The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing is delighted to acknowledge the achievements of fourteen students and four educators through the conferment of the 2025 School of Nursing Academic Awards. These esteemed awards are granted each year to honor outstanding students and educators who exhibit exceptional academic prowess, leadership skills, service to the community, and a deep devotion to the nursing profession.
Undergraduate Award Recipients
Fernanda Betancourt, TBSN
DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students
Fernanda Betancourt is deeply committed to providing compassionate and patient-centered care that respects the dignity and well-being of everyone she cares for. She believes that trust and respect form the foundation of meaningful connections with patients, families, and peers, and she strives to foster these relationships through empathy, clinical excellence, and clear communication.
“Fern has always performed in the classroom, but she makes connections with patients and people that is impossible to teach,” says her nominator. “She has taught me as much about teaching as I have [taught her] about nursing. She will make a powerful voice in nursing, and her patients will be so lucky to be cared for by her.”
Betancourt’s dedication to patient advocacy was solidified when she cared for a patient experiencing alcohol withdrawal and noticed unusual symptoms. She trusted her clinical judgment and spoke up, which led to the discovery of early myocardial infarction symptoms. This experience reinforced Betancourt’s belief that attention to detail, decision-making, and strong advocacy can make a substantial difference in patient outcomes.
In addition to direct patient care, Betancourt is passionate about education and collaboration with patients and her peers. She ensures that patients understand their care plans, empowering them to participate in their health. As a Peer-Led Study Group Leader, she fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, helping other nursing students deepen their understanding of course material.
“Receiving the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students is such a meaningful honor,” says Betancourt. “It reminds me that compassion, advocacy, and truly listening to patients can make a lasting impact. I’m so grateful to be part of a profession that allows me to connect with people in such a human way.”
About the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students was created to remind nursing students, even on their hardest days in nursing school, why they want to be nurses. It recognizes nursing students for the above-and-beyond care and compassion they show patients and their families as they are learning what it means to be a nurse. Nominees demonstrate commitment to compassionate care of patients and families, make a connection with patients, families, and peers by building trust and respect, advocate strongly for patients, and demonstrate exceptional skill.
Niki Blanchard, ABSN
School of Nursing Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
Niki Blanchard is no stranger to adversity. While working as a surgery/anesthesia project manager at Epic, her best friend was hit by a car and spent months in a coma, leading Blanchard to spend many weekends in the hospital with her. During this same time, Blanchard’s grandfather, who played a significant role in raising her, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her family also experienced a house fire, resulting in her father’s hospitalization. Blanchard left work to care for her grandfather while her family relocated.
These challenges, coupled with the compassionate care provided by nurses, inspired Blanchard to pursue a career in operation room (OR) nursing. Motivated by the assistance her family received from the American Red Cross, she took a job collecting blood at the Red Cross’s West Madison donor center while awaiting nursing school admission decisions.
One of Blanchard’s nominators says, “She is incredibly empathetic to her patients, and she goes out of her way to make sure they receive remarkable care. I know Niki is going to make the school incredibly proud.”
Upon admission to the ABSN program, Blanchard aimed to excel academically and become the best nurse she could be. She dedicated herself to learning and supporting her classmates, creating thousands of flashcards that aided her peers’ academic success.
“Niki is a shining example of intelligence in all dimensions,” says one of the students who nominated Blanchard. “From day one, she never failed to help her peers study and share her knowledge.”
“Niki has maintained a perfect 4.0 throughout the program while simultaneously excelling in her clinical work and out-of-classroom obligations, including significant contributions to the greater Dane County area,” says another nominator.
Outside of school, Blanchard regularly donates platelets and plasma through the American Red Cross. She also volunteers on the Rape Crisis Center helpline, offering information and emotional support to survivors of sexual violence. This role has been incredibly rewarding, especially as she plans to work as a forensic nurse examiner in the future.
“I’m honored to have received this award,” says Blanchard. “Everything that I’ve done during nursing school has been for the purpose of providing the best possible care to my current and future patients, and the best possible support to those around me.”
About the School of Nursing Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
The Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award is bestowed upon a nursing student who excels in academic performance, clinical competence, and professional and community service.
Kiko Carbonell, TBSN
TBSN Graduation Speaker
Over the past few years, Kiko Carbonell and his classmates have risen to meet immense challenges, balancing the demands of nursing school, patient care, and the personal growth that has defined their journey. Through resilience, adaptability, and commitment, they have persevered and transformed into skilled health care professionals.
