CANS Announces Awardees to be Honored at the 2024 State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research

Outstanding Nurse Scientist and Mentor, Exemplary Mid-Career Researcher and Mentor, and Brilliant New Investigator Awardees to be Recognized this June

Washington, DC (May 14, 2024)— The Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science (CANS), a signature initiative of the American Academy of Nursing (Academy), announced today it will be honoring three exceptional nurse scientists with the Outstanding Nurse Scientist and Mentor Award, Exemplary Mid-Career Researcher and Mentor Award, and Brilliant New Investigator Award at the CANS 2024 State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research.

CANS is excited to honor Anne W. Alexandrov, PhD, AGACNP-BC, ANVP-BC, CCRN, FAAN, Professor of Nursing and Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis College of Nursing, with the Outstanding Nurse Scientist and Mentor Award. This award recognizes a longstanding CANS member whose sustained program of research has significantly impacted nursing and health care knowledge development as well as an enduring commitment to developing the next generation of nurse scientists. Dr. Alexandrov’s primary program of research focuses on augmentation of intracranial blood flow in ischemic stroke through interventions that utilize technology in innovative ways. Notably, her National Institute for Nursing Research-funded RO1 ZODIAC multisite clinical trial was ranked the top 2024 trial by the International Stroke Conference. Dr. Alexandrov’s additional research improves stroke systems of care by introducing novel interventions such as mobile stroke units. She has also mentored more than 150 worldwide graduates as the Program Director of the Health Outcomes Institute’s NET SMART Advanced Practice Vascular Neurology Fellowship Program.

Additionally, CANS is pleased to recognize Andrea Wallace, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, University of Utah College of Nursing, with the inaugural Exemplary Mid-Career Researcher and Mentor Award. This award recognizes a mid-career nurse scientist whose established and impactful program of research has significantly contributed to advancing nursing knowledge through interdisciplinary research teams and mentorship of nursing students. Dr. Wallace’s research emphasizes practical health behavior interventions and social health care integration. Focused on improving patient and health team communication across the care continuum, she develops programs that examine the integration of social determinants of health into clinical care. In addition to managing multiple funded research studies, Dr. Wallace is a dedicated mentor for students and faculty across disciplines, within and outside her university. Dr. Wallace’s dedication to enhancing clinical care and achieving equitable patient outcomes is evident throughout her impressive body of work.

CANS is also delighted to present Brittney van de Water, PhD, RN, CPNP-PC, Assistant Professor, Boston College Connell School of Nursing; Associate Director of Nursing, Pediatrics, Seed Global Health, with the Brilliant New Investigator Award. This award recognizes a CANS member who has made important contributions to nursing science early in their research career and demonstrated extraordinary potential to establish a sustained and impactful program of research. Through her program of implementation research and global collaborations, Dr. van de Water advances health equity and strengthens nursing research globally. Her well-funded research employs innovative methods to optimize tuberculosis management in low-resource settings by reducing systems-level barriers to care. Notably, Dr. van de Water translates her evidence-based methods into practice to advance tuberculosis programs in rural South Africa. Dr. van de Water complements her science through nurse education initiatives as a leader in the international non-profit, Seed Global Health.

“We are delighted to honor these extraordinary nurse scientists for their incredible bodies of research that have made real advancements in care delivery, elevated the profession’s science, and paved the way for future research programs to thrive,” said CANS National Advisory Council Chair, Victoria Vaughn Dickson, PhD, RN, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN. “Their work and mentorship exemplify excellence in nursing as they advocate for a healthier, more equitable future.”

CANS appreciates the dedicated members of the Membership Committee who selected this year’s recipients, which includes:

• Nancy Dias, PhD, MSN, RN, FPCN, Councilor of Membership
• Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN
• Heather Hardin, PhD, RN 
• Quihua Shen, PhD, APRN, RN 
• Rachel K. Wion, PhD, RN 
• Stephanie Edmonds, PhD, MPH, RN
• Barbara Swanson, PhD, RN, FAAN 
• Leah Spiro, DNP, FNP-C

The 2024 State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research conference will be held June 13-15, 2024 in Washington, DC.

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About the American Academy of Nursing
The American Academy of Nursing serves the public by advancing health policy through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. Academy Fellows are inducted into the organization for their extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally. With more than 3,000 Fellows, the Academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia.

About the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science
The Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science (CANS) is a signature initiative of the American Academy of Nursing that promotes better health through nursing science. CANS, whose membership is open to all researchers, serves as a strong voice for nurse scientists at the national and international levels to set the course and direction of research priorities, and facilitate lifelong learning for the nursing research community.

Contact:
Caroline Kane | 202-777-1173 | ckane@AANnet.org