Alyssa J. O'Brien

Alyssa J. O'Brien, PhD, RN serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of New Hampshire's School of Nursing and Center for Digital Health Innovation, specializing in family nursing through evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration to improve patient outcomes.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Nursing, University of California
• M.S. in Nursing, University of New Hampshire
• B.S. in Nursing, University of New Hampshire

Research Focus: Dr. O'Brien's work centers on family nursing dynamics, stress processes in mental health, and community-based perinatal services for underserved populations. Her research integrates healthcare innovation to address health disparities through interdisciplinary approaches and evidence-based solutions.

Publication Trends: Her recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on maternal-child health, LGBTQ+ inclusion in nursing education, pandemic-era research challenges, and behavioral health screening. These works reveal strong thematic connections between family systems theory, mental health advocacy, and innovative clinical practice models.

Scientific Recognition:

• CHHS Teaching Excellence Award
• NH Nurses’ Association Nurse Researcher Award

Mentorship and Funding: Dr. O'Brien actively mentors nursing students across multiple degree levels while securing competitive grants for community perinatal research. Her collaborative projects with clinical partners address critical gaps in services for vulnerable families through interdisciplinary team science.

Professional Engagement: She maintains active clinical practice and contributes to national organizations including STTI (Sigma Theta Tau International), AWHONN, and the International Family Nursing Association, driving standards in family-centered care and nursing education.