Caring Hearts Auxiliary Hosts 19th Annual 'Keep Memories Alive' Walk | |
The 19th annual "Keep Memories Alive" Walk-in-the-Mall on Nov. 2 at the Town Center in Boca Raton, hosted by the Caring Hearts Auxiliary, drew many supporters, including Florida Atlantic University President Adam Hasner, Christine E. Lynn, donors and community leaders. This year’s event themed One Community One Walk was dedicated to the late Debi Stacy-Feiler, a Caring Hearts Auxiliary Board member and champion of local charities.
The College of Nursing’s “Nimble Nightingales” team participated along with several other groups, helping to raise approximately $85,000 for the Center’s Adult Day Care scholarships for individuals with memory disorders, caregiver programs and furnishings in the Day Center. Donations can still be made here.
| Florida Atlantic FNSA Resolution Passes With Unanimous Support | A resolution proposed by the college’s Student Nurses Association (SNA) during the Florida Student Nurses Association (FNSA) conference on Oct. 29 to 31 in Kissimmee was successfully adopted. The resolution on health care literacy and third spaces was the only one to receive unanimous support. It calls for nursing students to employ themselves as leaders in health education and as advocates to help shape environments where health literacy can thrive. Congratulations to students Nashley Louidor, the author of the resolution, and Hien Do, our in-house delegate, along with Drs. Herlie Bertrand and Wanda Morancy for their excellent leadership and mentoring of our students. | | FAU Nursing Faculty Named Among World's Top 2% of Scientists | | |
Nearly 70 faculty members from Florida Atlantic University have been recognized among the world’s top 2% of scientists, underscoring FAU’s growing influence and impact across scientific disciplines. The annual ranking, compiled by Stanford University and the academic publisher Elsevier, identifies the most influential researchers worldwide based on standardized citation metrics that assess career-long and recent research impact.
This achievement follows FAU’s designation as an R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production University in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, underscoring the university’s rapid ascent as a national leader in innovation and scholarship. Together, these honors reflect FAU’s expanding research enterprise, the dedication of its faculty, and the university’s commitment to addressing complex global challenges through discovery and collaboration. Read More
Congratulations to the following faculty from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing who were named to this year's "World’s Top 2% Scientists” list:
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Cheryl A. Krause-Parello, Ph.D., FAU associate vice president for research and a research professor
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Rozzano C. Locsin, Ph.D., professor emeritus
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Rose O. Sherman, Ed.D., professor emerita
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Marlaine Smith, Ph.D., professor emerita and director of the Anne Boykin Institute for the Advancement of Caring in Nursing
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Ruth Tappen, Ed.D., professor and Christine E. Lynn Eminent Scholar
| | College of Nursing Joins 'Florida Atlantic Day at the State Capitol' Delegation | | Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing representatives including Student Council President Gabriel Fonarov joined the university’s delegation for Florida Atlantic Day at the State Capitol, from October 13 to 15. While in Tallahassee, the group came together to meet with state legislators and their staff to advocate for university priorities and celebrate student success and achievements, notably Florida Atlantic’s R1 Carnegie Designation as a top-tier research university. Read More | | After Cancer: Study Explores Caring-Healing Modalities for Survivors | | |
As cancer survivorship rates continue to rise, about 30% of people living with or beyond cancer experience lasting emotional challenges such as anxiety and depression. New research underscores the importance of supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of cancer survivors – not just their physical health.
Researchers from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing conducted the first-ever scoping review focused on caring-healing modalities (CHMs), including mindfulness, peer support, and expressive therapies, which help reduce emotional distress and strengthen resilience. The findings call for a more holistic approach to survivorship care – one that treats patients as whole people and integrates science with compassion. Read More
| BSN Students Honored at Kay Carpenter Pinning Ceremony | On September 30, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing hosted the annual Kay Carpenter Scholarship Pinning Ceremony for more than 20 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students. During the event, scholars were honored with pins that represent the late Kay Carpenter, whose vision and generosity established the scholarship fund. Read More | Nursing Owls Gather for Fall Alumni Reception | |
The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University’s Alumni and Community Engagement team, hosted its Fall Alumni Reception on October 9, on the Davie campus. The event brought together alumni, faculty, staff and students for an evening of connection and reflection.
