the Program Manger for Research in the Office of Nursing Services. She is involved in program evaluation on a variety of nursing focused programs.Karen L. Saban, PhD, RN, APRN, CNRN, FAHA, FAAN
My research seeks to integrate social context and inflammation with epigenetic signature to explain disparities in cardiovascular disease/stroke in disadvantaged women and to examine interventions that may ameliorate stress-related inflammation in vulnerable populations. My Nursing Research Initiative (NRI) examined the effectiveness of an 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in improving psychological well-being, reducing inflammatory burden, and decreasing cardiovascular risk in women Veterans. I also completed an NINR K01 examining social stress and epigenetic signature in African American women at risk for cardiovascular disease.
My research seeks to integrate social context and inflammation with epigenetic signature to explain disparities in cardiovascular disease/stroke in disadvantaged women and to examine interventions that may ameliorate stress-related inflammation in vulnerable populations. My Nursing Research Initiative (NRI) examined the effectiveness of an 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in improving psychological well-being, reducing inflammatory burden, and decreasing cardiovascular risk in women Veterans. I also completed an NINR K01 examining social stress and epigenetic signature in African American women at risk for cardiovascular disease.Yeonsu Song, PhD, RN, FNP
I am an Affiliated Investigator at the VAGLAHS GRECC and Assistant Professor at School of Nursing and School of Medicine at UCLA. My research focuses on improving sleep and related health outcomes among older adults with dementia and their family caregivers.
Cathy St. Pierre, PhD, APRN, FNP, FAANP
Dr. St. Pierre is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with extensive experience in research, practice and academia. She has been nationally certified as an FNP since 1982. She is currently the Associate Chief Nurse of Research and a Nurse Practitioner at the ENRM VA Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts working in a variety of departments including: Urgent Care, Pulmonary, Poly-trauma /Traumatic Brain Injury, Environmental health and Homeless veterans programs. Her research endeavors have spanned the past 12 years in the VA Healthcare system. Dr. St. Pierre is currently the Principal investigator of a research study of older veterans living in HUD-VASH housing. Her background is diversified, and she has both taught and practiced clinically in a variety of health care settings and academic institutions. She has presented nationally and internationally on a wide variety of health care/research topics and currently serves on the editorial board of four peer-reviewed professional journals.
Diana Swihart, PhD, DMin, MSN, APN CNS, NPD-BC, P-PCA, FAAN
Dr. Swihart practices in widely diverse academic, clinical and nonclinical settings. She is a Nurse Coordinator at the VHA National Center for Patient Safety. Dr. Swihart is also the CEO & Managing Partner for the American Academy for Preceptor Advancement. An author, speaker, researcher, educator, mentor, and consultant, she holds graduate degrees in nursing and leadership and doctorates in theology, ministry, and ancient Near Eastern studies (archaeology). She has facilitated the application of evidence-based practice and nursing research and provided operational leadership and education for the shared governance processes for multiple organizations nationally and internationally. She co-authored Shared Governance: A Practical Approach to Transforming Interprofessional Healthcare with Dr. Robert Hess, is a consulting partner, and serves on the Forum for Shared Governance Advisory Board. She has served on numerous advisory boards (i.e., Journal of Nursing Regulation) and completed multiple terms as an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet® Appraiser and as an ANCC Accreditation Commissioner. Dr. Swihart’s training and experiences in academia, staff development, and interprofessional collaborative practice and education, give her a broad and balanced perspective that influences all she does as she supports and creatively encourages others.
Hilary Touchett, PhD, RN, CRRN, CBIS
Research Health Scientist
Constance R. Uphold, PhD, ARNP, FAAN
Dr. Uphold is the Associate Director of Implementation and Outcomes Research and the Acting Associate Director of Research of the VA Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) at the Gainesville VAMC. She is also an associate professor in the University of Florida Department of Aging and Geriatrics. Dr. Uphold has over 40 years of nursing experience, including roles as a community health nurse and family nurse practitioner. Dr. Uphold’s current work focuses on conducting research and clinical demonstration projects to improve the quality of life of Veterans with rehabilitation needs, stroke, and dementia and their informal caregivers. Dr. Uphold has a broad background in health communications, family education, informatics, rehabilitation science and implementation science methods and theory. Along with a team, Dr. Uphold, created the RESCUE stroke caregiver website, which was designed to empower caregivers of Veterans with stroke. Currently, Dr. Uphold is conducting a randomized clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of an intervention that combines telephone support with education on the RESCUE website to lower the depression of caregivers and improve the recovery of Veterans with stroke. Dr. Uphold is a member of the VA Polytrauma/Rehabilitation Field Advisory Committee.
