Susan J. Zahner, DrPH, RN, FAAN
Position title: Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Professor and Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor
Email: sjzahner@wisc.edu
Phone: 608-263-5282
Address:
5226D Signe Skott Cooper Hall
DrPH, University of California–Berkeley; Health Policy and Management
MPH, University of Minnesota; Public Health Nursing
BSN, University of Iowa; Nursing
Dr. Zahner’s overall research goal is to improve public health practice through research that advances public health workforce development and evidence for public health system improvement. Dr. Zahner leads a research team that developed, implemented, and is evaluating a national online professional continuing education program designed to improve competency for contemporary public health practice among new public health professionals called the New to Public Health Residency Program. To advance public health practice-relevant research, Dr. Zahner founded and now co-directs the Wisconsin Public Health Research Network designed to link and support public health professionals and researchers to conduct research and disseminate findings relevant to improving public health systems. Dr. Zahner holds an affiliate appointment with the School of Medicine and Public Health and mentors PhD and MPH students and interns. As the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Dr. Zahner provides leadership and administrative oversight for matters affecting the faculty and is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the National Academy of Practice.
Research focus area
Health Systems and Public Health
- Developing and evaluating professional development programming designed to improve competency for public health practice
- Assessing public health practice research needs and supporting collaborations directed at developing and disseminating evidence for public health practice innovations
- Describing and disseminating information about Wisconsin registered nurse workforce
Health Systems & Public Health