Invest in nursing research
Donations to the Sigma Foundation for Nursing fully fund research grants so that nurses anywhere can improve healthcare everywhere.
Donations to the Foundation funded a Sigma Small Grant for Insights into Hispanic Family Caregivers’ Sleep: A Multimethod Study: “I want to express my gratitude to the Sigma Foundation for Nursing and its generous donors. Your commitment to advancing nursing is invaluable support, especially for scholars like me who have limited access to funding opportunities. My work aims to close the gap in understanding of Hispanic family caregivers and sleep outcomes by examining the intersection of social determinants of health, caregiver responsibilities, and the unique stressors associated with the immigrant experience and the impact on sleep health. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to support and research that uplifts all communities.”
Make your investment in nursing research. Give today at SigmaNursing.org/Donate.
Priscilla Carmiol Rodriguez, PhD
Hesamaldin Varpaei, MSc, BSN, RN Sigma/Council for Advancement of Nursing Science recipient
Y im-Wah Mak, PhD Sigma Small Grant recipient
Aimee A. Woda, PhD Sigma Small Grant recipient
Welcome
Welcome to beautiful Seattle—the Emerald City—where technology and tradition collide. On behalf of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) Board of Directors, we welcome you to Sigma’s 36th International Nursing Research Congress.
The 2025 congress theme is Representing Nursing Globally Through Dissemination of Research and Evidence. Throughout the event, you will see this theme reflected in hundreds of evidencebased oral and poster presentations from nurse scientists and researchers representing more than 40 countries. You can hear from the best of the best at plenary sessions, the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Conversation With the Honorees, and presentations from this year’s Emerging Nurse Researchers and Scholars. All these opportunities are designed to amplify the reach and collective impact of your nursing scientific research.
This Sigma congress provides each of you a unique opportunity to make the event your own. Exchange evidence-based information, learn from, and connect with more than 1,000 of your nursing colleagues from around the globe within a positive atmosphere of support and encouragement. While you are contributing to that positivity, we ask that you please be respectful of your colleagues and our Seattle hosts during your time here.
We also encourage you to download and use the event app. As we continue to reduce the amount of printed event materials, the app is a user-friendly platform where you can build your own personal schedule, link to presentation materials, evaluate sessions for NCPD contact hours, and access any last-minute updates. Visit your app store to download the app for Apple and Android devices.
While in Seattle, expect lots of liquid sunshine (rain) with some sunbreaks as you experience the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the city. Perhaps we’ll see you at the Space Needle or queueing up to catch a fish at Pike Place Market. Or maybe you’ll be in line for some of the area’s excellent coffee. If you’re not sure where to start, get a taste of Pacific Northwest culture and enjoy connecting with your fellow attendees at the Welcome Reception Thursday afternoon in the Regency Ballroom Foyer.
Once again, we extend you a hearty and heartfelt welcome. We look forward to sharing Sigma’s 36th International Nursing Research Congress and these next few days with you.
Sincerely,
Sandra C. Garmon Bibb, DNSc, RN, FFNMRCSI, FAAN 2023-2025 Sigma President and
Lucas M. Davis, MEd, CAE, ACC, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, ICE-CCP Sigma Chief Executive Officer
46 countries represented
Current role in nursing
• 64% academia • 22% clinical • 8% students • 1% retired • 6% other
223 chapters represented
70% of attendees have a doctorate degree
750 unique educational sessions
Note:
Total NCPD offered Up to 31.25 contact hours
Schedule At-a-Glance
Thursday, 17 July 2025
9:00 a.m.-noon (0900-1200)
Grant Writing Workshop, 702 Clearwater, Level 7
10:15-10:45 a.m. (1015-1045)
First Time Presenter Session, 502 Cowlitz, Level 5
Moderator Meetup, 501 Chiwawa, Level 5
11:00 a.m.-5:15 p.m. (1100-1715)
