Ruth Lucas, PhD, RN

Assistant Professor, School of Nursing (Affiliate)

Research Overview

The general physical and mental health of young children is the focus of Dr. Ruth Lucas’ research. Infant breastfeeding behaviors during the first month of life is of particular interest to Dr. Lucas. Dr. Lucas’ is developing a maternal assessment of infant breastfeeding behaviors instrument to objectively establish normative breastfeeding behaviors. The next step would be to establish breastfeeding as an early screening tool for neurodevelopment.

As an InCHIP Affiliate, Dr. Lucas would build relationships with other researchers and educators to support young children’s growth and development. Dr. Lucas would partner with other researchers to follow infants from birth to early childhood to evaluate if challenging breastfeeding behaviors have a relationship to later alterations in neurodevelopment. In addition, as part of her joint appointment, Dr. Lucas would anticipate, partnering with other educators, and researchers to support children’s health from the acute care to home and community setting. In the future, Dr. Lucas envisions smooth transitions from discharge to home to school for children with chronic health care needs.

Education

Postdoctoral Fellow University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, School of Nursing and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT Nursing Research Concentration Infant Breastfeeding Behaviors 2013-2014

Postdoctoral Fellow Duke University, Durham, IL, School of Nursing Trajectories of Chronic Illness and Care Systems – Concentration Infant Breastfeeding Behaviors 2011-2013

PhD University of Illinois @ Chicago, Chicago, IL School of Nursing Major: Nursing Concentration –
Neonatal Breastfeeding Behaviors, Autism 2011

Inter-disciplinary Fellowship University Affiliated Program (Department of Disability and Human Development, Chicago, IL) LEND Program (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities) Concentration – Autism Spectrum Disorder, Systemic Health Services, Policy and Advocacy for Children with Disabilities 2010-2011

MS University of Illinois @ Chicago, Chicago, IL College of Nursing Concentration: Nursing Education
Obstetrical Care and Infant Development 2009

BSN George Mason University, Fairfax, VA College of Nursing Concentration: Nursing 1986

Recent Publications