Kelly Berishaj, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, AFN-C, SANE-A , DF-AFN

Biography: 

Dr. Kelly Berishaj’s teaching, service, practice, and scholarship focus is in the specialty of forensic nursing, more specifically sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and strangulation. Dr. Berishaj has been a faculty member in the School of Nursing at Oakland University since 2007 and was instrumental in the development and implementation of the graduate forensic nursing program. Currently, she is the Forensic Nursing Program Director and a faculty mentor to graduate students.

Clinical Expertise: 

• Forensic nursing
• Sexual assault
• Intimate Partner violence
• Critical care 
• Medical-surgical nursing

Education:

• DNP- Oakland University
• MSN-Nursing Education, Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist- University of Detroit Mercy
• BSN- Madonna University

Research Area Interests:

• Sexual Assault
• Intimate Partner Violence
• Strangulation
• Professional Nursing Practice 

Research/Publications:

SCHOLARSHIP

Publications (journal-refereed)

• Walquist, E., Zheng, W., Datey, I., Zhou, X., Berishaj, K., McDonald, M., Parkhill, M., Zhu, D., & Zytko, D. (2026). Trauma-informed data donation: Integrating expert and donor perspectives on designing against re-traumatization during collection of sexual violence data. In Designing Interactive Systems Conference (DIS ’26). https://doi.org/10.1145/3800645.3813074
• McDonald, M., Berishaj, K., Ghesquiere, M., & Maricle, K. (2026). Effects of strangulation in women who are pregnant following intimate partner violence-related strangulation. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2025.12.007

• Walquist, E., Datey, I., Zheng, W., Zhou, X., Berishaj, K., McDonald, M., Parkhill, M., Zhu, D., & Zytko, D. (2025). Collective consent: Who needs to consent to the donation of data representing multiple people?. ACM Hum.-Comput. Interact. 9, 7, Article CSCW386 (November 2025), 30 pages. https://doi.org/10.1145/3757567
• Berishaj, K., Morrissey, S., & Kennedy, M. (2024). Sexual assault nurse examiner knowledge and confidence in providing care for transgender patients following sexual assault. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 40(11-12), 2449-2466. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605241270062.
• Datey, I., Berishaj, K., & Zytko, D. (2024). Trauma-informed approach to designing an online dating sexual experience data donation platform. Position paper. Trauma-informed design: A collaborative approach to building safer online spaces workshop. CSCW 2023., Minneapolis, MN. pdf
• Speck, P.M., Mitchell, S.A., Patch, M., Head, H.J., Berishaj, K., Charles, L., Doss, J., Dowdell, E.B., St. Germain, D., Thimsen, K., & Veltman, M. (2024). Delphi study and qualitative analysis to establish domains, core competencies, and content in forensic nursing pedagogy. Journal of the Academy of Forensic Nursing, 2(2), DOI: https://doi.org/10.29173/jafn766
• Berishaj, K., McDonald, M., & Parkhill-Purdie, M. (2024). Effects of intimate partner violence-related strangulation on patients who report a disability seeking forensic nursing services. Violence Against Women, 31(12-13). https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012241279136.
• Berishaj, K. (2023). Advancing health equity through graduate forensic nursing education. Journal of Forensic Nursing. 1-5. doi: 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000429 
• Berishaj, K., Boyland, C., Reinink, K., & Lynch, V. (2020). The forensic nurse hospitalist: Expanding the role of the forensic nurse in an in-patient setting. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 46(3), 286-293. doi: 10.1016/j.jen.2020.03.002
• Berishaj, K., Buch, C., & Glembocki, M. (2019). The impact of an educational intervention on the knowledge and beliefs of registered nurses pertaining to human trafficking. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 50(6), 269-274. DOI:10.3928/00220124-20190516-07
• M., & Berishaj, K. (2016). The anatomy of human trafficking: Learning about the blues (A healthcare provider’s guide). Journal of Forensic Nursing, 12(2), 49-56. DOI: 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000109

Publications (book chapter)

• Berishaj, K., & Boyland, C. (2020). Intimate partner violence. In Schuiling, K. (Eds.), Women’s gynecologic health (4^th).  Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett.
• Berishaj, K. (2020). Sexual assault. In Schuiling, K. (Eds.), Women’s gynecologic health (4^th).  Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett.

