Lisa Abdallah

Expertise

Gerontological Nursing, Long Term Care, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education

Research Interests

Health Promotion and Risk Reduction for Older Adults & Informal Care Givers
Health Care Delivery Models in the Care of Older Adults, Implementing & Evaluating Creative Teaching Methodologies in Nursing Education, Promoting Nursing as a Career Choice

Education

• Ph D: Nursing, (2003), University of Massachusetts Boston - Boston, MA
  Dissertation/Thesis Title: EverCare Nurse Practitioner Practice Activities: Similarities and Differences Across Five Sites.
• MS: Nursing Administration/Gerontological Nursing, (1993), University of Massachusetts Boston - Boston, MA
  Dissertation/Thesis Title: The Effect of Hospitalization on the Functional Ability of the Frail Elderly Nursing Home Patient.
• BS: Nursing, (1982), Fitchburg State College - Fitchburg, MA

Biosketch

Lisa Abdallah, Ph.D., RN, CNE, is a Professor in the Susan & Alan Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell. She is a John A. Hartford Institute Geriatric Nursing Scholar. For over 20 years Lisa has been working as a nurse educator preparing the future generation of nurse professionals. Her current teaching focus is in the nursing care of the older adult. Prior to her work in the academic setting, Lisa has been a Director of Nursing in Long Term Care, a Director of Staff Development in Long Term Care, as well as cared for hospitalized adults in the medical-surgical setting. Her areas of research focus on Health Promotion and Risk Reduction for Older Adults; Health Care Delivery Models in the Care of Older Adults; Implementing & Evaluating Creative Teaching Methodologies in Nursing Education, and Promoting Nursing as a Career Choice.

Selected Awards and Honors

• 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award, School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) (May 2023).
• Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing (2018), Teaching - National Hartford Center for Gerontological Excellence
• Nursing PhD Alumni Award (2017), Scholarship/Research - College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston MA
• “29 Who Shine” Faculty Mentor Award (2017), Teaching - Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
• Tribute to Women Honoree for exemplary achievement and service to the community. (2015) - YWCA
• Co-op Scholar Mentor Recognition (2015), Scholarship/Research - Faculty Research and Creative Work Symposium.
• Innovative Assessment Practices, School of Nursing (2013), Teaching - Teaching and Learning Symposium, University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Excellence in Service Award. (2013), Service, Professional - Eta Omega Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
• Excellence in Teaching Award, School of Nursing (2013), Teaching - University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Invited participant in Echo Lecture Capture Super User Symposium. (2011), Service, Professional - University of Massachusetts Instructional Technology Department and Echo Lecture Caption
• Faculty Appreciation Award (2010), Service, University - University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Faculty Recognition Award (2010), Service, University - University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Outstanding Volunteer Leadership (2010), Leadership - Merrimack Valley YMCA
• UML Student Government Association Teacher Award for the School of Health & Environment (2010), Teaching - University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Excellence in Nursing Practice (2009), Service, Professional - Theta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, University of Massachusetts Boston
• Excellence in Teaching Award (2009), Teaching - Department of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
• Faculty Recognition Award (2009) - University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Outstanding Leadership Award (2006), Leadership - Lawrence YMCA
• Excellence in Teaching Award (2004), Teaching - Department of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
• Hartford Institute/AJN Geriatric Nursing Research Summer Scholar (2004), Scholarship/Research - John A./Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing Research, New York University, New York
• John A Hartford Geriatric Research Summer Scholar (2004), Scholarship/Research - John A Hartford Foundation
• Best Student Research Poster Award (2003), Scholarship/Research - Massachusetts Gerontological Society's Spring Research Meeting. Waltham, MA
• Graduate Program Book Award for Academic Excellence in Nursing PhD Program (2003), Scholarship/Research - University of Massachusetts, Boston
• Best Practice in Online Teaching Award (2001), Teaching - University of Massachusetts Boston and UMass Online
• Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged Gerontological Educational Scholarship. (2001), Scholarship/Research - Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged Gerontological Educational
• Lawrence YMCA Auction Volunteer Award (2001), Service, Community - Lawrence YMCA
• Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged Gerontological Educational Scholarship. (2000), Scholarship/Research - Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged Gerontological Educational
• Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award (2000), Leadership - Merrimack Valley YMCA
• Pearl Rosendahl Excellence in Nursing Education Award (2000), Teaching - Theta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, University of Massachusetts Boston
• Margaret Anderson Memorial Scholarship (1997), Scholarship/Research - Theta Alpha Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society in Nursing
• Academic Excellence Award from Graduate Program in Nursing (1993), Scholarship/Research - University of Massachusetts, Boston
• Recipient of the Greater Lowell A.H.E.C. Nurse Recognition Award for Excellence in Medical/Surgical Nursing (1986), Service, Professional - Greater Lowell A.H.E.C

