Meet a CARE Affiliate

Kristin Brunsell Merss

Kristin Brunsell Merss, PhD, RN is a Postdoctoral Trainee at the UW—Madison School of Nursing. Her research explores the intersection of incarceration and health, specifically for older adults and people aging in the criminal legal system.

“Not only does the person have to eat and use utensils, but they also have to walk carrying a tray of food,” she says, describing prison activities of daily living. “They might be expected to climb into a top bunk. They might be expected to walk while shackled or handcuffed. Think about what that does to your balance, to your mobility.”