معرفی
Dr. Terrah Foster Akard is a Professor of Nursing and Medicine at Vanderbilt University, where she holds appointments in the School of Nursing and serves as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Graduate School. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from Jacksonville State University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, and a PhD in Nursing Science from Vanderbilt University.
Her research program focuses on developing innovative psychosocial interventions for pediatric palliative care populations, with emphasis on:
- Legacy-making activities to improve quality of life
- Grief processing and continuing bonds in bereaved families
- Web-based recruitment and intervention delivery methods
- Novel approaches like animal-assisted interactions and digital storytelling
She leads significant federally-funded projects including:
- NIH/NINR R01 on legacy interventions in pediatric palliative care (2014-2019)
- Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation grant for nurse-led storytelling interventions (2021)
- American Cancer Society funding for web-based pediatric oncology research
Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on improving psychosocial outcomes through:
Qualitative and mixed-methods exploration of family experiences with serious illness; Development and validation of digital health interventions; Investigation of pandemic impacts on vulnerable pediatric populations; Innovative methodologies for palliative care research involving children.
Honors include:
- Fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholar Award
Professional service includes leadership roles in:
- Palliative Care Research Cooperative
- Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Scientific Committee
- American Cancer Society Peer Review Committees
