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A Bumpy Ride Ahead for HigherEd
A confluence of political, economic, and social challenges is threatening the very fabric of US universities. In both red and blue states, the political and economic headwinds facing institutions are fierce, public skepticism is high, and social media has become a polarizing battleground of filter bubbles filled with mis/disinformation. Universities find themselves squeezed by funding cuts, scrutinized by lawmakers, and caught in cultural crossfire. This presents a unique challenge for communications professionals. In this era of declining trust and “alternative facts,” they need to be hyper-informed, adapt quickly, and boldly emphasize the critical value institutions have in society. Communications should function as a vital link, bridging this growing divide between town and gown. In red and blue states, the political and economic headwinds hitting higher education are fierce, public skepticism is high, and social media has become a polarizing battleground of filter bubbles filled with mis/disinformation. It's important to note that throughout history, universities often emerge stronger and more deeply connected to the public during times of turbulence. Universities played a key role in partnering with the government to implement Roosevelt's New Deal, helping with emergency relief and agricultural programs. They helped democratize education with the GI Bill after World War II. They responded to societal demands during the civil rights era. Most recently, they played a key role in public health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Campus communicators have a unique set of skills and a vital responsibility to steer their institutions through these tough times. But the road ahead will be hard. The New Reality for Campus Communicators Cuts to Research Funding The lifeblood of academic innovation—research dollars—is under threat. The new political regime in Washington is looking to cut billions in federal research funding. A sudden cap on NIH indirect costs (slashed to 15% from an average of 28%) will have a profound impact on programs. Many researchers report that major grants are frozen or are expected to shrink. This “budget axe” isn’t theoretical for research universities—it’s biting right now. Communicators must convey what’s at stake: essential contributions such as groundbreaking science, community health programs, and innovation pipelines that fuel the economy hang in the balance as money gets tighter. Increasing State Oversight & Regulation In state capitals, politicians are muscling into campus affairs like never before. Republican-controlled statehouses are overhauling higher education governance, introducing over 150 bills in 35 states aimed at tightening control over public institutions. Even tenure is threatened. In the past year, lawmakers in seven states moved to eliminate or curb tenure and impose stricter post-tenure reviews – an unprecedented encroachment on academic freedom. New laws and proposals are creating oversight committees, mandating changes to the curriculum, and even threatening funding for programs out of political favor. The message from some state capitols is clear: “We’re watching you.” This surge in oversight and regulatory meddling means university communicators must navigate an increasingly fine line, demonstrating transparency and accountability at every turn to appease regulators while fiercely defending their institution’s academic autonomy. Political Pressure and DEI Backlash Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are under open attack. What began as partisan rhetoric has evolved into concrete threats – and actions – against campus diversity efforts. Dozens of states have passed or proposed laws to defund DEI offices, ban diversity training, or restrict teaching about race and gender. The result? An “inconsistent and confusing landscape” for colleges as they respond to swelling political pressure. The campaign against campus DEI has dramatically accelerated in 2025, turbocharged by signals from the Trump administration pushing to eliminate DEI efforts across government and higher ed. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education 270 campuses in 38 states have already scaled back or dismantled some DEI programs under this pressure. For communications teams, the DEI backlash creates a messaging minefield. They must affirm institutional values of inclusion and support for marginalized groups, even as those very programs face hostile scrutiny from powerful critics. Threats to the Federal Department of Education In Washington, the unthinkable is suddenly on the table: the U.S. Department of Education itself is in the crosshairs. President Trump has made good on campaign promises by signing an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. While outright abolition requires Congress, the administration has already laid off nearly half of the department’s staff and moved to strip the agency to its bare bones. “We’re going to shut it down… it’s doing us no good,” Trump declared. This unprecedented move could upend federal support and guidelines for universities – from financial aid administration to civil rights enforcement – leaving states to fill the void. Communications professionals must reassure students, faculty, and the public that education won’t grind to a halt if federal