Amy D’Agata is an Associate Professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing. As an experienced neonatal intensive care nurse, Dr. D’Agata’s research takes a lifecourse perspective on health and development following preterm birth. She introduced the concept of "Infant Medical Trauma in the NICU," influencing clinical guidelines and policies worldwide. Her molecular studies on stress in preterm infants have shaped global developmental neuroprotection practices. As principal investigator of the RHODE Study, the longest-running U.S. study on adults born preterm and the only nurse-led project of its kind, she has identified strong links between preterm birth and higher risks of chronic adult diseases. Recent NIH-funded research shows that adults born preterm with greater early medical complications have more internalizing problems, worse cardiometabolic health, lower bone density, higher allostatic load, and accelerated biological aging by age 35. These individuals are 4-6 times more likely to show signs of aging two or more years ahead of their peers, suggesting a risk for earlier onset of age-related diseases. Her advocacy efforts are focused on recognizing preterm birth as a lifelong health determinant and emphasizing the importance of detailed birth histories and early interventions in adult healthcare to reduce multisystem morbidity. Dr. D’Agata earned her BSN from the University of Saint Joseph, her MS and PhD from the University of Connecticut School of Nursing, and her Postdoctoral Fellowship from the University of South Florida College of Nursing.