Karen Devereaux Melillo

Expertise

Gerontological Nursing; Geropsychiatric and Mental Health Nursing; Health Promotion of Older Adults; Social Policy and Long-Term Care; Utilization of Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioners in Institutional Long-term Care Settings

Research Interests

Gerontological Nursing; Geropsychiatric and Mental Health Nursing; Nurse Practitioner Role in Long-Term Care; Dementia - Wandering; Cognitive Health; Health Promotion - Physical Activity and Exercise in Older Adults; Nursing Workforce Diversity; Innovative Clinical Education Models; Age-Friendly Lowell; Age-Friendly University global network initiative.

Karen Devereaux Melillo's major research focus is on gerontological and geropsychiatric nursing, with an emphasis on the role of the nurse practitioner in caring for older adults in primary care and long-term care settings. Health promotion of older adults, specifically physical activity and exercise, has been an area of research and scholarship. She has been PI or Co-Investigator on grants to promote innovative models of clinical and interprofessional education at the baccalaureate and MS NP levels. She has served as PI on nursing workforce diversity funded projects focusing on bringing diversity to nursing with recruitment, retention, and graduation of educationally and economically disadvantaged students, as well as those underrepresented in nursing, for nearly ten years.

Education

• Ph D: Social Policy, with focus on aging, long-term care, and health care, (1990), Brandeis University - Waltham, MA
  Dissertation/Thesis Title: "Evaluation of Nursing Process and Outcomes of Care Utilizing Nurse Practitioners to Provide Health Care for Elderly Patients in Massachusetts Nursing Homes"
• MS: Gerontological Nursing, (1978), University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, MA
• BS: Nursing, (1977), Salem State College - Salem MA
• Other: Nursing, (1973), Massachusetts Bay Community College - Watertown, MA

Biosketch

Karen Devereaux Melillo, Ph.D., A-GNP-C, FAANP, FGSA, is Professor Emerita, Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell (2020). She was a Special Advisor in the Office of the Provost Fall 2019. She was the former Director of the Center for Gerontology Research and Partnerships (2014-2021). Her prior leadership roles include serving as Interim Dean (2014-2019), Director and Chair of the School of Nursing (2013-2014), Chair (2005-2013), and Coordinator of the Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Specialty (2013-2014) and Coordinator of the Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Specialty (1985-2005).

Selected Awards and Honors

• Top 10 Reviewer, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, Journal of Gerontological Nursing
• Editorial Board, Journal of Professional Nursing (2021-2023)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Volunteer Accreditation Evaluator (2021-Present)
• Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification, AANP-CP (2020-2025)
• Named Visionary Leader in geriatric nursing in 40th Anniversary issue of Geriatric Nursing (Burggraf & Mueller, 2020)
• Living Legends in Massachusetts Nursing Award (2020) - American Nurses Association - Massachusetts
• Excellence Award, Geropsych Special Interest Group (2019), Service, Professional - Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
• Appointed to Research Committee (2019), Service, Professional - American Association of Nurse Practitioners
• Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Award (inaugural) (2018), Teaching - National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence
• Excellence Award, Geropsychiatric Special Interest Group, Member (2017) - Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
• Excellence in Community Service Award (2015) - Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
• Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Certification, AANP-CP (2015-2020) (2015) - American Academy of Nurse Practitioners - Certification Program
• Selected for National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner Competencies Work Group (2011) - representing the Geropsychiatric Mental Health Nursing Work Group of the American Academy of Nursing (2011-2013)
• AJN Book of the Year Award (2011) - American Journal of Nursing
• Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America (2009), Scholarship/Research - Social Research, Policy and Practice Section, GSA
• Appointed to American Academy of Nursing/Health Institute for Geriatric Nursing (2008) - Geropsychiatric Nursing Core Competency Workgroup, Member (2008-2010)
• NP Expert Panel Member for the national project, Transitioning to Adult-Gerontology APRN Education: Ensuring the APRN Workforce is Prepared to Care for Older Adults (2008) - funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation to the American Association of colleges of Nursing and the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University (2008-2010)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Elected to Nominating Committee (2007-2008) (2007)
• Listed as one of 15 Geriatric Nurse Leaders Today, in Ebersole, P. (2006) - Geriatric Nursing: Growth of a Specialty, New York: Springer Publishers
• Editorial Advisory Board Member (2004) - Journal of Gerontological Nursing (2004 to present)
• Fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (2001 to present) (2001), Leadership - American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
• Sigma Theta Tau International, Eta Omega Chapter, President (2000-2002), Member (1984-Present) (2000)

