News Archives

Welcome Back Fall 2025: A Message from Dean Villarruel
Image of Penn Nursing Dean Antonia M. Villarruel

Welcome Back Fall 2025: A Message from Dean Villarruel

Welcome back! I hope your summer was a time of rest and renewal. As we step into a new academic year, I want to begin with a simple yet powerful message: We are all capable of more than we think.

New Term Chair Appointment for Penn Nursing Professor

New Term Chair Appointment for Penn Nursing Professor

Colleen Tewksbury, PhD, MPH, RD, CSOWM, LDN, Assistant Professor in Nutrition Science in the Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, has been appointed the University’s Class of 1940 Bicentennial Term Chair.

University of Pennsylvania Launches New Statewide Engagement Initiative
Courtesy: University Communications/Eric Sucar

University of Pennsylvania Launches New Statewide Engagement Initiative

The Penn Commonwealth-Engaged Scholars (PCES) Program is a new initiative aimed at deepening the university’s connection with communities across Pennsylvania. Funding for PCES comes from the University’s inaugural Draw Down the Lightning Grants program.

International Collaboration on Nursing and Midwifery in the Caribbean Deemed a Success, According to New Study

International Collaboration on Nursing and Midwifery in the Caribbean Deemed a Success, According to New Study

A new publication highlights the success of an international partnership working to strengthen nursing and midwifery in the Caribbean. “Fostering International Collaborations to Inform Nursing and Midwifery Policy: A Caribbean Initiative,” appears in the International Nursing Review. It was led by Penn Nursing’s Eileen T. Lake, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Edith Clemmer Steinbright Professor in Gerontology, with Carmen Alvarez, PhD, CRNP, CNM, FAAN, Associate Professor of Nursing, serving as co-author.

New Study: Significant Racial Discordance Between Nurses and Patients in Black-Serving Hospitals

New Study: Significant Racial Discordance Between Nurses and Patients in Black-Serving Hospitals

A new Penn Nursing Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research (CHOPR) study reveals a significant underrepresentation of Black nurses compared to the Black patient populations they serve, particularly in hospitals that care for a higher proportion of Black patients. The study – led Eileen T. Lake, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Edith Clemmer Steinbright Professor in Gerontology, Professor of Nursing and Sociology, and CHOPR Associate Director – is set to be published in Nursing Research.

Congratulations to the American Academy of Nursing 2025 Fellows

Congratulations to the American Academy of Nursing 2025 Fellows

Penn Nursing wishes to congratulate the 15 nursing professionals with ties to Penn Nursing who will be inducted as 2025 Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). Three are current Penn Nursing faculty members and alumnae, with the other 12 being Penn Nursing alumni. All inductees will be honored at a ceremony during the AAN’s 2025 Health Policy Conference, taking place October 16- 25, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Revolutionizing Lactation Support and Outcomes

Revolutionizing Lactation Support and Outcomes

Faculty and doctoral students at Penn Nursing are at the forefront of advancing human milk feeding through a series of research studies, featured in the current issue of MCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. The issue, edited by Penn Nursing’s Diane L. Spatz, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN, FAWHONN, the Helen M. Shearer Professor of Nutrition and Professor of Perinatal Nursing in the Department of Family and Community Health, highlights articles showcasing critical strategies to enhance lactation care and improve outcomes for families.

Penn Nursing Dean on Capitol Hill

Penn Nursing Dean on Capitol Hill

Penn Nursing Dean Antonia Villarruel recently moderated a pivotal congressional briefing, “Powered by Evidence: Quality Patient Care Requires Nursing Science.” The event, co-hosted by the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), brought together congressional staff, nursing leaders, and stakeholders to highlight the profound impact of nursing science on chronic disease management, prevention, and the responsible use of AI in healthcare.

New Study Reveals Critical Link Between Neighborhood Violence, Youth Fighting, and Perceived Firearm Availability

New Study Reveals Critical Link Between Neighborhood Violence, Youth Fighting, and Perceived Firearm Availability

A new Penn Nursing study led by Jungwon Min, PhD, MS, Research Professor and Director of the BECCA Lab, uncovers a significant association between neighborhood firearm violence exposure, involvement in fighting, and adolescents’ perceived ability to obtain a firearm outside the home. The research is available in the latest issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Collaborative Initiative Highlights Successes and Challenges in Global Bioethics Training

Collaborative Initiative Highlights Successes and Challenges in Global Bioethics Training

A new Penn Nursing initiative explores the impact of federally funded international bioethics training programs. The collaborative initiative, published in the Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics, highlights both the significant achievements and ongoing challenges in building bioethics research capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

TREO Foundation Award for Penn Nursing Professor
Head shot of Penn Nursing Professor Colleen Tewksbury, PhD

TREO Foundation Award for Penn Nursing Professor

Penn Nursing’s Colleen Tewksbury, PhD, MPH, RD, CSOWM, LDN, Assistant Professor in Nutrition Science in the Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, wins 2025 TREO Foundation LEAD Award for Excellence in Nutrition.

