Joan Carpenter, PhD, CRNP, ACHPN, FPCN is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, a health scientist at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, and a nurse practitioner at Coastal Hospice and Palliative Care. Dr. Carpenter is an expert in geriatric palliative care, specializing in post-acute and long-term care settings. Her research interests focus on the implementation and evaluation of non-pharmacologic palliative care interventions to improve quality of life, reduce symptom burden, and enhance decision making for people with serious illness. She has extensive experience collaborating with interdisciplinary health professionals to implement evidence-based practices and complex interventions to support high-quality palliative care. Her position as an educator, researcher, and leader supports national efforts to enhance serious illness care for older adults.