The program featured several speakers, including Rachel Huerta, BSN ’07, MSN ’11, who serves on the Florida Atlantic Alumni Association’s Board of Directors; Marvalee Gilbert-Harris, BSN ’99, chair of the Nursing Professionals Alumni Network; Ashley Rivera, DNP ’19, assistant professor at the College of Nursing’s Davie campus; and Dean Cameron Duncan. Read More
| College of Nursing Granted Continuing ANCC Accreditation | The American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission (ANCC) on Accreditation has granted the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing full accreditation as a provider of nursing continuing professional development until 2030. This accreditation involves a peer-review process where organizations must meet rigorous, evidence-based standards to show their continuing education activities are designed to advance nursing practice and improve patient outcomes. Learn more about our professional development courses. Learn more about our professional development courses. | | |
The fall semester ends on Wednesday, Dec. 10, and registration for spring 2025 classes is now open. Spring classes begin on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. Learn More
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Get ready to celebrate fall nursing graduates at the traditional pinning ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 9:30 a.m. in the College of Nursing Auditorium on the Boca Raton campus. Florida Atlantic University will hold the fall commencement ceremony for College of Nursing students on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m., in the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium, located in the Student Union on the Boca Raton campus.
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The Student Nurses Association (SNA) hosted its annual Halloween luncheon on Oct. 29, in the college's Atrium on the Boca Raton campus. Guests enjoyed decorating pumpkins and sampling frightfully good drinks and snacks.
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Members of the college's Nurses Christian Fellowship and their families joined the annual Blood Cancers United Light the Night Walk on Oct. 25, in West Palm Beach. The team raised funds and walked to honor those who have passed, celebrating survivors and supporting individuals currently battling leukemia and lymphoma.
| | Student Veteran Spotlight: Reede Walke | | |
Reede Walke, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is set to graduate in December 2025 with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Florida Atlantic University. Inspired to pursue nursing after witnessing the dedication of medical personnel during his combat deployments, Walke focused his career on psychiatric-mental health, motivated by the mental health challenges faced by fellow veterans.
With a longstanding family tradition of military service and a commitment to serving others, he has already earned degrees in psychology and nursing, and he currently works as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. After graduation, Walke plans to remain with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he hopes to make an even greater impact.
“The DNP will open doors to roles in management, education, quality improvement, and more,” he said. “The sky is the limit with a doctorate in nursing.” Read More
| Alumnus Spotlight: Angel Solorzano Martinez, Ph.D. '23 | |
Angel Solorzano Martinez, Ph.D., DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, CNS, PMHNP-BC, is a leader in nursing innovation and advocacy. The proud Florida Atlantic graduate earned his Ph.D. in December 2023 and has since excelled in academics, clinical leadership and mental health advocacy. Currently, Dr. Solorzano Martinez holds several vital roles at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California, as an assistant professor and program director for the DNP-PMHNP, MSN-PMHNP and PMHNP-Certificate Programs. He also serves as the associate editor for the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (JAPNA).
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Florida Atlantic Ph.D. nursing faculty and to my Ph.D. advisor, professor and mentor Dr. Lisa Wiese,” said Dr. Solorzano Martinez. “Her mentorship and support have been essential to become a better nurse researcher.” Read More
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College of Nursing Advisory Board member Tim Snow, founder and president of the George Snow Scholarship Fund, accepted the Susan Whelchel Award (Best Nonprofit) on behalf of the Fund at the 2025 Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton Mayors Ball on Nov. 1. Since its inception, the Fund has awarded over $36 million in scholarships and support services to nearly 3,700 local students.
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The 13th annual Giving Tree Campaign is now live and ready to help spread holiday cheer to families in need in our community. View the spreadsheet here: 2025 Giving Tree Wish Lists. Gifts must be dropped off gifts by Monday, Nov. 17. Questions? Contact Jennifer Granger at 561-297-3653 or email jlgranger@fau.edu.
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Each year NCF participates in Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan's Purse. By filling ordinary shoeboxes full of toys and other fun items, you can be part of giving boys and girls what may be their first gift ever! Boxes and labels are available in Student Services. All boxes must to returned to Dr. Mary Ann Leavitt by Friday, Nov. 21. You can also build a box online here. For more details, email mleavit3@health.fau.edu or call 561-635-8761.
