Ashley Leak Bryant, PhD, RN, OCN, FAAN

Ashley Leak Bryant, PhD, RN, OCN, FAAN is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing. She is also assistant director of Cancer Research Training Education Coordination at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sylvia Lauterborn, and Warren Piver Oncology Nursing Fellowship, which provides an immersive introduction to oncology for undergraduate nursing students. Dr. Bryant possesses expertise on older adults, palliative and supportive care, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), interprofessional collaboration, and workforce development. Her program of research focuses on delivering multidisciplinary interventions to improve symptoms, functional status, and quality of life for both older adults with blood cancers and their caregivers. Dr. Bryant is currently the principal investigator for an NINR-funded feasibility and acceptability study—the Palliative and Collaborative Care Intervention (PACT)—investigating a nurse-led and occupational and physical therapy focused palliative and supportive care intervention for newly diagnosed adults with AML.

In addition to being a dedicated nurse-researcher, Dr. Bryant has maintained an active clinical practice since 2003. During that time, she has worked in cancer centers, continuing care retirement communities, and inpatient hospice facility. Her clinical roles have given her unique insight into the various settings in which older adults and patients with cancer receive care and have empowered her to pursue experience-based, research-backed development of the nursing workforce both within the United States and abroad. At home, Dr. Bryant has grown the oncology nursing careforce by developing an oncology fellowship and oncology elective course for undergraduates. Internationally, Dr. Bryant has been a pivotal member of UNC-Project Malawi, which works to build capacity for strong leadership and research-based practices in nursing, particularly oncology nursing.

Because she believes that developing the next generation of nurses and leaders is of paramount importance, Dr. Bryant is passionate about mentoring. She mentors early-career faculty, pre and post-doctoral scholars, PhD students, DNP students, Masters students, and undergraduate honors students across multiple disciplines and institutions. Her early career development and workforce development work has been published in interdisciplinary journals.

2020 Fellow, American Academy of Nursing

2020 Laurel Archer Copp Literary Award, UNC School of Nursing

2020–2022 Anne Belcher Interprofessional Faculty Scholar in Nursing

2019 Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentorship and Education, UNC School of Nursing

2017-2019 NIH Loan Repayment Program Clinical Scholar

2017 ONS Victoria Mock New Investigator Award

2016 ONS Excellence in Care of the Older Adult with Cancer

2014 Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto Emerging Nurse Scholar

2011-2014 American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Gerontology Content Expert Panel Member

2010 Gordon H. DeFriese Career Development in Aging Research Award, Institute of Aging, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2010 The Pauline W. Brown Diversity Scholarship Award, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing

2009-2011 Nurse Educators for Tomorrow, College Foundation for North Carolina

2009 Interdisciplinary Best Poster, Interdisciplinary Center for Aging Research: Uniting Scientists (ICARUS) Award, NC Aging Exchange

Books and Chapters

Baernholdt, M. & Bryant, A. L. (2021). Nurses Making Policy, From Bedside to Boardroom (3^rdedition). Implementing a Plan. New York: Springer.

Leak, A. & Lucas, S. (2013). Care of the older adult with cancer. In K. Mauk (Ed.). Gerontological Nursing: Competencies for Care. E-Chapter 30. Boston: Jones and Bartlett.

Davis, E. D., Nettles, A., & Leak, A. (2010). Inpatient diabetes education: Realistic and evidence-based in L. Lien, L. Feinglos, M, Corsino, L., & Cox, M. (Eds.). Glycemic control in the hospitalized patient: A comprehensive clinical guide (pp. 41-50). New York: Springer.

Refereed Papers/Articles

 Hirschey, R., Nance, J., Wangen, M., Bryant, A. L., Wheeler, S. B., Herrera, J., & Leeman, J. (2021). Using Cognitive Interviewing to Design Interventions for Implementation in Oncology Settings. Nursing Research, 70(3), 206–214. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNR.0000000000000498

Gillett, C., Mason, S., Fleming, L., Mayer, D. K., & Bryant, A. L. (2021). An Academic-Practice Partnership During COVID-19 Pandemic: Transitioning from a Clinical to Virtual Fellowship. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 10.1111/jocn.15817. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15817

Klepin, H.D., Sun, C., Smith, D., Elias, R., Trevino^, , Bryant, A.L., Li, D., Nelson^, C., Tew, W., Mohile, S., Gajra, A., Owusu^, C., Gross^, C., Lichtman, S.M., Katheria, V., Muss, H., Chapman, A., Cohen, H., Dale, W., Hurria^, A. on behalf of the Cancer and Aging Research Group. Predictors of unplanned hospitalizations among older adults receiving cancer chemotherapy. (2021). Journal of Oncology Practice.

