Karyn Roberts, PhD, RN

Dr. Roberts has been a pediatric nurse for over 25 years working in a variety of areas, including neurosurgery, general pediatrics, and the pediatric emergency department. Dr. Roberts spent several years overseas in Russia and Central Asia in the late nineties and early 2000’s which have informed her views on nursing, healthcare delivery systems, and the role of culture as it impacts health equity among underserved populations. The overall goal of her research is to ensure children with severe obesity and their families will achieve health equity and have optimal physical/psychosocial health and improved quality of life. Dr. Roberts’ research interest encompasses the physiological, psychosocial, environmental, and social determinants which impact the prevalence and health of children with severe obesity. Her current research focuses on children with severe obesity and their families, specifically on how to improve holistic health and quality of life. She is investigating how genes in the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) pathway may influence non-syndromic obesity and subsequent physical and psychological sequelae in children with severe obesity. Additionally, her work has included the impact of weight stigma on children and families. The goal of these data is to improve interactions with healthcare providers and advocate for and inform family-centered interventions for optimal outcomes. Dr. Roberts is an expert teacher and advocate for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels effectively using evidence-based techniques to improve students’ critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills.

Awards and Honors

Daisy Faculty Award, UIC-College of Nursing 2013

Seth and Denise Rosen Memorial Award, UIC-College of Nursing 2019

Research Award, Sigma Theta Tau-Alpha Lambda Chapter, 2019

Giness Advance Practice Scholarship Recipient-Emergency Nurses Association, 2011

Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, 1994-Present

Current Research

Evaluation of Genetic Testing in a Pediatric Weight Management Program

Grants

Experiences of Families with Children Attending a Clinic-Based Weight Management Program: A Qualitative Study.
Sigma Theta Tau International-Small Grants- PI

Recent Publications

Roberts, K.J., & Polfuss, M.L. (2022). Weight stigma in children and adolescents: An  overview and recommendations for practice and policy. Nursing: 52(6). p17-24 doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000829904.57766.58

Roberts, K.J., Ariza, A.J., Selvaraj, K., Quadri, M. Mangarelli, C., Neault, S, Davis, E.E.,  & Binns, H.J. (2022). Testing for Rare Genetic Causes of Obesity: Findings and experiences from a pediatric weight management program. International Journal of Obesity (London). 2022 May 13; https://doi: 10.1038/s41366-022-01139-7. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 35562395; PubMed Central

Roberts, K.J. , Hafez, S.A., Snethen, J., Binns, H. J., Knafl, K.A. (2022) Perceptions of Weight Management: Interviews with Adolescents with Severe Obesity and Their Mothers. Childhood Obesity. 18(4):219-227. doi: 10.1089/chi.2021.0181. Epub 2021 Nov 11. PMID: 34762511.

Roberts, K.J., Ariza, A.J., Selvaraj, K., Quadri, M. Mangarelli, C., Neault, S., & Binns, H.J. (2021). Testing for rare genetic causes of obesity: Outcomes in a  pediatric weight management program (2021), Oral Abstracts. Obesity, 29: 4- 46. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23328

Roberts, K. J., Polfuss, M.J., Marston, E.C., & Davis, R.L. (2021). Experiences of weight stigma in adolescents with severe obesity and their families (2021), Poster Abstracts. Obesity, 29: 47-197. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23329

Roberts, K. J., Polfuss, M.J., Marston, E.C., & Davis, R.L. (2021). Experiences of Weight Stigma in Adolescents with Severe Obesity and Their Families. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77(10), 4184-4194. DOI: 10.1111/jan.15012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34435701/

Roberts, K.J., Gallo, A.M., Patil, C. L, Vincent, C., Binns, H.J., & Koenig, M.D. (2021).  Family management of severe obesity in adolescents. Journal of  Pediatric Nursing. 2021 Sep-Oct;60:181-189. https://doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.06.016

Roberts, K. J., Binns, H.J., Vincent, C., Koenig, M.D. (2021). A scoping review: Family and child perspectives of clinic-based obesity treatment. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 57, 56-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2020.10.025/

Presentations

Roberts, K.J., Vincent, C., Gallo, A.M, Patil, C.L., Binns, H.J., & Koenig, M.D. Postcard Presentation “Family Management of Severe Obesity in Adolescents”. Midwest Nursing Research Society 44^th Annual Research Conference: Advancing Nursing Research With Diverse Populations. Virtual Conference April 3, 2020.

Roberts, K. J., & Gallo, A.M. Poster Presentation “Experiences of Families with Children Attending a Clinic-Based Weight Management Program: A Qualitative Study.” 14th International Family Nursing Conference (IFNC14). Washington DC, August 14, 2019.

Johnson, A., Corte, C., Roberts, K.J. (2018). Poster Presentation “Possible Selves, Psychological Well-Being, and Substance Use in Young Men Post-Incarceration”. Midwest Nursing Research Society 42^nd Annual Research Conference: The Future of Nursing Research: Economic Realities and Creative Solutions. Cleveland, OH April 14, 2018.

Roberts, K.J., O’Rourke, J. Poster Presentation “Using Multiple Hybrid Patient Simulation to Teach Prioritization, Safety and Communication.” INACSL (International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation & Learning) Conference 2016. Grapevine, TX June 16, 2016.

Kendrick, A., Roberts, K. J. Poster Presentation “Utilizing Simulation to Bridge Gaps in Clinical Nursing Education”. 40th Annual March of Dimes Perinatal Conference: Improving Perinatal Outcomes: 40 Years of Success! Westin, Lombard, IL March 9 & 10, 2015.

Roberts, K.J., Duback, K., Sava, K. & Obrecht, J.(2014). Poster Presentation “Integrating Nursing Education and Practice: Utilizing Clinical Partnerships To Provide Simulation Experiences to Nursing Students.” 9^th Annual NLN/Elsevier Technology Conference: What’s Happening Now? Nashville, TN. October 25, 2014.

Roberts, K.J., Duback, K., Sava, K. & Obrecht, J.(2014). Podium Presentation“Integrating Nursing Education and Practice: Utilizing Clinical Partnerships To Provide Simulation Experiences to Nursing Students.”  2^nd Annual Advocate Healthcare Nursing Research Symposium. Chicago, IL. April 9, 2014. 

Roberts, K.J., Reidinger, G., & Koran, Z. (2011) Poster Presentation: Cultural Competence: Nurses’ Perceptions Regarding the Culturally Diverse Patient
Exemplary Professional Practice in Action: Research and Education: AdvocateChrist Medical Center, Oaklawn, IL, April 12, 2011.