Bio

Dr. Emma Kurnat-Thoma, PhD, MS, RN, FAAN is an NIH-trained scientist and nurse researcher with 28 years’ experience in government, science, policy, regulatory, health quality, nursing and medical education, and clinical practice settings. She has a successful track record of development and implementation of non-profit research processes in community, academic, government and commercial industry settings. Policy stakeholders and clients are supported and empowered in the ethical use of science and technology to enable authentic social and moral progress that advances humankind and the common good, particularly in resource limited environments. 

Dr. Kurnat-Thoma has 18 years of Catholic lay leader and liturgical ministry experience, was a volunteer in the U.S. Papal Visit 2015 Canonization Mass of Blessed Junipero Serra with her Catholic Christian husband Andy, and served in the Catholic Church's 2021-2024 Synod at the parish, diocesan, and continental levels. Inter-religious dialogue, Catholic social teaching and social justice mechanisms for supporting Christian family life are special areas of expertise.