Advancing health through the science of workforce wellbeing, predictive prevention, and system change
Dr. Porta is the Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and a Professor in the School of Nursing with adjunct appointments in the School of Public Health and the Center for Spirituality and Healing. Her current scholarship focuses on the science of trauma-informed practice, leadership, and organizations, and system-level strategies to strengthen the health care workforce and mitigate threats to their wellbeing. She is committed to promoting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Dr. Porta is a forensic nurse and scientist focused on keeping our workforce strong, promoting health and wellbeing, and making uncommon discoveries valuable to common real world situations. She has three decades working and leading in clinical care and training, team science, and workforce development including strategic and operational leadership of large-scale multi-sectoral projects and studies.
Her experience providing care to those who have recently experienced violence makes her a unique leader in calm and chaos. She is level headed, visionary and realistic, and effective at rapidly and thoroughly deploying tactics to achieve deliverables and solve complex challenges.
308 Harvard St SE, Minneapolis MN 55455
| Years | Project Title | Role | Sponsor | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–2027 | Restoring Survivors with an Excellent SANE Workforce (Re-SANE) | PI | HRSA / US DHHS | — |
| 2022–2023 | Nurses' Attitudes Towards Psychedelic Use in Healthcare | PI | Joe & Sandy Samburg Foundation | — |
| 2021–2024 | Strengthening Support of Survivors with an Expanded SANE (S3-SANE) | PI | HRSA / US DHHS | — |
| 2021–2022 | Storying and Story Care: Building a Model to Transform Self | Co-I | University of Minnesota OVPR SDG | — |
| 2020–2025 | Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety Training | Co-I | CDC / NIOSH | — |
| 2020–2025 | USAID Advancing Higher Education for Afghanistan's Development | PI | FHI 360 / USAID | — |
| 2018–2021 | Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Curriculum Integration | PI | University of Minnesota | — |
| 2016–2020 | Global Health Initiative: Higher Education Capacity Building — Africa & Asia | PI | USAID / FHI 360 | — |
Full funding history available in CV. Award amounts on request.
Dr. Porta brings her scientific expertise to national and state policy through advisory roles, editorial leadership, and high-level committee appointments — translating research into action at the highest levels of health care and nursing.
Dr. Porta is an engaging speaker and educator who draws on her personal and professional experiences to inspire reflection and action in others. She is available for keynote addresses, invited lectures, grand rounds, leadership workshops, moderating, and policy briefings.
Carolyn brings lived experiences to her speaking — she engages audiences with her stories, sense of humor, and serious calls to action. Daughter of a faith leader, first-generation college graduate, accomplished forensic nurse and scientist, leader and entrepreneur, and mama bear to two incredible young adults, Carolyn authentically shares and calls her audiences to action.
Content Expertise & Speaking Topics
For Students & Collaborators
I welcome inquiries from prospective PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and research partners with backgrounds in nursing, public health, forensic science, and workforce science.
Potential collaborators are encouraged to reach out directly.