Advancing Science

Authored and co-authored by Yamile Jackson

At Nurtured by Design®, we not only engineer The Zaky® to translate evidence into practice but also advance science through research. Here are the latest publications by our CEO, Yamile Jackson, PhD, PE, PMP.

Transforming Trauma with Love, Safety, and Science

Mary Coughlin, MS, NNP, NCC-E, Yamile Jackson, PhD, PE, PMP

“The core principles of trauma-informed
care—safety, trust and transparency,
healthy relationships and interactions,
empowerment, voice and choice, equity,
anti-bias efforts, and cultural/gender
affirmation—guide all interactions in the
NICU.”

Coughlin, Mary, and Yamile Jackson. “Transforming Trauma with Love, Safety, and Science.” Neonatology Today, March 2025. PDF file.

"Application of a Risk Management Framework to Parent Sleep During Skin-to-Skin Care in the NICU"

Ashley Weber, Mason Elder, Kristin C. Voos, Joshua W. Lambert, Heather C. Kaplan, and Yamile C. Jackson

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing Vol. 51 Issue 3p 336–348 Published online: March 11, 2022

Clinician Opinions and Approaches to Manage Risk Related to Safe Sleep During Skin-to-Skin Care

Ashley M. Weber, Yamile C. Jackson, Mason R. Elder, Sarah L. Remer, Nehal A. Parikh, Jennifer J. Hofherr, Kristin C. Voos, and Heather C. Kaplan

Recognition: Your article was one of the best.  Criteria for award include originality of the work; clarity and scholarliness of the writing; potential to significantly affect the care of women, infants and/or childbearing families; and the interdisciplinary importance of the work.   Thank you for your contribution to nursing’s scholarly literature and particularly for your significant contribution to JOGNN in 2020. 

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, Volume 49, Issue 5, 464 - 474

DOI:10.1016/j.jogn.2020.07.001

The Culture of Research Communication in NICUs: Key Stakeholder perspectives (Editorial)

Degl J, Discenza D, Jackson Y, Sorrells K; International Neonatal Consortium.J Perinatol.

Journal of Perinatology 2021 Dec;41(12):2702-2703. doi: 10.1038/s41372-021-01221-4. Epub 2021 Oct 26. PMID: 34702970; PMCID: PMC8752438.

"The culture of research communication in neonatal intensive care units: key stakeholder perspectives"

Degl, J., Ariagno, R., Jackson Y. et al.The culture of research communication in neonatal intensive care units: key stakeholder perspectives.

Journal of Perinatology volume 41, pages2826–2833 (2021)https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-021-01220-5

A Survey of Neonatal Clinicians' Use, Needs, and Preferences for Kangaroo Care Devices.

Weber A, Jackson Y. Adv Neonatal Care. 2021 Jun 1;21(3):232-241. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000790.PMID: 32858546The culture of research communication in neonatal intensive care units: ...https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-021-01221-4(doi: 10.1038/s41372-021-01221-4)

Our True Story of Love, Science, and a Transformative Promise

by Yamile Jackson, PhD, PE, PMP

Publisher: Indiana University Press

Publication Date: Feb 20, 2023

Publication Name: Developmental observer

Healthcare processes for parent participation in neonatal intensive care units: A self-determination theory perspective

by Steven W. Rayburn, Sidney Anderson & Yamile C. Jackson (22 Apr 2024) DOI:10.1080/07359683.2024.2344926

This study (Health Marketing Quarterly, 2024) examined how NICUs can better integrate parents into care. Despite clear benefits—improved bonding, lower stress, enhanced infant outcomes—parents often feel powerless and excluded, a phenomenon termed service captivity.

Using qualitative data from 299 parents worldwide, the authors propose reframing parents as “partial employees” in the NICU. Guided by Self-Determination Theory, effective participation requires care processes that:

  • Empower parents with autonomy through meaningful choices and roles (e.g., kangaroo care, decision-making).
  • Connect them through supportive relationships with staff and inclusion in rounds.
  • Equip them with knowledge and skills to feel competent in caregiving tasks.

Designing processes around autonomy, relatedness, and competence transforms parents from “visitors” into active team members. This trauma-informed, evidence-based approach not only improves outcomes for infants but also strengthens family well-being and staff-family collaboration.

  • "Development and Validation of a Service Captivity Scale" by Rayburn, S. W., Makarem, S. C., Mohan, M., Arnold, T. J., & Jackson, Y. C. (2024).
    Journal of Service Research    , 27(3), 414-431. https://doi.org/10.1177/10946705231185176

  • Kangaroo care: The nurturing right of every mother and neonate, Neonatal Intensive Care, Vol 29 No 2 pp 42-43, Spring 2016

  • Advancing Brain-Oriented Care in the NICU:  Challenges and Opportunities, Neonatal Intensive Care, Vol 25 No 5 pp 47-52, Sept 2012

  • Bradycardia and Apnea of Prematurity: Nature or Nurture? Neonatal Intensive Care, Vol 25 No.2, pp 28-30. March/April 2012

  • Developmental Care Matters, Neonatal Intensive Care, Vol 25. No. pp 20-21 Jan/Feb 2012

  • Hippocratic Oath - Do No Harm? Neonatal Intensive Care, Vol 26 No. 3 pp 65-66. May/June 2013

  • Maternal Intervention is Imperative for the Development and Maturation of the Preemie, Neonatal Intensive Care, Vol 25 No.3, pp 47-49, May/Jun 2012

  • NICU Open Ward vs Single Room: Do Hospital Room Layouts Affect Infant Brain Development?  Neonatal Intensive Care, Vol 29 No.1, pp 31-35 Winter 2016

When Will I Get to Sleep? Skin-to-Skin Care for Your Baby in the NICU

by Ashley M. Weber, PhD, RN, RNC-NIC and Yamile C. Jackson, PhD, PE, PMP,

Read it

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