oversight wanes. It’s a communications tightrope: acknowledging the potential for massive change while conveying stability in the university’s core mission. After all, even if Washington pulls back, universities still answer to accreditation bodies and the public trust. The Misinformation Deluge on Social Media The information ecosystem has never been more chaotic – or more dangerous. Universities are grappling with viral misinformation and disinformation that can ignite campus controversies overnight. In the age of TikTok rumors and politicized Twitter (or “X”) feeds, false narratives spread like wildfire before facts can catch up. Recent campus incidents have shown how quickly truth gets muddled: one university saw fake reports about a protest spread widely. At the same time, another dealt with a gross misinterpretation of a student gathering that went viral. Photos and videos are routinely ripped out of context or deliberately edited with misleading labels. The public, meanwhile, is “bombarded with misinformation” online and growing distrustful of experts. For higher ed communicators, countering misinformation means fighting a two-front war: rapidly correcting falsehoods about their institution and proactively pushing out accurate, compelling content to capture attention before the rumors do. Economic Uncertainty and Budget Turbulence. Even aside from targeted funding cuts, universities are feeling economic whiplash. Inflation, endowment fluctuations, and post-pandemic enrolment dips have collided to squeeze campus finances. Many institutions face structural deficits and tough choices about programs and staffing. In fact, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, two-thirds of colleges now show at least one sign of financial stress – a startling statistic that underscores how widespread the budget crunch has become. From flagship public universities to small private colleges, hiring freezes and spending cuts are the order of the day. Every dollar is scrutinized by trustees and legislators alike. Communications pros must now operate in a climate of fiscal anxiety, where messages about any new initiative or expense can trigger questions about priorities. The task at hand is to highlight the university’s economic stewardship and continued value to students and the community, even as belts tighten. It’s critical to communicate that the institution is navigating the storm responsibly—protecting its academic core and maximizing the impact of every precious dollar. Demands to Prove Real-world Impact “What is higher ed really doing for society?” In 2025, that question echoes from state capitols, donors’ boards, and kitchen tables across America. Universities are under intense pressure to demonstrate the real-world value of their research and teaching like never before. Lawmakers openly discuss ROI (return on investment) for degrees and research grants, seeking data on graduates’ earnings and innovations spawned per taxpayer dollar. Public confidence in higher education has been shaken – a recent Gallup survey found Americans’ confidence in colleges has plummeted to 36%, down from 57% in 2015. Many believe in personal value (a college degree for better jobs) but doubt that higher education delivers for the greater good. In short, the public is skeptical whether campus research and scholarship are worth the cost. University communicators must do more than publicize exciting discoveries – they must connect the dots for people. Every media release, story, or tweet should answer: Here’s how this university’s work benefits you, your community, and the world. Whether it’s a medical breakthrough, a tech startup from the lab, or a student project solving a local problem, the mandate is clear: show impact or risk losing support. In my next post, I'll provide a detailed blueprint to help communications professionals proactively plan and organize their teams for the road ahead. This actionable framework will help you better identify where you can add value for your institution where it needs it the most and confirm your critical role as a trusted resource. To your success! Upcoming Speaking Events April 23 PRSA Virtual Workshop "Cutting Through the Noise: What Thought Leadership Strategies are Working in Today’s Environment” Register Here June 8 IABC World Conference, Vancouver “The Thought Leadership Blueprint: Why & How to Build a High-Impact Program” Register Here Sept. 12-13 PRSA East Central Conference, Cleveland “The New Comms Leadership Skillset” Register Here About ExpertFile ExpertFile is revolutionizing how organizations connect their experts to journalists, podcasters, and conference organizers who need to find credible experts on tight deadlines…fast. Featuring experts on over 50,000 topics, our free Apple and Android mobile app is the go-to resource for journalists at media outlets such as the New York Times, CNN, NPR Radio, Fox News, BBC, The Guardian, ABC News, CBC, AXIOS and Time Magazine. For over a decade, our award-winning software platform has been helping marketing departments better manage and promote their online thought leadership to reach a wider audience. Clients include Carnegie Mellon University, ChristianaCare Health, Villanova University, Aston University and Emory University. Learn more at: expertfile.com/getstarted
Best-selling author Kate Summerscale joins Writing Wrongs to explore true crime and justice
