Leadership
Julie W. Merten, Ph.D. | Associate Dean of MedNexus
Julie William Merten, Ph.D. provides leadership and direction for the planning and operation of UNF MedNexus including programs at the Deerwood site, the Palm Coast initiative, expansion of nursing education in collaboration with the School of Nursing and other signature projects. Dr. Merten has been at UNF for 18 years serving in a variety of roles including professor in the Department of Public Health and most recently as director of the Office of Faculty Excellence.
Beyond MedNexus, she serves as the Editor-in-Chief for the Florida Public Health Review journal and program director for the Interdisciplinary Health Studies program. Her research involves behavioral cancer prevention, specifically in the areas of skin cancer and tobacco control. She has used her research training to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based sun safety education, analyzed how people utilize the Internet and social media for cancer information, surveyed children, adolescents and young adults on their skin cancer prevention behaviors, assess cancer prevention programs among special populations, and implemented skin cancer assessment and referral intervention to increase national skin cancer screening rates.
Working with brilliant faculty and dynamic community partners to create extraordinary experiences for our students is my dream role.
Hannah Boudreaux, B.A.S. | MedNexus Coordinator
Hannah Boudreaux, under the direction of the Associate Dean, will assist with operation and planning of MedNexus initiatives.
Pamela S. Chally, Ph.D. | Professor and Dean Emeritus
Dr. Pam Chally will serve as a part-time executive consultant for MedNexus to build community partnerships. Dr. Chally has worked at UNF for the past 30 years, serving in many roles from Associate Professor to Interim University President. She was Dean of the Brooks College of Health for 19 years and works extensively with community members to improve overall health in the region.
MedNexus is about partnerships supporting our region, state, and beyond. I am excited about the opportunity to seek out and build relationships that result in collaboration, education, and innovation.