Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is proud to announce a momentous achievement as three exceptional PhD students, Abby Britt, Stephanie Lee, and Mary Claire Montilus, have been awarded the prestigious Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowships (F31) from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). These fellowships reflect the exceptional dedication and research excellence demonstrated by these students within their respective fields.

Abby Britt, one of the recipients, has been awarded the fellowship for her pioneering research project titled "Prenatal Epigenetics: Trauma and Outcomes of Labor Dysfunction." This study aims to unravel the intricate physiological mechanisms through which trauma may contribute to disparities in labor complications by investigating epigenetic changes. The research focuses on understanding the impact of trauma on maternal health, specifically among Black pregnant individuals. The insights gained from Abby's study will not only advance the fields of trauma, epigenetics, and pregnancy but also hold the potential to identify modifiable risk factors for labor complications, offering a pathway to reducing racial disparities in pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality.

Stephanie Lee, another recipient, is recognized for her significant contribution in receiving the fellowship award for her impactful research project titled "The Experience of Cancer Related Financial Hardship Among Individuals with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in the Rural Southeast." Stephanie's study addresses the critical issue of cancer-related financial hardship among rural cancer survivors, particularly those with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). By exploring the experiences of those facing financial challenges due to the costs of cancer care, her research has the potential to inform the development of interventions tailored to reduce the risk of financial hardship and improve health outcomes and quality of life for rural cancer patients.

Mary Claire Montilus, the third recipient, has been awarded the fellowship for her impactful research project titled "Effects of trauma on retention in HIV care and durable viral suppression among African American men and women." Mary Claire's study delves into the profound implications of trauma among African American people living with HIV, aiming to understand its role in health disparities seen in the HIV health continuum. Her research seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the long-term clinical implications of trauma on retention in HIV care and durable viral suppression, ultimately contributing to efforts to reduce health inequities in this community.

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Abby Britt, Stephanie Lee, and Mary Claire Montilus for their outstanding achievements and exceptional dedication to advancing research that holds the potential to drive positive changes in healthcare and improve the lives of individuals facing significant health challenges," said Dr. Drenna Waldrop, Associate Dean of Research at Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. "Their contributions align perfectly with our mission to address health disparities and drive innovation in healthcare."

These prestigious Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Individual Predoctoral Fellowships underscore Emory School of Nursing's commitment to fostering excellence in research and scholarship that has a lasting impact on healthcare and health outcomes.