Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, is a nurse with over 20 years of experience and is currently serving as an assistant professor and the Director of Community and Research Engagement in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, Southern Gerontological Society, and Gerontological Society of America. Dr. Epps leads initiatives focused on developing and transitioning individuals from historically underrepresented groups into the nursing profession and/or faculty role. Dr. Epps also serves as the principal investigator for the Faith Village Research Lab and is the founder of the Alter Program, a nurse-led dementia-friendly congregation program. She is an active member with numerous professional organizations. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Southern Gerontological Society, and Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter. She also serves on the Leadership Core of the Public Health Center of Excellence in Dementia Caregiving at the University of Minnesota. Her career goal as a nurse scholar is to promote quality of life for families affected by dementia through research, education, and service. Her program of research involves evidence-based practices for promoting quality of life for African Americans with dementia and their family caregivers/care partners. She is particularly interested in exploring the way religious activities and spiritual connectedness can promote meaningful engagement among persons with dementia across the country. Additionally, Dr. Epps works to place culturally tailored evidenced-based programs and interventions in the hands of those individuals who need it the most.