“Kiko is the perfect candidate to be our graduation speaker,” says one nominator. “He is passionate about nursing, and that is evident in the classroom and at clinical. Kiko is a professional, relatable, inspiring, and positive person. He has great communication skills…he always ensures everyone has a voice, and gets his voice out there as well. He is a great leader, and I would love for him to represent our class.”
Carbonell is an excellent representative for the TBSN class because of his dedication to mentorship, leadership, and uplifting those around him. Throughout nursing school, he has supported peers and pre-nursing students through tutoring, mentorship, and guidance. He is passionate about fostering a sense of community and helping others find their footing in a demanding field.
“Kiko is a dedicated nursing student who is very reliable and motivated. He has an outgoing personality and his laughter is very contagious,” says another nominator. “He is a great advocate for the nursing student body and always takes into account others’ opinions. Kiko is ready to help whenever he can and motivates the 2025 cohort.”
In his speech, Carbonell plans to highlight the resilience and strength that carried him and his peers through the toughest clinicals, class experiences, personal adversities, and moments of doubt. He will showcase their transformation from eager students to confident future nurses, embracing both successes and failures as learning opportunities. Carbonell will also speak on the power of compassion, not just in patient care but in how classmates have uplifted one another. Additionally, he will address the legacy the class leaves behind and their future impact on health care through advocacy, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence. He aims to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by nursing students of intersecting and marginalized identities, emphasizing the importance of representation and inclusion in health care.
“To be chosen as the graduation speaker for the BSN Class of 2025 is truly humbling,” says Carbonell. “This honor is not just mine; but to everyone who has supported, challenged, and inspired me throughout this journey. Nursing school has tested us, shaped us, and strengthened us, and I’m honored to stand before my peers as we celebrate our hard work and the bright futures ahead.”
About the Graduation Speaker Role
The graduation speaker is a student selected annually from each program to deliver a speech at the graduation ceremony. This honor is given to students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the nursing profession, possess strong communication skills, and have the ability to inspire and motivate their peers.
Maggie Cook, BSN@Home
BSN@Home Graduation Speaker
Maggie Cook proudly holds two degrees from UW-Madison: her newly completed BSN and a BA in Communication Arts. After spending over 12 years in the marketing field, owning and operating her own business, she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse, inspired by her husband’s support.
“She works extremely hard, providing the highest quality of care and compassion for her patients while striving to always continue to learn and grow,” says Cook’s nominator. “She is an outstanding example of what it means to be a Badger, a mom, and a nurse.”
A mother to three children, ages 6-11, Cook worked full-time throughout nursing school, balancing her studies, clinicals, and family responsibilities. She began her nursing career as an Emergency Department (ED) Technician in a Level 3 Trauma Center and advanced to an ED Registered Nurse (RN) in a Level 2 Trauma Center at Mayo Clinic Health System, where she has worked for over two years.
In school, Cook maintained a near-perfect GPA, earning recognition on the Chippewa Valley Technical College President’s List and the UW-Madison Dean’s List. She holds certifications in the Trauma Nursing Core and Emergency Nursing Pediatric courses and takes a leadership role in precepting new ED staff, guiding them through orientation in a high-stress environment.
Cook recently accepted a position in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Eau Claire, where she looks forward to learning and growing while continuing help in the ER.
She is honored to accept the nomination for class speaker and continue her family’s legacy of Badger pride. “As someone who grew up in Madison, idolizing what it means to be a Badger, being chosen to speak at the 2025 School of Nursing BSN Graduation ceremony is an incredible honor,” says Cook. “I am grateful for the opportunity to represent such a prestigious nursing program. Congratulations to the graduating class of the University of Wisconsin School of Nursing 2025!”
About the Graduation Speaker Role
The graduation speaker is a student selected annually from each program to deliver a speech at the graduation ceremony. This honor is given to students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the nursing profession, possess strong communication skills, and have the ability to inspire and motivate their peers.
Bridget Flyke, ABSN
DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students
Bridget Flyke’s passion for caretaking began as an Early Childhood Development Intern while earning a degree in Human Development & Family Studies and Psychology.
Her role as a Health Unit Coordinator on American Family Children’s Hospital’s (AFCH) General Medical unit and her clinical rotation on the Universal Care unit further fueled her passion for pediatric care.
Flyke’s ability to connect emotionally with patients and families is one of her biggest strengths, whether it’s searching the hospital for specific toys or movies to make children more comfortable during their stay, holding the hand of a mother whose child was being transferred to an intensive care unit, or braiding the hair of an unresponsive patient in her final days.
