Irene Yang is an Assistant Professor at Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. Dr. Yang’s research focuses on the intersection between oral health and overall well-being, illuminating the connection between poor oral health, a significant public health concern, and conditions like preterm birth and Alzheimer’s disease. As a nurse scientist specializing in the oral microbiome, her work has garnered continuous support from the National Institutes of Health and other relevant foundations. Dr. Yang’s findings on the oral microbiome and neuroinflammation drive her current R01 project investigating the oral microbiome's role in Alzheimer’s disease risk. This study has the potential to significantly advance Alzheimer’s disease prevention efforts. The impact of Dr. Yang's research is far-reaching and has been published in journals of nursing, oral health, and microbiology. Her presentations to lay, clinical, and research audiences locally, regionally and internationally reflect her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences and her dedication to advancing nursing science on both a local and global scale. Dr. Yang received her BSN from Rutgers University, her MS and PhD from the University of Louisville, School of Nursing and her Postdoctoral Fellowship from Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing.