Nursing & Systems Science

Department Chair

Lonnie Nelson is the Nursing and Systems Science department chair and an Associate Professor at the College of Nursing with expertise in neuro-cognitive assessment and rehabilitation interventions for individuals with brain injury.

He is also dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Native Americans, employing a community-based approach in his research to ensure long-term improvements. Dr. Nelson has been involved in various projects assessing American Indian elders and communities, including work related to brain injury in soldiers returning from deployment and Alzheimer’s disease in Native populations.

He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and has received multiple awards and research funding for his work on reducing health disparities among American Indians and Alaska Natives and screening and treating traumatic brain injury.

Faculty Members

Washington State University acknowledges that its locations statewide are on the homelands of Native peoples, who have lived in this region from time immemorial. Currently, there are 42 tribes, 35 of which are federally recognized that share traditional homelands and waterways in what is now Washington State. Some of these are nations and confederacies that represents multiple tribes and bands. The University expresses its deepest respect for and gratitude towards these original and current caretakers of the region. As an academic community, we acknowledge our responsibility to establish and maintain relationships with these tribes and Native peoples, in support of tribal sovereignty and the inclusion of their voices in teaching, research and programming. Washington State University established the Office of Tribal Relations and Native American Programs to guide us in our relationship with tribes and service to Native American students and communities. We also pledge that these relationships will consist of mutual trust, respect, and reciprocity.

WSU's land acknowledgement

Department Chair

Faculty Members

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