“Bridget consistently made patients feel heard, even when she was outside of her comfort zone,” says her nominator. “She demonstrates immense emotional intelligence and shows great patience with both her patients and her peers.”
When Flyke’s father passed away suddenly, she experienced firsthand the role nurses play in comforting a grieving family through small, compassionate actions. She is committed to providing the same attention to detail to all her patients.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students,” says Flyke. “This award was created as a reminder for students that even on our hardest days, our ability to compassionately care for a patient and their family is a remarkable gift. I am so grateful for my clinical instructors, preceptors, and peers for being incredible role models in the clinical space, inspiring me to always mimic their efforts of going above and beyond for our patients. As I begin my nursing career, I will always cherish the opportunity this career provides to brighten someone’s day and provide them a little peace and comfort during challenging times.”
About the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students was created to remind nursing students, even on their hardest days in nursing school, why they want to be nurses. It recognizes nursing students for the above-and-beyond care and compassion they show patients and their families as they are learning what it means to be a nurse. Nominees demonstrate commitment to compassionate care of patients and families, make a connection with patients, families, and peers by building trust and respect, advocate strongly for patients, and demonstrate exceptional skill.
Sofia Gunaratnam, TBSN
School of Nursing Flag Bearer – BSN
Sofia Gunaratnam has consistently demonstrated leadership, responsibility, and school spirit through her academic achievements, involvement in numerous clubs and boards, and service to the Madison community. Whether mentoring pre-nursing students, contributing to the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee subcommittee, or celebrating her peers’ successes, she strives to set a positive example and foster a supportive environment.
Her peers remark on her work ethic, leadership, and natural ability to unite people and create an environment where everyone feels valued.
“Sofia’s dedication to learning extends beyond the classroom—her ability to connect with individuals from all backgrounds is truly impressive,” says one of her nominators. “She not only embodies the mission of the School of Nursing but also carries it into every interaction, whether with patients, peers, friends, or even strangers.”
Gunaratnam takes great pride in representing the School and upholding its traditions, and she sees her role as flag bearer as an opportunity to continue that commitment in a meaningful way. She says, “I am honored to represent our class and contribute to making our graduation ceremony a memorable and respectful event.”
About the Flag Bearer Position
The School of Nursing Flag Bearer demonstrates academic dedication, leadership, and community involvement and embodies the values and spirit of the University of Wisconsin and the School of Nursing. The recipient carries the School of Nursing’s flag during Campus Commencement at Camp Randall and receives a certificate of recognition at the BSN Graduation Celebration event.
Will Joyce, ABSN
ABSN Graduation Speaker
Will Joyce consistently demonstrates kindness, leadership, and excellent communication skills. In the numerous nominations he received, Joyce’s peers highlighted how much he inspires them.
“Will has been an inspiration and motivational force within the ABSN program,” says one nominator. “He is fantastic at communicating both individually and coordinating as a group, and always focuses on keeping spirits up and moving everyone towards our goal of finishing school and becoming licensed nurses.”
In his speech, Joyce plans to reinforce the importance of keeping the human element of care front and center in nursing practice. “It sounds simple, but one of the best things I learned in nursing school is the power of simply sitting alongside a patient at their bedside,” he says. “I sat with all of my patients whenever I got the opportunity, and every time I did, I better understood their story and their health concerns. Each time, I left their hospital room with a greater sense of what mattered most to them.”
“Will is one of the kindest, friendliest people in the program,” says another nominator.
“From day one, he made a concerted effort to befriend everyone in the class. He has organized events for all of us to come together as a cohort, and is a great support for anyone who needs it.”
Joyce’s dedication, compassion, and ability to uplift those around him make him an exemplary choice for the graduation speaker, embodying the spirit and values of the School of Nursing and the ABSN program.
About the Graduation Speaker Role
The graduation speaker is a student selected annually from each program to deliver a speech at the graduation ceremony. This honor is given to students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the nursing profession, possess strong communication skills, and have the ability to inspire and motivate their peers.
Diamond Wimbley, TBSN
Badger Future Nurse Leader Award
Throughout her undergraduate journey at UW–Madison, Diamond Wimbley has shown commitment to leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to excellence in nursing. “From a young age, I have witnessed the profound and lasting impact that healthcare, especially nursing, has on individuals and families, including my own,” says Wimbley. “The empathy, skill, and dedication shown by nurses have deepened my passion for nursing.”