Dr. Uphold is the Associate Director of Implementation and Outcomes Research and the Acting Associate Director of Research of the VA Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) at the Gainesville VAMC. She is also an associate professor in the University of Florida Department of Aging and Geriatrics. Dr. Uphold has over 40 years of nursing experience, including roles as a community health nurse and family nurse practitioner. Dr. Uphold’s current work focuses on conducting research and clinical demonstration projects to improve the quality of life of Veterans with rehabilitation needs, stroke, and dementia and their informal caregivers. Dr. Uphold has a broad background in health communications, family education, informatics, rehabilitation science and implementation science methods and theory. Along with a team, Dr. Uphold, created the RESCUE stroke caregiver website, which was designed to empower caregivers of Veterans with stroke. Currently, Dr. Uphold is conducting a randomized clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of an intervention that combines telephone support with education on the RESCUE website to lower the depression of caregivers and improve the recovery of Veterans with stroke. Dr. Uphold is a member of the VA Polytrauma/Rehabilitation Field Advisory Committee.Marjory D Williams, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Dr. Williams is Associate Chief Nurse, Research at Central Texas Veterans HCS. She obtained a PhD in 2006 from the University of Arizona College of Nursing. Dr. Williams's research program foci include (1) functional patterns of practice in complex adaptive clinical microsystems in response to Clinical Nurse Leader practice integration, and (2) effect of leveraging knowledge, relationships, and the care environment to improve safety and reduce harm. She is a founding member of the AHRQ PBRN CNL Research Collaborative and co-PI on a national program of research on CNL practice integration. She is co-PI on internally and externally funded interdisciplinary investigations exploring strategies to reduce hospital bioburden and lower risks of healthcare-acquired infections. She is co-investigator on a VA Patient Safety Center of Inquiry: Veteran Suicide Prevention Collaborative. Dr. Williams serves as a co-investigator and/or mentor on diverse nurse-driven scholarly inquiry and evidence based practice efforts.
Dr. Williams is Associate Chief Nurse, Research at Central Texas Veterans HCS. She obtained a PhD in 2006 from the University of Arizona College of Nursing. Dr. Williams's research program foci include (1) functional patterns of practice in complex adaptive clinical microsystems in response to Clinical Nurse Leader practice integration, and (2) effect of leveraging knowledge, relationships, and the care environment to improve safety and reduce harm. She is a founding member of the AHRQ PBRN CNL Research Collaborative and co-PI on a national program of research on CNL practice integration. She is co-PI on internally and externally funded interdisciplinary investigations exploring strategies to reduce hospital bioburden and lower risks of healthcare-acquired infections. She is co-investigator on a VA Patient Safety Center of Inquiry: Veteran Suicide Prevention Collaborative. Dr. Williams serves as a co-investigator and/or mentor on diverse nurse-driven scholarly inquiry and evidence based practice efforts.Julie A. Womack, PhD, CNM, FNP-BC
Dr. Womack is an associate professor at the Yale School of Nursing and a Health Sciences Researcher at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT. Her undergraduate degree is from Stanford University where she majored in Comparative Religions. She received a Master’s Degree from Stanford in International Development Education. She has a subsequent Master’s Degree in Nursing (midwifery) from Yale School of Nursing and a post-Master’s from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (family nurse practitioner). She received her PhD in Nursing from Yale University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Informatics at VHA Connecticut, West Haven Campus.
Maria Yefimova, PhD, RN
Dr. Yefimova is a nurse researcher interested addressing multi-morbidity, disability, social and palliative needs of older patients through system redesign. Her research focuses on emergent technological solutions, such as remote health monitoring and predictive analytics. She is a health services researcher with the HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i) at VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. She also has a position with the Office of Research, Patient Care Services at Stanford Healthcare. Dr. Yefimova earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees in Nursing from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She completed her post-doctoral fellowship in the National Clinician Scholars Program at UCLA, among the first nurses to receive health services research training alongside physicians in the legacy of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Clinical Scholars Program.