Selected Publications

• Arends, R., Austin-Ketch, T, Covelli, A.F., Davis, L., Hallas, D., Kalmakis, K., Kirkland-Kyhn, H., Melillo, K.D., O'Reilly-Jacob, M., Parish, A., Rawlett, K., Ricciardi, R., Tracy, C., Winkelman, C. & Whitehouse, C. (2024). AANP Research agenda, 2023-2028. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 36(5), 257-261.
• Gautam, R., Sritan, S., Khumrungsee, M., & Melillo, K.D. (2023). Promoting age-friendly university by engaging older adults in intergenerational learning at institutions of higher education: PRISMA-guide scoping review. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships. DOI: 10.1080/15350770.2023.2251467
• Gautam, R., Melillo, K.D., Abdallah, L., & Wangwun, P. (2023). Emeriti professors’ intergenerational team talk: Reducing students’ aging anxiety addresses AFU principles. Innovation in Aging, 7(Suppl 1), 637. Doi: 10.1093/geroni/igad104.2075. 
• Melillo, K.D., Gautam, R., Abdallah, L. & Wangwun, P. (2023). Emeriti professors’ intergenerational connection: Qualitative research exploring perceptions and satisfaction. Innovation in Aging, 7(Suppl 1), 26. Doi: 10.1093/geroni/igad104.0087
• Nwogu, C.A., Keilman, L.J., Peraza-Smith, G.B., Cacchione, P.Z., Bronner, S., Melillo, K.D., Lewitz, A.M., Arms, T., & Harris, M. (2022). Basic considerations for understanding and treating delirium psychosis in older adults. Advances in Family Practice Nursing, 4(1), 67-77.
• Harris, M., Melillo, K.D., Keilman, L., Peraza-Smith, G.B., Bronner, S., Walmer, M., Nwogu, C.A., Lewitz, A. & Cacchione, P.Z. (2021). GAPNA Section: Supporting evidence for geropsychiatric nursing as a subspecialty of gerontological advanced practice nursing. Geriatric Nursing, 42(1), 247-250.
• Melillo, K.D. (2020). Formulating the review question. In C. E. Toronto and R. Remington (Eds.). A step-by-step guide to conducting an integrative review (pp. 11-20). New York: Springer. ISBN 978-3-030-37503-4
• Harris, M.M., Keilman, L., Peraza-Smith, G.B., Melillo, K., Bronner, S., Walmer, M., Nwogu, C., Lewitz, A., Cacchione, P. (2019). GAPNA Position Paper: Geropsychiatric Nursing. Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
• Harris, M., Melillo, K.D., Keilman, .J., Peraza-Smith, G., Duane, G.B., Arms, T., Bronner, S., Nwogu, C.A., Lewitz, A.M., Caccione, P. (2019). Basic considerations for understanding, diagnosing and treating symptoms of non-dementia psychosis in older adults. Geriatric Nursing. (40:April/May pp. 220-224). Geriatric Nursing
• Melillo, K.D. (2017). Geropsychiatric nursing: What's in your toolkit? Journal of Gerontological Nursing,43(1) 3-6.
• Gautam, R., Abdallah, L., Lee, A.J., Melillo, K.D., Remington, R. (Framingham State University), VanEtten, D. (University of Massachusetts Lowell), Gore, R. (2016). An MCBS-Based investigation of alternative primary care models in nursing homes: Cost and utilization difference. Research in Gerontological Nursing,9(3) 115-122.
• Melillo, K.D., Remington, R., Lee, A.J., Abdallah, L.M., VanEtten, D., Gautam, R., Gore, R. (2015). Comparison of nurse practitioner and physician practice models in nursing facilities. (23:12 pp. 19-24). Annals of Long-Term Care
• Abdallah, L.M., VanEtten, D., Lee, A.J., Melillo, K.D., Remington, R., Gautam, R., Gore, R. (2015). A MCBS-Based investigation of alternative primary care models in nursing homes: Functional ability and health status outcomes. Research in Gerontological Nursing,8(2) 85 - 93.
• Gordon, S.J., Melillo, K.D., Nannini, A.M., Lakatos, B. (2013). Bedside coaching to improve nurses' recognition of delirium. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing,45(5) 288-293.
• Melillo, K.D., Dowling, J. (2013). Transitioning from a department to a school of nursing: What do the Deans have to say? Sigma theta Tau International Biennial Convention
• Abdallah, L.M., McDonough, C.C., Knight, M., Melillo, K.D., Markkanen, P. (2013). Building interdisciplinary research: The cognitive health of older working adults. 3rd Annual Community Engagement and Research Symposium; Community Engaged Research: Exploring the Reach, Impact & Value
• Gautam, R., Abdallah, L.M., Houde, S., Lee, A., Turcotte, D., Melillo, K.D., Knight, M., Markkanen, P., Holmes, R., (2013). Regional consortium of community engaged gerontology researchers. 3rd Annual Community Engagement and Research Symposium; Community Engaged Research: Exploring the Reach, Impact & Value
• Abdallah, L.M., Knight, P., Simons, S., Dowling, J., Melillo, K.D. (2013). Engaging middle and high school students in health careers: Reflections on seven years of progress with the bring diversity of nursing program. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting
• Prendergast, N., Melillo, K.D. (2013). Learn while you work: A skilled nursing center joins forces with a nursing school to create an academic-practice partnership. Provider Long Term & Post-Acute Care, 37-39.
• Melillo, K.D., Dowling, J., Abdallah, L.M., Findeisen, M., Knight, M. (2013). Bring diversity to nursing: Recruitment, retention, and graduation of nursing students. Journal of Cultural Diversity,20(2) 100-104.
• Melillo, K.D. (2013). Cognitive health and older workers: Policy implications. Journal of Gerontological Nursing,39(6) 13-8.