One of her nominators comments, “Diamond is a phenomenal student who is curious, compassionate, and a pioneer in her nursing cohort. She is joyous and encourages those around her. She encompasses the very spirit of a Badger Future Nurse Leader.”
Wimbley’s fellowship as a Health Ambassador with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness has affirmed her calling to be a resource, advocate, and force for lasting impact. As the youngest Black female speaker at the annual Wear Red Day, Wimbley raised awareness of cardiovascular disease, a cause that is deeply personal after losing her stepfather to the illness. As a Well Black Woman Fellow and Health Ambassador, she led initiatives and collaborated with other leaders to promote health equity through various wellness events, providing vital resources and creating space for women to be heard, valued, and supported.
“She is never afraid to speak up and ask questions, always breaking the ice and never intimidated. She is a great mentor for students,” says another of Wimbley’s nominators.
In addition to her advocacy work, Wimbley has shown remarkable leadership as Vice President of GLAM Squad, a beauty and fashion organization, where she initiated a feminine hygiene products drive and workshop for young girls. Wimbley also served within the Peer Leader Student Group (PLSG) where she was committed to being a supportive and insightful mentor to her peers.
Through everything she does, Wimbley demonstrates exceptional dedication to advancing the nursing profession. “I am deeply honored to be named the 2025 recipient of the Badger Future Nurse Leader Award,” she says. “Through the exceptional education and support of the UW-Madison School of Nursing, I am empowered to leverage my clinical skills, leadership, and advocacy to make a meaningful difference in patient care and the broader healthcare system. As the Badger Future Nurse Leader, I remain committed to upholding the values of integrity, compassion, and excellence to care for all patients.”
About the Badger Future Nurse Leader Award
The Badger Future Nurse Leader Award recognizes a student who is an exemplary leader and embodies the ethics and values of nursing. Nominees must demonstrate leadership; prepare, motivate, and impact other students as leaders; participate in community activities and giving back to others; mentor fellow students; promote activity in nursing organizations; make a significant contribution to the overall excellence of their school; set a healthy example and promote a healthy lifestyle; and demonstrate a clear sense of direction for their future nursing career.
Graduate Award Recipients
Mays Basha, PhD
PhD Graduation Speaker
Mays Basha developed an early interest in palliative care through six years of clinical experience in an oncology center’s pediatric intensive care unit, where she cultivated a deep passion for symptom science. In 2016, she pursued a Master of Science in Palliative Care Nursing at the University of Jordan, focusing her thesis on the caregiving burden and quality of life among family caregivers of cancer patients.
Basha’s experiences caring for children with cancer and witnessing their symptom suffering led her to the UW–Madison School of Nursing PhD program, which she began in 2021. Her research centers on understanding symptom burden, potential risk factors, and associated health outcomes in pediatric oncology. During her PhD, she worked as a project assistant in Dr. Kitty Montgomery’s research lab, which helped shape her current research interests.
Dr. Montgomery says, “As Mays’ PhD program advisor for the past 4 years, I have witnessed her growth, notable accomplishments, and potential to significantly contribute to pediatric oncology symptom science.”
To support her dissertation, Basha led a multi-site team to complete a systematic review of the biopsychosocial antecedents of symptom burden in children with cancer. She coordinated the team, registered the study protocol with PROSPERO, and used web-based programs like Covidence and REDCap for data management. She is also conducting secondary data analysis using advanced quantitative methods, including Latent Class Analysis and Latent Transition Analysis, to identify symptom profiles and associated biopsychosocial factors in children undergoing stem cell transplantation or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.
As an active member of the Midwest Nursing Research Society, Basha has been involved in the Palliative and End-of-Life Care Research and Implementation Interest Group (RIIG) for the past two years. Currently, she serves as the chair of this RIIG, demonstrating her commitment and passion for advancing palliative and end-of-life care research. This leadership role has allowed her to foster collaboration, engage with researchers in the field, and contribute to the growth of palliative care scholarship. Basha has received the 2025 Graduate Student Award from the Palliative and End-of-Life RIIG of MNRS.
About the Graduation Speaker Role
The graduation speaker is a student selected annually from each program to deliver a speech at the graduation ceremony. This honor is given to students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the nursing profession, possess strong communication skills, and have the ability to inspire and motivate their peers.
Charlie Behrens, DNP
DNP Graduation Speaker
Charlie Behrens’ journey in the DNP program has been one of growth, resilience, and transformation. He feels privileged to represent the collective experiences of his classmates as they prepare to step into the next phase of their careers.
