2017-2019 Jonas Policy Scholar Cohort
This June marked the end of the 2017 – 2019 Jonas Policy Scholars’ tenure and the completion of another successful cohort. The Academy is grateful for the hard work and commitment each scholar has demonstrated throughout the past two years. To date, 30 Jonas Policy Scholars have been assigned to 18 different Academy Expert Panels (EPs) to help advance the mission of the Academy, transforming health policy through the nursing lens. The Jonas Policy Scholars have contributed to various literature reviews, policy briefs, dissemination plans, position statements, and manuscripts published in Nursing Outlook. The Academy looks forward to what lies ahead for this cohort of Jonas Policy Scholars and would like to give a special thank you to the Jonas Philanthropies who make this opportunity possible through their generous donations.
Ragnhildur (Ragna) I. Bjarnadottir, PhD, MPH, RN served the Informatics and Technology Expert Panel during her Jonas Policy Scholar tenure. Dr. Bjarnadottir is a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Florida, College of Nursing and is currently researching the impact of health informatics in advancing health care for underserved populations.
Shannon Halloway, PhD, RN served the Women’s Health Expert Panel as a Jonas Policy Scholar. Dr. Halloway is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Rush University College of Nursing. Dr. Halloway is currently developing and testing a multi-component intervention that targets physical activity and cognitive stimulation to improve brain health for diverse older women with cardiovascular disease.
Kristin Manges, MSN, RN served the Building Health Care System Excellence Expert Panel as a Jonas Policy Scholar. Ms. Manges is a PhD Candidate at the University of Iowa College of Nursing. Ms. Manges has been involved in the health care and health care policy communities for many years and has received numerous awards for her contributions and dedication.
Sarah Oerther, MSN, MEd., RN served the Psychiatric, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Expert Panel as a Jonas Policy Scholar. Ms. Oerther is a nursing instructor enrolled as a PhD student at the Saint Louis University School of Nursing. Ms. Oerther has been recognized nationally and internationally for her excellence in health care delivery and has demonstrated strong commitment to the improvement of health care.
Liz Stokes, JD, MA, RN served the LGBTQ Health Expert Panel as a Jonas Policy Scholar. Ms. Stokes works as a Senior Policy Advisor for the American Nurses Association Center for Ethics and Human Rights. Ms. Stokes is a dedicated and active member of the health care community.
Jasmine Travers, PhD, AGNP-C, RN, CCRN served the Environmental and Public Health Expert Panel during her Jonas Policy Scholar tenure. Dr. Travers is a postdoctoral fellow in the NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Dr. Travers’ work is focused on seeking solutions to health disparities that exist across racial/ethnic minority older adults.
Desiree Bertrand, MSN, RNC served the Cultural Competence & Health Equity Expert Panel during her Jonas Policy Scholar tenure. Ms. Bertrand is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of the Virgin Islands School of Nursing and a PhD candidate at The Medical University of South Carolina. Ms. Bertrand is interested in women’s health and health disparities and works for The Empowered Sisters Project under the Caribbean Exploratory Research Center.