Check-In, Regency Foyer, Level 7
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (1100-1230)
Presenter Ready Room, 703 Hoko, Level 7
Exhibits and Sigma Marketplace, Regency Foyer, Level 7
11:15-11:45 a.m. (1115-1145)
First Time Attendee Session, 502 Cowlitz, Level 5
12:30-2:00 p.m. (1230-1400)
Opening Plenary Session, Regency Ballroom, Level 7
2:00-3:30 p.m. (1400-1530)
Presenter Ready Room, 703 Hoko, Level 7
2:00-2:30 p.m. (1400-1430)
Coffee Break, Regency Ballroom Foyer, Level 7
Exhibits and Sigma Marketplace, Regency Foyer, Level 7
2:30-3:15 p.m. (1430-1515)
Concurrent Sessions A
3:30-4:15 p.m. (1530-1615)
Concurrent Sessions B
4:15-5:15 p.m. (1615-1715)
Welcome Reception, Regency Ballroom Foyer, Level 7
Exhibits and Sigma Marketplace, Regency Foyer, Level 7
5:15-6:30 p.m. (1715-1830)
Region 1 Meeting, 702 Clearwater, Level 7 (Private Event)
Friday, 18 July 2025
7:45-8:45 a.m. (0745-0845)
Chapter Leader Celebration, Gallery Hall, Level 5 (Private Event)
8:00 a.m.-4:15 p.m. (0800-1615)
Check-In, Regency Foyer, Level 7
8:15-8:45 a.m. (0815-0845)
Poster Session 1 Setup, Elwha and Quinault, Level 5
8:30-10:00 a.m. (0830-1000)
Presenter Ready Room, 703 Hoko, Level 7
8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. (0845-1545)
Poster Session 1 Viewing, Elwha and Quinault, Level 5
9:00-9:45 a.m. (0900-0945)
Concurrent Sessions C
9:45-10:15 a.m. (0945-1015)
Exhibits and Sigma Marketplace, Regency Foyer, Level 7
10:15-11:00 a.m. (1015-1100)
Concurrent Sessions D
11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (1100-1215)
Lunch, Regency Ballroom, Level 7
Foundation Lunch, 512 Wilapa, Level 5 (Private Event)
Noon-1:00 p.m. (1200-1300)
Presenter Ready Room, 703 Hoko, Level 7
12:30-1:45 p.m. (1230-1345)
Concurrent Sessions E
2:00-2:45 p.m. (1400-1445)
Coffee Break, Regency Ballroom Foyer, Level 7
Meet the Poster Author Session 1, Elwha and Quinault, Level 5
Exhibits and Sigma Marketplace, Regency Foyer, Level 7
3:00-3:45 p.m. (1500-1545)
Concurrent Sessions F
3:45-4:15 p.m. (1545-1615)
Poster Session 1 Removal, Elwha and Quinault, Level 5
4:00-5:00 p.m. (1600-1700)
Hall of Fame Reception, Gallery Hall, 5th Floor (Private Event)
4:00-5:15 p.m. (1600-1715)
Networking for Researchers, Regency Ballroom, Level 7
6:00 p.m. (1800)
Gather for Sigma Night Out at the Ballpark, Hotel Lobby (Prepurchase Necessary)
Schedule At-a-Glance
Saturday, 19 July 2025
7:30-8:15 a.m. (0730-0815)
Congress Informational Meeting, 513 Deschutes, Level 5 (Private Event)
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (0800-1600)
Check-In, Regency Foyer, Level 7
8:30-10:00 a.m. (0830-1000)
Presenter Ready Room, 703 Hoko, Level 7
8:30-9:00 a.m. (0830-0900)
Poster Session 2 Setup, Elwha and Quinault, Level 5
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (0900-1600)
Poster Session 2 Viewing, Elwha and Quinault, Level 5
9:00-9:45 a.m. (0900-0945)
Concurrent Sessions G
9:45-10:30 a.m. (0945-1030)
Meet the Poster Author Session 2, Elwha and Quinault, Level 5
Exhibits and Sigma Marketplace, Regency Foyer, Level 7
10:30-11:30 a.m. (1030-1130)
International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame and Conversation With the Honorees, Regency Ballroom, Level 7
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. (1130-1245)
Lunch, Regency Ballroom, Level 7
Exhibits and Sigma Marketplace, Regency Foyer, Level 7
Noon-4:00 p.m. (1200-1600)
Presenter Ready Room, 703 Hoko, Level 7
1:00-1:30 p.m. (1300-1330)
Hall of Fame Special Session 1
1:45-2:15 p.m. (1345-1415)
Hall of Fame Special Session 2
2:15-2:45 p.m. (1415-1445)
Coffee Break, Regency Ballroom Foyer, Level 7
2:45-4:00 p.m. (1445-1600)
Concurrent Sessions H
4:00-4:30 p.m. (1600-1630)
Poster Session 2 Removal, Elwha and Quinault, Level 5
Sunday, 20 July 2025
8:00-11:00 a.m. (0800-1100)
Check-In, Regency Foyer, Level 7
8:30-10:45 a.m. (0830-1045)
Presenter Ready Room, 703 Hoko, Level 7
9:00-10:15 a.m. (0900-1015)
Concurrent Sessions I
10:30-11:15 a.m. (1030-1115)
Concurrent Sessions J
11:15-11:45 a.m. (1115-1145)
Sigma Sunday Brunch, Regency Foyer, Level 7
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. (1145-1245)
Closing Plenary Session, Regency Ballroom, Level 7
12:45-1:15 p.m. (1245-1315)
Closing Plenary Book Signing, Regency Foyer, Level 7
Schedule subject to change. View the detailed schedule in the Sigma Nursing Events app.
CONGRATULATIONS!
On behalf of the School of Health and Society we would like to congratulate Professor Vanessa Heaslip on your induction to the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.
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General Information
Abstracts and Presentations
When presenters grant permission, posters and oral presentation slides given at this event are permanently available in the Sigma Repository after the event.
Baggage Storage
Due to fire code regulations, baggage storage is not permitted in the meeting area. Please see your hotel’s concierge for information on baggage storage.
Parents With Children
We understand that many event attendees are parents. Due to the nature of Sigma’s professional educational programs, we recommend limiting children’s attendance in sessions to quiet infants and non-separating children. We ask parents to be sensitive to situations—including happy baby noises— that may affect the concentration of session attendees and presenters and step out if necessary. We appreciate your consideration of your fellow conference attendees.
Electronic Devices
As a courtesy to the presenters and other attendees, please silence all electronic devices and refrain from using your phone during the sessions.
Emergencies/First Aid
If you require emergency assistance, please immediately contact Sigma’s customer service desk, any Sigma staff member, or the Hyatt Regency Seattle staff.
Evaluations
Evaluations for sessions and general event feedback are available in the app as sessions end. Be sure to add sessions to your schedule and evaluate as you go. If you wish to provide us with additional feedback, please email events@sigmanursing.org. Your comments help us plan future Sigma events.
Exhibit Hours
The exhibits will be displayed in the Regency Ballroom Foyer area. Refer to the schedule at-a-glance for viewing times.
Guests
Guests traveling with you to this event are not allowed to participate in any event activities without purchasing a daily guest badge of US $100 at the Sigma customer service desk.
International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Conversation With the Honorees
On Saturday, 19 July, the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame induction will take place in the Regency Ballroom. Attendees are welcome to meet and celebrate the accomplishments of these impressive nurse researchers with an awards presentation and the opportunity for conversations with the honorees.
Internet Access
WiFi is sponsored by The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing.
Limited wireless internet access is available in most areas of the Hyatt Regency Seattle.
Lost and Found
Please visit Sigma’s customer service desk in the Regency Foyer to collect lost items or to turn in found items. Please refer to the schedule at-a-glance registration times.
Meeting Rooms
Due to fire code regulations, attendees are not permitted to stand in the perimeter of the plenary or concurrent session meeting rooms.
Moderators
Moderators are volunteers and are essential to each Sigma event. If you are interested in moderating a session, visit room 703 for available opportunities.
Name Badges
Your badge admits you to all conference sessions and events and must be visible to security guards, moderators, and staff. If you misplace your badge, please visit Sigma’s customer service desk for a replacement.
General Information
You will be charged a US $25 replacement fee. For your safety, please write on the back of the badge your emergency contact information, any food or medicine allergies, and any significant medical condition(s). Do not wear your name badge while walking outside.
No-Smoking Policy
All Sigma events are nonsmoking. The hotel and host city may have additional rules in place. Please speak with your hotel concierge if you have any questions.
Nursing Continuing Professional Development
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
To receive contact hours for the sessions offered during the program, participants are required to attend the entire session, complete the overall event evaluation, and complete the evaluation for each session attended. The number of hours available daily are listed on our website at SigmaNursing.org/Congress/NCPD.
The number of contact hours awarded to each participant will be based on the number of evaluations completed for each session attended or poster viewed.
Oral Presenter Information
Presenters, please refer to your registration information for the time, date, and room of your presentation. No further sign-in is necessary for this event.
The Presenter Ready Room is located in 703 Hoko, and it provides a place to review presentations. Please note: Internet access is not available on these computers.
Refer to the schedule at-a-glance for times the Presenter Ready Room is open.
Equipment provided to all presenters includes laptop computer, screen and projector, microphone, and wireless advancer. Because of contractual agreements with the audiovisual provider and the possibility of virus transfers, you cannot connect personal equipment (e.g., flash/jump drives, CDs, etc.) to the computers or use it in
the presentation rooms. Additional charges are incurred with each violation and may be passed on to you. Please note that this policy will be strictly enforced.
Plenary Sessions
These presentations will take place in Regency Ballroom. Attendees can be seated 30 minutes prior to the start of the session. For titles and times, please refer to the Sigma event app.
Poster Information
Poster sessions are sponsored by the Indiana University School of Nursing.
Refer to the schedule at-a-glance or the Sigma event app for poster viewing times.
Push pins will be provided to you. Materials used to ship or carry posters cannot be left in the poster area. Materials may be stored in the designated event space; however, your hotel room is the best place for these items. Neither Sigma nor Hyatt Regency Seattle is responsible for any materials left in the poster area. If posters or other materials are not removed from Elwha and Quinault, they will be recycled.
Pre-Conferences
Pre-conferences are a chance to enhance your learning through designated workshops with a concentrated focus. Pre-conferences do require additional registration and cost an additional fee.
Social Media
Please join the conversation about the 36th International Nursing Research Congress by using #INRC25
Video and Audio Recording
Recording the plenaries or concurrent sessions is not permitted. Thank you for refraining from this practice.
Educational Sessions Overview
Sigma is committed to providing robust educational programming at our events. We offer a variety of sessions in different formats to help our attendees get the most out of their experience. Learn more about the types of educational sessions below.
Plenary Sessions
Plenary sessions include our keynote speakers. All event attendees are encouraged to attend these captivating presentations, which feature internationally known and respected speakers on timely and relevant topics.
Concurrent Sessions
During concurrent sessions, nurses from all over the world present original evidence-based practice and research abstracts. These run simultaneously. Please refer to the app for presentation titles, presenters, and a brief description about the presentation so you can identify the sessions you want to attend.
The types of concurrent sessions include PechaKucha presentations, oral sessions, special sessions, and symposia. Read more about those types of sessions below.
PechaKucha Presentations
PechaKucha is a storytelling format where the presenter shows 20 slides for 20 seconds each. Slides are set up to automatically advance after 20 seconds. In other words, you have 400 seconds to tell a story, with visuals guiding the way. PechaKucha means “chit chat” in Japanese. This creative outlet is used by global innovators to create powerful, visually compelling stories that move audiences in less than 7 minutes.
Oral Presentations
Oral presentations, sometimes called podium presentations, are the standard concurrent session presentation type. The accepted oral abstracts have gone through the peer-review process and are grouped together with abstracts of similar topics in one session.
Special Sessions
A special session is an invited presentation on a singular topic. Many of these are Sigma specific topics, such as updates on Sigma global initiatives or organizations that Sigma collaborates with to advance the nursing profession. Special sessions could also highlight Sigma award honorees.
Symposia
A symposium is a group of at least three individual abstract presentations coordinated by a submitting lead author concerning a common topic of interest. Symposia provide an opportunity to present research or evidence-based practices on one topic, often from multiple perspectives, providing a coherent set of information for discussion.
Poster Presentations
Two types of posters are available during our poster sessions: peer-reviewed posters and Rising Star student posters. Please take some time to review the posters and attend the meet the author poster sessions to converse with the authors about their work.
Rising Stars of Research and Scholarship Invited Student Posters
Rising Stars of Research and Scholarship are nominated students who have been invited to share their work through a poster format. This is an opportunity for nursing students to present their research, literature review, or evidence-based project as a way to elevate the nursing profession by showcasing the scholarly contributions of students from around the world.
Congratulations to the 2025 Sigma Theta Tau Hall of Fame Inductees!
Columbia University School of Nursing celebrates your unwavering commitment to nursing excellence, empowering and inspiring nursing communities worldwide!
Columbia Nursing’s Past Hall of Fame Faculty Inductees
Lusine Poghosyan, PhD
Ruth Masterson Creber, PhD
Maureen George, PhD
Jingjing Shang, PhD
Hyatt Regency Floor Plans
Plenaries and Meals
Presenter Ready Room
Mother’s Room
Prayer/Quiet Room
Posters
Concurrent Session Rooms
Event Partners
Major Sponsors
Thank you to our 2025 congress exhibitors, sponsors, and advertisers!
