• Doctor of Philosophy - College of Graduate Health Science, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN (2005)
  • Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), National League of Nursing (2013)
  • International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (1999)
  • Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), American Midwifery Certification Board (1998)
• Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse-Midwifery - University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (1998)
  • Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (RNC-OB), National Certification Corporation (1995)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing - University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL (1991)

• Community/Population Health
• Families
• Health Literacy
• Health Policy
• Maternal Global Health
• Midwifery
• Underserved Populations
• Vulnerable and Marginalized Populations
• Women's Health

• American Association of University Professors
• American College of Nurse-Midwives- Tennessee
• American College of Nurse-Midwives
• American Nurses Association
• Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
• International Childbirth Education Association
• International Lactation Consultant Association
• Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Association
• National Lactation Consultant Alliance, Inc.
• Shelby County Breastfeeding Coalition
• Sigma Theta Tau International
• Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition
• Tennessee Nursing Association
• United States Lactation Consultant Association

• Daisy Faculty Award Nominee, Loewenberg College of Nursing, University of Memphis (2021)
• Certificate of Appreciation from the MSN Program Partnership, TNeCampus, Certificate of Appreciation (2020)
• Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare Llewellyn Legacy Professorship Nominee, Loewenberg College of Nursing, University of Memphis (2020)
• University of Memphis Annual Giving Champion (2019)
• Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Award of Excellence in Research Nominee (2018)
• Full Graduate Faculty Status in Nursing. University of Memphis, Graduate School (2017)
• Featured in “The Book Report: News and notes about Books from Birth” (2017)
• Recognized as the first “Clinical Lactation” publication to be translated into another language (Italian). Strong, G., & Mele, N. (2015). Raynaud's, candidiasis, and nipple pain: Strategies for differential diagnosis and care. La Gazzetta della Prolattina - pagine scientifiche per L'Allattamento Moderno. Translated into Italian. Initially Published in Clinical Lactation, 4(1). Retrieved from http://www.lagazzettadellaprolattina.it/index.php/la-gazzetta/la-gazzetta-n-3.html (2015)
• Presidential Award for Leadership, Commitment, and Dedication, Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Association (2014 - 2015)
• Best Researcher/Scholar, Nursing Award. Peer-reviewed university awards program based on faculty peer evaluation. The purpose is to recognize the best professors in the United States. https://www.facultyawards.org/2014/discipline-health-sciences-and-nursing/1386 (2014 - 2015)
• Featured as one of the 20 Outstanding Professors of Women’s Health Nursing. The list comprised of outstanding Professors in the field by nursepractitioners.com (2014)
• Invited as Guest Editor for the breastfeeding-themed issue of ICEA’s International Journal of Childbirth Education, Managing Editor, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT (2014)
• Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Award of Excellence in Education (2014)
• Florence Smith-Haney Scholarship Award, Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Association (2013)
• Presidential Award for Leadership, Commitment, and Dedication to the Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Association (2012 - 2013)
• Center for Research on Women (CROW) Affiliate, University of Memphis (2013)
• Article Highlight- Strong, G. (2013). Barriers to breastfeeding in the neonatal period. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 19(4), 134-138. 2013
• Minority Student Nursing Association, Certificate of Appreciation, University of Memphis (2012)
• Sigma Theta Tau International, The Honor Society of Nursing, Beta Theta Chapter (1997)

