Jane R. von Gaudecker

Jane R. von Gaudecker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Science of Nursing Care at Indiana University School of Nursing, where she conducts groundbreaking research on global epilepsy care and health equity. She maintains significant international collaborations through the AMPATH partnership with Moi University and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya, and holds leadership positions with the International League Against Epilepsy.

Her educational background includes a PhD and MScN (AGCNS) from the University of Virginia, a BScN from Christian Medical College in Vellore, India, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Indiana University School of Nursing.

Dr. von Gaudecker's research focuses on improving access to epilepsy care in underserved communities, with particular attention to chronic condition management, health inequities, and sociocultural barriers. Her work bridges clinical science with community engagement to develop sustainable, culturally appropriate care models that address the global epilepsy treatment gap affecting millions in low- and middle-income countries.

She has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to international scientific cooperation and health equity research, including the CRDF Global Victor Rabinowitch Memorial Award and Fellowships from both the American Academy of Nursing and the American Epilepsy Society.

• CRDF Global: Victor Rabinowitch Memorial Award Young Leader in International Scientific Cooperation
• New Investigator Award, Health of Diverse Population Research Interest Group, Midwest Nursing Research Society
• New/Early Investigator Award, Population Health Research Interest Group, Midwest Nursing Research Society
• Fellow of the American Epilepsy Society (FAES)
• American Epilepsy Society Diversity Initiative in Fellows Program
• Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)

As Principal Investigator on a $2.4 million NIH grant (2024-2029), Dr. von Gaudecker leads the BEACON project expanding epilepsy care access in Kenya. She mentors future researchers through capacity building initiatives and serves as U.S.-based lead for the AMPATH Nursing Working Group, connecting nursing professionals across international borders for collaborative research, education, and clinical care improvement.

Her laboratory work focuses on developing and evaluating culturally appropriate interventions for epilepsy management in resource-limited settings, with particular attention to women's experiences and treatment-seeking behaviors in diverse cultural contexts.