Alleviate LLC
ANCC Pathway to Excellence
Columbia University School of Nursing*
Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing*
Florida State University College of Nursing*
Global Nurse Pathways
Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Nursing
Indiana University School of Nursing*
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Lambda Beta-at-Large Chapter of Sigma from Taiwan
Lecturio
Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
McGraw Hill
NEXus - The Nursing Education Xchange
Nursing Science Partners
Pacto Medical
Purify Beauty
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO)
Second to None Beauty
Sigma Foundation for Nursing
Sigma North American Region 1
The DAISY Foundation
The Ohio State University College of Nursing*
The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing*
The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing
University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing
University of Kansas School of Nursing
University of Miami School of Nursing & Health Studies
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing*
University of Toronto, Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing
UT Health San Antonio
U-VOL Foundation University of Alabama at Birmingham
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing*
Walden University
Western University
Wiley*
Yale School of Nursing
*Denotes Major Sponsor
Dr.
The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing congratulates
Mercy Ngosa Mumba for her induction into Sigma Nursing’s International Research Hall of Fame
Mercy N. Mumba, PhD, RN, FAAN, Associate Dean of Global Initiatives and Community Partnerships at the Capstone College of Nursing, is an award-winning scientist and published author in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Her research, focused on substance use disorders, addictive behaviors, and their comorbid mental health conditions, is widely funded by various agencies with over $35 million in grant funding. Dr. Mumba is passionate about improving the human condition through evidence-based initiatives and interventions, and is a strong advocate for increasing research productivity, infrastructure, and human capital globally.
Recognizing Our Past Hall of Fame Inductees
Sharon D. Horner, PhD, RN, FAAN (2022)
John R. Lowe, PhD, RN, FAAN (2022)
Lynn Rew, EdD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN (2019)
Jane D. Champion, PhD, DNP, MSN, MA, FNP, AH-PMH-CNS, FAAN, FAANP (2018)
Lorraine O. Walker, EdD, MPH, RN (2016)
Alexa K. Stuifbergen, PhD, RN, FAAN (2016)
Eun-Ok Im, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, FAAN (2014)
Miyong Kim, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAHA (2012)
WHAT STARTS HERE CHANGES THE WORLD.
The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing congratulates Kavita Radhakrishnan, PhD, MSEE, RN, FAAN, FAHA, on her induction into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.
We applaud this well-deserved recognition of impactful research and service.
Congratulations
DR. MARIA SHIREY
Dean and Fay B. Ireland Endowed Chair of the Dean of the School of Nursing
PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF, FACHE, FNAP, FAAN
for your induction into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame recognizing nurse researchers who achieve significant and sustained national and/or international recognition for their work and whose research actively influences the profession and the people it serves.
The University of Miami congratulates School of Nursing and Health Studies Dean Dr. Hudson P. Santos, Jr. on his induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing’s
2025 International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame
Dean Santos, your visionary leadership and dedication to advancing nursing science, make this a truly well-deserved honor!
2025 International Nurse Researcher Hall
of Fame Honorees
The International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame honors Sigma members who have achieved significant and sustained national and/or international recognition for their work, and whose research has impacted the profession and the people it serves.
Cheryl Chia-Hui Chen, DNSc, RN, GNP-BC, FAAN
Professor and Director
National Taiwan University School of Nursing and National Taiwan University Hospital Department of Nursing Taipei, Taiwan
Research areas: interventions that significantly reduce the risks of delirium, frailty, and hospital-acquired complications while enhancing recovery and survival for older adults facing critical illnesses
Wai-Tong Chien, PhD, MPhil, PGDip(NEd), BN(Hons), RMN, FAAN, FHKAN
Director and Professor
Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong
Research areas: effects of psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based, mutual support group, and other psychosocial intervention programs for community-resided people with various mental health problems and their family members in Chinese communities; co-developed an AI-driven Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT)-based mental health support system in mobile apps to manage emotional and psychological challenges of parents with autistic and other neurodevelopment problems
Vanessa Heaslip, PhD, DN, MA, BSc (Hons), RN, DipHE
Professor of Nursing and Healthcare Equity
University of Salford Salford, England
Research areas: communities, specifically with a variety of groups including Gypsy, Roma, and Travellers, people living with mental health issues, people in prison and people from ethnic and racialized communities, who experience health inequity and social exclusion and whose voices are traditionally not heard in the academic and professional discourse
Alison Kitson, DPhil, BSc(Hons), RN, FRCN, FAAN, FAAHMS
Chair of the International Learning Collaborative (ILC), Foundation Director 2019-2024, Caring Futures Institute, Inaugural Vice President and Executive Dean 2017-2024
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University
Bedford Park, Adelaide, Australia