Selected Publications

• Oosterhouse, K., Skemp, L., Abdallah, L., &Grealish, L. The role of awards in promoting educational leadership in nursing: A qualitative descriptive study in gerontological nursing. Helyion (Open Access) VOL.(9), ISSUE 5, E16113, May 2023
• Koren, A., Alam, M.A., Koneru,S., DeVito, A., Abdallah, L., Liu, B. (2021). Nursing perspectives on the impacts of COVID-19: A social media analytics approach. JMIR Manuscript #: 31358 DOI: 10.2196/31358 (impact factor of 5.43)
• Wyman, J., Abdallah, L., Baker, N., Bell, C., Cartwright, J., Greenberg, S., Kim, J., Krichbaum, K., Mueller, C., Overcash, J., Skemp, L., Van Son, C., NHCGNE. (2019) Development of core competencies and a recognition program for gerontological nursing educators. Journal of Professional Nursing, 35(6), 452-460.
• 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.
• Abdallah, L.M., Melillo, K., Van Etten, D., Lee, A., Remington, R., Gautam, R., Gore, R. (2015). A Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey-based Investigation of Alternative Primary Care Models in Nursing Homes: Functional Ability and Health Status Outcomes. (8:2 pp. 85-93). Research in Gerontological Nursing
• Melilllo, K., Abdallah, L.M., Dodger, L., Dowling, J., Prendergast, N., Rathbone, A., Remington, R., Shellman, J., Thornton, C. (2014). Developing a Dedicated Education Unit in Long-term Care: A Pilot Project (35:4 pp. 264-271). Geriatric Nursing
• Abdallah, L.M., Melilllo, K., Findeisen, M., Knight, M. (2013). Recruitment, Retention, and Graduation of Nursing Students. (20:2 pp. 100-104). Journal of Cultural Diversity: An Interdisciplinary Journal
• 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
• 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.
• Markkanen, P., Abdallah, L.M., Lee, A.J., Gautam, R. (2012). Long-term care in the United States and Finland: policy lessons to be learned. Journal of Gerontological Nursing,38(12) 16-21.
• Gautam, R., Abdallah, L.M., Markkanen, P., Lee, A.J. (2012). Long-term Care in the United States and Finland: Policy Lessons to be Learned. Journal of Gerontological Nursing,38(12) 16-21.
• Abdallah, L.M., Simons, S.R., Catlin, A., Denney, A., Medas, J. (2012). Feeding Tube Placement. American Journal of Nursing,112(5) 12-12.
• Simons, S.R., Abdallah, L.M. (2012). Bedside Assessment of Enteral Tube Placement: Aligning Practice with Evidence. American Journal of Nursing,112(2) 40-6; quiz 48, 47.
• Abdallah, L.M., Remington, R., Houde, S., Zhan, L., Melillo, K.D. (2009). Dehydration Reduction in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: perspectives of community health care providers. Research in Gerontological Nursing,2(1) 49.
• Abdallah, L.M. (2008). Reflective Teaching with Technology:Use of a Personal Response System and Publisher's Web Site to Enhance Students' Performance in a Nursing Assessment and Skills. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics,12(1) 9-9.
• Abdallah, L.M., Remington, R., Zhan, L., Houde, S., Melillo, K.D. (2007). Dehydration Reduction in the Community-dwelling Older Adult. The Gerontologist (Special Issue),47 532.
• Flanagan, J., Melillo, K.D., Abdallah, L.M., Remington, R. (2007). Interpreting Laboratory Values in the Rehabilitation Setting. Rehabilitation Nursing,32(2).
• Remington, R., Abdallah, L.M., Melillo, K.D., Flanagan, J. (2006). Managing Problem Behaviors Associated with Dementia. Rehabilitation Nursing,31(5) 186-192.
• Abdallah, L.M., Fawcett, J., Kane, R., Dick, K., Chen, J. (2005). Development and Psychometric Testing of the EverCare Nurse Practitioner Role and Activity Scale (ENPRAS). Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners,17(1) 21-6.
• Abdallah, L.M. (2005). EverCare Nurse Practitioner Practice Activities: Similarities and Differences across Five Sites. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners,17(9) 355-62.
• Dalton, J., Abdallah, L.M., Hastert-Cestari, L., Fawcett, J. (2004). Using Existing Health Care Organization Data from OASIS and MDS for Orem s Self-care Framework-based Research. Self-Care, Dependent-Care, and Nursing,12 10-14.
• Abdallah, L.M. (). John A Hartford Institute Geriatric Research Scholar.
• Abdallah, L.M., Cestari, L., Stuart-Shor, E., Russell, G., Yoder, A. (2000). Students Summarize Candidates' Stance. Nursing Spectrum,14 16-17.

