Our Leadership Team
Heather Watson, Ph.D., R.N.
Dr. Heather Watson is the Nurse Scientist for the Johns Hopkins Health System; leading and conducting discipline-specific and interprofessional research to strengthen the implementation, adoption, and sustainability of best evidence for clinical, administrative, and nursing practice. She grew up in Colorado and served ten years in the United States Navy. Dr. Watson started her career as a maternal/child nurse, taught in baccalaureate and master’s curriculums, and held a senior research nurse position in public health. Dr. Watsons’ initial research was in maternal and fetal health, focusing on development and behavior. Currently, her focus is building capacity for nursing inquiry across the health system, using implementation science and practice as supporting theories and frameworks.
Google Scholar Profile | Contact
Madeleine Whalen, M.S.N./M.P.H., R.N.
Maddie Whalen is the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Program Coordinator for the Johns Hopkins Health System. In this role, she supports frontline nursing in completing robust and actionable EBP projects. She began her nursing career in the Emergency Department while earning her Master’s Degrees in Nursing and Public Health. She continues to work clinically part-time as well as serves as a clinical instructor at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Her professional interests include global health, infectious disease, and empowering nurses to advance the profession and science of nursing through inquiry.
Google Scholar Profile | Contact
Kymberlee Cox, D.N.P., R.N., N.P.D.-B.C., C.N.E.
Kymberlee Cox, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, works as a Nurse Inquiry Coordinator for the Johns Hopkins Health System. Her responsibilities include conducting and guiding nursing research, leading evidence-based practice, and overseeing quality improvement initiatives. Dr. Cox, who grew up in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, began her career as an adult progressive care nurse in South Florida. She has earned a Master of Science in Nursing Education and Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Her professional interests include designing, implementing, and evaluating education programs to keep nurses current on clinical practices, technologies, and healthcare trends, as well as teaching research methods, evidence-based practice, and inquiry processes to foster lifelong learning and curiosity.
Katie Rowlands, M.S., R.N.C.-O.B., C.-O.N.Q.S.
Katie Rowlands is a Nursing Inquiry Program Coordinator for the Johns Hopkins Health System. In this role, she conducts and guides nursing research, leads evidence-based practice, and oversees quality improvement initiatives. Katie began her nursing career as a labor & delivery nurse in Chicago, Illinois before earning her master’s degree in Global Health Policy and Management. She previously worked as a clinical quality improvement program manager at the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. She also has experience in health policy research, project management, technical writing and data analysis. Her professional interests include maternal health and using data to transform patient care and improve healthcare systems.
Google Scholar Profile | Contact