TSNRP FUNDED RESEARCH AWARDS

2026 Awards

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1. Feasibility of Surgical Pack Sterilization Using Shipboard Galley Equipment (Rapid High Priority Award) 
   The purpose of this study is to determine whether shipboard galley steam ovens can effectively sterilize surgical packs assessing both physical (chemical indicator tape) and microbiological (biological indicator) outcomes. This work is a critical first step in determining alternative ways to provide care in austere environments. The long term aim is to develop protocols to be used to disinfect instruments and medical equipment that can be reused after sterilization to maximize medical readiness in an austere environment facing limitations in logistical resupply. 
   Dr. Gordon West, LTC(ret), CAPT Tony Torres, MAJ Chandler Moser, Major Gina Eberhardt
   Naval Medical Center San Diego
   Naval Hospital Bremerton                                                                                                                                                                          Pacific Lutheran University                                                                                                                                                                                 

2. Development of Countermeasures to Radiation Exposure for High-Risk DoW Personnel (USAF, USSF) (Initial Award)

      The purpose of this project is to evaluate two readily available, safety-profiled agents—curcumin and epigallocatechin-3-

      gallate (EGCG) (FDA generally recognized as safe [GRAS] status)—as prophylactic and post-exposure countermeasures for

      occupational radiation. This project aims to provide a rapid, cost-effective pathway to an evidence-based solution to

      empower frontline providers with a preventive tool, reducing long-term morbidity, enhancing force health protection, and   

      preserving the readiness of high-value military personnel.

      Lt Col Tonya White, Lt Col Sarah Huffman, Lt. Col. Bashir El-Khoury, Capt. Hannah Budd

      60th Medical Group-Travis Air Force Base

      9th Medical Group-Beale Air Force Base

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   3. Developing a critical care air transport team playbook for high-patient volume (High Priority Award)

       The purpose of this project is the identification and dissemination of best practices related to Critical Care Air Transport                 Teams (CCATT) operations in the context of patient loads that exceed current maximums in patient number and/or illness or

        injury severity.

        Major Nina Hoskins

        Dr. Sarah H. Michael

        59th Medical Wing at JBSA- Lackland Air Force Base

        University of Colorado at Denver

       
2025 Awards

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1. Comparative Analysis of Musculoskeletal Injuries Among Military Pilots: An Epidemiological Study Using  Military Health Data (High Priority Award)
   A retrospective population-based cohort study using a large military dataset to analyze the epidemiological profile of injuries across critical anatomical regions and in relation to aircraft type, with the rationale of identifying meaningful gaps and differentiate plausible best practices in epidemiology, prevention and rehabilitation of pilots. It is pivotal to tailor strategies for MSK injury to ensure readiness and resilience of all warfighters.
   Dr. Laura Talbot, Col(ret), LTC Tanekkia Taylor-Clark, LTC Vanessa J. Ramirez
   University of Tennessee Health Science Center
   Memphis, TN
    

2. Musculoskeletal Injury, Mental Health, and Treatment Seeking among Active-Duty Service Members on Temporary Limited Duty (High Priority Award)
   The purpose of this proposed cross-sectional study is to investigate the interplay between musculoskeletal injury, mental health or both, health service use beliefs and time spent on temporary limited duty. Improving ADSM operational readiness through efficient screening of MI, MH or both, as well as enhancing treatment referral and removing treatment-seeking barriers, are all goals driven by the overall aim of enhancing overall force preparedness.
   CDR Shawna Grover, CDR Stuart Hitchcock, CAPT Michael Franks
   Naval Medical Research Center Portsmouth
   
    

3. The Role of Insomnia and Suicidality in Predicting Return to Full Duty in Military Service Members on Limited Duty (High Priority Award)
   The primary purpose of this proposed epidemiologic retrospective cross-sectional study is to investigate the interplay between insomnia and suicide. Having a better understanding potentially modifiable and treatable risk factors, such as insomnia, that may predict functional/resilience military outcomes may have important implications for preventing suicidality and its adverse sequelae in Active service military populations and for maintaining operational readiness.
   CDR Shawna Grover, CAPT Michael Franks
   Naval Medical Research Center Portsmouth
   