Selected Presentations

• 2023 Kantz, M., Enah, C., & Abdallah, L. The Relationship between Housing and Health in Low-income Older Adults: A Secondary Analysis of Longitudinal Survey Data. 35th Annual Eastern Nursing Research Scientific Sessions (March 23rd), Philadelphia, PA.
• 2023 Kantz, M., Enah, C. & Abdallah, L. (March 23rd) The Relationship between Housing and Health in Low-income Older Adults: An Integrative Review. 35th Annual Eastern Nursing Research Scientific Sessions (March 23rd), Philadelphia, PA.
• 2021 Oosterhouse, K., Grealish, L., Abdallah,L. & Skemp, L. (October26-28) The role of awards in promoting gerontological nursing education: A descriptive study. National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE) Leadership Conference (Virtual Poster Session)
• 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
• Assessment in Higher Education, Assessing Student Learning Outcomes within and Across Disciplines, 2012 - UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center
• Systematic Assessment of Curriculum Gaps to Improve Student Outcomes. - AMCOA Regional Conference, February 2012 - UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, Lowell, MA
• - Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing, 41st Biennial Convention, November 2011 - Grapevine, TX
• Bring Diversity to Nursing - University of Massachusetts Center for Clinical Translational Science Research Symposium, November 2011 - UMass Conference Center, Shrewsbury MA
• Harrowing tales of lecture capture: Why blended learning scares instructors, September 2011
• Retention, Graduation, and NCLEX-RN Success of Minority Nursing Students. - NLN Education Summit, September 2011 - Orlando, FL
• Shaping History, Reforming Health Care: The Power of Nursing Education - National League of Nursing, Education Summit, October 2010 - Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
• Rising to the Challenge: Promoting Quality Gerontological Nursing Care across all Settings. - Boston Area Chapter of the National Gerontological Nurses Association Meeting, September 2010 - OêKeefe Auditorium, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
• The Use of Multiple Technologies (Apreso Lecture Capturing System, Personal Response Clickers and Blackboard Course Management) to Support Teaching and Learning in Large Lecture-Based Nursing Courses - St. Anslem Collegeês 18th Annual Conference for Nurse Educators: Nursing Education: Best Practices, June 2010 - Sea Crest Resort & Conference Center, North Falmouth, MA
• Bring Diversity To Nursing - 6th New England Regional Minority Health Conference, October 2009 - Providence, RI
• The Significance of Dehydration in the Elderly. - Nursing Research Rounds, January 2009 - Bedford VA Memorial Hospital, Bedford Massachusetts
• Bring Diversity to Nursing - Nurse Faculty Nurse Executive Summit, December 2008 - Scottsdale, AZ
• Putting things into perspective: Gerontological nursing- who we are, what we do, how it makes a difference. - Annual Gerontological Nursing Conference, September 2008 - Kennebunkport, ME
• Bring Diversity to Nursing - UML Research: Creating the Future of the Commonwealth, April 2008 - Cumnock Hall, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA
• Hydrate your way to health: Prevent dehydration. - Lowell General Hospital Healthy Aging Series, February 2008 - Pelham Senior Center, Pelham, NH
• Dehydration reduction in the community-dwelling older adult - 60th Annual Scientific Meeting, November 2007 - San Francisco, CA
• Public Health Partnerships and Their Challenges - University of Massachusetts Lowell, Committee on Industrial Theory & Assessment, 2007 Conference, Community University Partnerships: How Do We Achieve the Promise?, April 2007
• Kantz, M., Enah, C., & Abdallah, L. The Relationship between Housing and Health in Low-income Older Adults: A Secondary Analysis of Longitudinal Survey Data. 35th Annual Eastern Nursing Research Scientific Sessions (March 23rd), Philadelphia, PA.
• Kantz, M., Enah, C. & Abdallah, L. (March 23rd) The Relationship between Housing and Health in Low-income Older Adults: An Integrative Review. 35th Annual Eastern Nursing Research Scientific Sessions (March 23rd), Philadelphia, PA.
• Oosterhouse, K., Grealish, L., Abdallah,L. & Skemp, L. (October26-28) The role of awards in promoting gerontological nursing education: A descriptive study. National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE) Leadership Conference (Virtual Poster Session)

