Terrah Foster Akard, PhD, RN, CPNP is an Associate Professor at the Vanderbilt University (VU) School of Nursing in Nashville, TN. Her research interests include pediatric palliative care, particularly legacy-making and continuing bonds in children living with life-threatening conditions and their families. Dr. Akard has published her work in journals including Death Studies, Journal of Palliative and Supportive Care, Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, Journal of Palliative Nursing, and Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing. She has been recognized for her scholarly activities with several awards such as the March of Dimes Research Nurse of the Year and the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association New Investigator Award. She was named a College of Palliative Care Research Scholar by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and was a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholar 2010-2013. Dr. Akard is actively involved in her community and volunteers with international medical organizations to assist underserved children and families.