• Strong, G., Gober, M., & Walker, M, (2021). Speaking the same language: A call for standardized lactation terminology in the United States. Journal of Human Lactation. In press.
• Aldridge, L. S., Gober, M., Walker, M., & Strong, G. (2021). Georgia, USA: A bellwether in lactation care. Journal of Human Lactation, 37(3), 539-546.  https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344211006380
• Strong G. (2019). Understanding quality in research: Avoiding predatory journals. Journal of Human Lactation, 35(4), 661–664. https://doi.org/10.1177/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31491365/
• Strong, G., & Mele, N. (2015). Raynaud's, candidiasis, and nipple pain: Strategies for differential diagnosis and care. K. Kendal-Tackett & S. Sherwood (Eds.), USLCA Monograph Series: Breast and nipple pain (pp. 13-32). Praeclarus Press, LLC. (Reprinted from “Raynaud's, candidiasis, and nipple pain: Strategies for differential diagnosis and care,” 2013, Clinical Lactation, 4(1). 21-27, https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:3cd865f6-a95d-45f4-9367-1ebd903e6171
• Strong, G., & Mele, N. (2015). Raynaud's, candidiasis, and nipple pain: Strategies for differential diagnosis and care. K. Kendal-Tackett & S. Sherwood (Eds.), USLCA Monograph Series: Breast and nipple pain (pp. 13-32). Praeclarus Press, LLC. (Reprinted from “Raynaud's, candidiasis, and nipple pain: Strategies for differential diagnosis and care,” 2013, Clinical Lactation, 4(1). 21-27, https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:3cd865f6-a95d-45f4-9367-1ebd903e6171)
• Strong, G., & Mele, N. (2015). Fenomeno di raynaud, candidosi e dcolore al capezzolo strategie per la diagnosi differenziale e la cura. [Raynaud's, candidiasis, and nipple pain: Strategies for differential diagnosis and care. Originally Published in Clinical Lactation, 4(1), 21-27. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e55d457b-0dc7-46bd-b8fe-5bc1114906b8]. La Gazzetta della Prolattina - pagine scientifiche per L'Allattamento Moderno, 3, 1-13. http://www.lagazzettadellaprolattina.it/index.php/la-gazzetta/la-gazzetta-n-3.html]
• Strong, G. (2015). Making change [Guest Editor]. International Journal of Childbirth Education, 30(4), p. 7. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:60d2c980-1c1c-4622-b207-f6b007681c1
• Owens, L., & Strong, G. (2015). Emerging literacy: Why start at birth? International Journal of Childbirth Education 30(4). 34-37. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:60d2c980-1c1c-4622-b207-f6b007681c10
• Strong, G., & Lee, S. (2014). Breastfeeding to reduce the risks of childhood obesity: Recommendations for childbirth educators. International Journal of Childbirth Education, 29(2), 26-30. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:c5bc8778-b365-4b46-b6b8-064e8472daef  [Personal solicitation from Managing Editor of the International Journal of Childbirth Education].
• Strong, G. (2013). Letter to the Editor. Clinical Lactation, 4(4), 139-140. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:b464bc79-1c89-4781-9947-25fbe14eee6c
• Strong, G., & Mele, N. (2013). Raynaud's, candidiasis, and nipple pain: Strategies for differential diagnosis and care. Clinical Lactation, 4(1), 21-27. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:3cd865f6-a95d-45f4-9367-1ebd903e6171
• Strong, G. (2013). Barriers to breastfeeding in the neonatal period. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 19(4), 134-138. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e0d012d4-ec7c-4f40-8538-3e709cac2226
• Strong, G. & Lee, S. (2012). Breastfeeding to combat childhood obesity:  The duration required to reduce the risk, Clinical Lactation, 3(4), 143-146. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:bbdf3889-1266-4039-8ea5-18bfca9e3848
• Strong, G. (2011). Management and support for breastfeeding pain. JOGNN, 40, 753-764. DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01303.x

Book Chapters 

• Strong, G. (2020). Mental health disorders and substance abuse. [Chapter 31]. In D. Lowdermilk, S. Perry, M. Cashion, K. Alden & E. Olshansky (12th Eds.), Maternity & Women’s Health Care (pp. 662-680). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