Selected Presentations

• Gautam, R., Melillo, K.D., Abdallah, L. & Wangwun, P. (2023). Emeriti Professors’ Intergenerational Team Talk: Reducing Students’ Aging Anxiety Addresses AFU Principles. Paper Presentation. 78th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, November 8-12, 2023, Tampa, FL.
• Melillo, K.D., Gautam, R., Abdallah, L. & Wangwun, P. (2023). Emeriti Professors’ Intergenerational Connection: Qualitative Research Exploring Perceptions and Satisfaction. Paper presentation at Symposium, “Empowering all Ages in Intergenerational Connection and Lifelong Learning” (Hollis-Sawyer, L., Chair). 78th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, November 8-12, 2023, Tampa, FL.
• Melillo, K.D., O’Reilly-Jacob, M., & Poghosyan, L. (2023). A tale of two NP research agendas: Advancing the evidence base on NP practice and outcomes [Panel Presentation]. AANP National Conference, New Orleans, LA, June 20-25, 2023
• Gautam, R. (Chair), Melillo, K.D., Clark, K., Elfenbein, P. & Townsend, M. (2022). Innovations in Age-Friendly University (AFU) campus practices: Engaging community, Symposium, at the 77th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, November 2-6, 2022, Indianapolis, IN.
• Gautam, R., Melillo, K.D., Sritan, S., & Khumrungsee, M. (2022). An Age-Friendly University initiative: Emeriti professors’ interest in intergenerational activities, for Symposium entitled, “Innovations in Age-Friendly University (AFU) campus practices: Engaging community, at the 77th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, November 2-6, 2022, Indianapolis, IN.
• Melillo, K.D., Gautam, R., Sritan, S., & Khumrungsee, M. (2022). Emeritus professors’ perceptions: Qualitative research exploring Age-Friendly University principles, for Symposium entitled, “Innovations in Age-Friendly University (AFU) campus practices: Engaging community, at the 77th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, November 2-6, 2022, Indianapolis, IN.
• Townsend, M., Cornell, D.J., Hostetler, A.J., Toof, R., Melillo, K.D., & Noel, S.E. (2022). Age Friendly Lowell: Intergenerational connection through experiential learning opportunities. Symposium entitled, Innovations in Age-Friendly University (AFU) campus practices: Engaging community presented at the 77th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, November 2-6, 2022, Indianapolis, IN.
• Gautam, R., Melillo, K.D. & McDonough, C. (2021). A step backward and forward in an Age Friendly University initiative: Adapting a campus learning partnership, for Symposium entitled, “Advancing age inclusivity in a pandemic: Age Friendly University (AFU) campuses take action. Montepare, J., Terhune, K., Elfenbein, P., Heirbek, R.K., Andreoletti, C., June, A., Gautam, R., Melillo, K.D., at the 76th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, November 10-14, 2021 (virtual).
• Gautam, R., Melillo, K.D., & Hostetler, A. (2020). Age-Friendly University Inventory: Process and outcome from UMass Lowell campus, for symposium entitled, "Assessing age-friendliness in higher education: Introducing the inventory and campus climate surveys," (Silverstein, N., Bell, L., Whitbourne Krauss, S.), at the 75th Annual Gerontological Society of America's Scientific Meeting, November 5, 2020 (virtual).
• Age-Friendly University: Qualitative Analysis Findings from 5th Annual Healthy Aging - Living Well Forum - Leadership in Aging Conference, National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence, November 2019 - Austin, TX
• Community livability for aging in place: Initial lessons from Age-Friendly Lowell symposium - Society for Community Research and Action, Division 27 of APA, June 2019 - Chicago, IL
• Healthy Aging - Living Well: Center for Gerontology Research and Partnerships, UMass Lowell, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences - 7th Annual Community-Engaged Research Symposium, March 2018 - UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA
• Advancing excellence in the geropsychiatric nursing subspecialty: GAPNA Geropsychiatric Nursing Position Paper - Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association 2017 Annual Conference, October 2017 - Nashville, TN
• The association of nurse practitioners' mortality risk assessment and advanced care planning discussions on patient outcomes - 2016 Transforming Health, Driving Policy Conference, October 2016 - Washington, DC
• An MCBS-Based Investigation of Alternative Primary Care Models in Nursing Homes: Cost and Utilization Differences - 68th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, November 2015 - Orlando, FL
• A nursing school’s journey through cultural awareness, inclusivity, and civility - Hot Topics Conference – Civility Rising: Re-envisioning, re-creating, and Thriving in Academia and Practice, April 2015 - Las Vegas, NV
• Retention, Graduation, and NCLEX-RN Success of Minority Nursing Students - Concurrent Paper Session Presentation at the 2011 NLN Education Summit, November 2013 - Orlando, FL

