Autumn Dennistoun

Dr. Autumn Dennistoun, DNP, RN is a registered nurse whose work focuses on understanding how systemic and upstream factors shape health outcomes in working populations. Her interest in population health and health equity deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she witnessed persistent disparities in health outcomes across communities. 

She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Population Health and Systems Leadership from the University of Washington, where she also completed an Advanced Practice Environmental and Occupational Health Graduate Certificate through the Northwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety, funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 

Dr. Dennistoun’s research focuses on occupational health and substance use prevention, particularly in the commercial fishing industry. Her work examines how occupational conditions including long work hours, social isolation, high injury risk, and limited healthcare access contribute to elevated risks of chronic pain, substance use, and opioid overdose among commercial fishers. Her research aims to improve awareness, prevention, and health promotion strategies within high-risk occupational settings. She was honored in 2025 to receive the UW School of Nursing Azita Emami Student Leadership in Social Justice Award for her work in increasing awareness about substance use and overdose death in fishing communities.