 Kent, E. E., Park, E., Wood, W.A., Bryant, A.L., & Mollica, M.A. (2021). Survivorship Care of Older Adults with Cancer: Priority Areas for Clinical Practice, Training, Research, and Policy. Journal of Clinical Oncology.

 LeBlanc, M.R, LeBlanc, T.W., Bryant, A.L., Pollak, K.I., Bailey, D.E., Smith, S.K. (2021). A qualitative study of the experiences of living with multiple myeloma. Oncology Nursing Forum, 48(2):151-160. doi: 10.1188/21.ONF.151-160.

Johnson, T. M., Bryant, A.L., Brooks, J., Jenerette, C.M., Lynn, M., Santos, H., & Rodgers, S. (2020). Utilizing Courageous Dialogue to Support Minority and Disadvantaged Background Nursing Students. Journal of Professional Nursing. PMID:

Betancur, S., Walton, A. M., Smith-Miller, C., Wiesen, C., & Bryant, A.L. (2020). Cultural Awareness: Ensuring high-quality care for limited English proficient patients. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 24(5):530-537. doi: 10.1188/20.CJON.530-537.

 Bryant, A.L., Leblanc, T., Albrecht, T., Chan, Y., Richardson, J., Foster, M., Dang, M., Dudley, W., & Owenby, S., & Wujcik, D. (2020). Oral adherence in adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Results of a mixed methods study. Supportive Care in Cancer. DOI: 1007/s00520-020-05349-5

 Bryant, A.L., Chan, Y., Foster, M., Richardson, J., Owenby, S., & Wujcik, D. (2020). Understanding Barriers to Oral Therapy Adherence in Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, 11(4), 342-349.

 Hirschey, R., Bryant, A.L., Walker, J., & Nolan, T. (2020). Systematic Review of Video Education in Underrepresented Minority Cancer Survivors. Cancer Nursing. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000829.

Noonan, D., Leblanc, M., Mayer, D.K., Bryant, A.L., Zimmerman, S., Smith, S.K. (2020). Quality of Life and Impact of Cancer: Differences in Rural and Non-Rural Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors. Journal of Rural Health. doi: 10.1111/jrh.12420.

 Bryant, A.L., Tan, X., Coffman, E., Phillips, B., Tan, X., Bullard, E., Hirschey, R., Bradley, J., Bennett, A., Stover, A., Song, L., Shea, T., Wood, W.A. (2020). Pilot Randomized Trial of an Electronic Symptom Monitoring and Reporting Intervention for Hospitalized Adults Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Supportive Care in Cancer, doi: 10.1007/s00520-019-04932-9. PMID: 31222392.

Hirschey, R., Bryant, A.L., Macek, C., Battaglini, C., Santacroce, S., Courneya, K., Sheeran, P. (2020). Psychosocial Constructs that Predict Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors: A Meta-analysis. Health Psychology. DOI: 1037/hea0000845

Jung, A., Nielsen, M., Crandell, J., Palmer, M., Smith, S.K., Bryant, A.L., & Mayer, D. (2020). Health-related quality of life among non-muscle invasive bladder cancer survivors: A population-based study. BJU International, DOI: 10.1111/bju.14888, PMID: 31381249

Leblanc, M., LeBlanc, T., Bryant, A.L., Hirschey, R., & Smith, S. (2019). How are patient-reported outcomes and symptoms being measured in adults with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma? A Systematic Review. Quality of Life Research. DOI: 1007/s11136-019-02392-6

 Albrecht, T. & Bryant, A.L. (2019). Psychological and Financial Distress Management in Adults with Acute Leukemia. Seminars in Oncology Nursing; 35(6):150952.doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2019.150952.

Bryant, A.L & LeBlanc, T. W. (2019). Introduction to Acute Leukemia. Seminars in Oncology Nursing;35(6):150961. doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2019.150961.

