M. Terese Verklan

Dr. M. Terese Verklan is a Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing, where she leads initiatives in the PhD Program. Her academic foundation includes a PhD and MSN in Perinatal Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, complemented by a BA in Sociology/Psychology and BSN from the University of Manitoba. She maintains dual certifications as a Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CCNS) and High-Risk Neonatal Nurse (RNC).

Her research advances neonatal care through four interconnected domains: (1) paternal role adaptation in NICUs, (2) validation of family-needs assessment tools, (3) crisis impacts on family-centered care (e.g., COVID-19), and (4) evidence-based policy for preterm birth reduction. This work converges on improving developmental outcomes for vulnerable newborns through family-integrated interventions.

Awards span three decades, including the 2025 Neonatal Nursing Hall of Fame induction and national recognitions from the American Journal of Nursing (2014) and AWHONN (2011). Her mentorship includes guiding the CDC-affiliated Chancellor's Research Fellows Program (2022-2023), securing $8,000 for neonatal studies.