Thruston Named Interim Director for CRISP
Wanda Thruston
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowWanda Thruston has been named interim director of the Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy at the Indiana University Public Policy Institute. She most recently served as a clinical assistant professor and special assistant to the Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the IU School of Nursing in Indianapolis.
Thruston is a doctor of nursing practice, pediatric nurse practitioner, and a registered nurse who worked in child, adolescent, and family health for 40 years as a clinician, administrator, educator, and advocate. She also served as a school board member for MSD of Washington Township from 2008 to 2020.
CRISP’s research focuses on systemic issues at the intersection of social policy and equity. It helps leaders and residents make informed decisions about those issues, including diversity and inclusion, education, housing and homelessness, human services, immigration, neighborhood and community development, public health and safety, and youth and families.
The CRISP team has done extensive work on issues of disparities relating to COVID-19, housing disparities, homelessness, hate crimes, evictions, immigration policy, and more.
Thruston replaces Breanca Merritt, CRISP’s founding director, who left in January to become the first chief health equity and ADA officer for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.