Penn Nursing’s Alexandra Maye, a PhD student and NIH T32 pre-doctoral research fellow in the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research (CHOPR), has been selected to participate in one of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s leadership programs. These leadership programs connect changemakers across the country—from diverse professions and fields—to learn from and work with one another to create more just and thriving communities.

Ms. Maye was selected for the Health Policy Research Scholars (HPRS) program. HPRS helps students from all fields apply their work to policies that advance equity and health while building a diverse network of leaders who reflect our changing national demographics.

As a member of the program’s newest cohort, Ms. Maye will focus on safe nurse staffing, healthcare access, and care provided in safety net hospitals. Safety net hospitals, which primarily serve low-income, uninsured, underinsured, and/or Medicaid patients, play a crucial role in addressing gaps in health care coverage for groups who experience a disproportionate burden of health related to social needs. Guided by mentors Matthew McHugh and Margo Brooks Carthon, Ms. Maye aims to improve the nursing work environment, reduce disparities in health outcomes, and improve clinician well-being.