Melissa Batchelor-Murphy, Ph.D., R.N.-B.C., F.N.P.-B.C.. F.A.A.N.

Melissa Batchelor-Murphy, Ph.D., R.N.-B.C., F.N.P.-B.C., F.A.A.N. is an Assistant Professor at Duke University School of Nursing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington School of Nursing.  She earned her Doctor of Philosophy from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing. She is board certified as a Gerontological Nurse and as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Batchelor-Murphy's pre-post-doctoral studies were supported by the National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence. Her recent funding includes project direction on a National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Nursing Research P30 grant. Her interdiscplinary research addresses mealtime difficulties for persons with dementia in nursing homes. Analysis of video recorded meal interactions will guide development of algorithms aimed to direct staff on optimal hand feeding approaches, ultimately improving nutritional outcomes. Through her research, she will develop a national dementia feeding skills training program for nursing home staff.  Dr. Batchelor-Murphy teaches gerontological nursing to pre-licensure students in the Accelerated Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing program. Melissa practices clinically as a FNP in Duke’s Geriatric Evaluation and Treatment Clinic. In 2014, she will serve as chair for the Hartford Gerontological Nursing Leaders organization.