Kathryn Laughon has focused her practice and research on issues of intimate partner violence and its impact on women and children. She is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Virginia School of Nursing where she received her B.S.N. and M.S.N. She received her Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University. At the University of Virginia, she has collaborated with Richard Steeves, Ph.D., R.N., F.N.P. and Barbara Parker, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., in their study of intimate partner homicide and its impact on children. She is also a forensic nurse examiner and conducts evidence collection and provides care to victims of sexual assault.

Dr. Laughon currently is principle investigator on a National Institute of Mental Health-funded study to test an intervention for guardians of children orphaned by intimate partner homicide. She has previous research funding from the National Institute for Nursing Research, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Nurses Foundation, and Sigma Theta Tau Beta Nu Chapter. The University of Virginia School of Nursing has honored her with a Faculty Publication Award, as Young Alumnae of the Year, the Shannon Award for Clinical and Academic Excellence, and the Historical Nursing Research Award. She also received an Alumni Scholarship and Undergraduate Research Fellowship. She serves on the board of the Nursing Network on Violence Against Women, International.