Applied Methods for Improving Health Outcomes Across the Lifespan

The evolving complexity of healthcare delivery and research requires nurse scientists to integrate advanced methods that span biological, behavioral, and environmental domains while harnessing big data and evidence-based practices. In particular, participant-centered research that builds on participant experience and real-world context is a transformative implementation research paradigm by bridging the gap between science and practice through meaningful end-user engagement to promote health for all. This T32 application requests five years of funding to support a structured predoctoral research training program that prepares nurse scientists to lead rigorous, innovative investigations aimed at improving health outcomes and service delivery across the lifespan. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum and mentored research experience grounded in four thematic cores: participant-centered study design, biological and behavioral measurement, data science and analytics, and applied intervention strategies. These methodological areas are critical for developing practical, scalable solutions that enhance care effectiveness and inform public health practice. Our program faculty and mentors, drawn from the Schools of Nursing, Medicine, and Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, bring extensive expertise in interdisciplinary research, measurement science, and translational methods. Their collective experience provides an exceptional foundation for training the next generation of nurse scientists in advanced research methods and applied healthcare innovation. The two-year training program will recruit four nurses at the predoctoral level each year. Training a new generation of interdisciplinary nurse scientists with strong knowledge and skills in collaborative research practices, measurement, and methodological approaches will further advance our ability to address the complex nature of contemporary healthcare.