Barbara Waag Carlson, Ph.D., R.N., F.G.S.A.

Biography

Dr. Carlson is the Associate Dean for Research Scholarship and Ph.D. Studies and holds the Fran and Earl Ziegler Endowed Chair of Nursing Science and is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America. Her research focuses on biological-social-environmental risks for cognitive impairment and the combination of physiological, cognitive, and behavioral approaches to assess brain health. She works with interdisciplinary research team, including biomedical engineers, psychologists, behavioral neurologists, geriatricians, oncologists, anthropologist, and sleep medicine specialists. As a nationally known expert in biobehavioral science, her work involves the design and application of minimally invasive physiological sensors and wearable devices, signal processing and analysis, behavioral observation methods, neurocognitive testing, inflammatory/immune markers, epigenetics, and the integration of physiologic and behavioral measures. She has two current projects. Funded by OKCares/START group, the first examines the impact of vaccines to boost innate immunity in nursing home residents. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the second examines the needs of health professionals in deploying robotic health assistants to deliver care to community-dwelling elders. She reviews grants for PCORI, NIH, and Alzheimers Association, and serves on the editorial board of two journals: Biological Research for Nurses (5 terms) and Research in Gerontological Nursing (2 terms).

Email

Barbara-Carlson@ouhsc.edu

Additional Websites

• Publications

Research Interests:

• Cognition
• Sleep
• Oxidative Stress
• Technology Transfer

Grant Funding

GRANT FUNDING:

Extramural Research

Submitted or Pending Review

(CoPI) “SCH: INT: Smart Home Health Care through Companion Robots” Directing PI: Weihua Shen (Robotics Laboratory, Electrical Engineering-OK State), Other CoPIs (All from Oklahoma State): A. Baraldi (Experimental Psychology), A. W. Bishop (Human Development and Family Science), Y. Gong (Electrical Engineering-Informatics), Submitted 12/12/18, National Science Foundation. Funding Period: 07/01/2019-06/30/2023, Oklahoma State TDC: $1,198,127. OUHSC Subcontract (TDC+IDC): $208,502. Not funded

(CoI) “Chemotherapy Induced Vascular Cognitive Impairment: Role of Endothelial Senescence” PI: A. Csiszar (Geriatrics, OMRF), CoIs: J. Walker (Stephenson Cancer Center), T. Kiss (ROCA), P. Balasubramanian (ROCA), D. Benbrook (Stephenson Cancer Center), Z. Ungvari (Geriatrics, OMRF). National Institute of Health, NCI, Submitted October 10, 2018, Funding period: 7/1/19-6/30/2021, TDC: $275,000. Reviewed/Scored, 13th percentile. JIT requested. Resubmitted 5/2019

(CoI) “Strategies used by Directors of Nursing to Lower Antipsychotic Medication Use in Oklahoma Nursing Home” PI: Diana Sturdevant, Submitted: May 1, 2019, American Nurses Foundation, Funding Period: 9/1/2019-8/31/2020.

Funded

2019

(CoPI) “FW-HTF-P: Robotic Health Assistants: A New Human-Machine Partnership in Home Healthcare” Directing PI: Weihua Shen (Robotics Laboratory, Electrical Engineering-OK State), Other CoPIs A. W. Bishop (Human Development and Family Science) and B. W. Carlson (Nursing), Submitted 3/6/19, National Science Foundation. Funding Period: 09/15/2019-09/14/2020, Oklahoma State TDC: $150,000. OUHSC Subcontract (TDC+IDC): $41,395.

(PI) “Accelerated Vascular Aging and Post-Chemotherapy Neurocognitive Impairment in Female Cancer Survivors” CoPIs: M. Craft (Nursing), R. Funk-Lawler (Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences), consulting collaborator: A. Csiszar (Geriatrics/ROCA). Stephenson Cancer Center. 2019-2020: $10,000.

(Member), Grant Review Committee “Stephenson Center: Institutional Research Grant Award” American Cancer Society. PI: Darrin Atkins. Asked to serve on their New PI Pilot Grant Committee.