Von, Ah, D., Brown, C.G., Brown, S.J., Bryant, A.L., Davies, M., Dodd, M., Ferrell, B., Hammer, M., Knobf, M.T., Knoop, T.J., LoBiondo-Wood, G., Mayer, D.K., Miaskowski, C., Mitchell, S.A., Song, L., Watkins, Bruner, D., Wesmiller, S., & Cooley, M.E. (2019). Research Agenda of the Oncology Nursing Society: 2019-2022. Oncology Nursing Forum, 46(6),654-669. doi: 10.1188/19.ONF.654-669. PMID: 31626621

Ahrang, A., Nielsen, M., Crandell, J. L., Palmer, M., Smith, S.K., Bryant, A.L., & Mayer, D.K. (2019). Health related quality of life among Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Survivors: A population-based study. British Journal of Urology International. doi: 10.1111/bju.14888. PMID: 31381249

Hammer, M., Storey, S., Hershey, D.S., Brady V.J., Davis, E., Mandolfo, N., Bryant, A. L., Olausson, J. (2019). Hyperglycemia and Cancer: A State of the Science Review. Oncology Nursing Forum, 46(4),459-472. Doi: 10.1188/19. PMID: 31225836.

Pergolotti, M., Deal, A., Williams, G., Bryant, A.L., McCarthy, L., Nyrop, K., Reeve, B. B., Basch, E., & Muss, H. (2019). Older Adults with Cancer: A Randomized Control Trial of Occupational and Physical Therapy. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15930

Pergolotti, M., Deal, A.M., Bryant, A.L., Bennett, A. V., Severino, E., Covington, K., Lucas, K., & Williams, G. R. (2019). Senior Sway: Using a mobile application to measure fall risk. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000223

 Newman, R., Alfano, C., Radomski, M.V., Pergolotti, M., Wolf, T., Speight, A., Bryant, A.L., Voelbel, G., de Moor, J., Nitkin, R., Daniels, E., Braveman, B., Walker, R.K., Williams, G., Winters-Stone, K.M., Cheville, A., Campbell, S., Lawlor, M., King, A., Ness, K., Drivastava, P., Lyons, K. (2019). Catalyzing Research to Optimize Cancer Survivors’ Participation in Work and Life Roles. Occupation, Participation, and Health, doi: 10.1177/1539449219844749.

 Brody, A.A., Bryant, A.L., Perez, A., & Bailey, D.E. (2019). Best practices and inclusion of team science principles in appointment promotion and tenure documents in research intensive schools of nursing. Nursing Outlook. pii: S0029-6554(18)30097-6. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2018.11.005. PMID: 30598299.

Jung, A., Nielsen, M.E., Crandell, J.L., Palmer, M.H., Bryant, A.L., Smith, S.K., & Mayer, D.K. (2019). Quality of Life in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review. Cancer Nursing. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000606. PMID: 29863576

Leak Bryant A., Gosselin, T., Coffman, E.M., Phillips, B., Gray, T.F., Knafl, G.J., Klepin, H.D., Wood, W.A., Muss, H., & Reeve, B.B. (2018). Symptoms, Mobility and Function, and Quality of Life in Adults with Acute Leukemia During Initial Hospitalization. Oncology Nursing Forum. 1;45(5):653-664. doi: 10.1188/18.ONF.653-664. PMID: 30118443

Coffman, E.M., Bryant, A.L., Deal, A.M., Wang, Y., Hanson, E.D., Phillips, B., Bailey, C., Foster, M., Wood, W. A., Muss, H., & Battaglini, C. L. (2018). Feasibility and Safety of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Acute Leukemia Patients during Induction Chemotherapy. Annals of Hematology & Oncology, 5(1):

 Bryant, A.L., Coffman, E., Bullard, E., Hirschey, R., Bradley, J., Stover, A., Wood, W. A., & Bennett, A.V. (2018). Experiences of Inpatient Bone Marrow Transplant Nurses and Providers using Electronic Symptom Reporting. Journal of Oncology Practice, 14(8), e496-e504. PMID:29944435.

Bryant, A.L., Drier, S.W., Lee, S. & Bennett, A.V. (2018). A systematic review of patient reported outcomes in phase II or III clinical trials of myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia Research, 7:70, 106-116. PMID: 29925044

Mellin, C., Lexa, M., Bryant, A. L., Mason, S. & Mayer, D.K. (2018). Antiemetic Guidelines: Using Education to Improve Adherence and Reduce Incidence of CINV in Patients Receiving Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 22(3),297-303. PMID: 29781466.

Bryant, A.L., Deal, A.M., Battaglini, C., Phillips, B., Bailey, C., Pergolotti, M., Coffman, E. Hackney, A.C., Wood, W.A., Mayer, D.K., Muss, H., & Reeve, B.B. (2018). The Effects of Exercise on Patient Reported Outcomes and Performance-Based Physical Function in Adults with Acute Leukemia Undergoing Induction Treatment. Integrative Cancer Therapies, doi: 10.1177/1534735417699881. PMID: 28627275

Story, S., Gray, T. & Bryant, A.L (2017). Comorbidity, physical function and quality of life in older adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Current Geriatrics Report, 6(4), 247-254. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-017-0227-8.

