Ruth Lucas

Ph.D., RNC, CLS, FAAN

Associate Professor

She/Her/Hers

I am a nurse scientist, educator, innovator, and researcher focused on maternal-child health, breastfeeding, pain, and genetics. My primary goal is to shift the breastfeeding paradigm from a maternal-only psychological approach to an infant-maternal biopsychosocial science using biopsychosocial mechanisms within the dyadic interaction between infant and mother.

Research Interests

  • Breastfeeding
  • Pain and Pain Management
  • Infant Development
  • Cannabinoid Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

“It Takes Two” video – Dr. Lucas discusses how breastfeeding takes effort on the part of both the baby and the mother.

In the News

Honors & Awards

  • 2020: Johnson & Johnson Maternal Child Nurse Innovate Finalist
  • 2019: UConn School of Nursing
  • 2019: Mary Lawrence Research Development Award, 2019
  • 2018: Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation: Moore Inventor Fellows Competition. Selected to the National Competition
  • 2017: Maternal report of nipple and breast pain during breastfeeding in late preterm and full-term breastfeeding dyads. Building Brighter Futures: Advances in Pediatric and Neonatal Care. Groton, CT. 2nd Place Poster.
  • 2011: Beta Epsilon Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International “Rising Star Award”
  • 2011: What is in your ultrasound gel? Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Annual Convention, Denver, CO. Winner of Best poster
  • 2010: Seth Rosen Dissertation Award, University of Illinois at Chicago
  • 2008: University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Graduate Student Poster Competition – MNRS Conference Award Funded to represent UIC
  • 2007: University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Graduate Student Poster Competition – MNRS Conference Award Funded to represent UIC

Selected Publications

Publications on PubMed

A portrait of assistant professor Ruth Lucas.
Contact Information
Emailruth.lucas@uconn.edu
Office LocationSH 112A
CampusStorrs