Dr. Alexa Watach

Biography

Alexa Watach is an Assistant Professor at Penn Nursing, specializing in nurse research and implementation science. Her research is focused on enhancing the translation of evidence into practice within the realm of sleep medicine. Dr. Watach emphasizes stakeholder engagement and collaborates with both researchers and non-research partners including patients, community members, families, and clinicians. This collaborative approach ensures diverse perspectives shape her research agendas and guide practical changes in the field. She is dedicated to creating and implementing evidence-based solutions that are patient-centered and scalable, aiming to transform outcomes in sleep medicine. A significant part of her work addresses health disparities in sleep disorders, particularly among Black and Indigenous people of color who experience higher rates of obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia but often have lower access to diagnosis and treatment. As part of her teaching at the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, Dr. Watach mentors students, imparting the necessary skills to evaluate and revolutionize healthcare practices. She holds a PhD from Penn State University and has extensive experience in qualitative research methods and implementation science, reflective of her prior roles in clinical practice and academic training.

Research Interests

Experience