Melveen Camba, RN, COHC, Ewa Beach, Hawaii
"I am beyond grateful for being a recipient for this scholarship award in honor of the two individuals who lost their lives during the 911 attacks.  Even the smallest act of service and kindness can restore that spirit of hope and strength. Thank you so much AAOHN for this award and allowing me to attend my first AAOHN National Conference. I feel very strongly about the positive impact that AAOHN does in collaboration with nurses. I will embrace all the knowledge from the sessions to take back with me to the island of Oahu and apply it to our practice. I feel that this conference truly embodies the principles of Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing to promote a safer and healthier workplace and community."

Cindy Firari, BSN, RN, MS, Milton, Wisconsin
"I am so appreciative for this scholarship award! Less than a year ago, I started my OHN consulting business and this award not only allows me attend the AAOHN National Conference, but also to apply this wealth of information to remain current, valuable to clients and ensure best practices in my new endeavor."

Patricia (Trisha) Coleman, FNP-C, John’s Island, South Carolina
"You make a living by what you get, but you make a life out of what you give."  I'm grateful I won this scholarship because it reminds me of the importance of giving back and that the pioneers of this field who came before me encourage continuing education and reward and nurture whose who will carry the torches in the field of Occupational Health Nursing."

Susan A Kirks, BSN, RN, COHN, Ridgeway, Virginia
"As a recipient of the Liberty Leadership Scholarship sponsored by the AAOHN Foundation, I was able to attend a National Conference after being a member of AAOHN for 19 years. This was an awesome and rewarding experience.

One of the sessions that had the most impact on my practice was “Strategies for Occupational Travel Health Risk.” I work in an occupational health clinic that performs travel consults for clients planning to travel outside the United States. This session was a re-enforcement of statistical data, medical guidelines, and risks associated with travel. This session helped me to be better informed about travel guidelines and be able to pass along this knowledge to our clients.

Another session I found to be influential in my practice was “Medical Monitoring for Work With Viral Vectors and Biological Agents”. Our office administers the Hepatitis B vaccine and this speaker addressed the pros and cons of the two (2) dose vaccine versus the traditional three (3) dose vaccine. Studies show that although the 2-dose vaccine is more expensive the compliance rate is much higher by eliminating clients having to return to the clinic after five months for the third vaccine. It also shows the 2-dose vaccine to have a better efficiency rate but have no data on longevity efficiencies. One drawback that was discussed is the 2-dose vaccine can only be given to persons age 18 and older. Based on the information in this session, our clinic will explore the options of administering the 2-dose vaccine as opposed to the 3-dose vaccine.

I found something in each session that could influence my practice. I appreciate the opportunity to attend the AAOHN National Conference and be able to network and exchange ideas with other occupational health nurses working in the same typesetting."

Nicole Kalscheur, MSN, RN, Fitchburg, Wisconsin
"It is an honor to receive the Liberty Leadership Award. This scholarship will afford me the opportunity to attend the 2018 AAOHN National Conference. As someone who is relatively new to the specialty, it is of utmost importance to network and learn from occupational health leaders to continue to validate the work that we do.  It is my hope that attending this conference will help me to further develop the skills required to continue to advocate for the health, safety and well-being of employees within our organization and ensure we are providing evidence-based, quality care."

Megan LeClair-Netzel, Madison, Wisconsin
"This scholarship will help me attend an occupational health conference which will educate me on how to improve healthcare workers’ health and safety."

Click here to read Megan's scholarship recipient essay.

Candy Wright, Summerfield, North Carolina
"This scholarship will allow me to be able to attend the national convention in 2016. Previously I have been able to attend as my employer was able to pay for my attendance. My Brewery location will be closing in September 2016 and the funding for continuing education will not be available. With the announcement of the closure, I will need to increase my networking and, perhaps, broaden my educational exposure to secure employment outside of the company. I am a strong advocate for continuing education on an ongoing basis as I feel as the occupational health nurse, I have an obligation to my workforce to stay as current as possible on health/wellness/safety trends for their benefit."

Click here to read Candy's scholarship recipient essay.

