The Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing was well represented at the Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS) Conference, with faculty and students presenting posters, facilitating panel discussions, receiving awards, and being elected to leadership positions within the organization.
ENRS is comprised of nurses and other individuals dedicated to advancing nursing research. Established in 1988, the society continues to promote health through innovative nursing science, according to its website.
The society provides attendees with valuable opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and leaders in the field of nursing research. The conference fosters an environment that encourages collaboration, idea-sharing, and professional growth, allowing participants to build meaningful relationships and expand their academic and professional networks.
This year marked the 38th annual conference, held in Boston, Massachusetts, from March 25–27. The theme, “Strength in Nursing Science: Advancing Health Across Dynamic and Diverse Settings,” guided a robust program of research symposiums, poster sessions, exhibits, a member luncheon, and an awards ceremony—offering attendees a dynamic and engaging experience.
UConn Nursing Professor-in-Residence Tiffany Kelley, Ph.D., MBA, RN, NI-BC, FNAP, served as a panelist at this year’s conference alongside Leila Daneshmandi, Ph.D., assistant professor-in-residence in the College of Engineering’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. Their panel, “Nursing and Engineering Partnerships: Building Strength in Nursing Science Across Systems and Settings,” explored interdisciplinary collaboration and how cross-sector partnerships can drive innovation and improve health outcomes.
Leadership Recognition
Susan DeSanto-Madeya, Ph.D., APRN, FPCN, FAAN, was elected president-elect of the Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS), marking a significant leadership milestone and reflecting her impact on nursing science and research.
“We are incredibly proud of our faculty and students for their outstanding contributions at this year’s ENRS conference,” said Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson, Ph.D., RN, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN. “Dr. DeSanto-Madeya’s election as president-elect highlights the national impact of UConn Nursing and our continued leadership in advancing nursing science.”
Also on the executive board is Eileen Condon, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC, serving as a member-at-large for communications and Louise Reagan, Ph.D., APRN, ANP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, serving as the Research Interest Group member-at-large.
In addition, Michelle Cole, DNP, MSN, RN, CPN, received the Evidence-Based Practice Award, recognizing her meaningful contributions to the global community, as well as her impact on research, colleagues, and students. Ph.D. student Wilfred A. Elliam was also honored as a student award recipient at the conference.
Further demonstrating student excellence, three undergraduate honors students—Madeleine Willett, Zainab Kane, and Maryam Shabazz—were selected to present posters, highlighting the strength of UConn Nursing’s student research.
“Our students and faculty did a wonderful job representing the Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing, with an impressive showing of podium and poster presentations,” says Reagan. “It was also a great opportunity for students to network with nurse scientists and peers, build connections, and showcase their work. We are very proud of how well our students and faculty represented our school.”
