Susan Smith Birkhoff, Ph.D., RN, makes nursing history in Delaware

WILMINGTON- Susan Smith Birkhoff, Ph.D., RN, is breaking new ground in the nursing field through her leadership and mentorship in the Delaware IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE). 

As the first nurse scientist to be named an INBRE site principal investigator and the first nurse to receive the prestigious Seema S. Sonnad Mentor of the Year Award, Birkhoff’s contributions are setting a new precedent in Delaware. 

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INBRE is a collaborative network of Delaware’s top academic, health care, and research institutions, including ChristianaCare, Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College, Nemours Children’s Health, and the University of Delaware.

As the INBRE site principal investigator at ChristianaCare, Birkhoff is set to expand the program’s impact at a large academic health center. Working closely with INBRE partners, she aims to enhance student programs, increase pilot program contributions, and amplify INBRE’s presence within ChristianaCare.

“Susan brings a terrific combination of skills to this role,” said Omar Khan, M.D., MHS, FAAFP, chief scientific officer for ChristianaCare and institutional representative on the INBRE steering committee.

“She is a mentor, scientist, and teacher, and her experience with INBRE and the state’s other premier research programs will ensure that we deliver the highest value for the Delaware community,” he said. 

Birkhoff is a champion of interprofessional research education, systemwide technology evaluation, and grant development. Her research portfolio is extensive, covering topics such as robotics in health care, virtual reality in medicine, and nursing workforce burnout. As the program director of Technology Research & Education at ChristianaCare, she collaborates across the health system’s academic research enterprise to drive impactful research outcomes.

“Susan is a wonderful colleague and a true researcher-educator,” said Neil Jasani, M.D., MBA, FACEP, chief academic officer for ChristianaCare. “She is a great fit for the work of Delaware INBRE as we advance ChristianaCare’s contribution to this essential research network.”

One of her most innovative projects involves leading a study on one of the first deployments of increasingly autonomous robots in a U.S. health care setting. She also directs ChristianaCare’s first Nursing Research Fellowship in Robotics and Innovation, providing a unique opportunity for nurses to engage in cutting-edge technological research.

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In recognition of her outstanding mentorship, Birkhoff was awarded the 2025 Seema S. Sonnad Mentor of the Year Award from INBRE’s Junior Investigator Network. She was nominated by ChristianaCare colleagues whom she mentored. 

“They say that if you are not at the table, you are on the menu. We are profoundly grateful that Dr. Smith Birkhoff selflessly provided us with a seat at the table and an overflowing feast of knowledge,” said Abernathy while presenting the award.

Birkhoff’s work continues to elevate the role of nurses in research and mentorship, ensuring that the next generation of nursing professionals is well-equipped to contribute to advancements in health care and technology.

“This knowledge has quenched our thirst for change and fueled our hunger for research and innovation, setting the stage for the rest of our careers,” Abernathy said.