2018

(PI) “Elucidating Mechanisms Underlying Persistent Neurocognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Survivors: The Role of Accelerated Vascular Aging” CoIs: M. Craft (Nursing), L. Ethridge (Pediatrics), W. Razaq (Stephenson Cancer Center), A. Csiszar (Geriatrics, OMRF), A. Yabluchanskiy (Geriatrics, ROCA), S. Vesely (Biostatistics, Public Health), D. Benbrook (consultant), L. Hershey (consultant), R. Ahles (consultant - Sloan Kettering) & M. Janelsin (consultant - U of Rochester). National Institute of Health, NCI/NINR/NIA. Resubmitted July 5, 2018, Funding Period: 4/1/19-3/31/2024, TDC: $1,640.522. Reviewed/Scored, 40th percentile, Not Funded.

2017

(Advisory Board) “Symposium: Physical Stresses: Keeping Us “Alive and Well”. Research symposium grant submitted/funded by the Presbyterian Health Foundation. PI: Carol P. Dionne Ph.D., Allied Health/Rehabilitation Science. Funding Period: 2017-2018, TDC: $7,777.

2016

(CoI) “Multi-Modal Imaging of Brain Networks in Middle-Aged and Older Adults“. PI: H. Yuan (Bioengineering, OU-Norman, L. Ding (Bioengineering, OU-Norman), M. Wenger, (Psychology, OU-Norman, M. Craft (OUHSC-CON), G. Odenheimer (OUHSC-Neurology). Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology. Funding Period: 9/1/2016-8/30/2018, TDC: $180,000, OUHSC Subcontract: $16,000 over 2 years. 5% donated effort.

(Consulting Coinvestigator) “Microvascular Mechanisms of Cognitive Decline in PAD Patients. PI: A. Yabluchanskiy (OUHSC-ROCA), CoIs: Yuan, H. (Norman-BME), Silva Placios, F., (OUHSC-Vascular Medicine), Cziszar, A., (OUHSC-ROCA) & Ungvari, Z (OUHSC-ROCA). Funded by the Oklahoma Clinical and Translational Science Resources Pilot Study Program. Funding Period: 2016-2018. 2.5% donated effort.

(OCNS Site PI) “Default Mode Network and Memory Consolidation in Elders with and without Mild Cognitive Impairment” OUBC Site PI: H. Yuan (BME, OU-Norman), Co-Investigators: M. Wenger, (Psychology, OU-Norman), L. Ding (BME, OU-Norman), C. Prodan (OUHSC-Neurology), Oklahoma Center for Neurosciences-University of Oklahoma, Center for Bioengineering (OCNS-OUBC), 2015 Interdisciplinary Research Grant. Funding Period: 2/1/2016-1/31/2017, TDC: OUHSC site: $25,000, OUBC site: $25,000. 10% donated effort.

(Co-I) “Mobile EEG and Physiological Research System for Rural Research Initiative in Underserved Communities” PI: Lauren Ethridge (OUHSC-Pediatrics), Co-Investigators: B. Carlson (OUHSC-CON), E. Bard (OUHSC-Pediatrics), M. Wenger (Psychology, OU-Norman), M. Cunningham (OUHSC-Microbiology & Immunology), S. Sisson (OUHSC-Nutritional Sciences COAH), P. Spicer (Anthropology, OU-Norman), D. Lui (Psychology, OU-Norman), D. Crumrine (Comm. Science, OUHSC), & K Gilliand, (Psychology, OU-Norman). PHF Shared Equipment Grant Program, Funded on 3/1/2016. 0% donated effort.

2014

(External Advisory Board Member) “P20 Self-Management Science Center, P20NR015339” College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee”. PI: Rachel Schiffman. National Institute of Nursing Research, NIH, Funding Period: 6/30/2014-7/31/2019, TDC 1,400.000.

