Advocacy Overview
Strong advocacy ensures that nursing research remains a national priority. Without it, funding for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) is at risk, and the progress we’ve made in advancing health through science could slow dramatically. Advocacy amplifies the voices of nurse scientists whose discoveries improve the quality of life, reduce disparities, and strengthen healthcare delivery. NINR is critical to advancing both nursing science and the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Our Approach
FNINR serves as the advocacy voice for nurse scientists and the communities they impact. Through advocacy campaigns, education, and coalition-building, we ensure legislators and the public understand how NINR-funded research drives better care, healthier communities, and cost-effective solutions.
FNINR Ambassador Program
Our Ambassadors Program equips nurse leaders across the U.S. to meet with policymakers, share personal stories of research impact, and build relationships that strengthen support for nursing research.
Ambassador Applications are now open for the 2026 Cohort! Apply before the November 3 deadline. FNINR is excited to expand the number of Ambassadors and especially encourages applicants from states not represented by an FNINR Ambassador. See the list ambassadors and states currently represented below.
Role of FNINR Ambassadors: Ambassadors focus specifically on educating Congressional leaders as to the high-impact, cost-effective interventions and quality-of-life enhancements that emanate from nursing science. The goal of FNINR’s ambassador program is to increase research funding for continued scientific breakthroughs and training of scientists made possible by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR).
“The Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research (FNINR) champions the vital work of nurse researchers who bridge clinical practice and scientific discovery to improve patient care and the health and wellbeing of the population,” says Dr. Teri Murray, President of FNINR, “Through advocacy efforts, FNINR ensures that nursing research continues to drive innovation, enhance wellbeing, and shape a healthier future for all.”
Ambassadors
Windy Alonso PhD, RN Nebraska
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Kristin B Ashford PhD, WHNP-BC, FAAN Kentucky |
Brenda J Baker PhD, RN, FAAN Georgia
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Samantha L Bernstein PhD, RN Massachusetts |
Donna Z Bliss PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, WOCNF Minnesota
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Kelly Bosak PhD, APRN, ANP-BC Kansas |
Felesia Bowen PhD, DNP, ARNP, FAAN Alabama
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Sara Bybee LCSW, PhD Utah |
Rosina Cianelli PhD, MPH, RN, IBCLC, FAAN Florida
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Robert C Coghlan III PhD, RN, BSN, MSN, CNS, FNP, CNE Texas |
Denise Cote-Arsenault PhD, RN, CPLC, FNAP, FAAN Missouri
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Joy P Deupree PhD, MSN, CRNP, WHNP-BC, FAAN Alabama |
Nancy R Downing PhD, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, FAAN Texas
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Judith M Fouladbakhsh PhD, RN, PHCNS-BC, AHN-BC, CHTP Michigan |
Shannon L Gillespie PhD, RN Ohio
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Phyllis S Hansell EdD, RN, FNAP, FAAN New Jersey |
Lindsey Harris DNP, RN, FNP-BC, FAAN Alabama
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Michele Kane PhD, MSN, FAAN Alabama |
Youjeong Kang PhD, MPH, CCRN-K, HF-Cert Georgia
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Hyunhwa "Henna" Lee PhD, MSN, APRN, PHMNP-BC Nevada |
Susan K Lee PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, CPXP, FAAN Texas
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Colleen A Leners DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN Virginia |
Renee CB Manworren PhD, RN, APRN, PCNS-BC, PMGT-BC, AP-PMN, FAAN Texas
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Ruth Masterson Creber PhD, MSc, RN New York |
Lea Ann Matura PhD, RN, FAAN Pennsylvania
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Nicholas Metheny PhD, MPH, RN Georgia |
Mulubrhan Mogos PhD, MSc Tennessee
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Ann-Margaret Navarra PhD, CPNP-PC, FAAN New York |
Mary A Nies PhD, RN, FAAN, FAAHB Idaho
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Devon Noonan PhD, MPH, FNP-BC North Carolina |
Joan O'Hanlon Curry DNP, MS, RN, CPNP, CPON, FAAN New York
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Ukamaka M Oruche PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN Florida |
Demetrius J Porche DNS, PhD, APRN, PCC, ANEF, FACHE, FAANP, FAAN Louisiana
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S Raquel Ramos PhD, MBA, MSN, FNP, FNYAM, FAHA Connecticut |
Meghan Reading Turchioe PhD, MPH, RN New York
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Richard Ricciardi PhD, CRNP, FAANP, FAAN Maryland |
Kumhee Ro DNP, MN, APRN, FAANP Washington
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Angela Starkweather PhD, ACNP-BC, CNRN, FAAN, FAANP New Jersey |
Janna Stephens PhD, RN Illinois
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Barbara A Swanson PhD, RN, FAAN Illinois |
Diane M Twedell MCHS, DNP, RN, CENP, CNML Minnesota
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Julie L Valentine PhD, RN, SANE-A, FAAFS, FAAN Utah |
Natalia Villegas Rodriguez PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, FAAN North Carolina
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Terri E Weaver PhD, RN, FAAN, ATSF, FAASM Illinois |
Linda S Weglicki PhD, RN South Carolina
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Donna M Zucker PhD, RN, FAAN New York |
Your Role
Donations directly support FNINR’s advocacy work, including training ambassadors, organizing and supporting Capitol Hill visits to meet with legislators and legislative assistants to champion funding for NINR. This advocacy helps to ensure that NINR’s federal budget remains strong so nurse scientists have the resources they need to continue their vital work. Every gift is an investment in healthier communities.
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