Research Interests and Statement

LGBTQ+ health is a major focus of my research, teaching, and service. We are fortunate in that we at CUNY SPS understand the connections between Nursing education content in LGBTQ+ health, and the eventual patient outcomes for our students and their LGBTQ+ patients, clients, and families. Nursing education is critical for ensuring that future nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care to all patients, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. As a nursing educator, I am continually interested in exploring ways to improve nursing education related to LGBTQ+ health, in order to promote more inclusive and competent healthcare.

One area of interest to me is the inclusion of LGBTQ+ health topics in nursing curricula. Many nursing programs still do not include LGBTQ+ health topics as a required part of the curriculum, which can lead to a lack of understanding and knowledge among future nurses. By incorporating LGBTQ+ health topics into nursing curricula, we can ensure that nurses have a foundational understanding of the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ patients. During my time at CUNY SPS, in addition to programming related to LGBTQ+ health and students, I created and developed an undergraduate elective course entitled “Interprofessional Perspectives in LGBTQ+ Health” and it has run three times to date. 

I have spoken, written, and presented widely on the development of this course, and I am currently engaged in further research on the outcomes of the course based on student reflective writing in the course itself. As a nursing educator, I believe in the importance of incorporating LGBTQ+ perspectives into nursing research. By conducting research that explores the health needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ patients, students, or faculty, we can better understand the unique challenges they face and develop interventions that address their specific needs.

Another related area of interest is the development of LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for nursing students. Cultural competency is essential for nurses who are caring for patients from diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. By providing nursing students with training on LGBTQ+ cultural competency, we can ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate and respectful care to LGBTQ+ patients.

In addition to curriculum and training, I am interested in exploring ways to create a more inclusive learning environment for LGBTQ+ nursing students. Nursing programs should be safe and welcoming spaces for all students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. This may involve implementing policies that protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and harassment, as well as providing resources and support to LGBTQ+ students who may face unique challenges in their educational journey. To that end, I serve as the faculty advisor for the newly formed “CUNY SPS Pride Club,” which serves as a social and intellectual meeting place for LGBTQ+-identified CUNY SPS students. 

Finally, I am interested in exploring ways to promote LGBTQ+ health equity through nursing education. This may involve advocating for policy changes that promote equal access to healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as working to address the social determinants of health that impact the health outcomes of LGBTQ+ patients. Currently, I am working with CUNY LGBTQI+ Council to improve the university-wide policies on name and gender marker changes for students, faculty, and staff. 

In summary, my research interests in nursing education and LGBTQ+ health center on improving nursing curricula, developing LGBTQ+ cultural competency training, creating inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ+ nursing students, and incorporating LGBTQ+ perspectives into nursing research. By working to address these issues, we can ensure that future nurses are prepared to provide compassionate and competent care to all patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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