The Indiana University School of Nursing is pleased to announce that Michele L. Polfuss, PhD, RN, CPNP-AC/PC, FAAN, has been appointed as tenured professor and executive associate dean of academic practice partnerships, effective September 21.
Polfuss will serve as the school’s strategic leader for academic–practice partnerships across IU School of Nursing’s core campuses. Reporting directly to the dean, this role is central to advancing collaborative relationships with healthcare systems, strengthening workforce development, and expanding opportunities for research and evidence-based practice. In the initial phase of this role, she will work closely with IU Health Metro region to strengthen and expand this critical academic–practice partnership.
“Dr. Polfuss is an accomplished nurse scientist and leader with a nationally recognized program of research, deep expertise in academic–practice collaboration, and a strong commitment to improving health outcomes for children and families,” said Dean Janet S. Carpenter, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our partnerships, particularly with IU Health, and advancing innovation across our academic and clinical missions.”
About Dr. Polfuss
Polfuss holds an outstanding record of scholarship, leadership, and research focused on improving health outcomes for children and families, particularly those with chronic conditions and developmental disabilities. She is an internationally recognized expert in pediatric obesity, family-centered research, and health equity, with a sustained program of federally funded research.
She has secured more than $5 million in federally funded research as principal investigator, including multi-year National Institutes of Health awards, and has contributed to additional large-scale funded projects as co-investigator. Her research portfolio includes longitudinal and multisite studies examining body composition, energy expenditure, and health behaviors in children with complex health needs, such as spina bifida and Down’s syndrome, with findings that directly inform clinical practice and national guidelines.
Polfuss has authored 75+ peer-reviewed publications and scholarly works, contributed to national clinical guidelines, and delivered dozens of national and international presentations, including invited keynote and plenary sessions. Her work has been widely disseminated across pediatric, family health, and nursing science communities.
Her contributions to research, leadership, and service have been recognized through election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, as well as multiple national awards, including senior scientist and distinguished abstract honors from leading professional organizations.
She currently serves as professor at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and Joint Research Chair in the Nursing of Children in partnership with Children’s Wisconsin. In these roles, she provides leadership in advancing pediatric nursing research, fostering academic–clinical collaboration, and mentoring doctoral and postdoctoral scholars.