Research Currently in Progress

Selected Contracts, Fellowships, Grants and Sponsored Research

• Age-Friendly Lowell: Planning Grant 2018-2019
  Funding from Greater Lowell Health Alliance Foundation; serving as Research Collaborator
  Noel, S.E. (Principal), Toof, R. (Supporting), Melillo, K. (Supporting), Hostetler, A. (Supporting)
• Bring Diversity and Leadership to Nursing (BDLN) (2012), Grant - HRSA Nursing Workforce Diversity Grant
  Melillo, K.D. (Principal), Dowling, J. (Co-Principal), Simons, S.R. (Co-Investigator), Knight, M. (Co-Investigator), Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator), ,
• Collaborative Post-Graduate Nurse Residency, in Partnership with Lowell General Hospital and Genesis Healthcare (2015), Grant - Mass. Department of Higher Education, Nursing and Allied Health Initiative
  Laccetti, M. (Principal), Melillo, K.D. (Co-Investigator), Keough, L.A. (Co-Investigator)
• Bring Diversity and Leadership to Nursing (2012), Grant - U.S. DHHS, Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions, Division of Nursing
  Melillo, K.D. (Principal), Dowling, J. (Co-Principal), Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator), Knight, M. (Co-Investigator), Simons, S.R. (Co-Investigator)
• A Nurse Practitioner Model for Delivering Primary and Coordinated Care to Adults with Disabilities (2014), Grant - Special Hope Foundation
  Erickson, M.W. (Principal), Melillo, K.D. (Other), Lee, A.J. (Other), Abdallah, L.M. (Other)
• The NP "Attending"and NP Education Unit: Two Models to Increase Faculty and Preceptor Capacity (2014), Grant - Mass. Department of Higher Education, Nursing and Allied Health Initiative
  Melillo, K.D. (Principal), King, V.L. (Co-Investigator), Keough, L.A. (Co-Investigator)
• Advanced Nursing Education Grant, UMass Lowell DNP (2010), Grant - U.S. Bureau of Health Professions, Division of Nursing, Health Resources and Services Administration
  Melillo, K.D. (Co-Investigator), Houde, S. (Principal), Nannini, A.M. (Co-Principal)
• Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Peer Mentorship Pilot P (2014), Contract - Mass. Department of Public Health
  Melillo, K.D. (Principal)
• Bring Diversity to Nursing (2012), Grant - Mass. Department of Public Health, Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Grant
  Melillo, K.D. (Principal), Dowling, J. (Co-Investigator), Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator), Knight, M. (Co-Investigator)
• DNPs Caring for the Underserved in Massachusetts (2010), Grant - U.S. DHHS, HRSA, Bureau of Health Professions, Division of Nursing, Advanced Nursing Education
  Melillo, K.D. (Co-Investigator), Houde, S. (Principal), Nannini, A.M. (Principal)
• Comparative Analysis of Alternative Primary Care Models in Institutional Long Term Care Residents Using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (2011), Grant - School of Health and Environment Seed Grant
