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Kathleen Brewer-Smyth

SCHOOL OF NURSING

KATHLEEN BREWER-SMYTH, PHD, RN, MSN, CRRN, FAAN


Professor
kbsmyth@udel.edu
 302-831-8382

Office Location:
McDowell Hall

Dr. Brewer-Smyth鈥檚 program of research focuses on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), abuse throughout the lifespan, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis salivary cortisol regulation, and neurological dysfunction, especially traumatic brain injury (TBI) and associated high risk behaviors and health outcomes later in life. She and her collaborators have published on how these variables are associated with mental and general health, adult obesity, sleep, HIV risk behaviors, alcohol misuse, suicide attempts, homicide, and other violent behaviors in populations at risk, including female prison inmates and homeless women. Her team has shown that supportive faith-based environments and higher forgiveness scores are associated with healthier bio-behavioral outcomes for female survivors after abuse and other trauma.听Her work has been supported by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Foundations including the 91原创 Research Foundation (91原创RF).

She is the author of听, published by Springer Nature听that won four American Journal of Nursing (AJN)听. (1st place in Community/ Home Health, Creative Works, and Psych/ Mental Health and 3rd place in Consumer Health). No other book had ever won this many AJN awards since AJN began rating healthcare books in 1969. This book is also the Winner of the in the medical category.

Education

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship University of Pennsylvania
  • Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania
  • MSN University of Pennsylvania, Adult Health and Illness, Neurology and Neurosurgery

Courses

Undergraduate

  • NURS 411 Current Issues in Neuroscience听
  • NURS 443 Clinical Practicum
  • NURS 312 Pathophysiology
  • NURS 362 Research
  • NURS 460 Clinical Integration Seminar
  • NURS 241听Scientific Basis of Nursing

Graduate

  • NURS 668 Advanced Clinical Neuroscience听
  • NURS 609 Theory/Research
  • NURS 833 NURS SCI Special Topics

