PhD Student Awards

Deadline: March 26 (for PhD students graduating within the current calendar year – spring, summer, and fall PhD graduates)

CARE BOLDY CATEGORY


Excellence in Nursing Advocacy and Impact Award

Recognizes a PhD student whose research and scholarship demonstrate a strong commitment to improving patient-centered care, health equity, and holistic approaches in nursing. This student’s work directly enhances healthcare outcomes, fosters compassionate practices, and addresses disparities within communities.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a graduating PhD student in the UF College of Nursing.

Application Requirements:

  • A faculty recommendation letter from an active researcher who can attest to the student’s contributions to advocacy and impact in nursing.
  • A detailed description of research activities, including key dates, sponsoring agency, or supervising faculty.
  • A narrative statement (250 words or less) addressing:
    • The significance of their research in advancing patient advocacy, health equity, or holistic nursing care.
    • The real-world impact of their work on healthcare communities or vulnerable populations.
    • How their research will continue to promote compassionate care in nursing.

The Excellence in Nursing Advocacy & Impact Award will be presented at the College of Nursing Research Summit, honoring the recipient’s commitment to caring boldly in nursing research.

Excellence in Community Service Award

The Excellence in Community Service Award recognizes a graduating PhD student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service, improving health outcomes, or addressing social determinants of health through research, education, or advocacy. This award celebrates the recipient’s impact on advancing community health through service-oriented initiatives, mentorship, or public health efforts.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a graduating PhD student in the UF College of Nursing.

Application Requirements:

  • A narrative statement (250 words or less) describing:
    • Leadership roles in at least two community service activities, detailing the scope of involvement, project goals, and outcomes.
    • Specific dates, sponsoring agencies, and any relevant community or healthcare settings where the student contributed.
    • How their research or scholarly work has influenced or enhanced community health initiatives.
  • A faculty or agency letter of support highlighting the student’s contributions to improving community health, health equity, or engagement in service activities.

The Excellence in Community Service Award will be presented at the College of Nursing Research Summit, celebrating the student’s commitment to caring boldly within the community.


LEAD BOLDY CATEGORY


Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award

Honors a PhD student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing nursing science through policy, education, or practice innovation. This award recognizes research that influences healthcare systems, leads change, and shapes the future of the nursing profession.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a graduating PhD student in the UF College of Nursing.

Application Requirements:

  • A faculty recommendation letter from an active researcher or nursing leader who can speak to the student’s leadership in research and scholarship.
  • A description of leadership-focused research activities, including major contributions to healthcare policy, education, or nursing practice innovation.
  • A narrative statement (250 words or less) detailing:
    • How their research has contributed to healthcare leadership, policy changes, or nursing education.
    • Their role in leading interdisciplinary research, mentorship, or collaboration.
    • Future goals for leadership in nursing research and healthcare.

The Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award will be presented at the College of Nursing Research Summit in recognition of the recipient’s contributions to leading boldly in nursing science.


INSPIRE BOLDY CATEGORY


Excellence in Research Award

This prestigious award is presented to a graduating PhD student who demonstrates excellence in original research that contributes to advancing nursing science. The recipient’s work should reflect innovation, impact, and a commitment to improving patient care, healthcare systems, or nursing education.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a graduating PhD student in the UF College of Nursing.

Application Requirements:

  • A faculty recommendation letter from an active researcher who can speak to the originality and impact of the research.
  • A detailed description of research activities, including key dates, sponsoring agency, or supervising faculty.
  • A narrative statement (250 words or less) that includes:
    • Research focus and its significance to the nursing field.
    • Research dissemination efforts (e.g., publications, presentations).
    • Research direction and future goals, including how the research will shape or influence future nursing practice or education.

The Excellence in Nursing Research Award will be presented at the College of Nursing Research Summit, honoring the recipient’s outstanding contributions to nursing research.


Outstanding Publication by a PhD Student Award

Recognizes a PhD student who has published an exceptional research publication as the first author, demonstrating a significant contribution to the field of nursing science. This award highlights the impact of published research in advancing nursing knowledge and practice.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a graduating PhD student in the UF College of Nursing.

Application Requirements:

  • A narrative statement (250 words or less) describing how this publication contributes to the literature and its significance in nursing research.
  • A copy of the journal publication submitted for consideration.

The Outstanding Publication by a PhD Student Award will be presented at the College of Nursing Research Summit, recognizing the student’s excellence in research dissemination.

Joyce K. Stechmiller Fellowship

The Joyce K. Stechmiller Fellowship for PhD Nursing Students is awarded to one outstanding PhD student who is completing their dissertation work, with a preference for those who have entered candidacy. The recipient receives a monetary award towards their educational expenses. This award supports PhD education and recognizes student research and scholarly work advancement.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Preference is given to PhD students who are in their second year of the program. Other students are eligible to apply.

Application Requirements:

Applications should be submitted to Kianna Barnett at Kiannalsimmons@ufl.edu.


CARE, LEAD, AND INSPIRE BOLDY CATEGORY


Excellence in Nursing Scholarship Award

Presented to a PhD student who exemplifies all three values—caring, leading, and inspiring boldly—through their research and scholarship. The recipient has demonstrated outstanding contributions that shape the future of nursing science with impactful, compassionate, and visionary work.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a graduating PhD student in the UF College of Nursing.

Application Requirements:

  • A faculty recommendation letter from an active researcher or mentor who can attest to the student’s well-rounded excellence in research, leadership, and advocacy.
  • A comprehensive research portfolio, including published work, research projects, and leadership initiatives.
  • A narrative statement (250 words or less) describing:
    • How their research embodies the values of care, leadership, and inspiration in nursing.
    • The broad impact of their scholarship on healthcare systems, nursing education, and patient outcomes.
    • Future aspirations and how their work will continue to shape nursing science.

The Excellence in Nursing Scholarship Award will be presented at the College of Nursing Research Summit, recognizing the recipient’s exceptional contributions across all three domains.