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Dr. Kathryn Mercado joined ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â in 2023 as an Assistant Professor and coordinator of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) program. She began her career in neonatal nursing in 2007 and has actively practiced as a board-certified NNP since 2012. Her clinical background spans the full continuum of neonatal care, including Level I nurseries through Level IV NICUs and outpatient developmental follow-up programs.  Dr. Mercado earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Connecticut, her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kennesaw State University.  Deeply passionate about neonatal care, Dr. Mercado is equally committed to educating and mentoring future nurse leaders. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes academic excellence, professional growth, and leadership development, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to the nursing profession.