(PI) “Comparison of Cerebral Oxygenation and Cerebrovascular Reactivity during Sleep in Preclinical Mild Cognitive Impairment with Lewy Bodies and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment.” Co-I: M. Wenger (OU-Psychology), Linda Hershey (OUHSC Neurology), William Orr (OUHSC Sleep), I: C. Rogers (OUHSC-Nursing), M. Craft (OUHSC-Nursing), L. Ethridge (OU-Psychology), and P. Jindal (OUHSC Neurology), Presbyterian Health Foundation-OUHSC VPR Seed Grant Program, Funding Period: 10/1/2014-9/31/2015, TDC: $45,000. 15% donated effort

2013

(PI) “Development and Pilot Testing of the Hydrate for Health Toolkit for Older Adults Intervention.” Co-I: B. Linares (Library Science), Consultants: M. H. Palmer (Nursing), B. Popkin (Sociology), & K. Culp (Occupational Health). University Research Council and UNC Institute on Aging, Funding Period: 2013-2015, TDC: $2,727 + $25,000 from the UNC Institute on Aging.

2010

(PI) “Patterns of Cerebral Oxyhemoglobin Saturation in Elders during Sleep and their Relationship to Neurovascular Function in Elders.” Co-I: V. Neelon & J. Carlson (Nursing). Somanetics Incorporated, Funding Period: 1/2010-12/2012, TDC: $45,000.

2009

(PI) “Patterns of Cerebral Oxygenation during Sleep and their Relationship to Marker of Hypoxic Burden and Brain Connectivity in Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study.” Co-I: V. Neelon (Nursing) J. Carlson (Nursing), H. Roth (Neurology), A. Hinderliter (Cardiology), M. Beck (Nutrition), & D. Shen (Biomedical Imaging). North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute. National Center for Research Resources (UL1RR025747). Funding Period: 11/2009-1/2011, TDC: $43,000.

(Co-I) “Development of a Kinetostatic Mattress for Home Measurement of Insomnia.” PI: Heidi Roth (Neurology). Co-I: B. Carlson (Nursing), & H. Hsiao (Bioengineering). North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute. National Center for Research Resources (UL1RR025747). Funding Period: 11/2009-1/2011, TDC: $50,000.

2008

(PI) “Comparison of the Fore-Sight (CASMED Medical) and INVOS 4100 (Somanetics) Cerebral Oximeter in Young and Old Adults during Sleep.” Co-I: V. Neelon & J. Carlson (Nursing), S. Dogra (Anesthesiology-UNC) and D. MacLeod (Anesthesiology-Duke). Joint project with the School of Nursing Biobehavioral Laboratory, Somanetics Inc., and CAS Medical Inc. Funding Period: 2008-2009, TDC: $33,000.

2005

(PI) “Bispectral Index and Sleep States in Older Adults”. Co-I: None. The Institute on Aging, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Aspect Medical Inc., Funding Period: 2005, TDC: $15,000.

(PI) “A 2-Year Follow-up of Temperature Patterns, Cytokines, and Oxygenation during Sleep in Older Adults: Phase II”. Co-I: None. North Carolina Institute on Aging, Funding Period: 2005, TDC: $4,000.

2002

(PI) “Respiratory Periodicity and Cognitive Decline in Elders.” Co-I: V. Neelon & J. Carlson (Nursing), M. Hartman (Psychology) & S. Dogra (Anesthesiology). National Institute of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research, NIH (1-RO1 NR08032-01), Funding Period: 2002-2006, 1 year no cost extension to 12/31/2007, 2nd year no cost extension to 12/31/2008, TDC: $1,150,000.

(PI) "Respiratory Periodicity and Cognitive Decline in Elders." Co-I: None. UNC Hospitals General Clinical Research Center, National Center for Research Resources, NIH (R00046) UNC Hospitals, Funding Period: 2002-2006, TDC: $40,000.

(Co-PI) “Temperature Patterns and Cytokines in Older Adults with and without Age Associated Memory Impairment.” CoPI: V. Neelon (Nursing). The Center for Research on Chronic Illness in Vulnerable Populations, School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, National Institute of Nursing Research, NIH (P30 NR03962), Funding Period: 2002-2003, TDC: $10,000.

