Crystal Patil, PhD


Professor
Associate Dean for Research and Rackham Graduate Studies
Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences
4320A NURS1

University of Michigan School of Nursing
400 North Ingalls Building
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482

Telephone: (734) 615-9696
Crystal Patil is accepting new PhD students.

Interests

  • Implementation science
  • Reproductive and sexual health
  • Food and nutrition
  • Pain and chronic conditions
  • Global health

Dr. Patil collaborates with community experts and organizations to improve the health of women, families, and communities. She conducts clinical and community-based intervention research among diverse populations in the US and globally. As an implementation science expert, she works to improve health by adapting and then implementing evidence-based interventions for use in diverse community and clinic settings.

Dr. Patil has expertise in the adaption and implementation of group healthcare models (e.g., pre and postnatal care, HIV prevention, the transition from pediatric to adult clinic for those with sickle cell disease, and for the uptake of PrEP among sex workers).

Dr. Patil is committed to collaborating with and mentoring colleagues, fellows, and students. In recognition of this, she was awarded the UIC College of Nursing Distinguished Mentor of Faculty Award.

Current Research Grants and Programs

  • Group Antenatal Care: Effectiveness for Maternal/Infant and HIV Prevention Outcomes and Contextual Factors Linked to Implementation Success in Malawi. National Institute of Nursing Research R01NR018115 (Role: PI).
  • Hybrid Effectiveness - Implementation Trial of Guided Relaxation and Acupuncture for Chronic Sickle Cell Disease Pain. NIH/HEAL Initiative, UG3 1UG3 AT011265-01 (Role: Co-I & Mentor).
  • Black Midwives for Black Women: Maternity Care to Improve Trust and Attenuate Structural Racism. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (Role: Co-I & Mentor).
  • Adaptation and Implementation of a Patient Navigation Program for Cervical Cancer Screening Across Contexts in Senegal. National Institutes of Health, 1R01CA258683-01A1 (Role: Co-I & Mentor).
  • Feasibility of Implementing Acupuncture into a Federally Qualified Health Center to Alleviate Multiple Symptoms Among Breast Cancer Survivors Receiving Endocrine Therapy. National Institutes of Health, 1R34AT012084-01 (Role: Co-I).
  • Centering those Engaged in Transactional Sex: A PrEP Innovation for Getting To Zero. K23 National Institute of Nursing Research (Role: Co-Sponsor).
  • Yurok NET Wellness: A Culturally Congruent, Nursing-Driven, Village-Centered Model to Treat Trauma for Wellness Court Clients. Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation (Role: Co-I & Mentor).
  • A Youth-Centered Community-Based Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Program for Immigrant Communities in the United States. Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation (Role: Co-I & Mentor)

Affiliations / Service

  • Fellow, Human Biology Association, 2007 - present
  • Fellow, Society for Applied Anthropology, 2008 - present
  • Member, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2020 - present
  • Guest Editor, Nutrients, Special Issue: Structural and Systemic Factors Impacting Infant Feeding Decisions and Practices, 2022 - present

Notable Awards / Honors

  • Dedication and Support Award, Have a Heart for Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, 2011
  • Fellow of the Year, University of Illinois Chicago Honors College, 2012
  • Fellow, Institute of Medicine Chicago, IL, 2018
  • Distinguished Mentor of Faculty Award, University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing, 2022

Education

  • PhD, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 2004
  • MA, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 1996
  • BA, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA 1993

Publication Highlights