Research Advisory Panel
The Research Advisory Panel provides expert guidance on the scientific direction of the NEXT STEPs Initiative. This group includes nationally recognized leaders in nursing home research who bring deep experience in clinical trials, health services research, and the use of large datasets. The panel advises on methodological challenges, reviews feasibility projects, informs the development of tools and resources, and helps ensure that NEXT STEPs materials and activities reflect the highest standards of scientific rigor.
Joseph Ouslander, MD
Professor of Geriatric Medicine
Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Florida Atlantic University
Barbara M. Bates-Jensen PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Programs
Professor of Nursing and Medicine
School of Nursing and David Geffen School of Medicine
University of California, Los Angeles
Christine Eisenhower, PharmD, BCPS
Associate Professor
University of Rhode Island
Shaun Grannis, MD, MS
Vice President, Data and Analytics
Research Scientist, Center for Biomedical Informatics
Regenstrief Institute
Regenstrief Chair in Medical Informatics
Professor of Family Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Jerry Gurwitz, MD
Chief, Division of Geriatric Medicine
UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial Health
Natalie E. Leland, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, FGSA
Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
University of Pittsburgh
Donovan T. Maust, MD, MS
Willard C. Blackney Jr. and Geraldine LaTendresse Blackney Research Professor in Geriatric Psychiatry
Associate Director, Geriatric Psychiatry Program
University of Michigan
Research Scientist
US Department of Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Center for Clinical Management Research
Susan Mitchell, MD, MPH
Senior Scientist, Hebrew SeniorLife’s Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research
Professor of Medicine
Harvard University
Faculty, Division of Geriatrics
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Vincent Mor, PhD
Professor of Health Services, Policy & Practice
Florence Pirce Grant University Professor
Brown University School of Public Health
Research Health Scientist
US Department of Veterans Affairs Providence Medical Center
Providers & Advocates Advisory Panel
The Providers and Advocates Advisory Panel offers essential insight into the operational, regulatory, and real‑world realities of nursing home care. Members represent diverse perspectives across long‑term care delivery, quality improvement, and advocacy. The panel supports recruitment and engagement efforts, provides feedback on materials and implementation strategies, facilitates access to nursing homes and care partners, and helps ensure that NEXT STEPs activities are grounded in the needs and priorities of providers, staff, residents, and families.
David Gifford, MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer
American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL)
Debra Bakerjian, PhD, APRN, FAANP, FGSA, FAAN
Associate Dean for Practice and Professor of Clinical Nursing
University of California, Davis
Editor-in-Chief, Geriatric Nursing
Co-Editor-in-Chief, AHRQ Patient Safety Network
PALTmed (AMDA) Representative
Verena Cimarolli, PhD
Vice President, Applied Research & Partnerships
Leading Age
Elizabeth Halifax, PhD, RN
Incoming President
Consumer Voice
Assistant Adjunct Professor
UCSF School of Nursing
Chris Herman, MSW, LICSW
Senior Practice Associate, Aging
National Association of Social Workers
Nancy Lundebjerg, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
American Geriatrics Society
Arif Nazir, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Abode Care Partners
Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer
CareAscend
Consulting Chief Medical Officer
Signature Healthcare
Kezia Scales, PhD
Vice President of Research & Evaluation
PHI
Lauren Stratton, PhD
Senior Associate Director
Psychological Research and Program Evaluation
Alzheimer’s Association
Gina Upchurch, RPh, MPH
Founder & Executive Director
Senior PharmAssist