Karen Robinson, Ph.D., RN, CNM, FACNM

Assistant Dean Graduate Programs and Professor

Highest Degree and Institution

Ph.D., Marquette University

Courses Taught

NURS 1001:  Nursing & Health in Jesuit Tradition

NURS 1002:  Dimensions of the Nursing Profession in the Jesuit Tradition

NURS 3800:  Maternity Nursing and Women’s Health

NURS 6700:  Maternity Nursing and Women’s Health

NURS 6742:  Advanced Concepts in Antepartum Management

NURS 6744:  Advanced Concepts in Postpartum and Newborn Management

Research Interests

Dr. Robinson’s program of research focuses on racial disparities in maternal-child health. She has centered her research around breastfeeding disparities by examining breastfeeding barriers for African American mothers. Specifically, Dr. Robinson is investigating how racism, implicit bias, and discriminatory behaviors towards African American mothers negatively impact breastfeeding outcomes within this population. She has also studied the positive effects of breastfeeding peer counselors and group prenatal care on breastfeeding outcomes. Dr. Robinson’s goal is to develop culturally appropriate, mother-infant centered, interventions that will address the inequities in breastfeeding support that impede higher rates of breastfeeding among African American mothers. Dr. Robinson is skilled in qualitative methodology and her expertise has been sought for collaboration in research utilizing qualitative inquiry. Dr. Robinson also has experience with conducting systematic review, meta-analysis, and secondary analyses.

Professional Affiliations

American College of Nurse Midwives

Midwest Nursing Research Society

Sigma Theta Tau International- Delta Gamma Chapter

Specialization

Nurse-Midwifery

Certifications

Certified Nurse Midwife: American Midwifery Certification Board (CNM) 2002-present

Publications

Link to Marquette University E-Publications - Robinson

Honors and Awards

2021 Fellow of the American College of Nurse Midwives (FACNM)

2020 Marquette Immersive Leadership Experience (MILE) Fellow

2020 Mary Ann Shah New Author Award (Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health)

2019 ACNM Excellence in Teaching Award

2018 Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) /Western Journal of Nursing Research Best Faculty Paper Award

2016 Wallace Faculty Fellow Award

Funding

2021: PI: Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant (Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation): $50, 000
Title: Closing the Breastfeeding Gap: Using Tele-lactation to Provide Equitable Breastfeeding Support to African American Mothers

2020: Co-PI: Institute for Women’s Leadership Interdisciplinary Summer Pilot Grant: $12, 000 Title: An Interdisciplinary and Multi-Methods Exploration of Identity and Strength within Intersectionality

2016: PI. “In-home Peer Counseling to Increase Breastfeeding Rates among African American Women Who Participate in WIC” Regular Research Grant/ Summer Faculty Funds, Marquette University.

2016: PI. “The Impact of Maternal Pregnancy Weight Gain and Infant Feeding Choices on Childhood Weight Status:  Secondary Analysis of a Statewide WIC Data Set” Wallace Faculty Fellow Scholar Award, Marquette University College of Nursing.