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The college’s annual Lamplighter & White Coat Scholarship campaign is now underway to support first-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students with their educational expenses. All contributions make a meaningful difference. The ceremony will be held Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Learn More
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Explore a new approach to healing! Our new Advanced Holistic Practice & Nurse Coach certificate program offers those with a BSN degree or higher the tools to care for others and themselves. The fully online, 12-credit course is open to non-degree seeking students and upon completion, students are eligible to apply for board certification. Apply by Nov. 15 for Spring 2026! Learn More
| | Postdoctoral Fellow Awarded Grant from National Council for Scientific and Technological Development | | Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Livia Maia Pascoal was recently awarded a highly regarded grant from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) in Brazil. With continued mentorship from Dr. Rita Gengo, Dr. Pascoal's research will focus on the impact of a new nursing M-health application on the self-care of adults with diabetes. The study seeks to enhance patient autonomy through technology-supported strategies, offering a valuable contribution to the global dialogue on managing chronic diseases. | Final Fall Research Colloquia Session | | This semester’s Research Colloquia hosted by the Office of Nursing Research and Scholarship wraps up on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at noon. Assistant Professor Rita Gengo, Ph.D., MSN, MSc, RN, FNI, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, will present "Systematic Reviews." Registration is required. |
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Research from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is bringing attention to a concerning public health issue – early-onset breast cancer and the rising rates of breast cancer among women diagnosed under age 50. Led by Tarsha Jones, RN, Ph.D., principal investigator and an associate professor in the college, the research focuses on young breast cancer survivors and highlights the critical importance of genetic testing, risk-reduction and family risk communication. Read More
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On Oct. 1, Dr. Mary Ann Leavitt delivered a community engagement presentation about heart disease and heart health with a focus on women's health, at the Canyon Branch of the Palm Beach County Library Systems.
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The November issue of South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report features a front page article titled “Teaching Students to Collaborate and Communicate: Purpose of FAU’s Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice” with Executive Director Dr. Terry Eggenberger. Read More
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Florida Atlantic University Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree student Cody Schumaker is featured in the South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report article, “Bridging Crisis and Recovery: The Vital Role of a Trauma Case Manager at Broward Health" (Oct. 2025). Read More
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Medical Express republished the Florida Atlantic article, "After Cancer: Study Explores Caring-healing Modalities for Survivors," featuring research from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing (Oct. 16). Read More
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PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS:
Brennen, M., Tappen, R., & Johnson, V. (2025, accepted). The association of perceived stress, glucocorticoid receptors, and corticotropin-releasing hormone gene expression during pregnancy. Biological Research for Nursing.
#Chukwuere, P. C., & Horne, C. (2025). Acculturation, cultural marginalization, and culturally responsive mental health care for immigrants: Reimagining caring presence practice amid sociopolitical challenges. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2025.2572032
#Ponkaew, W., Heinze, K., & Barry, C. (accepted). Spiritual practices of parents caring for children and adolescents with cancer: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing and Therapeutic Care.
*Hoch, C. R., Leavitt, M. A., Viveiros, J., & Dennis, H. (in press). Biomarkers in heart failure: A review for nurse practitioners. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners.
*Iqbal, S. M. A., Leavitt, M. A., Mahgoub, I., & Asghar, W. (2025). A wearable belt for non invasive monitoring of heart failure parameters. Sensing and Biosensing Research, 48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbsr.2025.100804
*Nitichai, N., Harnirattisai, T., & Hain, D. (2025). Effects of realistic acceptance enhancing program on self-care behaviors and foot health in patients with type 2 diabetes in Thailand. The Journal of Behavioral Science, 20(3), 45–60.
*#Oliveira, A. P. D., Lopes, M. V. O., Butcher, R. C. G. S., Silva, V. M., Santos, V. B., Lopes, J. L., & Barros, A. L. B. L. (2025). Deficient heart function syndrome: A new nursing diagnosis for people with heart failure. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 78(4), e20240653. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2024-0653
*Phillips, A. K., Wilson, C., Ahmed, A. E., Shet, A., & Bevans, M. (2025). Venous thromboembolism with contraceptive use in females with sickle cell trait. AJOG Global Reports, 5(2), 100497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xagr.2025.100497
*Ricker, A., Farley, N., McClure, J. J., Goudman, L., Berwal, D., Khazen, O., Telkes, I., Hani Abdullah, U. E., Wilson, C., & Pilitsis, J. G. (2025). Chronic pain prevalence and severity in females before & after menopause versus males in a large multi-center database. Pain Management, 1–6. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/17581869.2025.2561399
Sacca, L., Wilson, C., Hopkins, D. K., Kitsantas, P., Densley, S., Lobaina, D., Peters, D., Branstetter, B., Clelland-Goddard, A., & Craig, C. (2025). HPV vaccination rates in military females: The need for a multi-level and evidence-based approach. American Journal of Health Promotion, 39(2), 200–203. https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171241282579
*Trego, L. L., Phillips, A. K., Washington, T. N., Lynn, A. B., & Wilson, C. (2025). Use of a mobile application for contraceptive decision making: A pragmatic clinical trial. Military Medicine, 190(Supplement_2), 341–347. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usaf186
*Wilson, C., Phillips, A. K., Hopkins, D., Wasserman, J., Landoll, R., Keller, M. F., & Bajjani- Gebara, J. (2025). Military healthcare providers' intent to diagnose adjustment disorder. Military Medicine, usaf468. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usaf468
(* = Data-based, # = Caring Science)
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