Biography

Lauren Milam, PhD, MSN, RN, is a Clinical Instructor in the UAH College of Nursing whose work focuses on maternal-child health, nursing education, and improving the experiences of women and families across pregnancy and childbirth. Her clinical background includes obstetric nursing as well as trauma and critical care, experiences that continue to shape her approach to preparing future nurses for complex, patient-centered care.

Dr. Milam’s research focuses on person-centered maternity care, pregnancy-related empowerment, and maternal health disparities. Her doctoral research examined the relationship between person-centered prenatal care and empowerment among Black women in Alabama, with particular attention to communication, autonomy, provider relationships, and the experiences that help women feel heard and supported during pregnancy.

Her academic work also emphasizes innovative approaches to maternal-child health education and workforce development. She is involved in developing interdisciplinary learning opportunities that connect nursing students and other undergraduate learners with maternal-child health practice, community engagement, leadership, and health equity. She is particularly interested in strengthening pathways that prepare students to serve rural and underserved communities.

In the classroom and clinical setting, Dr. Milam teaches across maternal-infant nursing and other areas of undergraduate nursing education. Her teaching emphasizes clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, communication, and helping students translate classroom knowledge into compassionate, high-quality patient care.

Curriculum Vitae

Google Scholar

Education

• PhD in Nursing, University of Alabama/University of Alabama Huntsville
• Master of Science in Nursing, University of North Alabama
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Belmont University

Clinical Expertise

• Maternal/Infant Health
• Critical Care: Neuro, Trauma, Surgical

Expertise

• Maternal Morbidity & Mortality in Rural Populations
• Maternal Sepsis
• Nurse Burnout