    

4. Time-dependent Effects of Anesthetics on Systemic Stress Response (High Priority Award)
   Anesthesia is an inevitable part of surgical care, especially under battlefield traumatic conditions. Emerging evidence shows that anesthesia can have effects on stress markers, independent of the underlying traumatic condition. Mechanistic understanding of the systemic stress response will lead to a better management of adverse effects and improved clinical outcomes. Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) has application in combat medicine because it accomplishes the goal of general anesthesia while decreasing the equipment necessary with the use of inhalation anesthetics. TIVA using ketamine and midazolam provides sedation, amnesia, analgesia in treating combat trauma patients. Understanding the effect of different anesthetic drugs on the systemic stress response is critical to nursing anesthesia care in advanced operations with limited access to physiological monitoring.
   LTC Jonathan Yost
   Navy Medical Research Unit
   San Antonio, TX
    

5. Wearable Non-invasive Intracranial Pressure Monitoring Technology (Initial Research)
   The purpose of this study is to evaluate neuro-capacitive signals obtained from non-invasive carbon nanotube-based paper composite sensors to determine if they provide significant and quantifiable correlations to invasive reference ICP measurements. These preclinical results will pave the way for future innovative non-invasive technologies to improve care for warfighters following a severe traumatic brain injury.
   CAPT Kennett Radford, USN, NC
   Uniformed Services University
   University of Washington
    

6. Determining the relationships between Resonant Leadership, Burnout, and Physical and Psychological Health Symptoms among Active Duty Army Nurses (Graduate Award)
   This prospective, cross-sectional study seeks to fill three specific gaps in research: 1) determining the prevalence of Resonant Leadership and burnout among active-duty Army nurses, 2) exploring differences in these variables based upon various demographic characteristics, and 3) clarifying the relationships between Resonant Leadership, burnout, and self-reported health symptoms.
   MAJ Mollie Christiansen
   University of Colorado at Denver
    

7. Audiovisual Stimulation(AVS) to Improve Sleep, Pain, Fatigue and Well-being in Military Service Members (MSM) with Chronic Pain and Insomnia: A 3-arm Randomized Controlled Trial (Follow-On Award)
   Chronic pain and sleep disturbances are highly prevalent and frequently comorbid conditions among U.S. military service members (MSM). Their bidirectional influence on one another has been shown to increase fatigue, job stress, and mental health symptoms. Furthermore, the importance of sleep to MSMs working in technical occupations and operating in high-risk environments that require mental clarity and alertness is critical to operational effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of AVS: on sleep and insomnia symptoms in MSMs with chronic pain; on fatigue risk scores; and pre- and post- intervention changes in mental and physical health outcomes. 
   Dr Ann Nayback-Beebe, COL (RET)
   Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio Military Medical Center
    

8. Providing a Validated Mindfulness Training Intervention to Mitigate Secondary Traumatic Stress in Military Trauma Center Nurses and Other Healthcare Providers (Novice EBP Award) 
   The purpose of this Evidence Based Practice (EBP) Project guided by the Iowa Model is to evaluate the impact of implementing a 3-hour skills-based mindfulness course at a Military Treatment Facility Level III Trauma Center among nurses and other healthcare providers. The PICOT question is: For nurses and other healthcare providers in a Military Treatment Facility Level III Trauma Center, does a validated, 3-hour skills-based mindfulness course impact secondary traumatic stress at one week, one month, three months, and six months post-course, compared to pre-course baseline?
   LCDR Emily Latimer
   Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune
    

9. Factors That Impact Reporting Decision of Service Members Who Have Experienced Military Sexual Assault (Graduate Research Award)
   The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore service members' post-assault reporting decisions through narrative inquiry to identify points of intervention to improve or sustain reporting of military sexual assault. New knowledge about reporting decisions can inform specific interventions to increase reporting and, by extension, uptake of healthcare services that improve long-term health outcomes. 
   CPT Celeste Chavez
   Johns Hopkins University
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10. Military Health System Nurse Manager Competency Development: An Effectiveness-implementation Study (Follow On Research Award)
    The purpose of this effectiveness study is to evaluate nurse manager competency and develop a tailored program for the advancement of nurse manager competency in the MHS.
    MAJ Melissa Miller, USA, AN
    Tripler Army Medical Center
     