Nurse Practitioner Award for Penn Nursing Professor

Nurse Practitioner Award for Penn Nursing Professor

Penn Nursing’s Selena Ann Gilles, DNP, ANP-BC, CNEcl, ANEF, FNYAM, FADLN, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN, Practice Professor in the Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences and Associate Dean for School and Community Engagement, has been named a recipient of the 2025 AANP State Award for Outstanding Contributions by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP).

Expanding Essential Wound Care for People Who Use Drugs

Expanding Essential Wound Care for People Who Use Drugs

A new study published in the Harm Reduction Journal identifies critical factors and strategies for expanding low-barrier wound care services for people who use drugs (PWUD). The research comes at a crucial time, as the rise of xylazine, a tranquilizer found in the street opioid supply, has led to a significant increase in severe necrotic wounds among this population.

Illuminating Gaps in Perinatal Palliative Care Evidence Amidst Abortion Restrictions

Illuminating Gaps in Perinatal Palliative Care Evidence Amidst Abortion Restrictions

A new review published in Health Affairs Scholar highlights significant limitations in the existing evidence base for perinatal palliative care (PPC) in the United States, raising concerns about its capacity to adequately support a growing, vulnerable patient population increasingly directed towards it due to abortion restrictions.

Penn Nursing Professor Wins National Research Award

Penn Nursing Professor Wins National Research Award

Jane Muir, PhD, MSHP, RN, FNP-BC, Assistant Professor in Penn Nursing’s Department of Family and Community Health, won the 2025 Nurse Researcher Award from the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). She will be honored at the ENA annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana this September.

Nurses Speak Out: Fixing Care for Disadvantaged Patients
Two nurses walk down a bright corridor and talk to each other

Nurses Speak Out: Fixing Care for Disadvantaged Patients

A new Penn Nursing Center for Health Outcomes & Policy Research (CHOPR) study sheds light on the critical factors that help or hinder hospital nurses in providing quality care to socially disadvantaged populations. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, offer vital insights to inform hospital strategies for advancing high-quality, equitable care.

It’s a Wrap for the Graduating Class of 2025!

It’s a Wrap for the Graduating Class of 2025!

The Penn Nursing Class of 2025 tossed their mortar boards in the air. The years of challenging work, studying, clinicals, exams, all culminated in a beautiful commencement ceremony at the Kimmel Center on May 19, 2025. It is an honor to welcome them among the ranks of the Penn Nursing Alumni.

Scientists Discover Key Gene Impacts Liver Energy Storage, Affecting Metabolic Disease Risk

Scientists Discover Key Gene Impacts Liver Energy Storage, Affecting Metabolic Disease Risk

A new study published in Science Advances reveals that a single gene plays a big role in how the liver stores energy, a process that’s critical for overall health and for managing diseases like type 2 diabetes. Led by Penn Nursing’s Kate Townsend Creasy, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition Science in the Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, the research focuses on the PPP1R3B gene. This gene tells the liver how to handle energy: store it as glycogen (a form of sugar) or triglycerides (a type of fat).

Penn Nursing’s Julie A. Fairman, PhD, Elected to American Philosophical Society

Penn Nursing’s Julie A. Fairman, PhD, Elected to American Philosophical Society

The American Philosophical Society (APS), the nation’s oldest and most distinguished learned society, has announced the election of Penn Nursing’s Julie A. Fairman, RN, PhD, FAAN, Emerita Nightingale Professor in Nursing, to its esteemed membership. She is only the second nurse to be elected to the APS in its long history.

Penn Nursing Dean Contributes to Aspen Health Strategy Group Report Urging Action on Youth Mental Health
Image of Penn Nursing Dean Antonia M. Villarruel

Penn Nursing Dean Contributes to Aspen Health Strategy Group Report Urging Action on Youth Mental Health

A new report from the Aspen Health Strategy Group (AHSG) emphasizes the urgent need for health sector leadership in addressing the growing youth mental health crisis. The report, “Addressing the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Crisis,” offers insights from 20 senior leaders including Penn Nursing Dean Antonia M. Villarruel.

Study Finds Scottish Safe Staffing Act Implementation Facing Challenges

Study Finds Scottish Safe Staffing Act Implementation Facing Challenges

A new study, from Penn Nursing’s Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research (CHOPR), published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, has revealed that implementing Scotland’s Health and Care Act 2019 is facing significant challenges. The Act, which aims to ensure safe nurse staffing through guiding principles, duties, and a common staffing method, is not being consistently followed, according to nurses on the frontlines. Scotland’s approach to improving nurse staffing differs from that of most countries or states, which have established minimum ratios or nurse staffing committees. This makes the Scotland Act a unique exemplar worthy of investigation.

