Background

Dr. Tucker received a BA in Biology from the College of Charleston in 2005. She received an AD in Nursing Science from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in Concord, NC in 2009. In 2015, she received a Master’s degree in nursing education from Excelsior College. In 2021, she received a PhD in Nursing Science from the University of South Carolina, College of Nursing. After receiving her doctorate, Dr. Tucker received additional research training as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University, School of Medicine with a focus in perinatal epidemiology and maternal health disparities. 

Teaching

• NURS 730 Population Health Nursing
• NURS 818 Social and Structural Determinants of Health
• NURS 803 Scientific Knowledge in Nursing

Research

Dr. Tucker is a nurse scientist whose research advances maternal health equity by examining how social and structural conditions shape disparities in maternal health outcomes. Her work investigates the pathways by which inequities in housing, systemic barriers, and community disadvantage influence physiologic stress responses during pregnancy, contributing to complications such as preeclampsia, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and postpartum morbidity. By integrating disparities research with population-based approaches and policy-relevant interventions, Dr. Tucker seeks to generate evidence that reduces inequities and advances maternal health equity.

Dissemination

Dr. Tucker has presented at local and national meetings, some of which include the American Heart Association, State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research, and the Southern Nursing Research Society.

Professional Service

 Dr. Tucker is a member of the following organizations: 

• Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science
• Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research
• Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
• Academy Health
• ANA and SCNA, Women's Health Chapter
• Sigma Theta Tau
• Southern Nursing Research Society
• Midlands SC National Black Nurses Association Chapter

Professional Practice

Dr. Tucker has practiced as an RN in labor & delivery and postpartum for 10 years.

Research Studies (selected)

Hospital Variations in Postpartum Care Access, Quality, and Outcomes: The Intersectionality of Residence Location and Race/Ethnicity. NICHD. 8/2024-7/2025.

Examining disparities and trends in postpartum readmission rates.  NIH/NINR Loan Repayment Program. 07/01/2022-06/30/2024. Principal Investigator. 

Publications (selected)

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