Erin Blakeney is a nurse scientist and health services researcher whose work is motivated by the knowledge that all too often our healthcare system does not safely, efficiently, or effectively meet the needs of our population. Dr. Blakeney’s higher education journey started with a Bachelor’s degree major in Politics and Environmental Studies and a minor in Biology at Whitman College. Subsequently, she completed an accelerated second Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University, a Master’s degree in International Education (focusing on cross-cultural exchange and training) from New York University, and finally a PhD in Nursing Science with a concentration in Social Science Statistics from the University of Washington. Reflecting this interdisciplinary background, Dr. Blakeney’s program of research focuses on identifying and implementing models of care that increase access to evidence-based care, improve safety, reduce disparities, and empower patients and health care teams to achieve better care and outcomes.