The true crime podcast Writing Wrongs continues its exploration of language and justice with a special bonus episode featuring best-selling author and historian Kate Summerscale. Kate is an award-winning historian, journalist and best-selling author known for her meticulous research into historical true crime cases. Her book The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher won the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction and was adapted into a major ITV drama. Her latest book, The Peep Show: The Murders at 10 Rillington Place, revisits the infamous Christie case, shedding new light on the victims’ lives, the social conditions of post-war Britain and the power of the press in shaping public perceptions of crime. In this episode, hosts Professor Tim Grant and Dr Nicci MacLeod explore a fresh perspective on the Rillington Place murders, the wrongful execution of Timothy Evans and how forensic linguistics has helped uncover the truth in criminal cases. Following on from the first episode of the series, which examined the Timothy Evans case and the origins of forensic linguistics, this conversation with Kate Summerscale provides fresh historical insights into one of Britain’s most infamous miscarriages of justice. The episode revisits the horrifying crimes of John Christie, whose calculated murders led to one of the most infamous miscarriages of justice in British history. The wrongful conviction and execution of Timothy Evans cast a long shadow over the UK’s legal system and played a pivotal role in the eventual abolition of the death penalty. Through expert discussion, the episode examines how Evans’ case became a turning point for criminal justice reform. The conversation also looks at the role of the media in shaping crime narratives. Sensationalist reporting during the Rillington Place murders fuelled public perceptions, sometimes distorting the truth in favour of dramatic storytelling. The episode draws comparisons between 1950s tabloid journalism and today’s true crime media, examining how crime reporting has evolved - and the ethical challenges it still faces. A deeply unsettling aspect of this case is its gendered nature. The majority of John Christie's victims were vulnerable women, many facing financial and social instability. The episode delves into how structural inequalities, from the lack of legal abortion to economic dependence, made women more susceptible to predatory figures like Christie, a pattern that remains relevant in crime analysis today. Finally, the episode scrutinises government complicity in covering up a miscarriage of justice. The Brabin Inquiry, launched in the 1960s, sought to reexamine Evans’ conviction but delivered a highly controversial conclusion, failing to fully exonerate him. The discussion highlights how political interests and legal reputation management influenced the case’s outcome, leading to Evans’ eventual posthumous pardon - but not a full legal exoneration. Tim Grant, professor of forensic linguistics at Aston University, said: “It was wonderful to have Kate on Writing Wrongs. “Her work challenges the traditional true crime narrative, shifting focus from the murderer to the victims and the broader social structures that allow such crimes to happen. “Her insights in this episode provide a fresh and deeply researched perspective on a case that still haunts British legal history.” Writing Wrongs is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major streaming platforms. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, share and engage with the hosts by submitting their forensic linguistics questions. Whether it’s about this case or broader forensic linguistic techniques, Professor Grant and Dr MacLeod welcome inquiries from listeners.
Can we separate our work and home memories, 'Severance' style?
The hit Apple TV show 'Severance' offers a tempting alternative to balancing work and home life by using neural implants to entirely split the memories. But according to Carnegie Mellon University neuroscientist Dr. Alison Barth, this work-life separation is somewhat possible even without an implant. In an interview, Dr. Barth explains: "We all experience some compartmentalization between our private and our work lives. Having a different location where you work and play makes that easier, but the cues for 'life' and 'work' can be as simple as time of day, or what your computer screen looks like." In addition, she says humans can "easily move in and out" of our work and personal worlds, and that there are many examples of people whose work and private lives are completely 'severed'. CMU neuroscientist Alison Barth shares her thoughts on the TV thriller Severance As far as the feasibility of technology to control our memories for us, Dr. Barth says: "I don't think that it is possible to program people so that they simply cannot access memories outside of a particular space and time." And she further warns of the dangers of such a separation: "The potential for abuse and lack of accountability are horrifying. In Severance, the office workers have little notion of what their work is. It would be hard to hold them accountable in a court of law. Severance is perfectly suited to corporate malfeasance," she explained. Watch Alison Barth's CMU Experts video below to learn more about her research seeking to understand how experience transforms the properties of neurons to encode memory.
