Faculty Narrative
Rolanda L. Johnson, PhD, MSN, RNAssistant Professor of Nursing
Dr. Rolanda Johnson received a MSN degree from Troy State University and a PhD degree from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Johnson's area of expertise is health promotion, racial identity, and the genetics of obesity. In August 2003, Dr. Johnson completed a Mentored Scientist Award from the National Institute of Nursing research entitled Health Promotion and Black Racial Identity. This research resulted in two instruments. One measures health promoting behaviors of African Americans and the other racial identity.
In 2003, Dr. Johnson completed an 8-week Summer Genetics Institute sponsored by the National Institutes of Nursing Research. The Institute integrates the latest application of genetics in research and clinical practice. The lecture component focused on the molecular aspect of genetics. The seminar component addressed ethical, legal and clinical practice issues and perspectives, and the role of the nurse in the area of genetics. The laboratory component integrated the concepts and principles of genetics with laboratory experiments designed to provide an understanding of genetic testing, the detection of genetic disease, how to understand the strengths and limitations of genetic approaches, and how to use the information clinically to counsel individuals and families. This genetics training is being incorporated into Dr. Johnson's program of research. She plans to explore the impact of how knowing one has a genetic predisposition to specific genes and the impact on health behaviors (among African Americans). Dr. Johnson's program of research has also been extended to include genetics and obesity.