11. Assessing Validity, Reliability, and Usability of Computer-Based Simulation for Scrub Role Training of Surgical Technologists and Perioperative Nurses in Damage Control Surgery (Graduate Research Award)
    The purpose of this project is to generate psychometric evidence on the validity, reliability, and usability of PeriopSim, a commercially available computer-based simulation (CBS) platform, for scrub role training among U.S. Army perioperative nurses and surgical technologists supporting damage control surgery (DCS). 
    MAJ Julia Catanese, MSN, RN, CNOR, USA, AN
    Uniformed Services University
     

12. Enhancing Operational Readiness with Digital Self-Managed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (High Priority Research Award)
    The purpose of this study is to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and delivery method of a self-managed CBTI digital mobile application over five weeks. Utilizing self-managed insomnia mobile applications are innovative as they enhance accessibility and cost-effectiveness, offering individuals the flexibility to manage insomnia independently. Self-managed CBTI presents a viable option for those in remote or resource-limited settings with the potential to enhance the health, performance, and operational readiness of service members.
    Dr Heather King, PhD, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, CAPT(ret)
    Madigan Army Medical Center
     

13. Insomnia-related Functional Outcomes in U.S. Servicemembers (Graduate Research Award)
    The purpose of the study is to assess the association between insomnia and functional outcomes in treatment-seeking U.S. SMs, and sex-specific differences in that association. Military nurses are key to identifying and managing insomnia and can lead evidence-based interventions. The findings from the study will inform clinical decision-making, support readiness-focused nursing strategies across austere and garrison military healthcare environments.
    Major Tatiana Gonzalez, PhD Candidate, USAF, NC
    Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
     

14. Military Service-Related Factors, Barriers to Mental Healthcare, and Mental Healthcare Utilization Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members (Graduate Research Award)
    The purpose of this study is to examine how and to what extent military service-related factors are associated with barriers to mental healthcare and mental healthcare utilization among U.S. ADSMs, which will inform the development of targeted, interventional research. Findings will inform subsequent force health protection-aligned research by clarifying priorities to reduce mental healthcare barriers and support psychological readiness among ADSMs. 
    Major Felicia Katzovitz, MSN, RN-BC, PhD Candidate, USAF, NC
    Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

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2024 Awards

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1. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids as a Possible Treatment of PTSD-like Fear Symptoms in Females Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury  (Graduate Research)
   
   The purpose of this study will be to examine the effect of ALA on PTSD-like symptoms in a preclinical murine model following an mTBI. The secondary aim is to determine the effect of ALA on anxiety-like behavior and the preservation of inhibitory neurons in the structures of the brain that aid emotional regulation and extinction learning. 
   Major Kathryn Capple, USAF, NC
   Uniformed Services University
   Bethesda, MD
    

2. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and CCR5/CCL5 in Hippocampus Post Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries: PTSD Memory Linking Implications (Graduate Research)
   The purpose of the study is to utilize a murine model to investigate the temporal dynamics of CCR5 and CCL5 mRNA changes following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and their effect on the closure of the memory-linking process while also exploring the therapeutic potential of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in mitigating mTBI effects. This investigation aims to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of PTSD following mTBI. 
   LT Choang Lai, USN, NC
   Uniformed Services University
   Bethesda, MD
    

3. Acquisition of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Skills Using an Escape Room (Graduate EBP) 
   The purpose of this project is to provide military critical care nurses with an escape room skill validation platform to address the need for a hands-on training component for nurses attempting to gain competency and self-efficacy with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in low-volume facilities.
   Major Jennifer Armon
   University of Nevada-Reno
   Reno, NV
    

