20th Annual Nursing Research Conference

Christian N. Burchill, PhD, MSN, RN, CEN

Christian Burchill, PhD, MSN, RN, CEN is Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Research, Evidence-based Practice, and Innovation at Penn Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania Health System, where he provides the strategic vision and leadership for nursing scholarly inquiry across a multi-state, academic health system. He is also Director of Nursing Research and Evidence-based Practice at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a 600-bed community teaching hospital, where he developed and implemented a rigorous nursing research and evidence-based practice program that empowers nurses at all levels of the organization to be involved in solving clinical problems while pursuing his own program of research on understanding how nursing work environments can promote personal and psychological safety and professional growth. He has extensive experience as a stretcher-side emergency nurse, nurse scientist, and executive leader.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Chester University’s College of Health Sciences, Master of Science in Nursing in psychiatric/mental health nursing from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, and a Doctor of Philosophy in psychoeducational processes from Temple University College of Education.

Jennifer Shepherd DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, Alumnus CCRN

Jennifer Shepherd DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC is a recognized leader at the intersection of nursing, artificial intelligence (AI), and professional development, dedicated to transforming workforce development, enhancing productivity, and advancing wellbeing initiatives. With experience as both a direct care provider and clinical leader, she drives innovative approaches to healthcare delivery that prioritize quality, safety, and the wellbeing of nursing professionals.

As Director of Nursing Practice, Work Environment, and Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation at the American Nurses Association, Jennifer spearheads initiatives that strengthen workforce resilience, productivity, and wellbeing. Through her thought leadership, she links professional development to workforce sustainability, demonstrating how nurse-driven solutions can elevate nursing practice and build a more resilient profession.

Jennifer is board-certified in nursing professional development (NPD-BC) and advanced nursing executive practice (NEA-BC), holds alumnus status in pediatric critical care (CCRN), and is a former certified hospice and palliative care nurse (CHPN). She serves as Vice President of the Virginia Nurses Association, sits on the Capella University School of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board, is adjunct faculty at Marymount University, and contributes clinically to the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps.

She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in executive leadership and a master’s degree in healthcare administration. She also holds advanced academic training in AI in healthcare from Harvard Medical School and business innovation in the metaverse economy from The Wharton School.