“Charlie is such a kind, smart, compassionate nurse and soon-to-be nurse practitioner,” one of his nominators says. “He is viewed as a leader in our entire DNP cohort, not just in the primary care track. I always appreciate when he shares his opinions and thoughts during class, and I would love to listen to his parting words for us on graduation day!”
Throughout the program, Behrens has fostered a spirit of collaboration, mentorship, and academic excellence—whether through his role as a graduate teaching assistant, his clinical practice, or his commitment to quality improvement in patient care. “Charlie has been a leader throughout our program,” another nominator comments. “He is always supportive and a strong advocate for his peers.”
A third nominator adds, “Charlie is always willing to assist and collaborate with anyone. He is well-researched in current events in health care and shares them with us to improve our knowledge on evidence-based practice. He is personable and a pleasure to work with. I think he will be a great provider with his dedication to vulnerable populations, and I believe he will make his patients feel very safe and cared for.”
Behrens feels privileged to share his reflections and inspire the class as they embark on their next chapter. He’s honored to be chosen as the DNP graduation speaker and looks forward to celebrating this milestone with his peers.
About the Graduation Speaker Role
The graduation speaker is a student selected annually from each program to deliver a speech at the graduation ceremony. This honor is given to students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the nursing profession, possess strong communication skills, and have the ability to inspire and motivate their peers.
Laura Block, PhD
Mary L. Keller Research Award
Laura Block is passionate about research that can meaningfully improve patient care and lives—an interest that led her to nursing as a discipline that connects science and care. Block’s long-term career goal is to build a research program as a tenure-track faculty member at a research-intensive institution studying care and symptom management for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) and their caregivers. She also plans to teach and mentor nurses and students from interdisciplinary programs.
In pursuit of a nursing research career, Block returned to school as a post-baccalaureate nursing student in the undergraduate honors program, which led to her entering the early PhD program. Her dedication is evident through her impressive productivity, authoring multiple publications, and winning several significant grants during her time in the program.
Block also excels as a supportive peer and mentor to her fellow PhD students. She began her program in the fall of 2020, when school was still virtual. Even though she was a new student facing all the challenges of a PhD program, remote learning, and a global pandemic, Block stepped in and supported her peers, all while becoming a new parent, writing and receiving an F31 grant, and completing her own research work.
“Laura is such an asset to her fellow students in the program,” says her nominator. “She has also been invaluable as a thought partner in research.”
Block’s dissertation, supported by NIH/NIA and UW-Madison awards, uses a mixed methods design to study behavioral symptoms and care for nursing home residents with AD/ADRD and serious mental illness (SMI). Individuals with SMI are at higher risk for AD/ADRD and face worse outcomes; yet key areas that nurses may be able to target to improve care are poorly understood. Key findings include greater behavioral symptom burden and medication use with greater number of comorbid diagnoses, and broad use of person-centered care strategies across all residents though few specialized psychological services.
“It is a great honor to receive the Mary L. Keller Research Award,” Block says. “My doctoral nursing education and research have only been possible because of the tremendous mentorship from countless individuals. Thank you for this award and recognition.”
About the Mary L. Keller Research Award
The Mary L. Keller Memorial Research Award is named after Professor Mary Keller, who taught at the School of Nursing for nearly two decades. She is remembered as an outstanding scholar and mentor to students. In memory of Professor Keller, who died of cancer in 2006, an award was established to recognize a student who embodies Professor Keller’s passion and integrity.
Claire Honl, DNP
School of Nursing DNP Excellence Award
Claire Honl exemplifies the qualities recognized by the 2025 School of Nursing DNP Excellence Award. Her dedication to community service, academic excellence, and clinical care shines through in her personal and professional life.
Honl’s volunteer work at the Specialty Care Free Clinic in Madison for over two years reflects her unwavering dedication to providing compassionate care to underserved populations. “This experience deepened my understanding of disparities within health care and my knowledge of the countless systemic barriers to care patients can face daily,” Honl says.
As a Graduate Assistant in the Global Health Program, she’s shown a strong commitment to advancing nursing education and global health initiatives. Her passion for community engagement is further reflected in her participation in the Women in Science and Engineering Mentorship Program, where she mentors undergraduate students in a STEM field.
Honl’s nominator praised her for her exemplary academic performance: arriving at class meetings well-prepared and actively contributing to discussions, fostering a collaborative and enriching learning environment for her peers. “Claire’s combination of academic excellence, clinical dedication, and service to both the school and the broader community makes her a highly deserving candidate for the DNP Excellence Award,” her nominator noted.