2001

(PI) “Respiratory Periodicity and Cerebral Oxygenation during Sleep in Older Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.” Co-I: None. The Center for Research on Chronic Illness in Vulnerable Populations, School of Nursing, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, National Institute of Nursing Research, NIH (P30 NR03962), Funding Period: 2001-2002, TDC: $10,000.

2000

(Center Investigator) The Center for Research on Chronic Illness, School of Nursing, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NIH-NINR (P30 NR03962). Funding Period: 2000-2006.

1999

(PI) “Indicators of Cognitive Decline Phase III: Cerebral Oxygenation during Mental Challenge in Older Adults, GCRC Protocol 1092.” Co-I: None. UNC Hospitals General Clinical Research Center UNC Hospitals, National Center for Research Resources, NIH (R00046), Funding Period: 1999, TDC: $2,500.

(PI) “Cerebral Oxygenation during Sleep in Older Adults: A Pilot Study,” Co-I: None. North Carolina Institute on Aging, Funding Period: 1999, TDC: $3,000.

1998

(Institutional Postdoctoral Fellowship) “Biological Markers of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults.” The University of North Carolina, School of Nursing, National Institute of Nursing Research, NIH (T32 NR07091). Mentors: Diane Holditch-Davis Ph.D., RN, & Marilyn Hartman Ph.D. Funding Period: 1998-2000.

1996

(Co-I) “Indicators of Cognitive Decline: Validation of a Method to Monitor and Score Breathing Patterns during Sleep in Older Adults.” PI: V. Neelon (Nursing). Co-I: B. Carlson (Nursing). The Center for Research on Chronic Illness in Vulnerable Populations, School of Nursing, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NIH-NINR (P30 NR03962), Funding Period: 1996-1998, TDC: $10,000.

1995

(PI) “Indicators of Cognitive Decline: Development of a Method to Monitor and Score Breathing Patterns during Sleep in Older Adults.” Co-I: None. General Clinical Research Center UNC Hospitals, National Center for Research Resources, NIH (R00046), Funding Period: 1995-1999, TDC $5000.

1994

(Co-I) “Development of a Minimally Intrusive Method for Measuring Respiratory Activity: Development, Computer Programming, and Pilot Testing.” PI: V. Neelon (Nursing). The University of North Carolina, School of Nursing Biomedical Science Research Support Grant, NIH-Division of Research Resources, Funding Period: 1994-1995, TDC: $9,600.

1992

(National Research Service Award Individual Predoctoral Fellowship). “Nighttime Vital Function Disturbances in Sleeping Elders.” National Center for Nursing Research, NIH, (NRSA 1 F31 NR06821), Mentor: Virginia J. Neelon, Ph.D., RN, Funding Period: 1992-1995.

Intramural Research

2019

(CoPI) Pilot of CBT-I and Biomarkers for Post-Chemotherapy Cognitive Impairment in Female Cancer Survivors” Other Co-PI’s: R. Funk-Lawler (Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences) and M. Craft (Nursing), Submitted: May 2, 2019, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Funding Period: 5/1/2019-4/31/2020. $10,000.

2016

(PI) “Open-Loop Neurovascular Entrainment to Support Brain Connectivity in Adults” Co-I: M. Craft (OUHSC-CON), H. Yuan (BME, OU-Norman), L. Ethridge, (OUHSC-Pediatrics), Fall, 2016-Spring, 2017. CON startup funds. Methodological pilot that provided the basis for dissertation project (Tate, L): Funding Period: 2017-2018. 5% donated effort.

2014

(Consultant-CoI) “Descriptive Study of Cognitive Disturbances in Older Breast Cancer Survivors”. PI M. Craft (CON), Co-I: M. Wenger (Psychology, Norman), J. Friedman, (Anthropology, Norman), D. Benbrook, (Gynecology, OUHSC), Reynold Center for Nursing Geriatric Excellence Interdisciplinary Seed Grant Program, Funding Period: 2014-2016, TDC: $30,000. 5% donated effort.