Scholarship

  • Schimmels, J., Iennaco, J., Delaney, K. R., Hauenstein, E., Sharp, D., Brewer-Smyth, K., Kverno, K., Patch, M., Cadena, S., Blaakman, S., Arends, R., Beeber, L. (2025).听 Protecting our nursing and healthcare workers with comprehensive strategies for preventing violence and promoting safety: An American Academy of Nursing Consensus Paper. Nursing Outlook, 73(3), 102425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2025.102425听
  • Araya, A., Brown, A., Brewer-Smyth, K. (2025). Healthcare Providers Have a Critical Role in Preventing Trajectories of Violence American Academy of Nursing Health Policy Conference, Washington DC, October 2025
  • Araya, A., Brown, A., Brewer-Smyth, K. (2025). Preventing a Trajectory of Violence in Women with a History of Trauma. 91原创, College of Health Sciences Research and Innovation Day, March 20, 2025. Awarded 3rd place
  • Brewer-Smyth, K. (2022) Invited Book: Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan. ISBN 978-3-031-08800-1 ISBN-13: 鈥978-3031088001 ISBN-10 鈥 : 鈥 303108800X Springer Nature.听 听听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 2. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Neurodevelopment. In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_2
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 3. Potential Life-long Neurobiological, Bio-Behavioral and other Outcomes of Trauma. In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_3
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 4. Childhood Physical Abuse, (CPA) Childhood Sexual Abuse, (CSA) Childhood Emotional Abuse (CEA), Neglect and Other Trauma. In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_4
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 5. Absence of a Healthy Parent: Mental and Physical Illness, Substance Misuse and Trauma in the life of Parents, Caregivers, and Significant Others. In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_5
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 7. COVID-19 Trauma: the New Complex Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_7
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 8. Protective, Compensatory and Benevolent Experiences. In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_8
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 9. Understanding and Responding to Survivors of Trauma: Emotional Intelligence to Build Healthy Relationships. In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan听 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_9
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 10. Trauma Informed Self-Care: Emotional & Spiritual Resilience and Healing. In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_10
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 12. Brain Food: The Impact of Diet, Nutrition and Nutraceuticals on the Brain and the听 Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_12
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 13. Physical Exercise, Sleep and the Brain. In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_13
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 14. Self-Help for Lifelong Resilience: Cognitive Engagement, Education, Creativity, Sense of Purpose in Life, and Humor. In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_14
  • Brewer-Smyth, K (2022) Chapter 15. The Healing Power of Nature and the Brain: Healing in Green and Blue Spaces. In K. Brewer-Smyth (Ed.), Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Neuroscience of Trauma, Resilience and Healing throughout the Lifespan DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08801-8_15
  • Brewer-Smyth, K. (2022) Teaching Advanced Neuroscience. Invited Keynote Speaker, Nursing Diversity 2022, 3rd International Global Virtual Summit on Nursing Education. Theme: 鈥淓xploring new ideas and challenges in Nursing Education & Research鈥 Date: May 09 鈥 11, 2022听听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K. (2022) Neurobiology of Forgiveness and Healing after Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma throughout the Life Course. Mid-Atlantic Partnership Regional Conference for the Public Health Associations of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. Jan 13-14, 2022
  • Brewer-Smyth, K., Koenig, H. G., Kafonek, K., Adams, T, Raine A, and Granger, D. (2021) Post-Traumatic Bio-Behavioral Rehabilitation of Adult Female Victims. Delaware Journal of Public Health. 7(4) 160-166. Doi: 10.32481/djph.2021.09.021 PMID: 34604781
  • Brewer-Smyth, K., & Burgess, A.W. (2021) Neurobiology of Female Homicide Perpetrators. Journal of Interpersonal Violence Oct; 36(19-20):8915-8938. doi: 10.1177/0886260519860078. Epub 2019 Jul 22. PMID: 31328682
  • Brewer-Smyth, K. (2021) Teaching Forgiveness as a Healing link between Trauma and Mental Health. Invited Keynote Speaker Nursing Diversity 2021, 2nd International Global Virtual Summit on Nursing Education: 鈥淓xploring new ideas and challenges in Nursing Education & Research鈥 October 4th 鈥 7th, 2021
  • Brewer-Smyth, K., Koenig, H. G., Kafonek, K., Adams, T, Raine A, and Granger, D. (2021) Post-Traumatic Bio-Behavioral Rehabilitation of Adult Female Victims. Delaware Journal of Public Health. 7(4) 160-166. Doi: 10.32481/djph.2021.09.021 PMID: 34604781 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8482978/听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K., Kafonek, K., & Koenig, H. G. (2021) Sleep Quality, Forgiveness, Religion, Spirituality, and Health of Female Abuse Victims Living in a Homeless Shelter. Nurses Christian Fellowship International Virtual World Congress, July 9-11, 2021.
  • Brewer-Smyth, K. (2021) What is Forgiveness and How Might it Mitigate the Life-Long Negative Health Consequences of Abuse and other Trauma? Nurses Christian Fellowship International Virtual World Congress, July 9-11, 2021.
  • Brewer-Smyth, K., Koenig, H. G., Kafonek, K., Adams, T, Raine A, and Granger, D. (2020) Post-traumatic bio-behavioral rehabilitation of victims. American Academy of Nursing Transforming Health, Driving Policy Conference, October, 2020.
  • Brewer-Smyth, K., Kafonek, K., and Koenig, H. G. (2020). A Pilot Study on Sleep Quality, Forgiveness, Religion, Spirituality and General Health of Women Living in a Homeless Mission. Holistic Nursing Practice. Vol 34, No 1.听

  • Brewer-Smyth, K., Kafonek, K., & Koenig, H.G. (2019) Sleep, Forgiveness, and Health of Female Abuse Victims. Sigma Theta Tau International 45th Biennial Convention (16-20 November 2019)听

  • Brewer-Smyth, K.听& Burgess, A.W. (2018) Neurobiology Precision Health: Women who Commit Homicide. Podium Presentation Abstract, State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research, Sept 13-15, 2018
  • Brewer-Smyth, K.听(2018) Lateral Violence in Nursing: Implications and Strategies for Nurse Educators Letter to the Editor. Journal of Professional Nursing.听Volume 34, No. 1. 5-6听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K.听& Pohlig, R. T. (2017) Risk factors for females being under the influence of alcohol compared to other illicit substances at the time of committing violent crimes. Journal of Forensic Nursing.听13(4), 186-195. PMID: 29176519听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K., Cornelius, M., & Pohlig, R. T. (2016). Childhood adversity and mental health correlates of obesity in a population at risk. Journal of Correctional Health Care.听October, 22(4):367-382.听听PMID: 27742859听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听

