Michelle Kahn-John

Michelle Kahn-John is an Indigenous nurse scientist and Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, with over 25 years of health systems leadership providing clinical and administrative support to Navajo Nation-serving hospitals and clinics through culturally safe research partnerships.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Nursing
• MS in Nursing
• BS in Nursing

Her research program investigates the psychological and physical health benefits of the Diné (Navajo) Hózhó wellness philosophy and health outcomes of Native ceremonial interventions, with current focus on youth suicide prevention in Great Plains Native American communities. She advocates for culturally aligned healthcare integrating traditional medicine and spirituality.

Her scientific honors include:

• Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)

Dr. Kahn-John mentors graduate students in Indigenous health research and qualitative methodologies, securing grants for community-based projects like the Northern Montana youth suicide prevention collaboration. Her work bridges clinical psychiatric nursing with traditional healing practices to address social determinants of health.

She leads collaborative research teams working directly with Navajo Nation and Great Plains tribal communities to develop culturally appropriate health interventions through respectful partnerships.