Suffolk Reporter

Ann-Margaret Navarra, an associate professor at Stony Brook University School of Nursing, has been chosen for a national fellowship aimed at addressing health inequities in the United States. The fellowship will focus on examining social determinants of health (SDOH).

Navarra is one of the initial ten "innovators" selected by the Institute for Policy Solutions (IPS) at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing for their Nursing Science Incubator for the Social Determinants of Health Solutions (N-SISS) Fellowship. This program brings together nurse scientists and experts from related fields across the country.

Johns Hopkins selected Navarra due to her exceptional qualifications, innovative research approach, and dedication to reducing healthcare inequities through SDOH. Since January 2024, she has served as Stony Brook Nursing's associate dean for nursing research and innovation. Her research primarily focuses on HIV/AIDS, pediatrics, chronic disease, and underserved populations.

In the 1990s, Navarra was among the first advanced practice pediatric nurses leading care initiatives for youth with HIV/AIDS. Her pioneering efforts significantly contributed to HIV behavioral sciences and promoted health equity for young people living with HIV.

The N-SISS Fellowship will span three years and eventually include over 30 innovators chosen by Johns Hopkins. It serves as an incubator to evaluate SDOH nationwide. The program offers virtual and on-campus courses, guided self-study, applied research training, and individualized mentoring. Participants will develop SDOH-focused grant proposals for submission to National Institutes of Health agencies.

Navarra and her fellow professionals will begin a two-week intensive training program in Washington, DC, starting February 3.