Caroline Stephens

Caroline Stephens is a Professor and Helen Lowe Bamberger Colby Endowed Chair at the University of Utah College of Nursing. With a PhD in Gerontological Nursing and over 20 years as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, she specializes in care for vulnerable older adults with complex mental/physical conditions.

• BS in Biological Psychology, University of California Davis (1995)
• BSN, MSN, Post-Master's Certificate, University of Pennsylvania (1999-2001)
• PhD in Gerontological Nursing & Health Policy, University of California San Francisco (2010)
• Clinical Research Certificate, UCSF CTSI (2014)

Her interdisciplinary research examines:

• End-of-life care transitions in nursing homes
• Family caregiver dynamics in dementia care
• Palliative care access disparities
• Population health data science methodologies
• Technology-enhanced care delivery systems

Recent publications analyze family structure impacts on psychiatric prescriptions, urban-rural EOL disparities, and telehealth implementation in long-term care.

Scientific honors include:

• Gerontological Society Fellowship
• American Academy of Nursing Fellowship
• NIA K76 Beeson Leadership Award
• VA Quality Scholars Fellowship
• PhD Mentor of the Year, UCSF

As director of the Utah Caregiving Population Data Science Initiative, she develops tools for family caregiving analysis using linked administrative records. Her ImPAcTT intervention (Improving Palliative Care Access Through Technology) has demonstrated feasibility in nursing home settings.