Karen Sheppard, RN joined the CIBS center in 2016. She began her nursing career in 2002 working first on the surgical floor, ICU, ER, Air St Luke's. and MICU at Vanderbilt prior to joining the CIBS center in 2016. She has worked closely with patients and families affected by ICU delirium in the hospital setting and has a special interest in patient advocacy. She feels her role as a research nurse allows her to engage with patients and families along with educating bedside care providers to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.