Ulf G. Bronas, PhD, Named Inaugural Associate Dean for Research at Berkley School of Nursing

(February 27, 2026) — The Berkley School of Nursing (BSON) at Georgetown University has named Ulf G. Bronas, PhD, ATC, FSVM, FAHA, as its inaugural associate dean for research. He will begin his tenure on March 1, 2026. The newly created position reflects the school’s strategic commitment to advancing high-impact research, strengthening scholarly productivity, and elevating national and international visibility.

Bronas joins Georgetown from Columbia University, where he has served as professor in the School of Nursing and School of Medicine. He previously held faculty appointments at the University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing and the University of Minnesota, School of Nursing.

A nationally recognized scientist, Bronas’ work bridges exercise physiology, vascular medicine, cardiometabolic health and cognitive aging. He has secured sustained federal funding as principal investigator and co-investigator on numerous National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards, including multiple R01 grants. His research advances understanding of physical activity and behavioral interventions in cardiovascular, renal and metabolic disease, with particular emphasis on aging populations and health equity. He has published extensively in leading peer-reviewed journals and serves in leadership roles within the American Heart Association and the Society for Vascular Medicine, where he is an elected Fellow.

“I am honored to join the Berkley School of Nursing at this pivotal moment of a continued trajectory of excellence,” said Bronas. “The foundational principles of cura personalis and cura communitas, which ground our mission in social justice and health equity, closely align with my professional and personal values.”

As associate dean for research, Bronas will provide vision and strategic direction for the school’s research enterprise. He will facilitate and stimulate research funding across faculty and student initiatives; mentor tenure-line faculty in building sustainable programs of scholarship; collaborate on interdisciplinary grant development; and maintain accountability for achieving BSON’s strategic research goals. He will also partner with school and university leadership on development initiatives aligned with research priorities and represent the school at regional, national and international professional forums.

“I am dedicated to fostering sustained excellence in scholarship and mentorship as we build a robust and enduring research enterprise positioned to lead the field of nursing science in advancing health and promoting equity,” Bronas added. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across research, clinical practice and education as we strengthen our collective impact and serve as role models for the next generation of nurse leaders.”

“Dr. Bronas’ arrival marks an important inflection point for the Berkley School of Nursing,” said Roberta Waite, EdD, RN, PMHCNS, ANEF, FADLN, FAAN, dean of the school. “We are building a research enterprise that is bold in its ambition and grounded in our mission to advance health and promote equity. He brings the scientific credibility, leadership acumen, and collaborative spirit necessary to accelerate our trajectory. I am confident he will be an exceptional partner to our faculty, an inspiring mentor to emerging scholars, and a powerful advocate for the role of nursing science in shaping the future of health and health care.”

In addition to his administrative leadership, Bronas will maintain an active, externally funded research program that results in scholarly publications and national and international presentations.

His appointment signals a significant investment in expanding research capacity, fostering mentorship, and strengthening the Berkley School of Nursing’s impact on science, practice and policy.