Research areas: theoretical ideas around care delivery and in particular person-centered fundamental care into everyday practice improvements; developing, testing, and refining the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation Framework (or i-PARIHS Framework), an implementation framework that has been widely and successfully used to enable research evidence to be put into everyday practice
Pamela Martyn-Nemeth, PhD, RN Professor
University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, Illinois, USA
Research areas: fear of hypoglycemia as a major stressor, and poor sleep as a modifiable behavior that influences self-care and glucose control and reduces cardiovascular risk in people with type 1 diabetes
Mercy Ngosa Mumba, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor and Associate Dean of Global Initiatives and Community Partnerships, Founding Director of the Center for Substance Use Research and Related Conditions
The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Research areas: substance use and addiction disorders, mental health, and psychosocial well-being of individuals, communities, and populations
2025 International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Honorees
LaRon E. Nelson, PhD, FNP, RN, FNAP, FNYAM, FAAN
Independence Foundation Professor Yale School of Nursing
New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Research areas: developing and testing multi-level intervention strategies to help stop the spread of HIV in the United States, Canada, and Ghana
Patrice K. Nicholas, DNSc, RN, DHL (Hon.), MPH, MS, FAAN
Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita and Director Emerita, Center for Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Health
MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing
Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
Research areas: global health issues; HIV symptom management and quality of life; and climate change, climate justice, and health
Kavita Radhakrishnan, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAHA
Associate Dean for Research
The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing Austin, Texas, USA
Research areas: advancing the science of technologyassisted interventions to improve self-management behaviors and outcomes of patients with cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and hypertension; the long-term goal of her research is to develop affordable and scalable health interventions that enable “aging in place”
Karen Saban, PhD, RN
Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Scholarly Innovation
Loyola University Chicago, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Research areas: chronic social stress and inflammation in underrepresented women; social context and inflammation as mechanisms to explain disparities in cardiovascular disease in underrepresented women, which led to an examination of interventions to improve wellbeing and ameliorate chronic stress-related inflammation associated with discrimination and racism
Hudson Santos, PhD, RN, FABMR, FAAN
Dean and Professor, Dolores J. Chambreau Endowed Chair
University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies
Coral Gables, Florida, USA
Research areas: the interaction of psychosocial and biological dimensions of early-life adversity with the genome to shape perinatal and child health outcomes, which led to early intervention strategies that are integrated into care for high-risk and racially diverse populations
Maria R. Shirey, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF, FACHE, FNAP, FAAN
Dean and Professor
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Research areas: leadership science and health services outcomes across the health care continuum in nurse manager work complexity and succession planning as well as organizational leadership and care delivery design
Jennifer N. Stinson, PhD, RN-EC, CPNP, FCAHS, FAAN
Professor and Senior Scientist
Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, and Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Research areas: equitable co-design and development of digital therapeutics for the assessment and management (e.g., pain apps, virtual reality, robots) of pain in youth with chronic conditions, as well as the development of patient-reported outcome measures (i.e., Pediatric PainSCAN to screen kids for nerve pain)
2025 International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Honorees
Marcia L. Van Riper, PhD, RN, FAAN Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
Research areas: the family experience of being tested for and living with a genetic condition to increase awareness of how families influence, and are influenced by, genetic conditions; focus on adaptation and resilience in families of individuals with Down syndrome; findings from her multilevel, multidimensional studies grounded in family frameworks have provided an evidence base for the development of interventions, practice guidelines, and policies that build on the strengths of these families, while still recognizing the challenges of caring for an individual with Down syndrome
Kristine N. Williams, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FGSA, FAAN
E. Jean Hill Professor
University of Kansas School of Nursing Kansas City, Kansas, USA
Research areas: linked nursing home staff use of elderspeak communication (sounds like baby talk) with behavioral and psychological responses of nursing home residents living with dementia and established that increasing staff awareness of elderspeak and its negative effects reduced their elderspeak use as well as behavioral responses in nursing home residents with dementia
The 2025 International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Award Presentation is sponsored by
2025 Emerging Nurse Researcher/Scholar Honorees
The Emerging Nurse Researcher/Scholar Award was created by the Sigma board to recognize one nurse researcher from each of Sigma’s global regions for their research, which has impacted the profession and the people it serves.
