Bonnie Hepler

Bonnie Hepler, RN, MSW, MSPH, PhD, brings a unique blend of expertise to her role as an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Duke University. Her background encompasses a robust research portfolio in maternal and child health, informed by her experience as a pediatric social worker and as a nurse in labor, birth, and postpartum care. Dr. Hepler's research focuses on how healthcare systems support families, particularly those facing trauma and disparities, using mixed-method approaches. Her work explores the critical period of early postpartum, examining the intersection of maternal needs, maternal-infant relationships, and addressing inequities in birth and postpartum care.

Dr. Hepler earned her PhD in Nursing from Duke University, where she specialized in healthcare systems support of families, with a focus on postpartum sleep experiences. Her commitment to maternal and child health extends beyond academia; she has worked at RTI International, promoting maternal and child health both domestically and globally. Her research has been instrumental in advocating for vulnerable populations, ensuring access to quality, compassionate care. From evaluating breastfeeding policies in the Middle East to assessing the impact of long-acting reversible contraception in sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Hepler has consistently demonstrated a dedication to empowering women.

Prior to her work at RTI, she was a research assistant at the North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute, where she focused on teaching community-engaged research. Additionally, she contributed to research and dissemination projects at the Center for Maternal and Infant Health at the University of North Carolina, covering topics such as the use of progesterone for preterm birth and postpartum depression. Dr. Hepler's early career included a year-long internship as a pediatric oncology and inpatient child abuse social worker at UNC Hospitals, further solidifying her commitment to vulnerable populations.