Cherlie Magny-Normilus

Faculty

Cherlie Magny-Normilus headshot

Cherlie Magny-Normilus

PhD FNP-BC FAAN

1 212 998 5394

433 First Ave
New York, NY 10010
United States

Cherlie Magny-Normilus, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN is an Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, and an NIH-funded behavioral nurse scientist. She leads a program of research focused on optimizing cardiometabolic health self-management among marginalized and understudied populations. Her work examines how
sociocultural factors, psychological determinants, and structural conditions interact to shape type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention and self-management behaviors and downstream health outcomes. Grounded in community-based participatory research, she is designing and pilot-testing targeted interventions to improve diabetes self-management while simultaneously targeting the social and structural drivers of cardiometabolic inequity.
 

The flagship of her portfolio is An Santé ak Dyabèt (ASAD), “Let’s Live Healthy with Diabetes,” the first known multilevel, culturally and linguistically responsive T2D self-management education program developed specifically for Haitian American adults. Supported by a NIH-funded K99/R00, ASAD integrates behavioral theory, community-engaged design, and pragmatic implementation strategies to strengthen T2D self-care behaviors, improve glycemic control, and reduce T2D-related complications. A distinctive methodologic signature of this work is the use of continuous glucose monitoring paired with ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to phenotype, and sociocultural and environmental factors translate into measurable glycemic variability. This behavioral-physiologic profile, not previously documented in this population, reframes the standard A1c-only paradigm of diabetes monitoring in marginalized communities.


Magny-Normilus is equally committed to building durable nursing infrastructure globally. As co-director of the Regis College Haiti Project, an international nurse faculty partnership funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, she helped advance the credentials of 37 nurse educators across every region of Haiti. Her work was formally recognized by the Government of Haiti and acknowledged in the United States with the City of Boston’s Citation for Unwavering Commitment to Immigrant Health.
 

Magny-Normilus regularly presents her work at the American Diabetes Association, American Public Health Association, Eastern Nursing Research Society, and Transcultural Nursing Society conferences. Her research appears in peer-reviewed journals spanning nursing, public health, and patient safety. Prior to joining NYU Meyers, she completed postdoctoral training at Yale School of Nursing and held faculty positions at Boston College Connell School of Nursing and Regis College.

PhD, University of Massachusetts Lowell
MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner, Regis College
BSN, Curry College
ASN, Brockton Hospital School of Nursing
Underserved populations
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
American Diabetes Association
Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists
American Nurses Association
American Public Health Association
Eastern Nursing Research Society
National Black Nurses Association – Lifetime Member
New England Black Nurses Association (NERBNA)
Sigma Theta Tau International
Transcultural Nursing Society
Academic Early Career Scholarship Award, Massachusetts Association of Colleges of Nursing (2024)
Citation for Unwavering Commitment to Health Care, City of Boston (2023)
Excellence in Nursing Research Award, New England Black Nurses Association, Inc (2023)
Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine (2022)
Health Disparities Research Institute Scholar, National Institute on Minority Health (2020)
Humanitarian Award, Aesclepius Medical Society (AMS) (2019)
Dean’s Award, University of Massachusetts Lowell Solomont School of Nursing (2018)
PhD Program Award, University of Massachusetts Lowell Solomont School of Nursing (2018)
Dedication and Contributions to the Advancement of Nursing Education throughout Haiti Haitian Government Office of the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (2016)
Changemakers, Inducted to the Haitian Roundtable’s 1804 List of Changemakers (2015)
Volunteerism and Service, Nurse.com Regional GEM Awards Program Finalist (2014)
Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award, New England Regional Black Nurse Association, Inc (2014)
Ujima Award, Brigham and Women’s Hospital (2011)
Graduate Student Leadership Award, Regis College Graduate (2011)

Social Barriers, Facilitators, and Self-Care: Examining Glycemic Control in Foreign-Born Haitian Americans with Diabetes

Magny-Normilus, C. (2025).
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Food insecurity and diabetes management among adults of African descent : A systematic review

Magny-Normilus, C., Luppino, F., Lyons, K., Luu, J., & Taylor, J. (2024). In Diabetic Medicine. 10.1111/dme.15398
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Abstract
Aims: This systematic review explores the established causal link between food insecurity and cardiometabolic conditions among adults of African descent. Specifically, this study examined the relationship between food insecurity and the management of type 2 diabetes, highlighting the prevalence of food insecurity among individuals of African descent with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Original English papers were meticulously searched in databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for quantitative studies and COReQ for qualitative studies were employed to assess biases. Three independent reviewers meticulously evaluated and synthesized results, reaching a consensus. Results: Among the 198 studies identified, 14 met the inclusion criteria for data extraction and analysis, which were conducted independently by three reviewers. The findings indicate that individuals of African descent are more likely to experience food insecurity compared to their White counterparts and are also more prone to diabetes risk factors or the presence of diabetes. Conclusions: This study underscores a higher prevalence of food insecurity and type 2 diabetes among adults of African descent, suggesting that ethnicity and food insecurity play significant roles in diabetes management. Future research should prioritize interventions aimed at reducing these disparities.