Selected Contracts, Fellowships, Grants and Sponsored Research

• The CARE Act: Processes Affecting the Community/Caregiver Perspective of Caring for Older Adults (2018), Grant - Manning School of Business and the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences
  Kronrod, A. (Supporting), Knight, M. (Principal), Evans, K. (Co-Principal), Summerfield, N. (Co-Principal), Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Principal), Oztekin, 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), ,
• Bring Diversity and Leadership to Nursing (2011), Grant - Health Resources and Services Administration
  Abdallah, L.M.
• 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)
• Bring Diversity & Leadership to Nursing. HRSA, Nursing Workforce Diversity Grant (2011), Grant - HRSA
  Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator)
• Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Peer Mentorship Pilot P (2014), Contract -
  Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Principal)
• Bring Diversity to Nursing (2012), Grant -
  Abdallah, L.M. (Co-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)
• 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)
• Comparative Analysis of Alternative Primary Care Models in Institutional Long Term Care Residents Using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (2011), Grant - UMASS, Lowell
  Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Principal)
• Echo 360 Lecture Capture Grant (2011), Grant - Echo
  Abdallah, L.M. (Principal)
• Mass. Department of Higher Education, Nursing Education Redesign Grant (2011), Grant - UMass Lowell-D'Youville Transitional Care Dedicated Education Unit
  Abdallah, L.M. (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)
• MDPH Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Workforce Development, Educational Opportunities (2010), Grant - MDPH
  Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator)
• UMass Lowell-D'Youville Transitional Care Dedicated Education Unit Partnership - (2011), Grant -
  Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Principal)
• 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)
• 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)
• On the Move for Nursing's Future: Bring Diversity to Nursing Mobile Simulation Laboratory (2010), Grant - HRSA ARRA
  Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator)
• Bring Diversity to Nursing (2008), Grant - HRSA, Nursing- Division of Nursing
  Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator)
• Educational Opportunities for Minority Students. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Reduction in Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Work Force Development (2007), Grant - Bring Diversity to Nursing (BDN)
  Abdallah, L.M., Milillo, K., Dowling, J., Findeisen, M., Knight, M., Zhan, L.
• Bring Diversity to Nursing, Reduction in Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Workforce Development (2007), Grant - Massachusetts Department of Public Health
  Abdallah, L.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)
• Reaching Out for Care of the Elderly: Sophomore Nursing Student Preparation for the Department of Public Health Certification Examination for Nursing Assistants (2009), Grant - School of Health & Environment
  Abdallah, L.M. (Principal)
• Health promotion in older socially isolated community dwelling adults (2007), Grant - Travelli Foundation
  Abdallah, L.M. (Supporting)
• New Voices for Health & Environment (2007), Grant - School of Health and Environment Signature Initiative Grant
  Abdallah, L.M. (Co-Investigator)
• Dehydration reduction in the community dwelling older adult. (2006), Grant - Summer Research Forum Seed Grant
  Abdallah, L.M. (Principal)
• EverCare Nurse Practitioner Practice Activities: Similarities and Differences across Five Sites (2002), Grant - University of Massachusetts Boston
  Abdallah, L.M. (Principal)

Research Currently in Progress

• 2022 Gautam, R. (PI), Melillo, K.D.(Co-I) & Abdallah, L. (Co-I). Emeriti Professors Intergenerational Connection (EPIC) to Enhance Students’ Academic Career and Life Trajectory Goals: Using the PEACE Model to Address Age-Friendly University Principles. Donna Manning Research Grant Funding: $3,000 2022-2023
• 2022 Koren, A. (PI), Marchand, L.(Co-I) & Abdallah, L. (Co-I).Identifying high-risk population in Northern Massachusetts at risk for Rapid Infant Weight Gain (RIWG) and associated factors, Donna Manning Research Grant Funding: $3,500 2022-2023