Creative writing

• National Lactation Consultant Alliance, Inc. (2021). Advocacy letter to The Defense Health Agency, Department of Defense (DOD) Office of the Secretary. (2021). Notice of demonstration project, "Establishing a TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration." Federal Register, Vol. 86, No. 207, Friday, October 29, 2021.
• Strong, G., & Plaxco, A. (2021).”Lactation room usage policy.” University of Memphis. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:f940af13-78be-3fc5-9fb8-523a579e2d91
• Strong, G., & Plaxco, A. (2021). “Lactation and returning to work/school” infographic. University of Memphis. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:cadab052-719c-3692-9306-a5cf8c8f0c1a
• Strong, G., & Plaxco, A. (2020). University of Memphis “Lactation Support” Brochure. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:794d5b4f-a275-3f82-bd97-3d0b4d04a8b4
• Strong, G., & Plaxco, A. (2020). University of Memphis “Lactation Accommodation Plan.” https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:1d836c23-940a-32d5-9bcb-08c67fe18fac
• Strong, G. & Family Friendly Campus Committee. (2019). “HR5032 Breastfeeding and Lactation Support Policy.” (2019). The University of Memphis. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:bf9e9615-11ed-3932-b919-67af5a394980
• Strong, G. (2018). “Designating Lactation Spaces in Places of Higher Education.” University of Memphis. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:d4daef69-b86f-33cb-8842-8f03d4c092cf
• Strong, G., & Katron, C. (2018). “Research Fellowship Proposal for University of Memphis Lactation Support Program.” University of Memphis. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:63073ded-5a29-3885-b331-32385e303b8c
• Strong, G. (2018). “Outpatient Lactation Clinic.” Business Proposal. The University of Memphis. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e545aae1-8b71-3f22-8dec-c68265c1d44a
• Strong, G., Kaldon, C., & Meisinger, E. (2018). “Family Friendly Campus Committee Proposal.” The University of Memphis. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:6eed296c-5fcc-3e75-a0f1-7f6460b455a1
• Family Friendly Campus Committee “Paid Parental Leave Request Form.” (2017). The University of Memphis.  https://www.memphis.edu/hr/pdf/ppl1.pdf
• Family Friendly Campus Committee “HR5024 Paid Parental Leave Policy” (2017). The University of Memphis. https://memphis.policytech.com/dotNet/documents/?docid=540&public=true
• Strong, G. (2015). Who is at risk for breast cancer? “LET’S TALK HEALTH” is a short 2-miles of radio-spot segments on health and health communication air on WUMR at U92 FM http://www.memphis.edu/wumr/ each weekday evening at 4:55 pm, jointly sponsored with the Department of Communication and Fine Arts (CCFA) to offer basic, essential, action-oriented related information that someone can process and learn in a brief 1–2 minute “spot.” The topics focus on reducing health risks, promoting healthy lifestyle practices, and chronic disease management tips that related directly to our target population.
• Miller, S. & Strong, G. (2014). LSON Honors Contracting Policy. Full Leadership Council.
• Strong, G. (2012). Why not breastfeed? “LET’S TALK HEALTH” is a short 2-miles of radio-spot segments on health and health communication air on WUMR at U92 FM http://www.memphis.edu/wumr/ each weekday evening at 4:55 pm, jointly sponsored with the Department of Communication and Fine Arts (CCFA) to offer basic, essential, action-oriented related information that someone can process and learn in a brief 1–2 minute “spot.” The topics focus on reducing health risks, promoting healthy lifestyle practices, and chronic disease management tips that related directly to our target population.
• Strong, G. (2012). “What is the difference between an IBCLC and CLC?” Shelby County Breastfeeding Coalition. October 23, 2012.

Abstracts and Proceedings

• Strong, G. (2016). “When evidence changes practice: Building a skill set for interpreting and applying lactation research.” International Lactation Consultant Association 2017 Conference: Knowledge, Diversity, Equity: Global Access to Skilled Lactation Care. July 19 - 22, 2017 • Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• Strong, G. (2016). Taking the hassle out of critiquing, evaluating, and incorporating evidence into practice. USLCA 2016 “New Horizons in Clinical Lactation: Refresh, Renew, & Revitalize your clinical practice” Conference. San Antonio, Texas May 4-6, 2016.
• Strong, G., & Rose, J. (2013). Conducting effective inpatient consultations in 15-30 minutes. ILCA 2014 Conference: Breastfeeding in the Real World: Meeting the Challenges. July 23 - 26, 2014, Phoenix, Arizona.
• Strong, G. (2013). Postpartum depression in the breastfeeding dyad:  The role of the IBCLC. (Poster Presentation) USLCA 2013 “Gateway to Excellence” conference. St. Louis, MO. May 3-5, 2013.
• Mele, N., Strong, G. (2013). An evidence base for skin to skin. (Poster Presentation) USLCA 2013 “Gateway to Excellent” Conference. St. Louis, MO. May 3-5, 2013.
• Strong, G., Smith, G. (2013). “Protecting breastfeeding from postpartum depression.” Lamaze International 2013 Conference in New Orleans, LA. October 11-13, 2013.
• Smith, G. & Strong, G. (Oct. 2012). “The Infant effects of PPD: A systematic review” – (Poster Presentation). Research, Education, & Practice:  Nursing in the 21st Century. The 2012 Region 8 Conference of the International Nursing Honor Society, Sigma Theta Tau.