Sharon James, PhD, MPH, Grad Dip OHSN, BN, RN
Research Fellow/Program Manager
Monash University
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Oceania Region
Research areas: enhancing primary care’s provision of women’s sexual and reproductive health through the development and testing of new models of care to better utilize nurses’ (and other healthcare professionals’) scope of practice and improve consumer experiences of care
Elham Othman, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
Applied Science Private University
Amman, Jordan
Middle East Region
Research areas: enhancing nursing practice in oncology, palliative care, and end-of-life decision-making
Anam Shahil-Feroz, PhD, MSc, BScN
Assistant Professor
Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario, Canada
North America Region
Research areas: using innovative digital health interventions to strengthen self-care agency among South Asian pregnant individuals and improve global maternal health outcomes
Shanshan Wang, PhD, MMed, BMed, RN
Assistant Professor
School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong
Asia Region
Research areas: gerontological nursing, with specific interests in dementia care, gerontechnology, evidencebased practice, bibliotherapy, and self-help intervention
Nominations are open!
Recognize a Sigma nurse for the 2026 International Nurse Researcher Awards. Visit SigmaNursing.org/NurseResearcherAwards today to learn more.
NEW Sigma/DAISY Nurse Scientist Leadership Award
Sigma Nursing and the DAISY Foundation are proud to present this new award in 2026. Visit SigmaNursing.org/Awards for more information.
Nominations close 11 December 2025.
MEMBERSHIP AT A GLANCE
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A MEMBERSHIP THAT MATTERS
Since 1922, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, or simply Sigma, has been developing and promoting excellence in nursing.
Whether it’s the cords on graduation day or the recognition on a resume, Sigma members stand out among their peers. But being a great nurse goes beyond just recognition. That’s why Sigma has created the resources and support to help share your work with globally recognized leaders in nursing research and evidence-based practice.
MAKING NURSE LEADERS THEIR BEST
Learn more about benefits and resources specifically for nurse researchers at SigmaNursing.org/Research-Resources.
EXPAND YOUR GLOBAL NETWORK
From networking at international conferences to participating in global leadership programs, Sigma connects you with diverse leaders from around the world. Even when you’re not attending a global Sigma event, you can connect with Sigma members on The Circle, our professional networking site.
STAY UPDATED ON INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND TRENDS
Sigma publishes two peer-reviewed journals that you can access for free as a Sigma member. You can also read an article or listen to a webinar on Nursing Centered, Sigma’s online resource center, to expand your global perspective.
GET FUNDING FOR YOUR NEXT RESEARCH PROJECT
Sigma is dedicated to funding research and creating a global community of nurses who lead in using knowledge, scholarship, service, and learning to improve the health of the world’s people. Every year, Sigma sponsors and co-sponsors over 20 grants for nurse researchers.
DISSEMINATE YOUR WORK
Presenting at congress is just one way to disseminate your work. Submit a journal or Nursing Centered article or publish your work on the Sigma Repository. Sigma also provides free and discounted resources—webinars, online courses, and books—to support your writing and publishing journey.
Not a Sigma member yet? Apply to join and take advantage of the more than US $1,500+ in yearly member benefits! Learn more at Join.SigmaNursing.org.
If you’ve been invited to join Sigma in the past but haven’t accepted, your invitation is still open! Visit Join.SigmaNursing org and select “I am accepting an invitation to join” to get started.
Grant Recipients
Congratulations to the following individuals who received grants from 1 July 2024-30 June 2025.
