Center for Healthcare Delivery Science

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Center for Healthcare Delivery Science
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Driving Pediatric Health Care Innovation

The Center for Healthcare Delivery Science is a team of scientists who partner with health care systems, families, schools, and communities. Through these collaborations we aim to explore, uncover, and transform how children and families thrive. Changing systems is a big job, and each scientist on our team is working on a different piece of the puzzle.  

Our researchers from sites in Delaware and Florida use innovative and diverse approaches, like family and learning health systems science, behavioral science, implementation science, informatics, health policy, and behavioral economics. 

We also train future academic researchers in a variety of fields, including psychology, nursing, medicine and public health through our two-year intensive fellowship program. Together, we nurture healthy children today, and for generations to come.

Advancing Research: By the Numbers

Recognized for excellence, research at the Center for Healthcare Delivery Science translates to better health and quality of life for kids everywhere. With robust funding and a wide range of projects, we’re making progress in several areas.

$50 million +

Research funding since 2013

$23 million +

Active National Institutes of Health funding in 2023

20+

Investigators conducting research

175+

Annual publications and poster presentations 

Our center has received numerous grants, including one from the National Institution of Health for $10.9 million. Our researchers have also been individually recognized with various prestigious honors and awards.


Our research has had significant impact. We lead the development of international practice guidelines, have highly cited publications, and develop innovative interventions.


We use innovative and diverse methodologies across multiple fields to optimize care delivery for children and their families.


We advance pediatric health care delivery through research, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Our Leadership

Anne E. Kazak, PhD

Anne E. Kazak, PhD, ABPP 

Enterprise Director, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science

Principal Research Scientist

Melissa Alderfer, PhD

Melissa A. Alderfer, PhD 

Center Director, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science – Delaware Valley

Principal Research Scientist

Susana R. Patton, PhD

Susana R. Patton, PhD, ABPP, CDCES 

Center Director, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science – Florida 

Principal Research Scientist

Jessica S. Pierce, PhD

Jessica S. Pierce, PhD 

Director of Fellowship Training, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science

Senior Research Scientist

Clinical Psychologist

Dana Berger, MPH

Dana Berger, MPH

Research Program Administrator

Allison Taggi-Pinto, MEd

Clinical Research Manager

Priscilla Jones, BS 

Program Manager 

Research Team