(Consultant) “Predictors of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain, Quality of Life and Changes in Treatment in Older Women with Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, Primary Peritoneal, or Colorectal Cancer” PI: E. Cuaderes, Co-I: M. Matzo (Nursing), D. Benbrook (Gynecology, OUHSC), C. Ade (Exercise Physiology, Norman), J. Walker (Stephenson Cancer Center), L. Rubinstein (Geriatrics, OUHSC)., Reynold Center for Nursing Geriatric Excellence Interdisciplinary Seed Grant Program, Funding Period: 2014-2016, TDC: $30,000. 5% donated effort.

(Co-PI) “Cerebral Oxygenation and Memory Consolidation in Elders without Mild Cognitive Impairment” Co-PI: M. Wenger (OU-Norman, Psychology), Co-I: L. Hershey (OUHSC-Neurology), D. Benbrook, (OUHSC-Obstetrics and Gynecology), & D. Wu (OUHSC-Radiology). Submitted: 1/15/2014, OU-Norman Campus Research Council, Faculty Investment Program. 2/2/2014-2/1/2016, TDC: $15,000. 10% donated effort.

(PI) “Cerebral Oxygenation and Memory Consolidation in Elders with and without Mild Cognitive Impairment.” Co-I: M. Wenger (OU-Norman, Psychology), L. Hershey (OUHSC-Neurology), D. Benbrook, (OUHSC-Obstetrics and Gynecology), & D. Wu (OUHSC-Radiology). OUHSC VPR Seed Grant Program, Funding Period: 2/2/2014-2/1/2016, TDC: $30,000. 10% donated effort.

(PI) “Descriptive Study of Sleep and Cerebrovascular Reactivity during Sleep in Preclinical Mild Cognitive Impairment with Lewy Bodies.” Co-I: M. Wenger (OU-Psychology), Linda Hershey (OUHSC Neurology), William Orr (OUHSC Sleep), I: C. Roger (OUHSC-Nursing), Lauren Ethridge (OU-Psychology), and P. Jindal (OUHSC Neurology), Singer Foundation. Funding Period: 7/1/2014-6/30/2015, $16,000. 10% donated effort.

2013

(Consultant) “Sign Chi Do Cardiovascular Response and Measurement Validation. PI: C. Rogers (Nursing), OUHSC VPR Seed Grant. Funding Period: 3/2013-3/2014, TCD: $30,000.

2012

(Consultant) “Sign Chi Do and Expressive Writing for Breast Cancer Patients. PI: C. Rogers (Nursing), Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center Seed Grant. Funding Period: 9/2012-9/2013, TDC: $50,000.

(Co-I) Stress Dysregulation in Temporomandibular Disorder: A Feasibility Study. PI: H. Chen (Dentistry), Co-I: B. Carlson (Nursing), J. Preisser (Biostatistics), S. Girdler (Psychiatry), & W. Maxner (Dentistry). University Research Council, Funding Period: 2012-2014, TDC: $5,000.

2011 (PI) “Ambulatory Sleep Equipment Grant” Co-I: H. Roth (Neurology), H. Chen (Dentistry), & G. Essick (Dentistry). UNC Cancer Research Facility, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Funding Period: 2011, TDC: $23,000.

(Co-I) “Using Actigraphy to Explore Relationships between Sleep and Pain in Young Adults with Sickle Cell Disease” UNC, University Research Council. PI: C. Jenerette (Nursing), Co-I: B. Carlson (Nursing) & K. Ataga (Hematology), Funding Period: 2011-2013, TDC: $5,000.

2009

(Co-I) “A Pilot Study for the ‘Effect of Prenatal Stretching and Autonomic Responses Associated with Preeclampsia”: Protocol Development for Heart Rate Variability Measure with Sedentary Obese Pregnant Women. PI: S. Yeo (Nursing), Co-I: B. Carlson (Nursing) & J. Thorpe (Obstetrics & Gynecology), University Research Council, UNC-CH, Funding Period: 2009-2010, TCD: $3,799.

2007

(Co-PI) “Reproducibility of Measures of Arterial Stiffness Using the SphygmoCor in Young and Old Adults.” Co-PI: D. Barksdale [Brown] (Nursing), funded by the University Research Council (Barksdale), 2007-2009, $2000 and School of Nursing Overhead Funds (Carlson), Funding Period: 2007, TDC: $3,000.