Sigma Small Grants
Aimee A. Woda, PhD (Delta Gamma at-Large Chapter, USA)
Alexander Sheshtiperov, MSN (Upsilon Xi at-Large Chapter, Israel)
Dan Song, PhD (Beta Pi Chapter, USA)
Esther Afolabi, PhD (Kappa Epsilon at-Large Chapter, USA)
Jing Liu, PhD (Xi Omicron at-Large Chapter, USA)
Jude Ominyi, PhD (Phi Mu Chapter, United Kingdom)
Katherine Shue-McGuffin, PhD (Gamma Iota Chapter, USA)
Mengqi Xu, MS (China)
Misun Hwang, PhD (Rho Chapter, USA)
Narciso Quidley-Rodriguez, PhD (Iota Xi Chapter, USA)
Priscilla Carmiol Rodriguez, PhD (Psi at-Large Chapter and Theta Epsilon Chapter, USA)
Salini K, PhD (Upsilon Xi at-Large Chapter, India)
Siobhan O’Connor, PhD, (Phi Mu Chapter, United Kingdom)
Xiangming Zhan, PhD (USA)
Yim-wah Mak, PhD (Pi Iota Chapter, Hong Kong)
Alpha Eta Collaborative Research Grant
Geertien Christelle Boersema, PhD (Chi Xi at-Large Chapter, South Africa)
Rosemary Berkel Crisp Research Award
Rebecca Boni, PhD (Theta Psi at-Large Chapter, USA)
Doris Bloch Research Award
Sin Yi Rose Lin, PhD (Epsilon Xi Chapter and Pi Iota at-Large Chapter, USA)
Joan K. Stout, RN, Research Grant
Jennifer Gunberg Ross, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF (Alpha Nu Chapter, USA)
Sigma Foundation for Nursing Latin America/ Caribbean Nursing Research Grant
Pedro Gonzalez Angulo, PhD, RN (Tau Alpha Chapter, Mexico)
Patricia E. Thompson Global Nursing Research Grant
Feifei Huang, PhD, RN (Gamma Tau at-Large Chapter, USA); Fang Lei, MPH (Zeta Chapter, USA)
Dr. Martha Pitel Global Nursing Research Grant
Sandra Peniston, MN/NP-Adult (Lambda Pi at-Large Chapter, UK); Ernestina Agyei Yobo, NMC, PA (Ghana)
Co-Sponsored Partner Grants:
Sigma/American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Grant
Meghan Doelger, DNP, RN, CCRN (USA)
Sigma/American Nurses Credentialing Center
Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Grant
Nisha Mathews, PhD, RN (Beta Beta Chapter, USA)
Sigma/Association of Nurses in AIDS Care Grant
Nathaniel Albright, MSN (Epsilon Chapter, USA)
Sigma/Association of Rehabilitation Nurses Grant
Alisha Harvey Johnson, PhD, RN (Alpha Iota Chapter, USA)
Sigma/Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Grant
Mohammad Goudarzi Rad, RN (Lambda Pi at-Large Chapter, Canada)
Sigma/Canadian Nurses Foundation Grant
Crystal Vaughan, MN (Canada)
Sigma/Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science Grant
Hesamaldin Varpaei, MSc, BSN, RN (Alpha Psi Chapter, USA)
Sigma/Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Grant
Christien van der Linden, PhD, MsCE, MsANP, CEN, RN (Rho Chi at-Large Chapter, Netherlands)
Sigma/Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation End of Life Nursing Care Research Grant
Jyotsana Parajuli, PhD (Gamma Iota Chapter, USA)
Sigma/Midwest Nursing Research Society Research Grant
Sally Ann Martens, PhD (Iota Zeta Chapter, USA)
Sigma/National League for Nursing Grant
Janet Reed, PhD, RN, CMSRN (Delta Xi Chapter, USA)
Sigma/Southern Nursing Research Society Grant
Andrea Sartain, EdD (Epsilon Omega Chapter, USA)
Sigma/Western Institute of Nursing Research Grant
Erin K. George, PhD (Beta Mu Chapter, USA)
Grants are made possible through contributions to the Sigma Foundation for Nursing’s Research Fund. Learn more about Sigma’s grant opportunities at SigmaNursing.org/Grants.
We want your opinions on AI in
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Scan here to participate in this ground-breaking research!
Feel free to email with questions or if you would like a copy of the research after publication:
Helena Nadder, PhD, MSN, MHA, RN, CNE Walden University helena.nadder@mail.waldenu.edu
Meet our editors and authors
Stop by the Marketplace in the Regency Foyer (Level 7) to chat with these award-winning Sigma scholars about their impactful journals and books!
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY,
This research was supported in part by funds received from the Faculty Research Initiative (FRIG), which was created by Walden University to support excellence in scholarly work by providing funding for select faculty research projects deemed to be of exceptional merit. For more information on the award or Walden, please visit www.waldenu.edu. 17 JULY
Journal Editors and Editorial Dissemination
4:30-5:00 p.m. (1630-1700)
Susan Gennaro | Journal of Nursing Scholarship
Bernadette Melnyk | Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing
Evidence-Based Practice 2:00-2:30 p.m. (1400-1430)
Laura Cullen | Evidence-Based Practice in Action, Second Edition
Kirsten Hanrahan | EvidenceBased Practice in Action, Second Edition
Bernadette Melnyk | Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing
Gwen Sherwood | Reflective Practice, Third Edition 18 JULY 19 JULY
Leadership and Academia 2:15-2:45 p.m. (1415-1445)
Mercy Ngosa Mumba | A Nurse’s Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning to an Academic Role
Maddie Whalen | Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, Fifth Edition
Carol J. Huston | The Road to Leadership and The Road to Positive Work Cultures