  Melillo, K.D. (Co-Investigator), Lee, A.J. (Principal), Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator), Gautam, R. (Co-Investigator), Remington, R. (Co-Investigator), VanEtten, D. (Co-Investigator)
• Transitioning from Department to School of Nursing: Qualitative Interviews with AACN Member Deans of Nursing (2011), Grant - University of Massachusetts Lowell, Department of Nursing, Discretionary Funds
  Melillo, K.D. (Co-Principal), Dowling, J. (Co-Principal)
• Bring Diversity to Nursing -- Educational Opportunities for Minority Students, (2010), Grant - Massachusetts Department of Public Health
  Melillo, K.D. (Principal), Dowling, J. (Co-Investigator), Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator), Knight, M. (Co-Investigator)
• UMass Lowell-D'Youville Transitional Care Dedicated Education Unit (2011), Grant - Mass. Department of Higher Education, Nursing and Allied Health Initiative
  Melillo, K.D. (Principal), Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator), Shellman, J. (Co-Investigator), Remington, R. (Co-Investigator), Dodge, L. (Co-Investigator), Dowling, J. (Co-Investigator)
• On the Move for Nursing's Future: Bring Diversity to Nursing Mobile Simulation Laboratory (2010), Grant - U.S. DHHS, HRSA, Bureau of Health Professions, Division of Nursing, Nursing Workforce Diversity Grant
  Melillo, K.D. (Co-Investigator), Dowling, J. (Principal)
• Bring Diversity to Nursing (BDN); Nursing Workforce Diversity (2008), Grant - U.S. DHHS, Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions, Division of Nursing
  Melillo, K.D. (Principal), Dowling, J. (Co-Principal), Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator), Knight, M. (Co-Investigator)
• Bring Diversity to Nursing -- Educational Opportunities for Minority Students (2007), Grant - Massachusetts Department of Public Health
  Melillo, K.D. (Principal), Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator), Dowling, J. (Co-Investigator), Knight, M. (Co-Investigator)
• Human Simulation Integration Technology Grant (Sim-Baby) (2008), Grant - Mass. Department of Higher Education, Nursing and Allied Health Initiative
  Melillo, K.D. (Co-Investigator), Dowling, J. (Principal)
• Human Simulation Integration Technology Grant (Sim-Man) (2007), Grant - Mass. Department of Higher Education, Nursing and Allied Health Initiative
  Melillo, K.D. (Co-Principal), Dowling, J. (Principal)
• Promoting Healthy and Safe Employment (PHASE) in Healthcare, Health Disparities Among Healthcare Workers (2000), Grant - : NIH, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, R-01-OH007381
  Melillo, K.D. (Co-Investigator), Slain, C. (Principal)
• Evaluation of the Nursing Process and Outcomes of Care Utilizing Nurse Practitioners to Provide Health Care for Elderly Patients in Massachusetts Nursing Homes (1988), Grant - U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, Public Health Service.
  Melillo, K.D. (Principal)