(Co-I) “Feasibility and Pilot Testing of a Community Based Program to Increase Strength and Improve Balance in Elders.” UNC Program on Aging, Multiple PIs: C. Guiliani (Allied Health) & M. Hartman (Psychology), Co-I: B. Carlson (Nursing), T. Shubert, & K. McMillan (Allied Health), Funding Period: 2007, TDC: $5000.

2006

(Co-PI) “A Pilot Study of the Effect of Hypertension and Ambient Room Temperature on the Degree of Brain Injury during Intermittent Hypoxemia in Rats.” School of Nursing, UNC-CH, Faculty Research Opportunity Grant Program, Co-PI: P.J. Rowsey and S. Brunssen (Nursing), Funding Period: 2006-2007, TDC: $10,000.

1999

(Consultant) “Contingently-Structured Feeding of Preterms: A Pilot Study.” Center for Research on Chronic Illness Exploratory Research Pilot Program. PI: S. Thoyre (Nursing), Funding Period: 1999-2000. TDC: $3,000.

(Traineeship) Laboratory Practicum in the Neurocognitive Assessment of Older Adults. Mentor: M. Hartman, Ph.D., Department of Clinical Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Funding Period: 1999-2000.

1998

(PI) “Validation of a Self-Report Instrument for the Measurement of Physical Activity.” Co-I: J. Fleury & V. Neelon (Nursing) Faculty Research Opportunity Grant, The University of North Carolina School of Nursing, Funding Period:1998-1999, TDC: $4,600.

(Methodology Consultant) “Effectiveness of an Exercise Intervention on Cognition and Cerebral Blood Flow in Older Adults.” Center for Research on Chronic Illness Exploratory Research Pilot Program. PI: B. Marks (Exercise and Sports Physiology), Funding Period: 1998-1999, TDC: $10,000.

1995

(Center Investigator) The Center for Research on Chronic Illness, School of Nursing, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NIH-NINR (P30 NR03962). Funding Period: 1995-1999.

1994

(Traineeship, Co-I) “Non-Invasive Biological Markers of Cancer Pain.” Nursing Faculty Advisors: V. Neelon, C. F. Baker, & J. A. Dalton, Biobehavioral Laboratory and Pain Education Project, School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina & General Clinical Research Center, UNC Hospitals. Funding Period: 1994-1995.

1993

(Traineeship, Co-PI) “Comparison of two Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzers for Estimating Body Composition.” Faculty Advisor: V. Neelon, Ph.D., RN, (Nursing) & A. Hackney, Ph.D. (Exercise and Sports Physiology), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Funding Period: Fall, 1993.

1992

(Traineeship, Co-I) “Comparison of Four Methods for Measuring Serum Lipids Faculty.” Nursing Faculty Advisors: V. Neelon, Ph.D., RN & J. Harrell, Ph.D., RN, Biobehavioral Laboratory & Cardiovascular Health in Children Project, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing. Funding Period: Fall, 1992.

(Traineeship) Research Practicum: Behavioral Methods for Scoring Sleep in Adults. Mentor: D. Holditch-Davis, Ph.D., RN, School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Funding Period: Summer, 1992.

(Traineeship) Laboratory Practicum in Spatial Memory and Aging. Faculty Advisor: M. Gallagher, Ph.D., Department of Experimental Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Funding Period: Spring, 1992.

1991

(Traineeship) Laboratory/Clinical Experience. Sleep Disorders Clinic, UNC Hospitals. Mentors: B. V. Vaughn MD, F. Eldridge, MD, Ph.D. & B. Boelelick MD. UNC Hospitals Sleep Laboratory, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Funding Period: 1991-2001.

1990

(Traineeship) Clinical Laboratory Practicum with the “Acute Confusion in the Hospitalized Elders.” Faculty Advisors: V. Neelon, Ph.D., RN & M. Champagne, Ph.D., RN, School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Funding Period: Summer, 1990.