Catalyst Forensic Nursing Science Collaborative
Emerging through the final days of winter, the crocus symbolizes resilience, hope, and transformation. These same principles guide the Catalyst Forensic Nursing Science Collaborative as we advance research, education, and innovation to improve care for survivors and reduce violence through the power of forensic nursing science.
Vision
A future where forensic nursing science serves as a catalyst for reducing gender-based violence and promoting health, healing, and justice across individuals, families, and communities.
Mission
To generate, disseminate, and translate forensic nursing science that advances practice, policy, education, and systems change to prevent gender-based violence, improve survivor outcomes, and strengthen multidisciplinary systems of care and response.
Julie L. Valentine PhD, RN, SANE-A, FAAFS, FAAN
Dr. Julie L. Valentine is a Professor and Ida May “Dotty” Barnes RN and D. Keith Barnes MD Presidential Endowed Chair at the University of Utah College of Nursing. Dedicated to combating sexual and gender-based violence, Dr. Valentine leverages her extensive clinical experience as a certified sexual assault nurse examiner since 2006 to inform interdisciplinary practices and legislative policies.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Valentine has secured four federal grants since 2015, totaling over four million dollars. She holds leadership positions at the state, national, and international levels, actively shaping best practice recommendations to mitigate violence and improve survivor care. Dr. Valentine has forged multiple research collaborations in Utah and throughout the United States.
Dr. Valentine has received numerous awards for her research and policy work, including induction as a Fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and in the American Academy of Nursing. She was recognized with the prestigious Utah Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology in the Academia/Research category in 2023, the highest civilian scientific and technological achievement award in the state.
Current Projects/Studies:
- What about us? Formative evaluation of forensic nursing program delivery of intimate partner violence medical forensic examinations (Funded NIJ study)
- Toward trauma-informed care in dentistry: An evaluation of the impact of trauma on use and provision of dental care services (Funded study by University of Utah)
- Sexual Abuse of Children under 13 Years of Age: Retrospective Study on Deoxyribonucleic Acid Analysis Findings and Associated Factors (Funding grant submitted)
- Using Big Data to Identify Survivor-Centered Responses Following Adult Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault (NIJ Funding grant submitted; revising for NIH submission)
- Expanding the Lens on Non-Fatal Strangulation: A Gender-Inclusive Study of Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations (article in process)
- DNA findings from sexual assault kits of male and female patients (articles in process)
- Technical note about variability between development of CODIS eligible DNA profiles from sexual assault kits (article submitted)
- Breaking the Silence: Insights from Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations of Male Survivors
- Advancing Understanding of Dating App–Facilitated Sexual Exploitation Through Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination Data
- Improving Identification and Care Pathways for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Domestic Violence Shelters (Project in process with The Refuge Shelter and Peace House, Ashlee Nelson and Elaina Walker DNP Project)
- Sexual assault of women in later life
- Start by Believing Utah: A Statewide Initiative to Transform Responses to Sexual Violence
Study Participants Needed
A study to better understand the role, purpose, and impact of intimate partner violence medical forensic examinations.
We are seeking participants for 1:1 private online interviews (45-60 minutes) with the research team. You will be compensated for your time.
Co-Investigators:
Dr. Leslie W. Miles, DNP, APRN, BC
Co-investigator of multiple studies including non-fatal strangulation in sexual assault and IPV, dating app facilitated sexual assault, male victims of sexual assault, sexual assault of women in later life. Leads a team of undergraduate research assistants within Brigham Young University College of Nursing who code data from sexual assault medical forensic examination records.
Dr. Bob Wong, PhD
National Institute of Justice funded study, “What about us? Formative evaluation of forensic nursing program delivery of intimate partner violence medical forensic examinations”; statistician on other projects
Dr. Heather Melton
National Institute of Justice funded study, “What about us? Formative evaluation of forensic nursing program delivery of intimate partner violence medical forensic examinations”
Dr. Kris Campbell
Dr. Cathy A. Maxwell, PhD, RN, FAAN
Sexual assault of women in later life
Dr. Aachal Devi
Toward trauma-informed care in dentistry: An evaluation of the impact of trauma on use and provision of dental care services (Funded study by University of Utah)
Dr. Brenda Heaton, PhD, MPH
Toward trauma-informed care in dentistry: An evaluation of the impact of trauma on use and provision of dental care services (Funded study by University of Utah)
Postdoctoral Researcher:
Gabrielle Grant, PhD
Dr. Gabrielle G. Grant, PhD, RN, (Gabby) is a postdoctoral researcher with the Catalyst Forensic Nursing Science Collaborative. She earned her PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Hillman Scholar in Nursing Innovation. Her research focuses on the intersections of technology, violence, and mental health, informed by clinical training and expertise in emergency psychiatry and behavioral health.