Food insecurity and diabetes management among adults of African descent: A systematic review

Magny-Normilus, C., Luppino, F., Lyons, K., Luu, J., & Taylor, J. Y. (2024). In Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association (Vols. 41, Issues 10, p. e15398).
Abstract
Abstract
This systematic review explores the established causal link between food insecurity and cardiometabolic conditions among adults of African descent. Specifically, this study examined the relationship between food insecurity and the management of type 2 diabetes, highlighting the prevalence of food insecurity among individuals of African descent with type 2 diabetes.

Associations Between Food Security and Social Determinants of Health with Dietary Intakes–A Pilot Study

Diallo, A., Bolden, T., Karimian, S., Russell, S., Elswick, R. K., Magny-Normilus, C., Waters, L., Arcan, C., Tucker, K. L., & Talegawkar, S. A. (2023). In Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition. 10.1080/19320248.2023.2266687
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Food insecurity is a major social determinant of health (SDH). However, further research is needed on the associations between SDH and diet among individuals living in urban food deserts. We designed a pilot study to examine the associations between diet and seven measures of SDH. Forty-five participants were enrolled in the study and were scheduled for an in-person or telephone interview. Food insecurity was significantly associated with greater intakes of fast food and refined grains. Employment was significantly associated with higher intake of alcohol. Findings from this pilot study confirm the importance of examining SDH in relation to diet.

A roadmap for social determinants of health and biological nursing research in the National Institute of Nursing Research 2022–2026 Strategic Plan : Optimizing health and advancing health equity using antiracist framing

Taylor, J., Barcelona, V., Magny-Normilus, C., Wright, M. L., Jones-Patten, A., Prescott, L., Potts-Thompson, S., & Santos, H. P. (2023). In Nursing outlook (Vols. 71, Issues 6). 10.1016/j.outlook.2023.102059
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Background: Health equity is essential for improving the well-being of all individuals and groups, and research remains a critical element for understanding barriers to health equity. While considering how to best support research that acknowledges current health challenges, it is crucial to understand the role of social justice frameworks within health equity research and the contributions of minoritized researchers. Additionally, there should be an increased understanding of the influence of social determinants of health on biological mechanisms. Purpose: Biological health equity research seeks to understand and address health disparities among historically excluded populations. Discussion: While there are examples of studies in this area led by minoritized researchers, some individuals and groups remain understudied due to underfunding. Research within minoritized populations must be prioritized to authentically achieve health equity. Furthermore, there should be increased funding from National Institutes of Health to support minoritized researchers working in this area.

Self-Management and Glycemic Targets in Adult Haitian Immigrants with Type 2 Diabetes : Research Protocol

Magny-Normilus, C., Whittemore, R., Nunez-Smith, M., Lee, C. S., Schnipper, J., Wexler, D., Sanders, J. A., & Grey, M. (2023). In Nursing research (Vols. 72, Issues 3, pp. 211-217). 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000649
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Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition affecting more than 34.2 million U.S. adults, and people of African descent have a disproportionate burden. Haitian immigrants' unique cultural and biological factors put them at elevated risk for T2D-related complications. Despite prior research highlighting the success of multimethod approaches to T2D self-management behaviors on glycemic targets, a dearth of studies have used these methods to improve diabetes self-management in this marginalized population. Objectives This article describes a repeated-measures design protocol of a going study about self-management behaviors among adult Haitian immigrants with T2D and characterizing their barriers to T2D self-management. Methods We will enroll 100 Haitian immigrants aged 18-64 years who have lived with T2D for at least 1 year. Using multiple recruitment methods and Research Electronic Data Capture, subjective and objective data on T2D self-management practices, glucose variability via continuous glucose monitor, and a comprehensive view of physical activity via actigraphy are collected. Results Data analysis will follow a two-part approach mirroring the two primary study objectives. Discussion Findings from the study will guide the development and testing of a culturally tailored diabetes self-management education program that will contribute essential information about best practices for this population and break barriers that may impede research on unique individuals and subsequent effective self-management.