Peggy Compton, PhD, Transitions from Standing Faculty

Peggy Compton, PhD, Transitions from Standing Faculty

Peggy Compton, PHD, RN, FAAN, the van Ameringen Chair in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Professor of Nursing, a nationally and internationally recognized leader, scholar, mentor, and nurse scientist in nursing and neuroscience, will transition from her faculty role on June 30, 2025. Dr. Compton received her BSN from the University of Rochester. She then received her MS in Neuroscience Nursing, becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist from Syracuse University and her PhD in Neuroscience Nursing Science from New York University. She came to Penn Nursing in 2017.

Margaret C. Souders, PhD, Transitions from Standing Faculty

Margaret C. Souders, PhD, Transitions from Standing Faculty

Margaret C. Souders, PhD, CRNP, Associate Professor of Human Genetics, a nationally and internationally recognized leader, scholar, mentor, and clinical nurse scientist in nursing, sleep medicine, and genetics, will transition from her faculty role on June 30, 2025.

Philly CEAL Trains Health Workers in Chronic Disease Management

Philly CEAL Trains Health Workers in Chronic Disease Management

Community health workers (CHWs) from Philadelphia recently completed intensive training in chronic disease self-management through the Philly CEAL project, a strategic partnership between Penn Nursing and the city’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO).

Nancy Biller, MPH, MA, will transition from her role as Assistant Dean for Global Health Affairs
Nancy Biller, MPH, MA, Assistant Dean for Global Health Affairs

Nancy Biller, MPH, MA, will transition from her role as Assistant Dean for Global Health Affairs

Nancy Biller, MPH, MA, Assistant Dean for Global Health Affairs, recognized leader, mentor, and partner at Penn Nursing will transition from her role on August 1, 2025. Nancy studied at the University of Albany receiving her BA in French and Spanish. She went on to receive her MA in International Affairs – African Studies form Ohio University and her MPH with a concentration in Health Behavior/Health Education & Population Planning from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Nancy has worked to establish and implement goals to fulfill the School of Nursing’s commitment to global understanding, engagement, and healthcare. Over her career at Penn Nursing, she identified and promoted opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to expand their global experience in local and international contexts, through scholarly pursuits, extracurricular activities, service, and practice, contributing to their global leadership skills and ability to meet the health needs of individuals and communities in our multicultural world. Of particular note, was Nancy’s leadership in the development of the Penn in Latin America and the Caribbean initiative.

Charlene W. Compher, PhD, Transitions from Standing Faculty

Charlene W. Compher, PhD, Transitions from Standing Faculty

Charlene W. Compher, PhD, RD, LDN, FASPEN, the Shearer Endowed Term Chair in Healthy Community Practices, Professor of Nutrition Science, a nationally recognized leader, scholar, mentor, and nutrition scientist at Penn Nursing will transition from her faculty role on June 30, 2025. Dr. Compher received her BA in German and Mathematics from the University of Tennessee, her MS in Nutrition Science, and her PhD in Biology and Nutrition Science, both from Drexel University. Compher joined Penn Nursing in 2000, contributed to Penn Nursing through a variety of roles, and was appointed Professor of Nutrition Science in 2012. She has directed the Graduate Nutrition Programs – the MS in Nutrition Science and Second Major in Nutrition Science – along with the Nutrition Certificate.

In Case You Missed It: 2025 Penn Nursing Innovation Accelerator Pitch Event!

In Case You Missed It: 2025 Penn Nursing Innovation Accelerator Pitch Event!

Couldn’t join us live? Watch what you missed during this year’s Penn Nursing Innovation Accelerator Pitch Event! 

Funding Opportunity: Invite an International Colleague to Penn Nursing!

Funding Opportunity: Invite an International Colleague to Penn Nursing!

The Office of Global Health Affairs (GHA) has funding available to invite an individual (who does not have to be rich, famous, or powerful) from a country outside of the US and Canada, who would be of “scholarly” interest to the Penn Nursing community. This could be someone who might add to your own work / represent an opportunity for collaboration and/or have information to share that could be of interest to a larger group in our community.  

Rosemary Carol Polomano, PhD, Transitions from Standing Faculty

Rosemary Carol Polomano, PhD, Transitions from Standing Faculty

Rosemary Carol Polomano, PhD, RN, FAAN, Term Chair for Practice-based Research, Professor of Pain Practice, a nationally and internationally recognized leader, scholar, mentor, and clinical nurse scientist in nursing, will transition from her faculty role on June 30, 2025. Dr. Polomano received her doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Nursing, and her master’s and baccalaureate degrees from Penn Nursing.

Medically Tailored Meals Improve Nutrition, Reduce Readmissions for Heart Failure Patients

Medically Tailored Meals Improve Nutrition, Reduce Readmissions for Heart Failure Patients

A new study, published in BMC Nutrition, demonstrates that providing medically tailored meals (MTM) to patients with heart failure (HF) and malnutrition risk following hospital discharge significantly improves their nutritional status and keeps hospital readmission rates well below local and national averages.