PhD Students:
Steph St. Clair
In dissertation phase; examining intimate partner violence during the peri-natal period through a dyadic lens.
Sherry Huang
Second-year PhD student; factor analysis of non-fatal strangulation symptoms experienced by victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence
Alyssa Lark
Alyssa Lark, BSN RN, is a PhD student at the University of Utah with a background in forensic nursing and pediatric emergency care. Her current research focus is the impact of sexual assault in later life. Professionally, Alyssa combines experiences as a forensic nurse with knowledge acquired as a student to combat sexual and gender-based violence and advocate for all survivors, especially individuals of vulnerable populations.
Faith Koehler
Faith is a PhD student at the University of Utah with nearly a decade of specialized clinical, educational, and program-building experience in forensic nursing. Prior to becoming a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in 2017, she worked in pediatric and adult inpatient and emergency psychiatric hospital settings. Often, this pointed her towards the reality that violence is a healthcare issue and led her to believe that the acute medical response matters deeply. She has provided trauma-informed care and education to new SANEs in Central Oregon, worked with the Safe and Healthy Families team at Primary Children's Hospital in Utah, and served as an instructor for the Colorado SANE/SAFE Project. Most recently, she has designed and developed a new rural forensic nursing program in an underserved community in beautiful Southwest Colorado. In her (very rare) spare time, she likes to watercolor, paddleboard, bake bread, hike around, and hang out with her husband and four sons in the wild.
Nicole Asay
Nicole Asay, BSN, RN, is a first-year PhD student. Her research interests center on pediatric and adolescent sexual violence. She is passionate about improving trauma informed care and long-term health outcomes of young survivors.
Abigail Ho
Abigail Ho is a family nurse practitioner and forensic nurse with over 15 years of experience in primary care and forensic nursing, including telehealth. Her research will focus on helping primary care providers identify and support patients affected by violence. Outside work, Abby enjoys reading, sewing, and volunteering with her youth swim team.
Christina Presenti
Joining August, 2026
DNP Students:
Ashlee Nelson
Ashlee Nelson, BSN, RN, is a Women’s Health DNP student at the University of Utah. After earning a bachelor’s degree from SUU in 2005, she returned to school to pursue her BSN from the University of Utah in 2023. She is passionate about providing equitable, compassionate care for all women.
Elaina Walker
Elaina Walker, BSN, RN, is a Doctor of Nursing Practice student in the Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Utah. Her collaborative DNP project focuses on improving screening and identification of traumatic brain injury in survivors of intimate partner violence. She is passionate about advancing trauma-informed, equitable care for women.
Undergraduate Students:
Daina Jaskulis
University of Utah; dating app facilitated sexual exploitation of individuals with self-disclosed mental illness
Max Johnson
Max Johnson is a pre-dental undergraduate student at Brigham Young University. As a research assistant, he contributes to studies analyzing sexual assault case data to improve responses for survivors and supports research on creating more trauma-informed dental care for survivors of sexual violence. He is passionate about combining research, healthcare, and advocacy to improve patient care and hopes to become a compassionate dentist.
Ashlynn Wood
Data entry graduate research assistant; specific research focus areas for poster presentations
Ellie Galloway
Ellie Galloway is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student at Brigham Young University. As a research assistant, she contributes by coding sexual assault forensic nursing examinations. She is a contributor on a poster presentation examining how emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms resulting from nonfatal strangulation can mimic symptoms of mental illness.
Kalena Ricks
Data entry graduate research assistant; specific research focus areas for poster presentations
Melissa Burdette
Melissa contributes to research on sexual and intimate partner violence through data entry and analysis. Her research interests are improving the care provided to survivors in women's health settings, with a focus on how nurses can deliver evidence-based, trauma-informed care and enhance patient outcomes.