Presentations (oral-refereed)

• Berishaj, K., Boyland, C., & Hayden, T. (2026, July). Forensic nurse examiner and first response advocacy response to intimate partner violence-related strangulation in a community-based domestic and sexual violence agency. Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violences 2026 Conference: Centering Justice Amid Injustice. Ann Arbor, MI.
• Zheng, W., Walquist, E., Zhou, X., McDonald, M., Parkhill, M.R., Berishaj, K., & Zytko, D. (2025, September). Beyond endorsement rates: A differential item functioning analysis of gender effects in the cybersex scales of the sexual experiences survey. International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) 41st Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD. 
• Berishaj, K., McDonald, M., & Parkhill-Purdie, M. (2024, August). Emerging science: Amplified effects of IPV-related strangulation in patients who report a disability. International Association of Forensic Nursing- 2024 Annual Conference. Denver, CO. 
• Zheng, W., Walquist, E., Datey, I., Zhou, X., Berishaj, K., McDonald, M., Parkhill, M., Zhu, D., & Zytko, D. (2024, May). It’s not what we were trying to get at, but I think maybe it should be”: Learning how to do trauma-informed design with a data donation platform for online dating sexual violence. In Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '24), Honolulu, HI, USA (pp. 1-15). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642045
• Zheng, W., Walquist, E., Datey, I., Zhou, X., Berishaj, K., McDonald, M., Parkhill, M., Zhu, D., & Zytko, D. (2023, October). Towards trauma-informed data donation of sexual experience in online dating to improve sexual risk detection AI. The 36th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology. San Francisco, CA. https://doi.org/10.1145/3586182.3616689
• Walquist, E., Berishaj, K., Zheng, W.,  Zhou, X., McDonald, M., Parkhill, M., Zhu, D., Zytko, D. (2024, February). Interdisciplinary research related to sexual violence and dating app usage. American Academy of Forensic Sciences 2024 Annual Conference. Forensic Nursing Science-Applied Engineering Joint Session. Denver, CO.  
• Datey, I., Berishaj, K., & Zytko, D. (2023, October). Trauma-informed approach to designing an online dating sexual experience data donation platform. Workshop: Trauma-Informed Design: A Collaborative Approach to Building Safer Online Spaces. 26th ACM Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing. Minneapolis, MN. 
• Berishaj, K., Boyland, C., Reinink, K., & Lynch, V. (2023, October). Forensic nurse hospitalist: The comprehensive role of the forensic nurse in a hospital setting. Balkan Academy of Forensic Science, 14th Annual Conference. Iasi, Romania. 
• Speck, P., Mitchell, S., & Berishaj, K., Dowdell, E., Patch, M., & St. Germain, D. (2023, February).  Aligning forensic nurse core competencies and content using Delphi and qualitative methods. American Academy of Forensic Sciences 2023 Annual Conference. Forensic Nursing Science Section. Orlando, FL. 
• Speck, P., Mitchell, S., & Berishaj, K., Dowdell, E., Patch, M., & St. Germain, D. (2023, February). The forensic nursing certification board process and outcomes ensuring validation of generalist and advanced forensic nursing certifications. American Academy of Forensic Sciences 2023 Annual Conference. Forensic Nursing Science Section. Orlando, FL. 
• Berishaj, K. (2022, February). The forensic nurse hospitalist: The comprehensive role of the forensic nurse in the hospital setting. American Academy of Forensic Sciences 2022 Annual Conference. General Section. Seattle, WA. 
• Berishaj, K., & Glembocki, M.M. (2017, October). Forensic nurse death investigation: Development of an academic course in death investigation. International Association of Forensic Nurses Annual Conference- 2017. Toronto, ON, Canada.
• Berishaj, K., & Glembocki, M.M. (2017, June). Advancing professional nursing practice through the development of an innovative graduate forensic nursing program. International Conference on Nursing Science & Practice (Nursing Science-2017): Advancement of nursing science through research, practice and education. Dallas, TX.
• Berishaj, K., & Glembocki, M.M. (2015, October). Forensic nursing. ANA- Michigan 2015 Conference: Nursing….Tomorrow is Today. East Lansing, MI.