MEDIA RELEASE: Nominate now: the annual CAA Worst Roads campaign kicks off
The nomination portal for the annual CAA Worst Roads campaign is now open, and CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is giving Ontarians the opportunity to voice their concerns about the bad roads in their communities. “Our research shows that 85 per cent of Ontarians are concerned about the state of our roads,” says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president of government and community relations, CAA SCO. “The campaign has been a vital platform for Ontarians to nominate roads they believe need urgent attention. It allows Ontarians to drive positive change in their communities by amplifying their voices.” Survey Reveals High Cost of Vehicle Damage from Poor Roads According to a survey conducted by CAA SCO, nearly half of respondents have experienced vehicle damage because of poor roads. Eighty-one per cent pay out of pocket to repair their vehicle, only three per cent file a claim with their personal auto insurance, and nine per cent forego repairs altogether. Vehicle damage caused by potholes and poor road maintenance can range from $500 to over $2,000. The average repair by those surveyed cost $933, a significant $81 increase from 2024. “With the increasing cost of living, many people hold on to their cars for longer when damaged, the last thing they need is expensive repair bills on an already stretched household budget,” adds Di Felice. The survey also found that cracked pavement remains the most dominant road-related issue (88 per cent), followed by potholes (84 per cent) and congestion (81 per cent – up four per cent from 2024). One of the highest-climbing road-related issues Members reported is reduced or closed lanes, where 78 per cent of respondents agreed it is common in their region—up six per cent from last year. “The frustration from motorists is evident,” says Di Felice, “congestion continues to grow as one of the top road-related concerns for Ontarians, and the CAA Worst Roads campaign allows governments the insight into what repairs need to be prioritized for their communities.” More than half of respondents (64 per cent) also agreed that not enough is currently being done to maintain the roads in their area. Decision-Makers Respond to the Worst Roads Campaign “We know that the campaign works and that decision-makers are listening. Since the start of the campaign, we have seen budgets prioritized and road repairs moved up,” says Di Felice, “in the last four campaigns, we have seen ten roads receive attention because of their nomination in the CAA Worst Roads campaign.” Ontario’s top 10 list is verified by the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) and its members, including the Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association (GTSWCA), Heavy Construction Association of Toronto (HCAT), and the Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA). Nominations for the Worst Roads campaign can be submitted online at www.caaworstroads.com from March 25 to April 18. Once the nominations are collected, CAA will reveal the top 10 worst roads in the province to the public. CAA conducted an online survey with 2,370 CAA SCO Members between January 6 to 14, 2025. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per cent), the margin of error for this study was +/- 2 per cent.
A New Heart Disease Prevention Strategy: Combining Ezetimibe & Statins
Statement by Kirk Garratt, M.D., Medical Director of ChristianaCare's Center for Heart & Vascular Health "A new study is challenging the current approach to preventing heart disease by showing that combining ezetimibe (Zetia) with statins could be a highly effective treatment for all high-risk patients, not just those who can’t tolerate higher doses of statins. Ezetimibe works by blocking the absorption of dietary fats before they reach the liver, while statins block the conversion of these fats into bad cholesterol. Clinical studies have already shown that combining moderate doses of statins with ezetimibe works as well as high doses of statins alone. This new research, which used a sophisticated method to combine results from many studies, demonstrates the potential of using this combination more routinely. The impact could be significant—potentially avoiding thousands of heart attacks and saving many lives each year. Ezetimibe has minimal side effects and is available in generic form, offering a treatment option with few barriers to widespread use. However, patients should speak with their doctor to discuss whether this combination is right for them." Learn more:
Teaching the Dangers of Snow Squalls
Dr. Jase E. Bernhardt, associate professor of geology, environment, and sustainability and director of meteorology, was featured on WPSU/Pennsylvania Cable and on The Weather Channel’s Weather Geek podcast about his VR research that demonstrates the danger of driving in a snow squall and the science behind these dangerous bursts of weather.
