Tsui-Sui Annie Kao, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor
Research
1355 Bogue St. #C342, East Lansing, MI 48824
Biography
Dr. Kao’s research focuses on empowering parents to promote healthy lifestyles within families, particularly in disadvantaged communities. In her recent project, Mindful-Healthy Family, she combined motivational interviewing and mindfulness-based strategies to help rural families improve eating habits, increase physical activity, and strengthen positive family connections. Her long-term goal is to reduce obesity-related health risks and enhance the well-being of at-risk children and their famili
Read moreEducation
PhD, University of Michigan
MSN, University of Michigan
BSN, Eastern Michigan University
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Read moreAwards
2023: Family RIIG Mid-Career Award at MNRS
2020: Inducted as a fellow in the American Associations of Nurse Practitioners, FAANP
2012: NIH Summer Institute on Social and Behavioral Intervention Research Workshop award (7/9/12–7/13/12)
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Read morePublications
Complete list of publications
Research and Grants
Michigan State University, Trifecta award Development and Pilot-testing Child-friendly MM-based-MI learning modules in the CIAS platform Role: PI. 2025-2026. $12,000
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Using Hair Cortisol to Measure Stress and Its Impact on Lifestyle Modification Among American Indian and Rural families, Role: PI, 2022-2024 PI; $50,000
Michigan State University, Trifecta award The Feasibility of the Mindful-Healthy Family Intervention with Native American Families Role: PI. 2021-2023. $8,000
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