Alison Pilsner MPH, BSN, RN, CPH, IBCLC

Alison Pilsner, MPH, RN, CPH, IBCLC, is a research scientist and bilingual public health nurse at the University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing. She began her career in public health research and communication before transitioning into nursing and has two decades of experience in public and global health. She previously practiced as a public health nurse home visitor serving families involved with the child welfare system, and her work now spans research, policy, and nursing education.

Pilsner’s research focuses on translating evidence into policy and practice to improve the health and safety of children and families, with an emphasis on early childhood health and obesity prevention, public health policy, and injury prevention. She serves as principal investigator of Achieving a State of Healthy Weight, a national policy surveillance study examining how state child care licensing regulations support healthy eating, physical activity, infant feeding, and other obesity prevention practices. Her work includes providing technical assistance and policy consultation to state public health and child care agencies and contributing to the development and revision of national health and safety standards for early care and education.

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Pilsner has expertise in infant feeding and breastfeeding and has served on national workgroups providing subject-matter expertise in breastfeeding policy, health equity, and early childhood health. Her broader scholarship and professional work also include global health. For nearly two decades, she has participated in international service-learning and global health initiatives in Central and South America, collaborating with community organizations, health care providers, and local partners while supporting the education and mentorship of health sciences students.

Pilsner is currently pursuing a DNP in Public Health Nursing at the University of Colorado Anschutz Campus. Her doctoral work focuses on firearm injury prevention and strengthening prevention practices among professionals working with children and families, including counseling related to firearm and medication safety and overdose prevention.