Presentations (poster-refereed) 

• Maricle, K.L., McDonald, M.M., Berishaj, K., Ghesquiere, M., & Parkhill, M.R. (2026). Effects of intimate partner violence-related strangulation on vulnerable women. Midwestern Psychological Association 2026 Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.
• Zheng, W. *, Walquist, E. *, Datey, I., Zhou, X., Berishaj, K., McDonald, M., Parkhill, M., Zhu, D., & Zytko, D. (2023, October). Towards trauma-informed data donation of sexual experience in online dating to improve sexual risk detection AI. The 36th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology (UIST ’23 Adjunct). https://doi.org/10.1145/3586182.3616689
• Boyland, C., Reinink, K., Berishaj, K, & Glembocki, M. (2019, May). Caring for patients who are victims of trauma, violence, or maltreatment: A forensic nurse hospitalist role. Michigan Emergency Nurses Annual Conference 2019. Mt. Pleasant, MI. 
• Berishaj, K., Glembocki, M.M. (2016, February). Forensic nursing: An innovative graduate nursing program.  American Association of College of Nurses 2016 Master’s Education Conference. Houston, Tx. 
• Berishaj, K. (2015, February). Family perceptions of nursing quality in intensive care units practicing patient, family-centered care.  Leaping forward: Stitching evidence into practice. University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI.

Presentations (oral-invited) 

• Berishaj, K., Patch., M., Holbrook, D., & Volz, J. (2024, June). Engaging as a forensic nurse leader- How do I get there? Academy of Forensic Nursing: Michigan Regional Conference. Rochester, MI. 
• Lagrou, O., Pastor, E., Kennedy, M., & Berishaj, K. (2024, June). Actions speak louder: Developing competence and confidence in providing care for transgender patients following sexual assault. Academy of Forensic Nursing: Michigan Regional Conference. Rochester, MI. 
• Volz, J., Swift, K., & Berishaj, K. (2024, June). The forensic nurse hospitalist and forensic certified nursing assistant- Role implementation through the lens of a program exemplar. Academy of Forensic Nursing: Michigan Regional Conference. Rochester, MI. 
• Berishaj, K., Kennedy, M., & Gajewski, E. (2023, April). Evaluation of education and confidence in providing care to patients who experience intentional trauma survey. Sigma Theta Tau International- Theta Psi Chapter 2023 Spring Research Day. Rochester, MI. 
• Berishaj, K., Robey, A., & Watkins, A. (2022, April). Sexual assault awareness. Junior League of Birmingham, Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. 
• Berishaj, K. (2021, November). Forensic nurse hospitalist: The comprehensive role of the forensic nurse in the hospital setting. Academy of Forensic Nursing. Webinar. 
• Berishaj, K. (2021, November). Forensic nursing: Addressing needs of patients, providers, and systems related to trauma, violence, and maltreatment. Saint Louis University. Advanced Topics In Death Investigation Series. Webinar. 
• Berishaj, K. (2019, October). Non-fatal strangulation: Education for the health care provider. 22^nd Annual Contemporary Issues in Trauma Nursing Conference. Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI.
• Berishaj, K. & Boyland, C. (2019, May). Human trafficking: What healthcare providers need to know. Beaumont Health Nurse’s Week Continuing Education Offering. Royal Oak, MI 
• Berishaj, K. (2019, April). Forensic nursing. CSI: Forensic Science Class Outside Educational Series.  Detroit Tigers Organization and Oakland University. Detroit, MI.
• Berishaj, K. (2018, October). Forensic nursing: The impact on healthcare today. Professional Development Day- Troy Beaumont Hospital.  Troy, MI.
• Berishaj, K. (2018, May). Forensic nursing: The impact on healthcare today. Detroit Medical Center Nurses’ Week Annual Conference 2018. Detroit, MI.
• Berishaj, K., & Diegel, R. (2018, May). Non-fatal strangulation: Education for the emergency department provider. Michigan Emergency Nurses’ Annual Conference- 2018. Mt. Pleasant, MI. 
• Berishaj, K. (2017, November). Sexual violence: A team approach. 42^nd Annual Southeast Michigan Agency/Faculty Workshop: Violence and Human Trafficking Across the Lifespan. Ann Arbor, MI. 

