Shanina C. Knighton, PhD, RN, CIC, joins the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) today as executive director of APIC’s new Center for IPC Research, Practice & Innovation (CIPCRPI).
Knighton comes to APIC from Case Western Reserve University where she taught in the School of Nursing and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Her research focuses on infection prevention self-management of patients, and the design, development, and evaluation of technology-based interventions including wearable sensors, machine learning, and simple technology to support patient self-management.
“Dr. Knighton has been a true leader in driving infection prevention and control research and a highly respected thought leader,” said APIC's CEO Devin Jopp, EdD. “Her passion and innovation are truly inspiring, and we look forward to her charting the course forward for our new Center for IPC Research, Practice & Innovation (CIPCRPI).”
Knighton will lead the development and implementation of APIC’s research and practice functions, including developing the APIC research agenda, building original research on key IPC implementation issues, developing a new scholar-in-residence and internship program, and forming linkages with research institutions throughout the U.S. and internationally. One early research effort will focus on updating research on infection preventionist staffing ratios to help guide healthcare facilities in ensuring there are enough IPs to protect patients and healthcare personnel from infection.
“We are so fortunate to have Dr. Knighton on board to help advance this research priority. In addition to her research background, she also brings strong quality improvement, partnership building, and project facilitation skills to the role,” said 2022 APIC president Linda Dickey, RN, MPH, CIC, FAPIC.
“I am honored to serve as executive director of CIPCRPI and look forward to helping APIC transform its approach to research and practice guidance,” said Knighton.
During COVID-19, Knighton developed infographics with prevention tips that were featured in Forbes, FOX News, and Self magazine and disseminated by the state of Ohio, the American Nurses Association, and the New York State Board of Education. She is a frequent guest on podcasts and morning programs and is the 2021 recipient of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing Young Alumni Award for Excellence and was named by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences as one of the 2021 CTSA Most Valuable Personnel.
Knighton currently serves on the American Journal of Infection Control editorial board and is a past member of APIC’s national Research Committee. She received her PhD in nursing science from Case Western Reserve University and her bachelor of science in nursing from Ohio University.
Source: APIC