Deborah A. Redmon, Catonsville, Maryland
"Knowledge is not worth anything if not shared. I plan on returning to Johns Hopkins University armed with new ideas and understanding that I will be able to share with my Occupational Health Care team.I am nothing if not an educator-with, my children, with my family, friends and with every employee I see. There is always an opportunity to impart to others the new information gained through mentors and educational advancement. There is wisdom to be learned from lecturers, presenters and the companionship of others who are on the same journey as I. It is imperative to be prepared to continue on my chosen path as an Occupational Health Nurse armed with the newest information we have in healthcare in general and Occupational Health in specific.What better way to improve leadership skills than making yourself available to learn and understand innovative techniques and ideas and then bring that knowledge home? In this extremely complicated era of nursing and healthcare, I can only hope to become an important cog in an extraordinarily complex wheel. The headlines we read in the papers only touch on the changes and challenges that healthcare providers must deal with routinely. With the information learned at the 2015 AAOHN National Conference, I will be ready for these challenges."

Gail Carchietta, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
“As a recipient of this scholarship, it affords me the opportunity to attend the 2014 Conference. In addition to the excellent slate of speakers, I will be able to experience the conference as we in Massachusetts prepare for the 2015 conference. The presentations will have a direct correlation with work practices.”

Chad Rittle, Allison Park, Pennsylvania

Michelle Edwards, RN, COHN, Chocowinity, North Carolina
"I am honored to be this year’s recipient of the Annette Haag Leadership Scholarship. Through the years, being a member of AAOHN has provided me with many opportunities. They range from attending the award-winning educational offerings of the NCAOHN and creating relationships with those nurses, to being able to receive my Certificate of Occupational Health Nursing at UNC-CH under Dr. Bonnie Rogers. The nurses I have met have encouraged me to continue to learn and grow as an OHN. Now, with this scholarship, I also have the chance to meet leaders in our national organization. I believe that the foundation for great leadership is made of relationships and communication. Attending the 2020 AAOHN Conference in San Antonio will continue to strengthen my foundation, and enable me to continue to grow and expand my leadership skills."

Stephanie Weinsier, DNP, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN, Hollywood, Florida
"My leadership development has evolved to the point where I see the importance in motivating others to overcome challenges and rise above differences to achieve a combined vision. This is more important now than ever as our profession and organizations undergo vital transformation to remain viable and competitive. This scholarship will enable me to network with other OHNs across the globe at the 2019 AAOHN Conference, connect with mentors and AAOHN leaders that I have begun to develop relationships with, and empower others within the organization to “flex” their leadership muscles by embracing leadership opportunities. I always feel more hopeful, motivated, and invigorated after attending the Conference Sessions and learning from others—leadership is a continuum that we ALL can benefit from developing! I am honored to be the recipient of this scholarship and look forward to using this experience to “flex” my leadership muscles even more in my various roles."

Jeffrey G. Haynes, MSN-ANE, RN, Thurmond, North Carolina
"Winning the Annette Haag Leadership Scholarship opens nearby doors to new opportunities of growth, both personally and professionally. Attending the National Conference this year will allow me to partake of COHN-S review courses in preparation for the examination. I plan to take it later in this year.  Attending the different learning sessions will only increase my knowledge base and ability to meet my employees’ needs. Meeting other Occupational Health Nurses from across the country will reduce any momentary perceptions I have of working alone in a silo as I recall the connections I made while in Reno at the conference. I look forward to actualizing a high level of nursing within Occupational Health based on all I will gain at the national conference."

Cheryl Farmer, San Pedro, California
"This scholarship provides funds to assist me to get to the National AAOHN Conference to learn about new OSHA laws, network with other Occupational Health Nurses and to empower me to pass the Occupational Health Nurse Certification. This knowledge will be brought back to my peers at the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to update them on any new regulations and changes that will improve the care that is given to our employees."

Click here to read Cheryl's scholarship recipient essay.

Margaret E. Lampark, BSN, RN, MBA, COHN-S, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
"I am so honored and excited to receive this award.  This scholarship gives me the opportunity to attend the conference in San Antonio, Texas.  I appreciate the variety of topics the AAOHN conference offers and find the networking amongst peers to be invaluable."

Cellie Dunn, RN, COHN/CM, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
"Knowledge is power, how do we proceed without knowing what to do. I am grateful for the opportunity of winning this award because it affords me the ability to attend a program which will assist in advancing the knowledge needed to assist employees on a day to day basis. It will assist in a personal goal for professional development and continuous improvement. This award means for my future the ability to lead in the work force. It means the ability to assist workers in their safety, health, and environment on a day to day basis. To win this award required communicating and explaining how I’ve committed to the field of Occupational Health Nursing, the impact in the work place and community as a leader and expressing my thought on future challenges for our field of Nursing." 

