Dora L. Clayton-Jones, PhD, RN, CPNP-PC, FAAN

Associate Professor, Marquette University College of Nursing

Dr. Dora Clayton-Jones is an associate professor at Marquette University College of Nursing and an adjunct faculty member at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She earned her PhD and MS in Nursing from Marquette University and her BSN from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. A community-engaged scholar, Dr. Clayton-Jones’s program of research aims to advance health and healthcare equity for adolescents and young adults living with chronic illness.

Her research interests include health equity, adolescent self-management of chronic conditions, spirituality and health, community-based participatory research, qualitative methods, and human-centered design. Dr. Clayton-Jones is a past president and current board member of the International Association of Sickle Cell Nurses and Professional Associates (IASCNAPA). She also serves on the Community Center Board of the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin and as an advisor for the National Black Nurses Association’s Minority Nurse Leadership Fellowship Program.

Dr. Clayton-Jones is a Betty Irene Moore Fellow for Nurse Leaders and Innovators, a National Black Nurses Association Leadership Fellow, and an Arthur J. Schmitt Leadership Fellow. She is the recipient of the Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award from the Milwaukee Common Council and advocates for the sickle cell community through education, awareness, and policy.

What inspires your research or professional work?

I am inspired by the opportunity to co-create community-driven solutions that reflect the lived realities of the people they serve. Working with teens and young adults fuels my commitment to culturally relevant, accessible health education. I am also energized by interdisciplinary collaboration, where diverse perspectives come together to innovate and make a meaningful impact.

How has MNRS supported your professional journey?

MNRS played a pivotal role in launching my research path. At one of their conferences, I met two PhD nursing students with a shared vision of conducting research with the sickle cell community. That connection led to a powerful collaboration, and the official MNRS journal, the Western Journal of Nursing Research became the place where my first paper was published. These experiences grounded me in a network of support and scholarly opportunity.

What advice do you have for fellow nurse scientists?

Stay connected to the communities you seek to serve, build relationships, listen deeply, and let that guide your inquiry. Community engagement not only strengthens the relevance and impact of your research, but it also transforms you as a nurse scientist. This approach lays the foundation for work that is sustainable, ethical, and truly meaningful.

Why do you continue to be an MNRS member?

MNRS offers a unique platform for both mentoring students and receiving peer mentorship throughout every phase of your career. It fosters a collaborative, supportive community where nurse scientists can grow, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections. Remaining a member keeps me grounded and connected to a vibrant network of scholars and changemakers within my region.

Jamie Rausch, PhD, RN

Assistant Professor, Indiana University School of Nursing

I have a varied clinical background mostly working in critical care areas that included trauma, emergency, surgery, etc. During my clinical career, I kept a list of items that I was interested in researching more when "I had more time." So, when I interviewed at Ohio State University College of Nursing for the PhD program, I had a list of 17 items to research!

As I progressed through my PhD program, I became a member of MNRS and attended/presented at two conferences as a student. I also realized that all of the items on my list had a common factor - inflammation. So, now I study adipose tissue dysregulation in inflammation of chronic diseases. In layman's terms, that means that I study how fat tissue (which is now known as an endocrine organ) produces hormones in abnormal amounts that affect other bodily processes like homeostasis, appetite, and metabolism. Currently, I'm interested in how this contributes to heart failure, with a goal of improving symptoms and outcomes; and a long-term goal of preventing inflammatory mechanisms before tissue and organ damage occurs, thus preventing diseases. I also have interest in nursing education and faculty development research.

What inspires your research or professional work?

My parents inspire most of what I do. Both have now passed away, but they both had significant comorbidities that made their lives difficult. I hope to make a difference to improve the health of all of us as we age.

How has MNRS supported your professional journey?

MNRS has provided the opportunity to present in a comfortable setting. With all nurses around you, even though you are shaking like a leaf that first time, everyone is caring, responsive, and supportive of your work. It truly is amazing. Additionally, MNRS has afforded me the opportunity to hold leadership positions that will help me as I progress in my professional roles.

What advice do you have for fellow nurse scientists?

First, my advice is to be strong and steady. Imposter syndrome can handicap you, but YOU BELONG HERE. Your voice needs to be heard, and your research questions need to be answered. Nursing is the most trusted profession, again! Let's work to improve lives, nursing, and the world.

Second, network at MNRS. This is so much more valuable than I first believed it to be. You will meet the groundbreakers of nursing research in this organization and they are willing to listen and help you on your journey.

Third, take time for you. Work-life balance, health and wellness activities, mental health breaks are all important. Take care of you, so you can take care of them.

Why do you continue to be an MNRS member?

I continue to be an MNRS member because of the supportive atmosphere, collegiality, and leadership among nurses in this organization. It is one of the few places that a BSN student can come to present their own research and then sit beside one of the trailblazers that frequent our annual conference. I am always amazed at the people I meet at conference and how humble and willing to help the next generation of nurses in research. That's not something you can find many places, if any.