John A. Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing Practice Research Award

Professor of Nursing Suzanne G. Leveille has been honored as this year’s recipient of the John A. Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing Practice Research Award. The award is given annually by the Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS) to a member who has evidence of outstanding contributions to nursing research directed toward the older adult population. The award will be presented on March 25th at the 23rd Annual Scientific Sessions Conference in Philadelphia, PA.

Throughout her research career, Professor Leveille has explored the course and consequences of disability in the older population, as well as strategies for promoting healthy aging. As an epidemiologist with a background in gerontological nursing, she currently focuses on the epidemiology of chronic pain and its functional effects among older persons. She directs an NIH-funded examination of the relationship between chronic pain and fall risk in the elderly, and she also conducts research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on ways to empower patients through interventions using internet portals—for example, by enhancing patient-provider communication about chronic conditions. In collaboration with colleagues in the US and abroad, she continues to investigate new approaches to the self-management of chronic conditions. Professor Leveille is a member of the City of Boston’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities. She earned her PhD from the University of Washington.