Vee Bracken, BA, RN, COHN, Certified Health Coach, Summerfield, North Carolina
"As I celebrate 20 years as an OHN in 2018, much of my success and growth is from attending the many educational activities provided by our local, state and the national AAOHN conferences. The national conferences have always provided exceptional relevant education opportunities, benchmarking and networking. Returning to work after the national meeting with practical information to implement in our site clinic has been and will continue to be a source of pride in knowing our employees are privileged to receive the latest best practice and exceptional care."

Angela Day, Piedmont, South Carolina
"This scholarship will help me not only in my practice but also as I prepare to assume the leadership in our SC state chapter next year. I am in a new position at a corporate headquarters where I am working with a primarily salaried population who represent the best and brightest executives of the organization. Since I have spent my career in manufacturing as an on-site nurse this is a new population for me. I need additional knowledge in travel and global health issues, infectious diseases and how to lead occupational health in a corporate environment. I also would like to improve my leadership skills so that I can continue the great work of our SC state association. This conference provides ample educational opportunities to help me in each of these areas so that I can best serve my current worker population and fellow nurses. I greatly appreciate this scholarship and it is a great honor to be chosen from among my peers. Thank you very much and I assure you I will soak everything in and take the information back home and put it to work."

Click here to read Angela's scholarship recipient essay.

Laura Roach, Rogersville, TN
"This scholarship will be used to further study the various health effects associated with welding fume exposure and other construction-related jobs."

Click here to read Laura's scholarship recipient essay.

"I am so grateful to be the recipient of this award. This scholarship will allow me to attend my very first AAOHN National Conference since becoming a COHN in March of 2018. I will use the knowledge I gain from attending the sessions to take back to my team and incorporate it into our practice."

"I am so grateful to be the recipient of this AAOHN Foundation Award.  I have been a member of AAOHN for 25 years but have not been able to attend this conference in over 15 years.  This scholarship will allow me to attend once again.  The knowledge I will gain in occupational health, leadership and clinical practice will be very valuable in leading our team here at John Hopkins.  Thank you for supporting the professional development of your AAOHN members."

Cynthia V. Frank, RN, Glen Burnie, Maryland
"I am so grateful to be the recipient of this award. This scholarship will allow me to attend my very 1st AAOHN National Conference since working in Occupational Health for the past 4 years.  I will use the knowledge I gain from attending the sessions to take back to my team and incorporate it into our practice. I also plan on sitting for the COHN exam and recognize the value of certifications for professional development and to acknowledge subject matter expertise."

Sandi Wampler, RN, BSN, COHN-S/CM, Collegedale, Tennessee
"I feel honored to be chosen to receive the Tennessee Professional Development scholarship. Attending the national conference is a wonderful opportunity to keep my knowledge of occupational health current and to network with other occupational health nurses. I look forward to attending the conference and being able to bring back information to the nurses I work with. Thank you so much for this opportunity." 

Kevin Bready, RN, BAAS, EMT-P, CSHO, Waxahachie, Texas
"I am very thankful for the opportunities, continuing education, and the connections I have made through my membership in AAOHN. I am looking forward to the experience the NIWI conference will provide and am grateful that the AAOHN Foundation NIWI Scholarship sponsored by the SV Maryland AAOHN Chapter will make that possible. I plan to serve the organization to the best of my ability with the information I receive at the conference. Additionally I look forward to spending my time advocating for our profession at the State and National Level, and will certainly put these skills and tools to work while collaborating on the AAOHN Legislative Committee."

Brenda S. Hellerud, RN, COHN, Corona, California
"I would like to thank the Scholarship Committee for generously providing me with the Nurse in Washington Internship (NIWI) Grant.  The Nursing profession is no longer just about healthcare. It includes how we must respond to how our world affects us. Our environment relates to our health as a whole.  NIWI will assist me in elevating the voice of nurses as we strategically shape the future of health care, climate change and the impact that legislature has on our bodies, the environment and our lives. I will utilize the knowledge gained during the NIWI days to educate and influence others as we strengthen our legislative voices."

Laura E. Jones, MS, RN, CNM, Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania
"I am truly honored to receive this award! Two of my passions in life are being a veteran and working in the Occupational Medicine field. It means so much to me to be acknowledged in this way, and be able to attend this informative conference and network with my peers. The topics are both exciting and timely and I know I will be able to channel the information into good use!"

