Background

Dr. Jennifer May is an Assistant Professor in the University of South Carolina College of Nursing. She is a nurse scientist with more than 10 years of clinical nursing experience. Her scholarly work focuses on cancer health disparities, social determinants of health, aging, and the health and healthcare experiences of sexual and gender minority adults.

Teaching

• NURS 813 - Qualitative and Mixed Methods in Nursing Science
• NURS 789 - Statistical and Research Methods for Nursing Practice

Research

Dr. May’s research program advances health equity for midlife and older adults, with an emphasis on cancer disparities, dementia, health care utilization, and social determinants of health. She uses quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches to examine how socioeconomic conditions, geography, and health systems influence access to high-quality, person-centered care.

Her current work examines cancer-related inequities, health care utilization and outcomes, and the experiences of midlife and older adults navigating long-term services and supports. Dr. May also conducts community-engaged research to develop inclusive resources and strengthen care across clinical and community settings.

Dissemination

Dr. May disseminates her work through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, community-engaged activities, and collaborative research partnerships. Her dissemination activities have included presentations and scholarship focused on cancer disparities, sexual and gender minority health, aging, dementia, and social determinants of health.

Professional Service

• Sigma Theta Tau – Alpha Xi Chapter
• Western Institute of Nursing
• Gerontological Society of America
• Southern Gerontological Society

Professional Practice

Dr. May has practiced as a registered nurse and adult nurse practitioner in clinical settings serving adult and older-adult populations. She has served in the areas of Internal Medicine, Women’s Health, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Orthopedics and Surgery since 2004. Her practice background informs her commitment to person-centered, inclusive, and evidence-based care. 

Research (selected)

Building Capacity for Patient-Centered CER Cancer Research with Older Adults. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). $299,873. August 2026- present. Project Lead.

Cancer Prevalence in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults using All of us Data. Pilot project resources provided by Stanford University. January 2026 – current. Principal Investigator.

Health Utilization, Expenditures, and Health Outcomes for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older Adults using the Health and Retirement Study. University of South Carolina College of Nursing Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation (ACORN) Small Grant. $20,000. July 1024 – June 2025. Principal Investigator.

Publications (selected)

Google Scholar