Dr. Stella O. Akpuaka is an accomplished nurse educator, researcher, and clinician with expertise in maternal-newborn care, mental health, and primary care, serving as an Associate Professor and Course Coordinator at the University of the District of Columbia. With a distinguished career spanning academia, clinical practice, and leadership, she has contributed significantly to nursing education, healthcare access, and research on health disparities, earning numerous accolades for her impact on community development and professional excellence.
Experience
Education
Postgraduate Certificate: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Washburn University Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate, Coppin State University Doctor of Nursing Practice, Carlow University Master of Science in Health Services Leadership and Management: Education, University of Maryland, Baltimore Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Education, University of Maryland, Baltimore Master of Science in Healthcare Administration, University of Maryland, College Park Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bowie State University Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, Cameron University
Roles
Associate Professor, Division of Allied Health, Life, & Physical Sciences, UDC, 2006-Present Course Coordinator, Division of Allied Health, Life, & Physical Sciences, UDC, 2006-Present SNA Faculty Advisor, Division of Allied Health, Life, & Physical Sciences, UDC, 2006-Present Curriculum Chairperson, AASN, 2009-Present Coppin State University School of Graduate Studies, 2015-17 Sojourner-Douglas College, School of Nursing, 2007-14 Director of Nursing Education, American Institute of Health 2006-08
Courses Taught
Maternal-Newborn Nursing Theory & Practicum Mental Health Nursing Theory & Practicum Advanced Pathophysiology Advanced Health Assessment Primary Care of Adults & Older Adults Nursing Research Primary Care of Women
Expertise
Nurse Practitioner, Vastcare Medical Clinic Family Nurse Practitioner, Apex Medical Clinic Family Nurse Practitioner, Sunrise Medical Clinic Family Nurse Practitioner, Coppin State University Community Health Center Clinical Nurse Instructor, Maternal Infant Department, Johns Hopkins Hospital Clinical Nurse Instructor, Maternal Infant Department, Providence Hospital Charge/Clinical Nurse, Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Newborn Nursery, United Medical Center Charge/Staff Nurse, Risk Manager Maternal-Newborn Units, D.C. General Hospital Charge/ Staff Nurse, Medical/Surgical, Orthopedic & Step Down ICU, Geary Community Hospital
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Research infrastructure in minority institutions
Impact
Selected Publications
Akpuaka, S. O., Doctor, A., Carter, S., Olaniyi, M., Downs, D., Taylor, L., Rahman, A., Almala, A., Ahmad, S. B., Hamilton, M., & Hacker, W. (2022). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on allied health programs at the University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC-CC): An analytical case study. MedCrave Online Journal of Public Health, 11(3), 187-191. https://doi.org/10.15406/mojph.2022.11.00398
Selected Presentations
Akpuaka, S.O. (2024). Cultural sensitivity/implicit bias in a professional group: Fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and respect in professional environments.Association of Nigeria Nurse Practitioners in North America, Virtual.
Akpuaka, S.O. (2022). Psychopharmacology: Benzodiazepines.Annual National Educational Conference of National Association of Nigeria Nurse Practitioners in USA, Linthicum Heights, Maryland.
Akpuaka, S.O. (2019). Women’s health issues. Umuada Igbo New Jersey.
Selected Grants
National Institutes of Health. (2007). Knowledge, health practices and beliefs of Nigerian male immigrants residing in the Washington metropolitan area regarding prostate cancer screening.
Female Health Company. (2014). Educating females on the proper use of the female condom.
Recognitions
Recipient, Community Development Award, The Catalyst Achievers, 2023 Recipient, Best of Africa Award: International Woman Leader, USAFRICA15rh Anniversary, 2017 Featured in Igbo Women in the Diaspora and Community Development in Southeastern Nigeria: Gender Migration and Development Recipient, Women in STEM Award, UDC, 2016 Recipient, Loyal President Award, Anambra State Association Service, 2015
