Meredith Fischer
BS to DNP Student
University of Florida
Meredith takes full advantage of the opportunities provided by the GNSA as an online student, including attending the GNSA Conference, Student Policy Summit, and Liaison Office Hours to connect with other student leaders across the country. She is a strategic thinker, a trait which is demonstrated in her advocacy work for nurses at the state level, her involvement in the GNSA Advocacy Leaders, and her suggestions for increasing engagement within the GNSA.
Melissa Gayle
Post-Master’s Certificate Student
Kennesaw State University
Melissa acts as a leader both at her institution and at the national level. As a Liaison, she has conducted excellent outreach on her campus to ensure her fellow students are aware of the GNSA’s opportunities. At the same time, she has provided fantastic feedback as a participant in the Conference Planning Committee and consistently creates spaces to bring GNSA members into the GNSA Connect community by starting conversations about memorable patients, winter holiday activities, and keeping organized in graduate school. She is a community builder who never fails to stand up for what is right.
Amanda Matthaei
BS to PhD Student
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Amanda never hesitates to provide her perspective or to hunt down information to help the team—and she always does it with GNSA's highest potential in mind. Her can-do attitude demonstrates a spirit of engagement and enthusiasm that is aspirational, and it shines through during her presence on the bi-weekly Writing/Study Groups and as an active Liaison who provides feedback during the Town Hall Calls, leads the Neurodivergence Group’s equity efforts, and acts as a thought leader through her Liaison Pulse piece on the power of networking. As her nominator said, "Leaders like Amanda keep the GNSA going!"
Light Ndurue
PhD Student
Pennsylvania State University
Light is a wonderful representative of AACN, the GNSA, and the science of nursing. He embodies the best of the field as an outstanding advocate for his patients and his peers. He is actively engaged in all aspects of the GNSA, frequently contributing to Town Hall Calls and various Liaison workgroups including the Conference Planning Committee. He is willing to do the additional work, and his personal experiences add a wonderful, unique aspect to the art of nursing and healthcare policy.
Gemma O'Donnell
PhD Student
Arizona State University
Gemma’s creativity as a member of the GNSA Conference Planning Committee demonstrates a vision for the organization that goes beyond current programming to imagine what the GNSA and its membership is capable of. Similarly, as an active participant in Liaison Office Hour calls, forum member in GNSA Connect, and "first year survival tips" webinar host, she intentionally connects with other graduate nursing students across the country as a mentor and equal and makes the most of every opportunity.
Odilia Underwood
MSN Student
United States University
Odilia stands out as a student who has taken full advantage of the GNSA’s programming to support her education and personal growth. In the past year, she has attended both the GNSA Conference and Student Policy Summit and has actively engaged with speakers and fellow participants at each gathering. In addition, she is a GNSA Liaison and regularly attends Office Hours where she fosters connections with other student leaders across the country. Her nominator shared that it has been a pleasure watching her confidence and engagement bloom through her involvement with the organization.