Her Story
About Staja
Staja Booker, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an accomplished nurse scientist, educator, and advocate serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Florida College of Nursing. A trained geriatric nurse, she specializes in chronic pain, aging, and the experiences of older adults, with a particular focus on pain disparities and health equity. Her academic preparation includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grambling State University, a Master of Science in Gerontology/Adult Health Nursing from Penn State University, and a PhD in Nursing with a focus on aging and pain research from the University of Iowa.
Dr. Booker’s scholarship examines the social, behavioral, and healthcare factors that contribute to chronic pain and disability among older adults, particularly African American/Black populations. She has authored more than 110 peer-reviewed publications and editorials, contributed 11 book chapters, and delivered nearly 150 scientific presentations. In 2024, she secured a $1 million NIH grant to lead a randomized controlled trial testing an innovative pain self-management intervention addressing social determinants that influence chronic musculoskeletal pain among African Americans/Blacks. She was also inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 2024 and has contributed to the development of pain research through professional leadership and community engagement.
Beyond her academic and research accomplishments, Dr. Booker is committed to dismantling racial and age-related inequities in healthcare and translating research into meaningful community impact. Through initiatives such as the Power Over Pain Empowerment Jubilee, she helps connect communities with evidence-based education, resources, and practical skills for chronic pain management. Her journey from a small town in Louisiana to becoming a tenured professor and internationally recognized nurse scientist reflects her dedication to advancing health equity, improving pain care, and empowering others through knowledge, advocacy, and compassionate leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Staja
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Put myself first and enjoy the accomplishments and the journey rather than always helping others without taking care of myself.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The sky is not the limit. Shoot for the stars. Do not limit yourself or box yourself into traditional views society may have of women.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Major challenges include securing and sustaining funding for research, changes in healthcare such as artificial intelligence, nursing staffing, and being valued for the work, as well as Medicare changes impacting nurses and patients. Also translating research into the community with limited resources.
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