Beyond the classroom, Honl strives to contribute to the broader body of nursing knowledge. She has disseminated her quality improvement work as a global health research assistant at the Consortium of Universities for Global Health Conference and presented her DNP scholarly project at the Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference. Honl’s commitment to translating research into practice and advancing health systems is a primary motivation for pursuing her DNP.
“I am honored to accept the School of Nursing DNP Excellence Award,” says Honl. “I strongly believe the rich and holistic education of nurse practitioners enables us to shape healthcare and advance patient outcomes. I am proud to carry my DNP education forward into clinical practice and am grateful for the support of my mentors, faculty, and peers, all of whom exemplify Badger nursing excellence.”
About the School of Nursing DNP Excellence Award
This award honors students who demonstrate success in all areas of emphasis in the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) curriculum, including clinical scholarship, leadership, policy development, and advanced clinical practice. Students who win this award have also contributed meaningfully to the School of Nursing or our community through voluntary service activities that go beyond those required by the DNP program.
Michael Jaeb, PhD
School of Nursing Flag Bearer – Doctoral
Michael Jaeb embodies the Wisconsin Idea. His work extends beyond Cooper Hall, using his expertise to improve health and well-being across Wisconsin and beyond through clinical care, policy advocacy, and research.
Jaeb’s motivation stems from a deep respect for the role of nurses and clinicians in patients’ lives, believing in the responsibility and privilege of caring for others. His vision is to improve primary care support for chronic disease management.
Jaeb’s dedication to research is evident in his contributions to projects on communication, public health, women’s health, trauma, and substance use. His research aims to enhance communication in health care to reduce patient shame and improve care.
He demonstrated academic excellence and engaged in public health and ambulatory care, bridging individual health needs with systemic solutions. Jaeb’s leadership in policy and advocacy includes volunteering with the Wisconsin Nurses Association and the Wisconsin Public Health Association to advance nursing practice and health policies.
As an active member of the School of Nursing, Jaeb served on the Graduate Programs Committee, worked as a teaching assistant, and contributed to the COVID-19 Response Work Plan Committee and the Public Policy Council.
For his dissertation, Jaeb explored clinician-patient communication during chronic disease management visits, focusing on patient perceptions. His commitment continues as he begins a postdoctoral fellowship in the Primary Care Research Fellowship at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.
About the Flag Bearer Position
The School of Nursing Flag Bearer demonstrates academic dedication, leadership, and community involvement and embodies the values and spirit of the University of Wisconsin and the School of Nursing. The recipient carries the School of Nursing’s flag during Campus Commencement at the Kohl Center and receives a certificate of recognition at the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony.
Shoua Xiong, PhD
Signe Skott Cooper Writing Award
Shoua Xiong’s passion for research was sparked as an undergraduate when she was introduced to Dr. Maichou Lor’s work on improving symptom communication between healthcare providers and Hmong patients with limited English proficiency. Xiong worked with Dr. Lor on a systematic review project about pain communication between Hmong patients, interpreters, and healthcare providers, leading to a co-authored manuscript published in Pain and Symptom Management and a poster presentation at the UW-Madison Undergraduate Symposium in April 2022.
Seeking additional research experience, Xiong worked on a project about Hmong women’s perinatal experiences, which involved writing a grant for the Hilldale Undergraduate Research Fellowship and presenting findings at various research venues.
Entering the PhD program in Fall 2024, Xiong submitted a manuscript as the first author on “Experiences of Hmong Women in the Perinatal Period,” which was accepted for publication by the Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecologists, and Neonatal Nursing. These experiences enhanced her writing skills, shaped her research interest in maternal-child health, and deepened her commitment to nursing scholarship.
“Shoua’s writing is original, clear, organized, and accurate to the data and current literature,” says her nominator. “I am truly impressed that Shoua, as a first-year PhD student, is submitting her first paper in her very first year of the program.”
Her manuscript is innovative because it provides an updated examination of Hmong women’s perinatal experiences, a topic that has not been explored since the early 2000s. It is the first study to focus on the experiences of 1.5- and second-generation Hmong women in the United States.
Xiong’s findings highlight the challenges Hmong women face when navigating both traditional and Western medicine during pregnancy. They underscore the pressing need for culturally sensitive support from healthcare providers and provide practical nursing implications for working with Hmong women during the perinatal period.
“As a Hmong American and first-year PhD student, I am deeply honored to receive the Signe Skott Cooper Writing Award,” says Xiong. “This award highlights the significance of my academic contributions and inspires me to push boundaries in advancing more inclusive perspectives toward nursing science.”
