Meet new faculty in the School of Nursing

The students in Case Western Reserve University’s undergraduate Class of 2029 aren’t the only new faces on campus this semester. We also welcomed new faculty members across the university, including at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing.

Read on to get to know some of those new faculty members, who shared their thoughts on their careers and advice for students. 

Answers have been lightly edited for length.

Mary Louise Tatum

Instructor 
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

Prior to joining the faculty at Case Western Reserve, Tatum was a behavioral health advance practice nurse at Cleveland Clinic. 

1. What are your specific teaching and/or research areas and interests?

My teaching and research interests focus on behavioral health, community engagement, and mental wellness among vulnerable populations. I am particularly passionate about building bridges between healthcare institutions and community-based settings, especially barbershops, schools, and faith organizations, to address mental health disparities and promote holistic well-being.

2. What do you look forward to at Case Western Reserve University?

I look forward to collaborating with inspiring colleagues and students who are committed to advancing health equity and innovation in nursing education and practice. I am excited to contribute to a university that values research, compassion, and community partnership, and to help prepare the next generation of nurses to lead with both clinical excellence and humanity.

3. Do you have any personal goals, hobbies, family, or interests that you would like to share?

I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and creating opportunities for connection and growth within my community. I am also passionate about wellness initiatives that bring people together, whether through conversation, education, or shared experiences that inspire healing and hope.

4. What’s one piece of advice you have for students?

Never underestimate the power of showing up or the courage it takes to be yourself. Growth often begins in the moments that challenge us most, and every experience, good or bad,can become a stepping stone toward your purpose. 

Jennifer Adamski

Assistant Dean of Professional Programs and Director of APRN/MSN 
Flight Education, Associate Professor. 

Adamski comes from Emory University School of Nursing where she served as the adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program director.

1. What are your specific teaching and/or research areas and interests?

I am a critical care nurse practitioner so I enjoy teaching all things acute, critical care and trauma. My areas of scholarship and research include advancing the role of advanced practice nurses, trauma prevention, rapid response teams and innovations in hemorrhagic shock management.

2. What do you look forward to at Case Western Reserve University?

What I’m most looking forward to is collaborating with a distinguished faculty and forward-thinking leadership team to strengthen and expand our professional programs. I’m particularly passionate about preparing the next generation of APRNs to meet the complex healthcare needs of diverse populations—and doing so through evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration and technology-enhanced learning.

Additionally, I’m excited about the opportunity to support and mentor students, ensuring they have a transformative educational experience that prepares them not just for clinical excellence, but also for leadership roles in healthcare.

3. Do you have any personal goals, hobbies, family, or interests that you would like to share?

Outside of my professional work, I have a deep passion for lifelong learning. Whether through reading, taking courses or engaging with different communities, I strive to continually challenge  myself and grow both personally and professionally. I believe in the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life, and for me, that includes spending time with my family, who are a constant source of inspiration and support. Ultimately, my goal is to balance my career, personal growth and family life in a way that reflects my values of service, education and making a meaningful difference.

4. What’s one piece of advice you have for students?

Never underestimate the power of showing up—consistently, wholeheartedly and with a willingness to grow. Success in nursing, and in life, isn’t about knowing everything right away; it’s about being present, staying curious and remaining resilient in the face of challenges. Every day is an opportunity to learn, to lead with compassion and to become the kind of nurse and person who makes a lasting difference.

Cheryl Bradas

Instructor
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

Bradas is a nurse scientist with expertise in research methodology and clinical practice who conducts systematic investigations with nurses to inform nursing practice, improve patient outcomes and promote health equity.

1. What are your specific teaching and/or research areas and interests? 

I am currently teaching Practice-Focused Inquiry courses to nurse anesthesia and nurse executive students who are obtaining their doctoral degree. My research interests are in community-engaged research with a particular focus on vulnerable older adults experiencing the intersecting challenges of poverty, social isolation, end-of-life quality of care, and relational social capital.

2. What do you look forward to at Case Western Reserve University? 

I've met so many amazing people at CWRU  beginning with the students to all levels of employees. The passion and purpose of those I've encountered thus far is truly energizing! As a lifelong learner myself, I am committed to assisting students in discovering their passions, cultivate their intellectual curiosity, and welcome diverse philosophical perspectives while honoring the rich tradition of academic excellence at CWRU.

3. Do you have any personal goals, hobbies, family, interests that you would like to share? 

I love anything outdoors. Nature is therapeutic, creating a sense of calm when life can be chaotic. Walking reduces stress, gardening teaches patience, and intentionally listening to the sounds of nature reminds us to slow down even for a moment. I also love to learn about different cultures as meeting others from various backgrounds enriches our own lives. I have been married for 34 years and have a grown son. 

4. What’s one piece of advice you have for students? 

Remember life is a journey, not a race. Remain open to perspectives, be willing to be vulnerable, and know our goal is to help you succeed. We believe in you!