Dr. Karen Huss is a Health Scientist Administrator (Program Director) in NINR’s Division of Extramural Science Programs (DESP). Her portfolio encompasses research on the health needs of caregivers and individuals with chronic conditions and community-based interventions and technologies to promote health equity and optimize functional capabilities. Dr. Huss’ research has focused on prevention and health promotion, identifying and addressing social determinants of health and environmental factors in medically and socioeconomically minoritized populations. Her research interests address the unequal burden of illnesses and access to care among underrepresented and underserved communities.
Before her appointment at NINR, Dr. Huss served in the United States Army Nurse Corps in Korea, where she led the Renal Dialysis, Kidney Transplant & Intensive Care Unit. After receiving her PhD, Dr. Huss was a post-doctoral fellow, and then held the appointment of Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. She was responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating clinical trials and conducting federally funded research addressing health challenges, particularly in minority children and older adults with asthma in inner city and rural communities.
Dr. Huss holds a BSN, MSN, and PhD in Nursing Science. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and a Fellow of the American Heart Association.