Michael V. Relf

Michael V. Relf, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, AACRN, CNE, FAAN, serves as the Mary T. Champagne Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean for Global and Community Health Affairs at Duke University School of Nursing. Previously, he held leadership roles including Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education (2008-2014) and Chair of Georgetown University's Department of Nursing (2001-2008).

His academic credentials include:

• PhD in Nursing, Johns Hopkins University
• MS in Nursing Administration, Georgetown University
• BS in Nursing, South Dakota State University

Dr. Relf's research pioneers psychosocial dimensions of HIV/AIDS, examining intersections between childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and HIV risk behaviors. He develops evidence-based interventions to improve care engagement and serostatus disclosure while addressing systemic stigma. His mixed-methods approach has driven global policy changes in HIV nursing practice.

Key recognitions:

• Frank Lamendola Achievement Award (2003)
• Spirit of Nursing Award for mentoring (2006)
• American Academy of Nursing Fellowship (2008)
• Duke Distinguished Teaching Award (2013)

As principal investigator, he secured major funding from NIH, HRSA, PEPFAR, and Sigma Theta Tau International. His PEPFAR collaboration produced the Essential Nursing Competencies for HIV/AIDS adopted across Southern Africa, Canada, and Thailand. He mentors emerging scholars through Duke's Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD programs while leading global health initiatives.

Dr. Relf co-chaired the American Academy of Nursing's Emerging and Infectious Diseases Expert Panel (2008-2010) and completed visiting scholar appointments at Queen's University (Belfast) and University of Zululand (South Africa), strengthening international HIV care frameworks.