Hundreds of nurses and their colleagues at ChristianaCare gathered in a conference room at Christiana Hospital and listened through a livestream across the organization’s campuses and practices for an announcement they’ve been anticipating for many months. “For your commitment to nursing excellence and quality care, we are thrilled to recognize ChristianaCare with its fourth consecutive Magnet designation,” said David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, chair of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Magnet Recognition. “This accomplishment is a powerful testament to your dedication to the nurses who practice there, the entire health care team, and — most importantly — the patients you serve.” Shouts erupted, balloons and streamers floated up and, in the happy commotion, there was even a little cowbell. As the only four-time Magnet-designated health care organization in Delaware, ChristianaCare has achieved this global recognition — the highest honor in nursing practice — for continued dedication to excellence and innovation, high-quality patient care and experience, nurse engagement and work culture. “Magnet designation recognizes ChristianaCare nurses are simply the best!” said ChristianaCare President and CEO Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH. “A fourth Magnet designation is an incredible achievement and reflects the vital importance and commitment of our nurses as we serve together with love and excellence.” ChristianaCare has more than 3,000 nurses, and they make up the largest segment of ChristianaCare’s workforce. ChristianaCare is the largest nonprofit organization and private employer in the state of Delaware. This most recent designation for ChristianaCare includes Christiana Hospital, Wilmington Hospital, ChristianaCare HomeHealth and Community Care Services, through early 2029. What it means to be Magnet “Our fourth consecutive Magnet designation means that our nurses and all of our caregiver colleagues have upheld the ANCC’s very high standards in patient care since our first recognition in 2010,” said ChristianaCare Chief Nurse Executive Danielle Weber, DNP, RN. “That is a long time to bring your ‘A’ game every day — through 15 years of change, including a pandemic — and to sustain growth in professional practice, innovation and culture. Magnet recognition raises the bar for patient care and inspires every member of our team to achieve excellence every day.” The Magnet Recognition Program — administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the largest and most prominent nurses credentialing organization in the world — identifies health care organizations that provide the very best in nursing care, exceptional nurse engagement and professionalism in nursing practice. The Magnet Recognition Program serves as the gold standard for nursing excellence and provides consumers with the ultimate benchmark for measuring quality of care. The ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® has conferred Magnet status to less than 10% of hospitals and health systems in the United States. There are 621 Magnet-designated health organizations internationally. ChristianaCare was the first in Delaware to achieve Magnet designation, in 2010. For nurses, Magnet Recognition means education and development through every career stage, which leads to greater autonomy at the bedside. For patients, it means the very best care, delivered by nurses who are supported to be the very best that they can be. While Magnet is a nursing-led initiative, the designation reflects the work of caregivers across the organization. Magnet redesignation itself is a rigorous process. Health care organizations must reapply for Magnet status every four years and demonstrate adherence to the Magnet concepts for nursing excellence and engagement and measurable improvements in patient care and quality. The ANCC commended ChristianaCare on these exemplars: Advocacy for and acquisition of organizational resources specific to nurses’ well-being. particularly through the Nursing Integrative Care Program. An innovative strategy to address the shortage of certified registered nurse anesthetists in Delaware through a partnership program between ChristianaCare and Wilmington University to launch the state’s first Nurse Anesthesiology program. Outstanding nursing research engagement and growth of the nursing research enterprise especially through the Nursing Research Fellowship in Robotics and Innovation.