Professional Advocacy/Legislative Bills/Collaborative Works 

• House Bill 0622 & Senate Bill 0049 “Tennessee Lactation Consultant Practice Act” were was introduced to TN’s 110th General Assembly in February 2017.
• United States Lactation Consultant Association. Center for Disease Control Letter on 2014 Report Card (2014).
• House Bill 2615 & Senate Bill 2615, “Tennessee Lactation Consultant Practice Act” were  was introduced to TN’s 109th General Assembly in February 2016.
• United States Lactation Consultant Association (2014). Workshop:  Examining Health Care Competition Federal Trade Commission. Health Care Workshop Project Number P131207. Comments from the United States Lactation Consultant Association.
• United States Lactation Consultant Association (2014). Who’s Who in Lactation? An Inventory of Breastfeeding Support: From Confusion to Clarity. http://uslca.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/USLCA-Whos-Who.pdf 

Presentations

• Strong, G. (2022, August 3). “Navigating best practices on social media: The role of the IBCLC.” Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Association Breastfeeding Update, “Lactation Challenges in Healthcare,” Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2022, January 26). Updates to the Lactation Support Program. Dean’s Council Meeting. The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, United States. 
• Strong, G. (2021). Lactation Support Program. Tennessee Department of Health, Project Diabetes Virtual Grantee Meeting, West Tennessee Region.
• Strong, G. & Plaxco, A. (2021). Got Milk? Go Green! [Grant Proposal]. Green Fee Allocation Funding, Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2020). Lactation Support Clinic. Project Diabetes Grant. Guest Lecturer in Spring for NURS 4205 Transitions into Professional Practice, The University of Memphis, Loewenberg College of Nursing, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2020, October 1). A critical analysis of "Back to the breast: An historical overview of the perceived connections between Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Breastfeeding" by Cowgill, B., (2020). Journal of Human Lactation, 36(2), 310-317. Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Association, Panel Discussion. Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2019). Lactation Support Clinic. Project Diabetes Grant. Guest Lecturer in Fall NURS 4205 Transitions into Professional Practice, The University of Memphis, Loewenberg College of Nursing, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2018, October 19). Preventing breast cancer: Do you have all the evidence? The University of Memphis, Collaborating with Dr. Irma Quinones Mauras, Health Science Library, Associate Professor. The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2018, February). Are we making a difference: Breastfeeding in places of higher education? University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States.
• Strong, G. (2017, July 19-22). When the evidence changes practice: Building a skill set for interpreting and applying lactation research [Conference Session]. International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), Annual Conference: Knowledge, Diversity, Equity: Global Access to Skilled Lactation Care, Toronto, Canada.
• Strong, G. (2017, June 23). Innovative strategies of reviewing lactation-related research: A flicker [Journal Club]. Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Association (MALCA), Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2017, May 9). Translating evidence into practice: Online resources that improve practice outcomes for lactation care providers. Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Association (MALCA) Membership Meeting, Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2017, May 3-6). Taking the hassle out of critiquing, evaluating, and incorporating evidence into practice [Conference Session]. United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) Conference: New Horizons in Clinical Lactation: Refresh, Renew, and Revitalize your Clinical Practice, San Antonio, TX, United States.
• Strong, G. (2016, April). Evaluating the evidence: Vitamin D supplementation in breastfeeding infants [Journal Club]. Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Association (MALCA), Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G., & Rose, J. (2015). Find the right balance: In-patient lactation consultations [Webinar]. United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA), United States.
• Strong, G. Carney, G. & Kmet, J. (2015). Breastfeeding and work: Let’s make it work [Funding Presentation]. Healthy Shelby: A Memphis Fast Forward Initiative. Shelby County Breastfeeding Coalition, Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2015, June 21). Conducting effective in-patient lactation consultations by finding balance. [Online Breastfeeding Conference]. Building Better Breastfeeding Conference, lactation (http://www.ilactation.com/) of Flat 10D Hoover Mansion, 10-16 Oaklands Path, Mid-levels Hong Kong.
