Teri A. Murray, PhD, PHNA-BC, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Saint Louis University Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing

What advice would you give your younger self?
Build a strong program of research that can shape macro-level health policies to improve population health. Always connect research to outcomes. In community-based participatory research, know that community engagement is key in shaping health equity focused policy changes.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Paris

Ashley Darcy-Mahoney, PhD, NNP-BC, FAAN
The George Washington University School of Nursing

What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell myself three things: 1) to continue to follow the work that brings the most joy and enables me to follow my interests and passions. 2) Find colleagues and teams that bring out the best part of you and challenge you to be a better version of yourself as a clinician and scientist. 3) Listen closely to parents and caregivers. They are their child's first and best teacher. Partner with them to optimize outcomes for kids.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
The beach, any beach, but I do love Kauai.

Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, RN, CGNC, FFNMRCSI, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN
The Ohio State University College of Nursing

What advice would you give your younger self?
Realize not every opportunity offered to you is right for you at that time or perhaps ever. Be judicious, and grateful, with saying yes.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
I will be in Greece and Italy and the Czech Republic this year so I may change my mind but I think my favorite spot is Aix-en-Provence in France - I received wise advice from many people I met there to “work to live, not live to work”. I am trying hard to find more balance in my life.

Adey M. Nyamathi, ANP, PhD, FAAN
University of California, Irvine, Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing

What advice would you give your younger self?
Learn early to be purposeful in your goals and intentions. Figure out early what your passion is; and what you are deeply invested in that gives you a sense of purpose and motivates you to keep moving forward. That makes all the hard work so much easier.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Japan, especially during the Sakura Hanami (cherry blossom gazing season)

Christy Dempsey, DNP, MBA, RN, CNOR, CENP, FAAN
Christina Dempsey Enterprises, LLC

What advice would you give your younger self?
Never be afraid to take a calculated risk.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Italy.

FNINR CELEBRATES ITS 30^TH ANNIVERSARY!

The Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research (FNINR) is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1993. FNINR’s mission is to strengthen and magnify the impact of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) in the advancement of nursing science.

To celebrate our anniversary, FNINR would like to honor the individuals who have helped shape the organization through donations, volunteering, and support over the past 30 years, including our current and past presidents (listed below); without all these individuals we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Usha Menon, PhD, RN, FAAN
University of South Florida College of Nursing

What advice would you give your younger self?
It's never going to be easy but a career in nursing is so worth it.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere with the ocean or mountains.

Eileen D. Hacker, PhD, APRN, AOCN, FAAN
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

What advice would you give your younger self?
Be the person that you want to be regardless of the circumstances.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere I can completely unplug.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and John Boozman (R-AR), teamed up to introduce the bipartisan Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act, legislation to ensure that nurses in the federal Nurse Corps are not required to pay federal income tax on their student loan forgiveness and scholarships.  

“As the husband of a nurse, I know frontline nurses are the backbone of communities, helping patients and families through both joyous and challenging times,” said Merkley. “Nurse Corps members build healthier communities in the areas of greatest need, and it is terrible public policy and frankly offensive that nurses are singled out for extra taxation as compared to other health professionals—it’s long past time to put an end to this.”

Laura J. Wood, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Boston Children's Hospital

What advice would you give your younger self?
I would offer the Zen precept, “Leap and the net will appear.” Courage is a necessity to create a life of meaning.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. It’s a wonderful mix of spectacular beaches, nature, and many venues where our beloved golden retriever family member is also welcome!

Cathleen Wheatley, DNP, RN, CENP, FAAN
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

Victoria Niederhauser, DrPH, RN, PPCNP-BC, FAAN
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Nursing

What advice would you give your younger self?
Follow your passion, seek first to understand, and balance action with patience.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Hawaii! I had the great fortune to live in Hawaii for 22 years and love returning to the islands to visit friends and my favorite places.

FNINR ANNOUNCES THE SIXTH COHORT OF FNINR AMBASSADORS

January 9, 2023 – Lexington, KY – The Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research (FNINR) are pleased to announce the selection of their sixth cohort of Ambassadors. This unique advocacy program began in 2014 and has grown to include over 30 Ambassadors. The 2023 selection includes 12 nurse scientists to join the ranks of others currently filling this role.

Ambassadors are selected from a national pool of applicants based on their abilities to advance public, health professional, and policy-maker awareness of the critical research agenda advanced by the National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR).

LCDR Gideon Esuzor, MBA, MSN, RN
Defense Health Agency

What advice would you give your younger self?
Enjoy the journey and experience no matter the difficulties you encounter on your road to success. The difficult moments are character-building, so embrace them.

Kelli Saucerman-Howard, DNP, RN
Vice-President of Patient Care Services/CNO

Be brave and challenge yourself, don't settle for status quo.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
One of my favorite vacation spots is Kauai because it has the most beautiful mountains and ocean scenery.

Diane M. Santa Maria, DRPH, MSN, RN, PHNA-BC,FSA-HM,FAAN
Associate Professor Department of Research

Hang on because it is going to be an unpredictable and exciting ride!

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Any alpine lake with great views and fresh air. I love the national parks.