Ruth Tappen

Ruth Tappen, EdD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor and Christine E. Lynn Eminent Scholar at Florida Atlantic University's College of Nursing. With extensive research experience in Alzheimer's disease, dementia care transitions, and hospital readmission reduction, she has led significant projects including the development of a patient decision guide for nursing home care and co-investigated a $2.4 million NSF data science grant.

Education:

• EdD, Columbia University (1980)
• M.Ed, Columbia University (1974)
• BSN, Wagner College (1966)

Her research focuses on Alzheimer's Care, Care Transitions, Gerontological Nursing, and Data Science Applications. Recent work explores in-vehicle cognitive monitoring systems and decision-making tools for end-of-life care.

Scientific Awards:

• Sigma Global Nursing Excellence (2021)
• Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance World Class Faculty Award (2021)
• Southern Nursing Research Society Distinguished Researcher (2020)
• AJN Book of the Year (2018)

Active grants include:

• $5M NIA grant for 'In-Vehicle Sensors to Detect Cognitive Change' (2020)
• $2.4M NSF grant for data science curriculum (2020)