Karen S. Reed, DHSc, MSN,RN, CNE, CNL, CRRN, clinical assistant professor, recently authored two published articles: “Supporting Cambodian midwifery education through an international collaborative teaching project,” published in the Journal of International Nursing Education, and “Clinical Unit Handoff: Uplifting Letters From Seniors to Juniors,” published in Nurse Educator.

Staja “Star” Booker, PhD, RN, assistant professor, appeared on a recent UF Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence podcast episode for their PRICE of Pain Podcast, discussing her work and insightful perspective on the responsibility of researchers to communicate their work to multiple audiences.

Anita Stephen, PhD, RN, CNL, clinical assistant professor, assumed the role of acting director of the Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Innovation Learning Lab.

Raga Bjarnadottir, PhD, MPH, assistant professor, discussed her experience and shared career advice as part of a virtual panel hosted by the University of Florida’s recently launched chapter of Women in High Performance Computing, an international organization that is working to build a diverse and inclusive workforce for the field.

Lakeshia Cousin, PhD, APRN, assistant professor, was named an editorial board member for Seminars in Oncology Nursing with Elsevier Oncology — an international oncology nursing journal with nurse scientists across the globe.

Karen Aul, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE, clinical assistant professor, was named the College of Nursing’s acting assistant dean of student services.

Shavondra Huggins, CNS, WHNP-BC, FNP-C, APRN, CNE, clinical assistant professor, received the 2021 Florida Nurses Association Nurse Educator Icon Award for exemplary leadership in a nurse educator role. Nurses who are nominated excel, lead and innovate through their exemplary courage, community service, advocacy, research and innovation, and years of commitment to the profession.

Leslie Parker, PhD, APRN, NNP-BC, FAAN, associate professor, was part of a research team that found that breast milk from COVID-19 vaccinated mothers contained COVID-19 antibodies, which may be able to protect nursing
babies. The study was part of a collaborative effort between the College of Medicine, College of Nursing, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, and the Medical University of South Carolina.

Rose Nealis, PhD, ARNP, PNP-BC, was appointed professor emeritus status.

DNP psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner student Taylor Bell, BSN, RN, was selected by the UF Health Cancer Center to participate in the Fall 2021 Cancer Policy Internship. Based in Washington, D.C., this internship provides Bell the opportunity to learn about health policy at a national level, all while representing the College of Nursing.

DNP pediatric primary care nurse practitioner student Marie Akers, MSN, BSN, BHSN, APRN, PPCNP-BC, was selected as membership chair for the Florida Gulf Coast Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Association, or NAPNAP. Akers encourages professional pediatric nurses to become active members of NAPNAP to promote and advance the mission of the organization.