Enjoy coffee and breakfast.

Lauren G. Johnson, PhD, RN, is a nurse scientist and leader committed to eliminating disparities in women’s health outcomes. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nursing at Temple University’s College of Public Health. Dr. Johnson has over 10 years of clinical experience in women’s health, oncology, and medical-surgical nursing. Guided by implementation science and epidemiology, her program of research focuses on addressing global inequities in cervical cancer by strengthening prevention efforts in resource-limited settings, including Botswana and South Africa. Her work also addresses maternal health inequities affecting Black women in the United States and advances education for health professionals in providing respectful maternity care. In addition to her research and clinical practice, Dr. Johnson is dedicated to preparing the next generation of nurses to navigate the complex challenges of healthcare systems. She has taught in both clinical and academic settings, with expertise in global health, nursing theory, epidemiology, health assessment, and women’s health.

Enjoy coffee and breakfast.

Brief talks from nurse researchers who are attending the conference!

Visit the posters and talk to the nurses and students who created them!

Dr. Justine S. Sefcik, PhD, RN, is an Assistant Professor and Director of the PhD in Nursing Program at Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. She is a gerontological nurse scientist whose research focuses on improving the quality of life for older adults, including persons living with dementia and their caregivers through nonpharmacological and technology-enabled interventions. Dr. Sefcik began her career as a nurse in long-term care. Her clinical experience continues to shape her research agenda, grounding her work in the realities of nursing practice and the experiences of older adults and their families.
Dr. Sefcik’s program of research integrates nursing science, artificial intelligence, and human-centered design to develop innovative solutions for complex care challenges in nursing homes and community settings. She has led and collaborated on multiple NIH- and foundation-funded studies, including work supported by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Nursing Research. Her research has focused on environmental and sensory interventions, care coordination, and persistent vocalizations in advanced dementia.
An internationally recognized scholar, Dr. Sefcik has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and regularly presents at national and international conferences. She serves on multiple national committees focused on gerontological nursing. In 2025, she was recognized with an award for her service as an Editorial Board Member of the International Journal of Older People Nursing (IJOPN), reflecting her contributions to advancing rigor and scholarship in gerontological nursing research.

Enjoy a full lunch and vote on your favorite posters!

Dr. Justine S. Sefcik, PhD, RN

Nancy Abraham, BSN, RN, CPXP, is the Director of Patient Experience at Temple University Hospital and is proudly “Temple Made.” She began her career at Temple as a Patient Care Assistant while earning her nursing degree at Temple University and has spent the past 10 years shaping and advancing care within the hospital. Her experience at the bedside as a neuroscience nurse inspired her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Nancy transitioned into patient experience leadership, where she collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to amplify the voices of patients and families and foster a culture of respect and open communication. She will graduate this year with her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from Duquesne University, further strengthening her ability to lead strategic initiatives that enhance the patient experience and drive meaningful outcomes across the health system.

Closing remarks and CE instructions, thanks for attending!