• Strong, G. (2015). What does the law say? [Conference]. TN WIC Breastfeeding & Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Conference, Jackson, TN, United States.
• Carney, G. & Strong, G. (2015). Breastfeeding resources [Conference]. TN WIC Breastfeeding & Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Conference, Jackson, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2015). Barriers to breastfeeding [Conference]. TN WIC Breastfeeding & Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Conference, Jackson, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2015, May). Can ADHD sabotage breastfeeding? Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Association (MALCA) Membership Meeting, Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2014). Faculty use of technology in the curriculum [Faculty Organization Meeting]. Loewenberg School of Nursing, Technology Integration Committee, Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2014, May 8-9). Breastfeeding in Tennessee [Poster presentation]. Personal Invitation from Tennessee Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Section and Treasurer. TN AWHONN Conference, Baptist Hospital in Nashville, TN, United States.
• Mele, N. & Strong, G. (2013). Breastfeeding: A public health concern [Research/Scholarship Brownbag Session]. Loewenberg School of Nursing and School of Public Health, The University of Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2013, October 11-13). Can postpartum depression sabotage breastfeeding? [Conference] Let the good times roll: For safe & healthy birth. Lamaze International 2013 Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA, United States.
• Strong, G. (2013, May 3-5). Breastfeeding education for nurses [Conference]. United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA). 2013 Inaugural Conference, St. Louis, MO, United States.
• Strong, G. (2013, March 29). The future of nursing. Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Oklahoma, United States. 
• Mele, N., & Strong, G. (2013). Grant writing top ten tips [Brown Bag Session: Research Scholarship Seminar]. The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, United States. 
• Strong, G. (2013, March 15). Professional ~How To~ in an electronic age [Invited Presentation]. Southern Arkansas University, Arkansas, United States.
• Strong, G., & Smith, G. (2013, January). The effects of postpartum depression on breastfeeding. Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Association (MALCA) Membership Meeting, Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2013, January 17). Professionalism: Incivility, social media, and email etiquette [Family Nurse Practitioner Program Orientation]. Loewenberg College of Nursing, The University of Memphis, TN, United States.
• Strong, G. (2012, July 25-28). The breastfeeding mother with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [Conference]. International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) 2013 Conference: Born to Breastfeed: A Global Public Health Imperative, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,
• Smith, G., & Strong, G. (2012, October 26-28). Postpartum depression: Effects on the infant. [Conference]. Lamaze Innovation Learning Forum, Safe & Healthy Birth: The Music of Our Head, Heart & Hands Conference, Nashville, TN, United States.

Grant Support

PI- Got Milk: Go Green! (2021). The University of Memphis, Green Fee Allocation ($8,550.00)- Funded. 

PI- Lactation Support Program (2019). State of Tennessee Department of Health, Project Diabetes (34347-52419), ($442,600.00)- Funded. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:0972f220-99eb-3e51-92df-e48b98374786

Human Lactation Minor

Dr. Strong is developing a Pathway 2 Program designed to produce human lactation professionals. The Human Lactation (HLP2) Minor provides a formal program of study for current University of Memphis students and practicing health care and public health professionals interested in taking the Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) examination through the International Board Certified Lactation Examiners (IBLCE). 

The minor consists of nine courses totaling 22 credit hours in human lactation. There are four didactic courses, three clinical courses, and one lab. The didactic courses will be offered on ground, virtually, or online. The lab will be offered in the LCON simulation labs. The clinical courses will be offered in various settings ranging from outpatient community settings to inpatient intensive care units with which the Loewenberg College of Nursing is affiliated. To be eligible to take the international certification exam, students must successfully complete courses including anatomy and physiology, biology, child growth and development, nutrition, and psychology in addition to the nine courses required by the University of Memphis to earn the HLP2 Minor. Curriculum is pending college and university approval.