Cumberland University Assistant Professor of Psychology and Army veteran, Dr. Chelsea Sterne, was recently awarded the prestigious Bone Grant to support her independent research on chronic pain and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in military members. The grant enables Chelsea to delve deeper into her project titled, “The Prevalence and Epidemiology of Chronic Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military Members across a Development Cycle: A Three-Part Contribution to the Field of Military Health Psychology.”
Under the Bone Grant, Dr. Sterne will publish three separate peer-reviewed journal articles, each focusing on a different aspect of her research. Additionally, she will present project findings at the esteemed Military Health System Research Symposium- hosted by the Department of Defense- in the falls of 2024 and 2025. The symposium provides a platform for researchers to share their findings and contribute to the advancement of military health.
Dr. Sterne’s research has been made possible through a collaboration with the South Texas Research Organizational Network Guiding Studies on Trauma and Resilience (STRONG STAR) Consortium based in San Antonio, Texas. STRONG STAR is a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional organization funded by agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration. Chelsea’s collaboration allows Cumberland University to become one of the contributing institutions to the STRONG STAR mission.
Dr. Sterne’s research is crucial in understanding the prevalence and epidemiology of chronic pain and PTSD among military personnel. By shedding light on these critical issues, her work has the potential to improve the well-being and mental health support available to those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces.
As an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Cumberland University, Dr. Sterne brings a unique perspective to her research, drawing from her own experiences as an Army veteran. Her dedication to the field and her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by military members make her a deserving recipient of the Bone Grant. “I’m proud to have served in the U.S. Army, and am honored to have the ability to continue supporting my fellow service members through my research,” Dr. Sterne explained. “As an Army Officer, I served with men and women from all walks of life and saw firsthand the way that military-specific stressors impacted their mental health and wellbeing. It is imperative that we continue to better understand the psychological sequelae of military service and enhance the resources available to our service members. I’m grateful for the chance to continue striving towards that goal with the support of the Bone Grant and Cumberland University.”
Chelsea Sterne’s enthusiasm for her research is evident as she embarks on this important project. The Bone Grant not only recognizes her expertise and potential, but also provides the necessary support to make a lasting impact in the field of military health psychology.