Versie Johnson-Mallard, PhD, WHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, associate dean for student affairs, has been appointed to the Board on Gulf Education and Engagement of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Her term officially begins Sept. 1, 2020 and runs through Dec. 31, 2024. In this role she will provide strategic guidance to the program, support the development of the next generation of environmentally and scientifically literate citizens and engage diverse future generations to address the scientific, social and environmental challenges associated in the Gulf of Mexico. As a nurse scientist that was born and raised on the Gulf Coast, this affords her the insight to identify complex social and environmental challenges and the leadership experience to guide team science. Additionally, working at the only Association of American Universities in the state of Florida, Johnson-Mallard is positioned to mobilize students, early career scientists and other collaborators interested in understanding and contributing to solution resolution of the Gulf Coast and surrounding community within this role.
“Being elected to the board means opportunity,” Johnson-Mallard said. “A chance to lead and work with teams to translate research to targeted communities and environmental self-identified needs. This opportunity with the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine will be used to solve problems, inform the public and contribute to policy decisions.”