Department of Human Development Nursing Science
Dedicated to education and research focused on family-centered health and the well-being of infants, children, adolescents and women throughout their life cycle
HDNS overview Heading link
Research and Scholarship
Faculty in the Department of Human Development Nursing Science, formerly the Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science, conduct cutting-edge research in the areas of prematurity, fetal loss, stillbirth, placenta, ultrasound, infertility, genetic decision-making, children’s pain, stress, new models of prenatal care and adolescent health. Faculty and student research are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and private foundations.
Academic Programs
The department aims to advance the science of healthcare for women, children and families. This includes the preparation of competent and caring nurses at both entry- and advanced-practice levels who function in a collaborative environment to provide safe, satisfying, evidence-based healthcare and to contribute to the profession through leadership in clinical practice, service, research, scholarship and education.
Graduates of our programs are recognized for their excellence in nursing practice, research and education. Prepared to be leaders, many hold key positions in national organizations, healthcare systems, and faculty and research teams, making significant contributions to the advancement of nursing.
Our department is home to these DNP programs: Heading link
Meet the department head Heading link
Jennifer A. Obrecht, DNP, RN, PCNS-BC, CNL
Clinical Associate Professor
Director, Advanced Generalist Master of Science Program
Department of Human Development Nursing Science
