Holly M. Harner, PhD, MBA, MPH, RN, WHCNP-BC, FAAN

Holly Harner, PhD, MBA, MPH, RN, WHCNP-BC, FAAN

Afaf I. Meleis Director for the Center for Global Women’s Health / Director, Women’s Health Gender Related Nurse Practitioner Track

Practice Professor of Women’s Health

Pronouns

she/her

Education

  • PhD, University of Pennsylvania, 2001
  • MBA, La Salle University, 2014
  • MPH, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2002
  • MSN, University of Pennsylvania, 1997
  • BSN, Gwynedd Mercy University, 1996
  • ASN, Gwynedd Mercy University, 1994

Social Justice

Dr. Holly Harner’s scholarship addresses gender-related health disparities with a specific emphasis on women’s mental health and violence. She is particularly interested in examining the role of childhood physical and sexual trauma as a pathway to incarceration for women.

Research

FELLOWSHIPS

National Institute of Health (NIH) National Research Service Award Institutional Research Training Grant (T32), University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing.  International Center for Research on Vulnerable Women, Children and Families, Post-Doctoral Fellowship, 2009-2010.

United States Department of Maternal and Child Health, Federal Training Grant, Harvard School of Public Health, Maternal-Child Health Fellowship, 2001-2002.

National Institute of Health (NIH) National Research Service Award Institutional Research Training Grant (T32), University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing.  International Center for Research on Vulnerable Women, Children and Families, Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, 2000-2001.

PAST/PRESENT FUNDED RESEARCH GRANTS

Principal Investigator and Fellow, “’How to Say it’: Improving Communication Strategies for Incarcerated Women.” Brother Alfred Kelly Center for Social Justice Research, funded $8,000 [2-year research fellowship], 2014-2016.

Principal Investigator, “Gender and Racial Disparities in Income and Expenses in Pennsylvania Prisoners,” Kelly Social Justice Research Center, funded $1000.00, 2012-2013.

Principal Investigator, “Focus Groups on the Physical and Mental health Conditions of Incarcerated Women,” American Nurses Foundation (ANF) Scholar/Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS), funded $3,455.00, 2010-2011.

Principal Investigator, “The Effect of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on Cardiovascular Risk in Incarcerated Women,” Sigma Theta Tau Xi Chapter, University of Pennsylvania, funded $1,689.00, 2010-2011.

Principal Investigator, “The Experience of Grief and Loss Among Incarcerated Women.” Research Expense Grant, Boston College, funded $1,450, 2005-2006.

Principal Investigator, “Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Incarcerated Women: A Meditation and Yoga Based Approach,” Research Incentive Grant, Boston College, funded $14,975, 2003-2004.

Principal Investigator, “The Prenatal and Obstetric Outcomes of Teenagers with Adult and Peer Age Partners,” American Nurses Foundation (ANF). Germaine S. Krysner, R.N. Scholar, funded $ 2,300, 2000-2001.

Principal Investigator, “The Prenatal and Obstetric Outcomes of Teenagers with Adult and Peer Age Partners,” Baxter Foundation for the Study of Violence and Victimization, funded $2,000, 2000-2001.

Principal Investigator, “The Prenatal and Obstetric Outcomes of Teenagers with Adult and Peer Age Partners,” Sigma Theta Tau Xi Chapter, University of Pennsylvania, funded $1,000, 2000-2001.

Selected Career Highlights

  • 2015 Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (AAN)
  • 2014 Member, Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) Business Honor Society, La Salle University
  • 2010 American Nurses Foundation (ANF) Scholar/Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS)
  • 2006 Massachusetts Association of Colleges of Nursing (MACN) Early Academic Career Award
  • 2005 Teaching with New Media Award, Boston College
  • 2005 Convocation Speaker, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College
  • 2004 Faculty Appointment, Assistant Professor of Nursing, University of Massachusetts School of Nursing, in recognition of research with incarcerated women
  • 2002 Harvard Representative at the Massachusetts Student Health Policy Forum
  • 2001 Ann W. Burgess Distinguished Dissertation in Mental Health
  • 1995 Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

Related Stories

The CGWH Dream Team: Holly Harner (L) and Monique Howard (R)

Thinking Globally and Working Locally

Holly Harner and Monique Howard have ambitious plans for the Center for Global Women’s Health centered on three strategic priorities: violence and victimization, maternal morbidity and mortality, and gender equity and inclusion.

Read MoreThinking Globally and Working Locally

To The Frontlines

Nursing students at Penn, and all over the country, are more determined than ever to advocate for their patients in the field of reproductive and sexual health—and be a strong voice in policy.

Read MoreTo The Frontlines