  • Brewer-Smyth, K.听(2016) Suicidal women who commit homicide and other violent crimes, oral platform presentation, Counsel for the Advancement of Nursing Science (CANS) State of the Science Congress, Washington DC.听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K.听& Pohlig, R. T. (2016) Females who commit violent crimes while under the influence of alcohol, oral platform presentation, Counsel for the Advancement of Nursing Science (CANS) State of the Science Congress, Washington DC.听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K., Pohlig, R. T. & Bucurescu, G. (2016). Female children with incarcerated adult family members at risk for life-long neurological decline. Health Care for Women International, 37(7-9) 听,听.听Published on-line ahead of print:听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K.听(2016) Where have all the TBI patients gone? Oral lecture, Scientific Program, 9th International World Congress for Neurorehabilitation (WCNR 2016) Philadelphia, USA. May 10 鈥 13, 2016.
  • Brewer-Smyth, K., & Cornelius, M. (2015). Childhood sexual abuse and adult behavioral and health outcomes: A comparison of prison populations in 2 states. Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) Adverse Childhood Experiences Southeastern Summit 2015, Asheville, NC Sept 24-26听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K.,听Cornelius, M., & Pickelsimer, E. (2015). Childhood correlates of lifetime violent criminal behaviour: An epidemiological perspective on neurodevelopment.听 International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience: the Official Journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience听 Volume: 47听听 Issue: Pt A听听 Pages: 121听听听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K. (2015). Translational Perspectives on Violence.听American Nurse Today 鈥 Official Peer-Reviewed Journal of the American Nurses Association听10(10), 23 ISSN: 1930-5583 听听MEDLINE Info: NLM UID: 101291565听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K., Cornelius, M., &听 Pickelsimer, E. (2015). Childhood Adversity, Mental Health, and Violent Crime,听Journal of Forensic Nursing 11(1) 4-14.听doi: 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000062. PMID: 25695207听
  • Brewer-Smyth, K.听(2014).听 Obesity, traumatic brain injury, childhood abuse, and suicide attempts in females at risk.听Rehabilitation Nursing 39(4) 183 鈥 191 DOI: 10.1002/rnj.150听听 Continuing education credits available from this article PMID: 24668743听听Full Text:听

  • Brewer-Smyth, K. & Koenig, H. (2014). Could spirituality and religion promote stress resilience in survivors of childhood trauma?听Issues in Mental Health Nursing听35(4) 251鈥256. DOI: 10.3109/01612840.2013.873101
    PMID: 24702209听

Grants

  • 91原创 College of Health Sciences Equipment Grant for Bio-Behavioral and Other Symptom Science Research. PI: K Brewer-Smyth, 2021-2022
  • Open and Affordable Teaching Materials Grant to decrease costs for students and to disseminate information about how to get the best use of library resources to find the best peer-reviewed journal articles and open affordable materials.听PI: K Brewer-Smyth, 2021 - 2022

    听

  • Post-traumatic neurobiology and behavior and associated epigenetic aging among adult female victims of trauma. 91原创 SON Supplemental Grant Award, PI: K. Brewer-Smyth,听 2020 鈥 2023

    听

  • Childhood Abuse, Salivary Cortisol, Alcohol Use, and Violent Behavior of Females: A Pilot Study. 91原创 General University Research (GUR) Grant, PI: K. Brewer-Smyth听 2017 鈥 2020.

  • Where have all the TBI patients gone? National Science Foundation (NSF)听ADVANCE Award HRD-1409472 Women in STEM 鈥 91原创 ADVANCE mini-grant听 PI: K. Brewer-Smyth听 05/1/2016 鈥 09/1/2016

  • Childhood correlates of lifetime violent criminal behavior: An epidemiological perspective on neurodevelopment.听91原创 Institute for Global Studies.听International Travel Award,听 PI: K. Brewer-Smyth, 2014.

  • The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) among Incarcerated Persons (U49) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control U49 CE001318 9/07-9/12 Co-I, Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) PI: E. Pickelsimer, Medical University of South Carolina

Honors & Awards

  • Winner of the in the medical category for Brewer-Smyth, K. (2022) , published by Springer Nature.
  • Delaware Today Magazine 2025 Top Nurse Honoree: Winner in Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care category, Honorable Mention in Psych Mental Health听
    听听
    /academics/colleges/chs/about/news/2025/August/outstanding-delaware-nurses-spotlight/
  • Winner of four 2023 American Journal of Nursing (AJN) . (1st place in Community/ Home Health, Creative Works, and Psych/ Mental Health and 3rd place in Consumer Health) for Brewer-Smyth, K. (2022) , published by Springer Nature
  • Most Valueable Professor, nominated by 91原创 senior student fooball player, Blaise Sparks, 2023.听听 听听
  • Delaware Today Magazine 2022 Top Nurse Honoree: Winner in Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care category, Honorable Mention in several categories /academics/colleges/chs/about/news/2022/june/ud-heroes-in-healthcare/
  • 91原创 Excellence in Teaching Award, nominated multiple years
  • Inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), 2014
  • American Nurses Association National Professional Issues Panel on Workplace Violence and Incivility Advisory Committee, 2014 鈥 2015
  • Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) Doctorate-Prepared Researcher Role Award,听2013

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