Sleep Characteristics in Adults of African Descent at Risk for and with Cardiometabolic Conditions : A Systematic Review

Magny-Normilus, C., Griggs, S., Sanders, J., Hwang, Y., & Longhurst, C. (2023). In Endocrines (Vols. 4, Issues 3, pp. 502-520). 10.3390/endocrines4030036
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The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize available studies on sleep health characteristics in adults of African descent with or at risk for cardiometabolic conditions. PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for original research studies on subgroups of African descent with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor. Studies published in English with measured sleep characteristics were included. Studies focused on participants with severe psychiatric illness, night shift workers, or with a pharmacologic sleep treatment focus were excluded. The risk for bias was assessed using the NHLBI 2021 Quality Assessment Tool. Two reviewers independently synthesized the results before reaching a consensus. Out of 340 studies screened, 35 studies were included. There were 631,756 participants with an average age of 44.3 combined (SD = 16.5) (53% female and 22% Black). Disparities in sleep health characteristics and cardiometabolic health among African American adults were found. Markers of poor cardiometabolic health were associated with disordered sleep. While the studies in this review captured key factors, the study measurement methods were inconsistent, and African Caribbean Americans were underrepresented. The studies demonstrated the intersectionality of poor sleep characteristics, cardiometabolic risk factors, and racial/ethnic groupings. Clinicians should consider these findings when providing care.

Glycemic control and management of cardiovascular risk factors among adults with diabetes in the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN) Cohort Study

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To determine the level of glycemic control and cardiovascular (CVD) risk among adults with diabetes in the Eastern Caribbean.

Glycemic control and management of cardiovascular risk factors among adults with diabetes in the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN) Cohort Study

Hassan, S., Magny-Normilus, C., Galusha, D., Adams, O. P., Maharaj, R. G., Nazario, C. M., Nunez, M., & Nunez-Smith, M. (2022). In Primary Care Diabetes (Vols. 16, Issue 1, pp. 107-115). 10.1016/j.pcd.2021.06.011
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Aims: To determine the level of glycemic control and cardiovascular (CVD) risk among adults with diabetes in the Eastern Caribbean. Methods: Baseline data from the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN) Cohort Study (ECS) were used for the analysis. ECS participants were 40 years of age and older, residing in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, or Barbados. Participants completed a survey, physical exam, and laboratory studies. CVD risk was calculated using the Atherosclerotic CVD risk equation. Bivariate analysis followed by multinomial logistic regression was used to assess social and biological factors (education, lifestyle, access to care, medical history) associated with level of glycemic control. Results: Twenty-three percent of participants with diabetes had an HbA1c ≥ 9% (>75 mmol/mol). Participants with diabetes had poorly controlled CVD risk factors: 70.2% had SBP ≥ 130 mmHg, 52.2% had LDL ≥ 100 mg/dl (2.59 mmol/L), and 73.2% had a 10-year CVD risk of more than 10%. Age and education level were significant, independent predictors of glycemic control. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes among adults in ECS. The high burden of elevated CVD risk explains the premature mortality we see in the region. Strategies are needed to improve glycemic control and CVD risk factor management among individuals with diabetes in the Caribbean.

Implications for Self-Management among African Caribbean Adults with Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Disorders : A Systematic Review

Magny-Normilus, C., Hassan, S., Sanders, J., Longhurst, C., Lee, C. S., & Jurgens, C. Y. (2022). In Biomedicines (Vols. 10, Issues 11). 10.3390/biomedicines10112735
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Mental health problems are common among individuals suffering from chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Self-management is essential in preventing NCD progression. Mental health problems can impede the ability to self-manage one’s NCDs. The African Caribbean population in the United States suffers from a high burden of NCDs and has unique societal factors that alter disease management. This systematic review aimed to better understand the burden of mental health problems among African Caribbean adults with one or more NCDs and explore the association between mental health disorders and the level of control of NCDs. A literature search was conducted for original research documenting the prevalence of mental illnesses in individuals with NCDs. Data were descriptively summarized. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged: (1) prevalence of comorbid mental health problems and chronic NCDs; (2) factors that mitigate or mediate the association between mental health problems and chronic NCDs—(a) factors influencing self-management; (b) association between mental health and NCD outcome studies focused on (b1) risk factors and (b2) protective factors; and (3) varied results. Chronic disease self-management and disease outcomes are influenced by mental problems and the association is mitigated by complex factors in the African Caribbean population.