Erica Husser
Spring Mills
Summary
Innovative Community Engagement and Program Management Professional with more than 10 years of experience designing and implementing initiatives that mobilize communities, health systems, and public institutions. Expertise in stakeholder engagement and community outreach strategies, with a focus on translating complex ideas into accessible programs. Passionate about empowering communities to take meaningful action on climate solutions that improve health, relationships, community resilience, and quality of life.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Associate
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
State College
01.2025 - Current
- Lead the development and implementation of a statewide research program focused on climate-health resilience, community education, and health system transformation.
- Conducted field interviews and guided undergraduate researcher in data collection and analysis.
- Facilitated online sessions for Project ECHO, improving community health engagement and education.
- Contributed to weekly meetings with research team to align project goals and track progress.
Assistant Research Professor (NTT)
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
State College
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Collaborated with community partners to advance health research initiatives.
- Contributed to grant writing efforts that secured funding for research projects.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary collaborations between researchers from different institutions.
- Mentored undergraduate students in conducting independent research projects.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines efficiently.
- Analyzed data to inform research findings and recommendations.
Project Director
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
State College
01.2016 - 01.2023
- Led program planning, implementation, and evaluation for federally funded initiatives exceeding $3.9M in grant funding.
- Managed project timelines, budgets, and performance metrics to ensure program effectiveness and continuous improvement.
- Designed and managed multi-partner programs addressing health, aging, and climate impacts on vulnerable populations across Pennsylvania.
- Developed community engagement strategies that connected universities, health systems, government, and non-profit organizations to enhance collaboration and resource sharing.
- Built partnerships with community organizations to deliver education and outreach programs addressing Age-Friendly care and climate risks such as extreme heat and flooding.
- Created educational resources and engagement campaigns that translated research into actionable guidance, empowering communities and healthcare providers to address health and climate challenges.
- Organized community events, trainings, and workshops to increase participation and build stronger local networks for Age-Friendly care.
Senior Analyst
Ripple Effect Communications
Rockville
01.2009 - 01.2016
- Designed outreach and communication strategies to translate complex science into accessible messaging for public audiences.
- Conducted evaluations to assess program impact and refine engagement strategies.
- Developed presentations, reports, and communication materials to effectively convey national initiative goals.
- Supported federal health and science agencies by enhancing strategic communications, engaging stakeholders, and evaluating program effectiveness.
Research Coordinator / Research Assistant
Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology
Blacksburg
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Managed recruitment and scheduling of participants for gerontology projects, enhancing study engagement.
- Coordinated aging and community health research projects, ensuring alignment with study objectives.
- Assisted in developing research protocols and documentation for studies.
- Supported program evaluation and stakeholder engagement, facilitating effective dissemination of findings to community partners.
Wilderness Leader
Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing; Timberline Adventures
Roanoke
05.2004 - 01.2005
- Led team activities that promoted participant engagement, personal growth through challenge by choice, and enjoyment in outdoor adventures.
- Implemented adventure programs that developed teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills in participants.
- Established clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations for team projects, ensuring alignment on timelines and resource allocation.
Broadcast Journalist
British Columbia, Canada
- Researched and reported local news stories across British Columbia, informing and engaging the audience.
- Interviewed community members and public figures, enhancing feature segments with diverse perspectives.
- Wrote scripts and edited content for broadcast and digital platforms, ensuring clarity and audience accessibility.
- These roles strengthened leadership, public communication, storytelling, and community relationship-building skills.
Education
PhD - Human Development; Adult Development and Aging
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VAMS - Human Development; Adult Development and Aging
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VABA - Psychology (with Distinction)
University of Victoria
Victoria, BC, CanadaSkills
- Program Management
- Program evaluation and performance metrics
- Strategic program planning
- Data-informed decision making
- Community Engagement & Outreach
- Stakeholder relationship building
- Community-based education
- Outreach campaign development
- Science communication
- Communications
- Public speaking and presentations
- Grant writing management
- Cross-sector collaboration
Certification
• Climate Change and Health Certificate, Yale School of Public Health (2025)
• Mental Health First Aid, Penn State Extension (2024)
• Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, Virginia Tech (2009)
• Wilderness First Responder (2005-2008; inactive)
• Mental Health First Aid, Penn State Extension (2024)
• Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, Virginia Tech (2009)
• Wilderness First Responder (2005-2008; inactive)
Selected Grants And Initiatives
- Principal Investigator, Resilience and Equity in Addressing Climate Health (REACH), Penn State Climate Consortium Climate Solutions Accelerator, $100,000, 01/01/24 - 12/31/26, Statewide initiative preparing health and social systems to address climate-related health risks including extreme heat, flooding, and air quality.
- Project Director, Age-Friendly Care PA (HRSA GWEP), $3.9M Federal Program, 01/01/19 - 12/31/24, Led implementation of statewide training and community engagement strategies to improve healthcare systems and community support for aging populations.
- Past President and Development Committee Chair, Penns Valley Conservation Association (PVCA), Central PA; a small non-profit organization. Responsible for leading organizational growth by securing more than $300,000 in donations to support staff and special projects.
Timeline
Research Associate
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
01.2025 - Current
Assistant Research Professor (NTT)
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
01.2023 - 01.2025
Project Director
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
01.2016 - 01.2023
Senior Analyst
Ripple Effect Communications
01.2009 - 01.2016
Wilderness Leader
Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing; Timberline Adventures
05.2004 - 01.2005
Research Coordinator / Research Assistant
Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology
01.2004 - 01.2008
Broadcast Journalist
British Columbia, Canada
PhD - Human Development; Adult Development and Aging
Virginia Tech
MS - Human Development; Adult Development and Aging
Virginia Tech
BA - Psychology (with Distinction)
University of Victoria