Jennifer S Sonsiadek

Jennifer S Sonsiadek serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Nursing at Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences while concurrently leading as Clinical Forensic Program Manager for Saint Luke's Health System. Her dual roles integrate academic instruction with frontline clinical leadership in forensic healthcare, focusing on systemic improvements for trauma and crime victim response.

Education

• Master of Science in Nursing with Specialization in Forensic Nursing (2019)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2007)
• Bachelor of Art in Art Education (1997)

Her research program centers on forensic nursing innovation, particularly trauma-informed care implementation in medical imaging and radiation therapy to prevent patient retraumatization. She pioneers human trafficking identification protocols and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) staffing models, bridging clinical practice with forensic science to enhance patient safety and healthcare system responsiveness for vulnerable populations.

Recent publications (2021-2023) reveal strong focus on practical clinical applications, with recurring themes in trauma-informed radiology protocols, human trafficking toolkit development, and forensic nursing service sustainability. Her work consistently targets operational improvements in hospital settings to protect victims during medical encounters.

Scientific Awards

• First Place Development of Human Trafficking Flowsheet Poster at International Association of Forensic Nurses Conference (2023)
• Virginia Lynch Pioneer Award from International Association of Forensic Nurses (2023)
• Nomination for National Crime Victims Service Award (2021)
• Nomination for Nurse of the Year - Ambulatory (2019)
• Barbara L. Kleist Distinguished Alumni Award (2016)
• Nurse of the Year Award Emergency/Transport category (2015)
• Forensic Care Award from Saint Luke’s Health System (2010)

As Clinical Forensic Program Manager, she directs Saint Luke's Health System's forensic initiatives and contributes to the Missouri Hospital Association's Hospital Human Trafficking Task Force. Her leadership drives protocol development including the statewide 2021 Human Trafficking Toolkit, establishing standardized forensic nursing practices across healthcare facilities.