Sarah Owens Watts

Dr. Sarah Owens Watts serves as Assistant Professor at Auburn University's School of Nursing, holding a PhD in Nursing from Mercer University (2016), MSN and BSN from Samford University (2012, 2005). A Registered Nurse, she maintains active membership in Alabama State Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, and the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning while serving on multiple organizational committees.

Her research program focuses on obesity interventions in underserved populations, rural health access, and interprofessional education innovation. Current projects include a $38,383 pediatric wellness initiative for cardiometabolic disease prevention and a $5,000 dietary intervention for Hispanic women. Her grant portfolio totals over $54,000 from Auburn University and national nursing organizations.

Dr. Watts' 14 recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate concentrated expertise in simulation-based nursing education, cross-cultural nutritional studies, and interprofessional clinic implementation. Key trends include structured prebriefing methodologies, poverty awareness training, and community-engaged obesity reduction strategies targeting Hispanic and rural populations.

Scientific recognition includes:

• DAISY Award for graduate teaching excellence
• President’s Outstanding Collaborative Units Award
• INACSL Research Fellowship

She directs Auburn University's Interprofessional Education program and serves as faculty advisor for Omicron Delta Kappa. Current work involves mentoring students through community-based mobile clinics and developing simulation curricula for interprofessional poverty training. Her research lab collaborates with VCOM-Auburn and community health centers on rural health initiatives.