Bryant, A.L., Walton, A.M., Phillips, B., Bailey, C., Pergolotti, M., Mayer, D.K., & Battaglini, C. (2017). Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Exercise for Recently Treated Adults with Acute Leukemia. Oncology Nursing Forum, 44(4), 413-420, doi: 10.1188/17. PMID: 28632248

 Pergolotti, M., Deal, A., Williams, G.R., Bensen, J., Bryant, A.L., Muss, H., Reeve, B.B. (2017). Activities, Function, and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of Older Adults with Cancer. Journal of Geriatric Oncology. pii: S1879-4068(17)30035-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jgo.2017.02.009. PMID: 28285980

Walton, A.M., Bryant, A.L., Wong, B., & Mooney, K. (2016). A Missed Opportunity: Understanding the Value of Documenting Occupation and Occupational Exposure to Carcinogens in Adults with Acute Leukemia. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, 7, 532-537. PMID: 29282428

Burhenn, P., Bryant, A.L., & Mustian, K. (2016). Exercise Promotion in Geriatric Oncology. Current Reports in Oncology, 18(9):58. doi: 10.1007/s11912-016-0538-5. PMID: 27484061

 Brody, A.A., Edelman, L., Siegel, E.O., Foster, V., Bailey, D.E., Bryant, A.L., & Bond, S. M. (2016). Evaluation of a Peer Mentoring Program for Early Career Gerontological Nursing Faculty and Its Potential for Application to Other Fields in Nursing and Health Sciences. Nursing Outlook, pii:S0029-6554(16)30011-2. Doi:10.1016. PMID: 27156778

 Story, C., Bryant, A.L., Phillips, B., Bailey, C. Shields, E., & Battaglini, B. (2016). Comparison Methods for Determining Aerobic Exercise Intensity using Heart Rate in Acute Leukemia Patients prior to Induction Chemotherapy. Biological Research for Nursing. pii: 1099800416633836. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 26933148

Storey, S., Brady, V.J., Leak Bryant, A., Davis, E.D., Hammer, M.J., Hershey, D.S., Olausson, J., Seley, J. (2016). Controlling Malglycemia in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Cancer. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 20(1),92-94. PMID: 26800412

Bond, S., Bryant, A.L., & Puts, M. (2016). The Evolution of Gero-Oncology Nursing. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 32(1), 3-15. PMID: 26830263

Bryant, A.L., Walton, A.M., Shaw-Kokot, J., Mayer, D.K., & Reeve, B. (2016). A systematic review of psychometric properties of health-related quality of life and symptom instruments in adult acute leukemia survivors. Cancer Nursing, 39(5):375-82. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000327. PMID: 26645111

Mariano, C., Williams, G., Deal, A., Alston, S., Bryant, A.L., Jolly, T., & Muss, H. (2015). Geriatric Assessment of Older Adults with Cancer during Unplanned Hospitalizations: An Opportunity in Disguise. Oncologist, 20(7), 767-762. PMID: 26032136

Pergolotti, M., Deal, A.M., Williams G.R., Bryant, A.L., Reeve B.B., & Muss, H. B. (2015). A randomized controlled trial of outpatient Cancer Rehabilitation for older adults: The CARE Program. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 4(44), 89-94. PMID: 26253182

Bryant, A.L., Brody, A., Perez, A., Shillam, C., Edelman, L., Bond, S., Foster, V. & Siegel, E. (2015). Development and Implementation of a Peer Mentoring Program for Early Career Gerontological Faculty. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, doi: 10.1111/jnu.12135. PMID: 25808927

Bryant, A.L., Walton, A.M., Shaw-Kokot, J., Mayer, D., & Reeve, B.B. (2015). Patient- reported symptoms and Quality of Life in Adult with Acute Leukemia: A Systematic Review. Oncology Nursing Forum, 42(2), E91-E101. PMID: 25806895

Bryant, A.L., Walton, A.M., & Phillips, B. (2015). Cancer-Related Fatigue: Scientific Progress has been made in 40 Years. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing,19(2),137-139. PMID: 25840376

Bryant, A.L., Smith, S., Zimmer, C., Crandell, J., Jenerette, C., Bailey, D., Zimmerman, S., & Mayer, D.K. (2015). An exploratory path model of the relationships between positive and negative adaptation to cancer on quality of life among non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology. DOI: 1080/07347332.2015.1020978. PMID: 25751114