Professor Ian Maidment has received a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Senior Investigator Award The award recognises his outstanding leadership contributions to the work of the NIHR and his excellent track record of securing NIHR funding Professor Maidment is the first academic at Aston University to receive the honour. Professor Ian Maidment at Aston Pharmacy School has received a prestigious Senior Investigator Award from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR gives the award to researchers in recognition of outstanding leadership contributions to the work of the NIHR and an excellent track record of securing NIHR funding. As a senior investigator, Professor Maidment will act as an ambassador for NIHR, and help to guide strategy and tackle challenges in the health and social care landscape. He will join the NIHR College of around 200 senior investigators. Professor Maidment is the first academic at Aston University to receive the award and one of few pharmacists in the UK to receive such an award. Professor Maidment joined Aston University in 2012 as a senior lecturer, which marked his first step into academia after more than 20 years working in the NHS, both as a pharmacist and leading R&D. During his time in the NHS, he published 40 papers in peer-reviewed journals. These formed the basis of a PhD by previous publication, and Professor Maidment was the first person to obtain a PhD at Aston University by this route. He was promoted to reader in 2018 and a full chair in 2022. Professor Maidment specialises in the health care of older people and those with mental health conditions, and the use of medication to treat them. This includes projects investigating the long-standing and international healthcare priority of managing anti-psychotic weight gain. From this research project, guidance will be developed both for patients and practitioners. His research with older people has identified the need to focus on reducing medication burden and investigating the link between some medications and dementia. He also studies how to best use the expertise of community pharmacy to improve outcomes, for example in COVID vaccination and more recently how to make independent prescribing by community pharmacy work better; the importance of this issue was identified by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The award also recognises Professor Maidment’s strong links with the NIHR and critically his continued role in supporting its work. This includes mentoring other researchers, leadership and contributing to the development of the NIHR. Professor Maidment said: “Optimising medication in the real world is a key research priority; about half of all people struggle with adherence to medication. Much of my research has been focused on bringing the patient voice to key research questions. If we can fully understand the patient and family carer view, then we can start to get the medication right.” Professor Anthony Hilton, Aston University pro-vice-chancellor and executive dean of the College of Health and Life Sciences, said: “Professor Ian Maidment’s NIHR Senior Investigator Award is a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional research in medication safety and the care of older adults and people with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia. His work has not only advanced academic understanding but has also shaped real-world healthcare practices, improving outcomes for patients. “This achievement reflects his dedication, expertise and commitment to impactful research and his outstanding leadership contributions to the work of the NIHR. At Aston University, we are delighted to celebrate Ian’s success and the significant contribution he continues to make to the field.”
MEDIA RELEASE: Nominate now: the annual CAA Worst Roads campaign kicks off
The 14th annual CAA Worst Roads Campaign is live and CAA Manitoba wants citizens to voice their concerns and nominate the roads they want to see fixed. “Our research shows that 96 per cent of Manitobans are concerned about the state of our roads,” says Ewald Friesen, manager government relations at CAA Manitoba, “the CAA Worst Roads campaign gives Manitobans a voice in highlighting the roads they believe are in need of repair which provides a valuable snapshot to decision-makers.” A recent survey conducted by CAA Manitoba found that more than half of respondents have experienced vehicle damage because of poor roads. Eighty per cent paying out of pocket to repair them – up ten per cent from last year, only five per cent filing a claim with MPI - down 11 per cent from 2024. Eight per cent of Manitobans forwent repairs altogether. According to the survey, poor road conditions, especially potholes and sunken sewer grates, are causing significant vehicle damage and increasing out-of-pocket repair costs for drivers. “Many Manitobans are experiencing the effects of the rise in the cost of living, including having to delay vehicle repairs. This makes investing in our roads and infrastructure more crucial than ever,” says Friesen. “We understand that consumers are being cautious with their spending, and many choose to keep their cars longer instead of purchasing new ones and stretching an already strained family budget." The damage caused to a vehicle by hitting a pothole can cost anywhere from $300 to $6,000, depending on the make and model of the car. The survey found that almost half of respondents paid between $500 to $1,999 to repair their vehicle, with an average cost of $882. “CAA Worst Roads campaign is a platform that gives Manitobans an opportunity to speak up and helps the different levels of government understand what roads are pain points for their constituents,” says Friesen. “We know the campaign works because we see governments prioritize budgets and move up road repairs every year after appearing on the CAA Worst Roads list,” adds Friesen. “This includes last year’s winner, 18th Street in Brandon, where we saw a swift, coordinated response between the municipality and the province.” Manitobans can nominate any road for issues ranging from congestion, potholes, poor road signs and the timing of traffic lights to pedestrian and cycling safety. “Nearly 60 per cent of those who have ever participated in the campaign believe that nominating a road could result in the repair of it,” shares Friesen, “CAA Manitoba is calling on all road users to nominate the roads they believe need attention to help make our roads safer and show decision-makers what roadway improvements are important to Manitobans.” Nominations for the Worst Roads campaign can be submitted online at www.caaworstroads.com starting March 18 until April 11. Once the nominations are collected, CAA Manitoba will compile a list of the top 10 worst roads in the province, which will be announced to the public. CAA conducted an online survey with 1,014 CAA Manitoba Members between January 6 to 14, 2025. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per cent), the margin of error for this study was +/-3 per cent.