Grants (Funded)

• Berishaj, K. & Wu, J. (2026). Design and fabrication of a realistic gynecologic teaching model. Faculty Innovation in Teaching Grant. Oakland University. Proposal amount: $7,360. (75% writing contribution)
• Berishaj, K. (2026). Patient Perspectives on the Use of Medical Chaperones for Sexual Assault Medical-Forensic Examinations. 2026 Oakland University Women and Philanthropy Grant. Proposal amount: $2,000.
• Berishaj, K., & Dzierzawski, B. (2025). Enhancing Faculty Instruction in the Care of Victims of Sexual Assault via Augmented Reality. Oberhauser Nursing Instruction Endowment. Proposal amount: $10,000. (50% writing contribution)
• Berishaj, K., & Dzierzawski, B. (2024). Augmented Reality: A New and Innovative Way to Enhance Faculty Teaching in the Care of Patient-Victims of Sexual Assault. Oberhauser Nursing Instruction Endowment. Proposal amount: $10,000. (75% writing contribution)
• Berishaj, K., Craig, M., Wiacke, A., Karamyan, V., Woerner, K., & Belson, R. (2023). Quantification of Manual, External Pressure Required to Occlude Neck Vasculature. Academy of Forensic Nursing. Proposal amount: $5,000. (100% writing contribution)
• Berishaj, K., Damiano, K., & Stepanian-Bennett, E. (2023). Forensic Nursing Marketing Campaign- “I am a Forensic Nurse”. Graduate Student Recruiting Enhancement Award. Proposal mount: $3,480. (100% writing contribution)
• Berishaj, K., Griffith, T., & McIntosh, J. (2022). Forensic Nursing Student Scholarship. DeRoy Testamentary Foundation. Proposal amount: $25,000. (50% writing contribution)
• Zytko, D. (PI), McDonald, M. (Co-PI), Berishaj, K. (Co-PI), & Parkhill-Purdie, M. (Co-PI) (Start Date: 10/01/2022 End Date: 09/30/2026). Collaborative Research: HCC: Small: Understanding Online-to-Offline Sexual Violence through Data Donation from Users. National Science Foundation 21-616 Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE): Core Programs. Proposal amount: $403,107. (10% writing contribution; reviewed and edited entire document)
• Berishaj, K., Griffith, T., & McIntosh, J. (2021). Forensic Nursing Student Scholarship. DeRoy Testamentary Foundation.  Proposal amount: $25,000. (50% writing contribution)
• Berishaj, K. (PI), Kennedy, M. (Co-PI), & Gajewski, E. (Co-PI) (2020). Evaluation of Education and Confidence in Providing Care to Patients Who Have Experienced Intentional Trauma. Sigma Theta Tau International- Theta Psi Chapter. Small Research Grant. Proposal amount: $1,000. (100% writing contribution)
• Berishaj, K., Griffith, T., & McIntosh, J. (2020). Forensic Nursing Student Scholarship. DeRoy Testamentary Foundation.  Proposal amount: $25,000. (50% writing contribution)
• Berishaj, K., Griffith, T., & McIntosh, J. (2019). Forensic Nursing Student Scholarship. DeRoy Testamentary Foundation.  Proposal amount: $20,000. (50% writing contribution)
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Professional Affiliations:

• Academy of Forensic Nursing- charter member
• American Academy of Forensic Science- Forensic Nursing Science Section
• American Nurses' Association
• Emergency Nurses’ Association
• Forensic Nursing Certification Board