Bryant, A., Deal, A., Walton, A., Wood, W., Muss, H., & Mayer, D. (2015). Use of ED and hospital services for patients with acute leukemia after induction therapy: One Year Following Diagnosis. Leukemia Research, 39(4),406-410. PMID: 25711944

Albrecht, T., A., Walton, A.M., Bryant, A.L. (2015). The Unique Supportive Care Needs of a Mother with Acute Myeloid Leukemia during Treatment. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 19(1), 16-19. PMID: 25689644

Hershey, D., Bryant, A.L., Olausson, J., Davis, E.D., Brady, V., & Hammer, M. (2014). Hyperglycemic-Inducing Neo-Adjuvant Agents Used in Treatment of Solid Tumors: A Review of the Literature. Oncology Nursing Forum, 41, E343-354. PMID: 25355030

Bryant, A.L., Walton, A.M., & Albrecht, T.A. (2014). Management of febrile neutropenia in a patient with acute leukemia. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 40, 377-381. PMID: 24054730

Leak, A., Smith, S., Crandell, J., Jenerette, C., Bailey, D., Zimmerman, S., & Mayer, D. (2013). Demographic and disease characteristics associated with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors’ quality of life. Oncology Nursing Forum, 40, 157-162. PMID: 23448740

 Leak, A., Mayer, D., Wyss, A., Travers, D., & Waller, A. (2013). Why do cancer patients die in the emergency department? An analysis of NC 2008 ED visits. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 30,178-182. PMID: 22556288

Jenerette, C., & Leak, A. (2012). The role of oncology nurses in the care of adults with sickle cell disease. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 16, 633-635. PMID: 23178356

Jones, E., Leak, A., & Muss H. (2012). Adjuvant therapy of breast cancer in woman 70 years and older: Tough decisions, high stakes. Oncology, 26, 793-801. PMID: 23061331

Mayer, D., Gerstel, A., Leak, A., & Smith, S. (2012). Patient and provider preferences for survivorship care plans. Journal of Oncology Practice, 8,e80-86. PMID: 23181005

Creedle, C., Leak, A., Deal, A., Walton, A., Talbert, G., Riff, B., & Hornback, A. (2012). The Impact of a CarePartner Program on Two Inpatient Oncology Units. Journal of Cancer Education, 27, 250-256. PMID: 22241024

Jenerette, C., Leak, A., & Sandelowski, M. (2011). Life stories of older adults with sickle cell disease. Association of Black Nursing Faculty,22(3),58-63. PMID: 21901994

Jenerette, C., Brewer, C., & Leak, A. (2011). Self-Care Recommendations of Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Sickle Cell Disease. Nursing Research and Practice. DOI:10.1155/2011/270594. PMID: 21994819

Mayer, D., Travers, D., Wyss, A., Leak, A., & Waller, A. (2011). Why do cancer patients visit emergency departments? Results of a 2008 population study in North Carolina. Journal of Clinical Oncology, (29), 2686-2688. PMID: 21606431

Leak, A., Mayer, D., & Smith S. (2011). Quality of life among non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivors: An integrative literature review. Leukemia and Lymphoma, 52, 972-985. PMID: 21534866

 Ivanov, L. & Hu, J., & Leak, A. (2010). Immigrant women’s cancer screening behaviors. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 27, 32-45. PMID: 20131135

Smith-Miller, C., Leak, A., Harlan, C., Dieckmann, J., & Sherwood, G. (2010). Leaving the comfort of the familiar”: Fostering workplace cultural awareness through short-term global experiences. Nursing Forum, 45, 18-28. PMID: 20137021

Leak, A., Davis, E., Houchin, L., & Mabrey, M. (2009). Diabetes management and self-care education for hospitalized oncology patients. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 13, 205-210. PMID: 19349267

 Leak, A. & Spruill, A. (2008). Oncology certification: What is in it for you? Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 12, 703-705. PMID: 18842526

 Leak, A., Hu, J., & King, C. (2008). Symptom distress, spirituality, and quality of life in African American breast cancer survivors. Cancer Nursing, 31, E15-21. PMID: 18176122

Manuel, M., Leak, A., & Carroll, S. (2007). Priapism in the oncology setting. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 11, 23-25. PMID: 17441393

Leak, A., Ivanov, L., & Brown, H. (2006). Nursing administration in Russia. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 36, 177-180. PMID: 16609339

Leak, A. A Vision from Research to Practice. Imprint, 50, 5, 55. PMID: 18176122

Research Grants

Funded (Active)

Funded (Completed)

Palliative and supportive care interventions

Patient reported symptoms and outcomes

Quality of life in blood cancers

Survivorship