Nurse Scientist Susan Smith Birkhoff Makes Two Research ‘Firsts’ in Delaware
Susan Smith Birkhoff, Ph.D., RN, is making nursing history in the First State through the Delaware IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE). She is the first nurse scientist to be named an INBRE site principal investigator and she is the first nurse to receive the Seema S. Sonnad Mentor of the Year Award from INBRE’s Junior Investigator Network. INBRE is a collaborative network of Delaware academic, health care and research institutions, composed of ChristianaCare, Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College Nemours Children’s Health and University of Delaware. First nurse scientist to lead INBRE site As the INBRE site principal investigator at ChristianaCare, Smith Birkhoff will expand on the research network’s success at a large academic health center. In collaboration with the INBRE partners and the program manager, Kellie Patterson, BSN, RN, CCRP, she will leverage centers of excellence across ChristianaCare to host an exceptional student program, increase the health system's contributions to the pilot program pool and grow the visibility of INBRE across the enterprise. “Susan brings a terrific combination of skills to this role,” said Omar Khan, M.D., MHS, FAAFP, chief scientific officer for ChristianaCare and institutional representative on the INBRE steering committee. “She is a mentor, scientist and teacher, and her experience with INBRE and the state’s other premier research programs will ensure that we deliver the highest value for the Delaware community.” Smith Birkhoff leads and supports interprofessional research education, systemwide technology evaluation, and grantsmanship. She spearheads a diverse research program, encompassing areas such as robotics in health care, virtual reality in medicine and burnout in the nursing workforce. As program director of Technology Research & Education at ChristianaCare, she collaborates across the health system’s academic research enterprise to achieve both clinician- and patient-oriented research outcomes. “Susan is a wonderful colleague and she is a true researcher-educator,” said Neil Jasani, M.D., MBA, FACEP, chief academic officer for ChristianaCare. “She is a great fit for the work of Delaware INBRE as we advance ChristianaCare’s contribution to this essential research network.” She co-leads an innovative program to study the one of the first deployments of increasingly autonomous robots in a U.S. health care setting and directs the first Nursing Research Fellowship in Robotics and Innovation, housed at ChristianaCare. First nurse named Mentor of the Year Smith Birkhoff received the 2025 Seema S. Sonnad Mentor of the Year Award from INBRE’s Junior Investigator Network, nominated for her exceptional mentorship by ChristianaCare colleagues whom she mentored. Her nominators were: Kaci Rainey, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, an evidence-based practice specialist at ChristianaCare, and Briana Abernathy, BSN, RN, CEN, a nurse in utilization management at ChristianaCare and an inaugral nurse fellow in the Nursing Research Fellowship in Robotics and Innovation. “They say that if you are not at the table, you are on the menu. We are profoundly grateful that Dr. Smith Birkhoff selflessly provided us with a seat at the table and an overflowing feast of knowledge,” said Abernathy in presenting the award. “This knowledge has quenched our thirst for change and fueled our hunger for research and innovation, setting the stage for the rest of our careers.”