About The Signe Skott Cooper Writing Award
The Signe Skott Cooper Writing Award encourages students to write for publication. All currently enrolled UW–Madison School of Nursing students who are the primary author of a paper or manuscript may submit it for this award. The paper or manuscript must be on a topic of interest to nursing, and it must be ready for submission or have been submitted to a nursing or health-related journal.
Educator Awards
Myra Bell
DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators in a Clinical Setting – Graduate
Myra Bell’s calm demeanor, commitment to evidence-based practice, excellent assessment skills, and extensive knowledge of developmental theory make her a valued preceptor.
A 2021 graduate from the Primary Care Pediatric DNP program at UW–Madison, Bell began her role as a preceptor in the spring of 2022. She started her NP career at Lake County Pediatrics in Oconomowoc, WI, where she provides primary care pediatric services from birth to adulthood, focusing on wellness education and early intervention for children with chronic conditions.
“Because of Myra, I see such a bright future for myself as an NP,” one of Bell’s nominators says. “She made me excited about this path and gave me the confidence to know that I can do this. She truly is the reason I continued my journey to be an NP, a dream I have had since I was a little girl. There will never be enough words to describe how grateful I am for everything Myra did for me, and I truly cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award because she doesn’t just teach—she inspires.”
Another nominator highlighted Bell’s profound impact on their development as a nursing student. Initially overwhelmed by the demands of balancing clinicals, class, work, and life, they found renewed confidence and purpose through Bell’s mentorship. Her supportive approach, focusing on the “why” behind diagnoses, helped the nominator grow both their skills and confidence.
Bell’s commitment to her students extends beyond clinical settings. She provides unwavering support, helping students navigate challenges and balance their responsibilities without burning out. Her mentorship has reignited the spark in many students, showing them the kind of provider they aspire to be.
Bell’s dedication to nursing education is evident in her eagerness to precept and passion for student success. She strives to meet students where they are academically and clinically, ensuring their clinical experience is positive and productive. Her individualized and holistic patient care approach, paired with evidence-based guidelines, leads to higher quality care and better health outcomes. Bell’s influence on her students and the profession is extraordinary, making her more than deserving of the DAISY Award.
About the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators in a Clinical Setting
Exceptionally skilled and compassionate nursing educators play a pivotal role in shaping the nursing workforce and setting an example for future nurses. Society relies on these educators to impart the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for nurses to provide compassionate and complex care. In health care organizations, preceptors ensure that students are competent and confident in their skills, playing a crucial part in ensuring that the public receives care from educated, competent, and proficient nurses. With gratitude for the continuum of educators in practice settings, The DAISY Foundation and the UW-Madison School of Nursing are honored to present The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators in a Clinical Setting to preceptors who have committed themselves to educating the future of nursing and advancing patient care.
Alyssa Haure, MSN, RN, CNE
DAISY Award for Extraordinary Undergraduate Nursing Faculty
Alyssa Haure has consistently been a beacon of support and knowledge for her students. She makes complex information manageable and relatable, her approachable nature ensures that students feel comfortable asking questions, and she inspires students to pursue their academic goals.
“Alyssa comes to class every day with an enthusiasm for teaching that inspires everyone around her,” says one nominator. “She is caring, open, honest, fair, and demonstrates many other qualities that make her an excellent educator. She has a way of making a large classroom size feel less intimidating and encourages participation from every student. She is someone who I look up to and truly appreciate.”
Another nominator shares, “Alyssa’s kindness, patience, and ability to foster a positive learning environment gave me the reassurance I needed to trust my knowledge and skills. She made lecture something I genuinely looked forward to, bringing an enthusiasm for nursing that was both inspiring and motivating.”
Haure’s commitment to nursing education goes beyond teaching; she instills confidence, critical thinking, and a passion for lifelong learning. Her seamless collaboration with students and colleagues demonstrates the very best of what it means to be a nursing educator.
About the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Undergraduate Nursing Faculty
The DAISY Foundation recognizes that the pressures on nursing faculty are numerous, yet their impact is powerful. Many students talk about hearing a professor’s or instructor’s voice in their ears even years after they have graduated. These dedicated nursing faculty members often do not receive appropriate recognition for the effect they have on their students, on patient care, and on the professionalism of nursing. The DAISY Faculty Award was created to recognize and celebrate the contributions faculty make to the future of nursing.