4. Non pharmacologic Sleep Interventions for Military Personnel: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (High Priority Award) 
   Insomnia is a common sleep disorder among service members and affects approximately 40% of active-duty military personnel. Unique to the military are deployment-related stressors such as combat exposure, irregular sleep-wake schedules, and austere environments. Each of these stressors can contribute to the development of acute and chronic insomnia. Further, insomnia can exacerbate stressors and is a risk factor for developing traumatic stress reactions, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and suicide. Insomnia also contributes to impaired cognitive function, higher risk of accidents, injuries, and co-occurring mental health conditions. The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis will be to review the efficacy of non-pharmacologic sleep interventions for service members, reservists, and US National Guard members that are versatile for use during deployment, at home station and in prolonged casualty care scenarios. 
   Dr. Heather King CAPT(ret)
   University of Tennessee Health Science Center
   Knoxville, TN
    

5. Effect of Intraosseous vs. Intravenous Lidocaine in a Cardiac, Hypovolemic Arrest Model (High Priority Award)
   Hemorrhage is the number one cause of death both on and off the battlefield.However, establishing intravenous (IV) access may be challenging and very time-consuming, particularly for patients who are in hypovolemic shock, even for the most skilled clinician. For every minute of delay in resuscitation, there is a decrease of 9 percent in achieving ROSC. It is imperative that researchers find the most effective and fastest route in administering resuscitation drugs to achieve ROSC. This study will provide data-based evidence for the most effective and least amount of epinephrine to achieve ROSC.
   Dr. Arthur Johnson, Col(ret)
   Naval Medical Research Unit
   San Antonio, TX
    

6.  Female Warfighter Urogenital Health: An Invisible Barrier to Promoting and Maximizing Comprehensive Integration, Operational and Warfare Capability, and Long-Term Participation in Military Service
   The purpose of this research is to: 1) establish the direct effect of a field hygiene and urogenital health education intervention and the mediating effect of health literacy on sex-specific urogenital health knowledge; 2) determine the direct effect of a female urinary diversion (FUDD) training intervention and the mediating effect of health literacy on FUDD knowledge; and 3) comprehensively evaluate the performance of Freshette® FUDD 2nd (F2) and 3rd generation (F3) devices in an austere environment, including education and training effectiveness, biofilm microorganism growth and community composition, urogenital infection (UGI) association, and user usage preference.
   Dr. Elizabeth A. Kostas-Polston, PhD
   LTC Rachel Cepis
   Lt Col Heather Hubbard
   MAJ Alison Patton
   LTC Deanna Sheets
   Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
   William Beaumont Army Medical Center - Fort Bliss, TX
   Womack Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX
    

7. Enhancing Military Nursing Operational Skill Sets through the Combat Anesthesia Readiness and Training Course (CART-C)
   The purpose of this project is for military CRNAs to maintain proficiency in operational environment anesthesia care and skills. This leads to the PICO question: Among military CRNAs (P), does a three-day training and simulation course in operational anesthesia (I) impact self-reported confidence in emergency response (C) and performance of critical anesthesia tasks on combat casualties (O)?
   LTC Janet Sims, DNP
   United States Army Graduate Program of Anesthesia Nursing
   Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston
   San Antonio, TX
    

8. Does Anesthetic Type Predict Morbidity for Traumatic Injury Patients in a Prolonged Field Care Environment? (Novice Research)
   The aims of this study are 1) to determine whether the risk of patient morbidity differs between the groups, based on markers of cellular perfusion and infection; and 2) to evaluate whether the risk of patient morbidity differs between the groups, based on markers of inflammation and stress.
   LTC Lisa Post
   Tri-Service Research Laboratory (TSRL)
   U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing (USAGPAN)
   United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
   Bethesda, MD
    

9. Infection Control in Tomorrow's Battlefield: Assessing the Feasibility and Effectiveness of Ultraviolet Disinfection of an Army Field Hospital During Prolonged Casualty Care (Novice Research)
   The purpose of this study is to assess current practices regarding infection control within the Army field hospital and determine if UV-C is effective at reducing the bacteria burden within the various settings of the field hospital.
   MAJ Chandler Moser
   Madigan Army Medical Center
   Tacoma, WA​​

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