Danielle Alcena-Stiner

Danielle Alcena-Stiner, PhD, RN, serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester with dual affiliations at the Environmental Health Sciences Center and Life Sciences Learning Center, integrating nursing science, biomedical research, and community engagement to advance adolescent health equity.

Her academic credentials include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2018), University of Rochester, School of Nursing
• Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (2012), University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry
• Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology (2009), University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry
• Bachelor of Science in Biology (2004), Voorhees College

Dr. Alcena-Stiner's research employs Community-Based Participatory Research frameworks to develop empowerment-based interventions addressing health literacy gaps among adolescents and young adults. She examines how environmental health awareness and self-care practices influence infectious disease prevention, emphasizing partnerships between youth, advocates, and healthcare professionals to overcome systemic barriers.

Analysis of her 2020-2025 publications reveals concentrated focus on adolescent sexual/reproductive health, HIV prevention strategies, and pandemic-responsive telehealth adaptations, frequently investigating community engagement models and health disparities. Earlier work (2009-2014) established foundations in HIV immunology and dengue virus neutralization mechanisms.

No scientific awards are documented in the current profile.

While specific grant details and advisees remain unspecified, her collaborative approach with community organizations and university units indicates active mentorship and externally funded research targeting youth health outcomes.

She leads interdisciplinary initiatives connecting School of Nursing researchers with the Environmental Health Sciences Center to co-develop culturally responsive health literacy tools for vulnerable youth populations.