Lonnie Nelson, PhD, MA

He/Him

Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Nursing & Systems Science in the College of Medicine

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Dr. Lonnie Nelson is an Associate Professor and the inaugural Chair of the Department of Nursing and Systems Science in the WSU College of Nursing. He is a descendant of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology at Harborview Medical Center. Dr. Nelson’s work focuses on characterization and amelioration of health disparities experienced by American Indian and Alaska Native people. He is currently Principal Investigator of three NIH grants focused on: 1) identifying risk and protective factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in urban dwelling American Indian and Alaska Native Elders; 2) the relationship between sleep health and the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease; and 3) a randomized clinical trial aimed at enhancing retention in medication assisted treatment of opioid use disorders in partnership with Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Dr. Nelson’s primary interests are in characterization and amelioration of health disparities experienced by American Indian and Alaska Native people. His specific expertise is primarily in clinical neuropsychology and community engaged research practices including cultural adaptation of evidence based interventions for use in Native communities, as well as the application of culture as medicine. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Chief Seattle Club since 2013. Outside of work, Dr. Nelson enjoys making and using traditional archery equipment, visual arts, and spending time with his daughter.

IREACH Programs

  • IREACH
    Associate Professor and Department Chair

Projects

Lonnie Nelson

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