Tyshaneka Saffold is an Assistant Professor at the Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden. Dr. Saffold’s program of research focuses on pregnancy prevention and family planning decision-making among adolescents with consideration for social determinants of health.

Dr. Saffold has been a nurse for over 18 years, with clinical expertise in the areas of adolescent health, community/population health, and leadership. She is also trained at the doctoral level in the interdisciplinary field of Urban Systems. The driving force behind her clinical and academic career is a desire to dismantle health disparities, social and racial injustice, and inequalities in healthcare. She is an advocate for the availability of family planning options and the development of effective initiatives and policies, particularly among underserved populations. Dr. Saffold’s core values shape her philosophy of nursing: everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and compassion, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

Dr. Saffold’s service and research relate closely to her commitment to ensure fair and equitable service to all, regardless of their income level. As such, she volunteers locally and internationally, providing free health and education services to community members. Her overall career goal is to establish an evidence-based framework to be used as a guide for effective adolescent-focused family planning initiatives and policies.