Teresa Lincicum, MSN, AGACNP, APNP
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Graduate Nursing Faculty
Teresa Lincicum, MSN, AGACNP, APNP, has been honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Graduate Nursing Faculty, a testament to her exceptional contributions as an instructor, mentor, and provider.
Lincicum’s relentless enthusiasm for teaching, lifelong learning, and excellence in nursing has made her a phenomenal educator. Since joining the DNP program, she has consistently gone above and beyond to support her students. She listens to lectures outside her own schedule to continue learning, hone her teaching skills, and deliver even better instruction. This dedication exemplifies her belief that there is always more to learn and ways to improve.
Lincicum ensures that every student in her class reaches their full potential. She meets students at their level, providing the right balance of guidance and challenge. Beyond the classroom, she invites students to join her in clinical settings, often staying late to support their growth and success. Her intellectual humility is evident as she leads students in the search for answers, learning alongside them.
Her fairness creates an atmosphere of consistency, equity, and inclusivity in both classroom and clinical settings. She recognizes strengths in each student, offering constructive feedback that encourages growth while maintaining high standards of discipline, knowledge, and professionalism.
Outside of teaching, Lincicum is a cardiology consult nurse practitioner and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Her talent for building strong, collaborative relationships extends far beyond her clinical work into her role as an educator. Students who have encountered her briefly in shared DNP coursework have expressed their admiration for her expertise, warmth, and professionalism, highlighting the impact she has on those around her.
Lincicum’s influence on her students and colleagues is immeasurable. She inspires, nurtures, and challenges her students, instilling in them a love of learning and commitment to excellence that will stay with them long after they leave her classroom. Her dedication to the profession is extraordinary, making her more than deserving of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Graduate Nursing Faculty.
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world,” says Lincicum. “As a nurse educator, I am honored to inspire the next generation of caregivers, ensuring that compassion and knowledge go hand in hand.”
About the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Graduate Nursing Faculty
The DAISY Foundation recognizes that the pressures on nursing faculty are numerous, yet their impact is powerful. Many students talk about hearing a professor’s or instructor’s voice in their ears even years after they have graduated. These dedicated nursing faculty members often do not receive appropriate recognition for the effect they have on their students, on patient care, and on the professionalism of nursing. The DAISY Faculty Award was created to recognize and celebrate the contributions faculty make to the future of nursing.
Kate Walton
DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators in a Clinical Setting – Undergraduate
Kate Walton exemplifies excellence through their compassion, communication, and commitment to fostering student growth.
“Kate’s teaching approach is something I will carry with me throughout my career,” shares their nominator. “Their ability to mentor and encourage me as a student enhanced my clinical knowledge and instilled a confidence and deep appreciation for nursing practice.”
As a nursing student, Walton remembers the excitement and apprehension of clinicals, and the supportive preceptors who shared their knowledge and experience. These preceptors, including one who became their mentor at their first job, have influenced Walton for two decades.
During clinical experiences in the Emergency Department at UW Health, Walton profoundly impacted nursing students by creating a learning environment that encourages self-reflection, embraces mistakes as learning opportunities, and provides hands-on experiences. Walton’s teaching approach, which includes asking students about their goals and guiding them to think critically, is something students carry throughout their careers.
Walton recalls being told to develop critical thinking in nursing school, which felt overwhelming. It wasn’t until they started caring for patients that they understood the importance of asking questions and thinking through answers. Walton now asks their students questions to help them practice critical thinking, allowing them to talk through their thoughts and filling in gaps with their experience. This helps Walton see what concepts students grasp and gauge their progress.
What sets Walton apart is their unwavering support and mentorship beyond the clinical setting. When a student had a difficult day, Walton responded with kind words and reassurance, emphasizing self-reflection and coping as a nurse. Their transparency and wisdom make them a valuable mentor, shaping future nurses in skill, resilience, confidence, and compassion.
Walton’s dedication to nursing education is extraordinary, making them deserving of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Educators in a clinical setting.
About the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators in a Clinical Setting
Exceptionally skilled and compassionate nursing educators play a pivotal role in shaping the nursing workforce and setting an example for future nurses. Society relies on these educators to impart the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for nurses to provide compassionate and complex care. In health care organizations, preceptors ensure that students are competent and confident in their skills, playing a crucial part in ensuring that the public receives care from educated, competent, and proficient nurses. With gratitude for the continuum of educators in practice settings, The DAISY Foundation and the UW–Madison School of Nursing are honored to present The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators in a Clinical Setting to preceptors who have committed themselves to educating the future of nursing and advancing patient care.