Kathryn Barnard

Kathryn Elaine Barnard (April 16, 1938 – June 27, 2015) was an American nurse and researcher in pediatrics. She is known for her discovery of the role mother-newborn interactions have in early childhood development.

Early life and education Barnard was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and attended the University of Nebraska for her undergraduate nursing education, graduating in 1960. She attended Boston University for her postgraduate study, graduating in 1963 with a master's degree in nursing. She then moved to the University of Washington for her doctorate, which she earned in 1972 with a dissertation on the role of rocking in infant development.

Career and research Her doctoral research began a lifelong study of early childhood development. She was part of the team that invented the isolette, a neonatal incubator that rocks in order to support sensorimotor development and weight gain. Her research also showed that physical contact was essential for infant development. Her research also included interventions for children who were at risk of future problems due to their environment. Gustav O. Leinhard Award, 2002 Episteme Award, American Academy of Nursing Living Legend Award, American Academy of Nursing (2006) Lucille Petry Leone Award for Teaching M. Scott Award for Contributions to Nursing Science Martha May Eliot Award for Leadership in Maternal-Child Health Nurse Scientist of the Year Award

Legacy The Center on Infant Mental Health and Development, founded by Barnard in 2001, continues research at the University of Washington and is now named for her. She was a founder of Zero to Three, an early-childhood nonprofit organization. Barnard died from chronic illnesses at the age of 77.