Marcia Bowman, Elmhurst, Illinois
"As the only nurse with the COHN-S credential at Elmhurst hospital, I feel the responsibility to take a leadership role in communicating the value of occupational health nurses. This conference will empower me to lead the way as an authority on health, safety, productivity and disability management for hospital employees. Since my hospital recently merged with another community hospital I am seeking additional knowledge and expertise in educating our new system leadership/management on the value of the OH nurse in managing costs and fostering a positive relationship with injured employees. I also hope this conference will help me in convincing my other co workers who are passionate about employee safety to join me next year for the AAOHN conference. Thank you for making this possible."Pamela J. Fallon, North Andover, Massachusetts

Pamela J. Fallon, North Andover, Massachusetts
"I am honored to receive this generous award. This award will be used to attend Annette Haag's Certification Review Course, additional occupational health programs and to sit for the COHN-S examination. I am grateful that you have selected me as the recipient of this scholarship."

Donna Zankowski, Olney, Maryland
"It is an honor to be selected to receive this continuing education scholarship from Moore Medical. For me, this scholarship is a validation that all of our efforts to advance occupational and environmental health nursing are truly important. For several years now I have been involved with advocating for safer and healthier work environments for healthcare workers. This scholarship helps me continue that effort by making attending this year’s AAOHN conference possible. Thank you so much Moore Medical!"Margaret E. Lampark, Racine, Wisconsin

Margaret E. Lampark, Racine, Wisconsin
“This scholarship will assist me in attending the national conference. It provides an opportunity to stay current in this rapidly changing world.”

Gail Carchietta, Fairhaven, Massachusetts
"It is an honor to receive this award that enables me to attend the 2013 AAOHN Conference. The excellent slate of speakers will broaden my knowledge of the practice of Occupational Health Nursing throughout our United States. Meeting with my colleagues will enable me to share practices in Occupational Health, Safety and Environment in the workplace. What pearls of wisdom and programs will I be able to share! As President of MaAOHN, meeting with the Chapter Presidents will provide me insight as to how other states are meeting the needs of their membership within this challenging time in HealthCare. I will be able to share what I have learned with my membership and continue to lead my Board of Directors in meeting our membership’s needs. I look forward to seeing how the national conference unfolds as it will guide me in preparing for Massachusetts role in the 2015 AAOHN Conference and 100 Year NEAOHN celebration. Thank you!"

Katherine Zorb, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska
"As a certified occupational health nurse working at a remote military posting, I find myself constantly anticipating regulatory changes, recognizing the needs to develop protocols to address changes at the local level, and implementing the changes needed to meet a myriad of regulatory agencies, all while experiencing budget cutbacks. My occupational health nurses are Army spouses with limited occupational health experience upon hire. They routinely leave every three years, thus their mentorship is my priority. By attending the 2013 AAOHN Conference, funded by the Moore Medical 2013 Professional Development Scholarship, I will update my skills, expand my networking contacts and meet with those who mentored me. I want to improve my leadership skills to help the nurses that I mentor to not only perform the day-to-day requirements, but to look at the “big picture” to understand how occupational health interacts with industrial hygiene, environmental health, and community health to provide a safe environment for all employees. I need to assure that they understand that they have an active role in making that happen."

Michelle R. Moser, RN, Pensacola, Florida
"I am so excited and grateful to be the recipient of this award.  My goal is to become COHN certified this year and this scholarship will allow me the opportunity to attend the AAOHN Conference and gain valuable knowledge.  I look forward to learning more about Occupational Health and then using this new knowledge to provide the best care to our employees."

Erin D. Coy, RN, COHC, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania
"As the recipient of this award, I am fortunate to be able to meet and learn from nursing professionals who work in an Occupational Health setting like myself. I am excited to encounter professional and environmental conditions that may be different from my experiences.  In relation to my career and future, this award will build a foundation for me to expand upon with enhancing the quality of care to the patients I see in a factory setting. The knowledge passed on by the presenters will prove invaluable in solidifying why occupational health nurses are the leading health care providers in the industrial environment."

Deanna Lester, RN, COHC, Sandusky, Michigan
"I am so grateful for this award because it allows me to learn more about the OHN profession.  I have only been in Occupational Nursing for one year.  Prior to this, I work on a med/surg floor. Everything is so new, and I look forward to learning from the workshops and more experienced nurses.  Thank you!"

Laura Bentz, BSN, RN, Rapid City, South Dakota
"I am thankful for the AAOHN Foundation and the MediTrax scholarship. The funding has made it possible for me to attend this year's national conference."

Bridget Ringgenberg, RN, COHC, EMT, Oskaloose, Iowa
"It is an honor to be chosen as one of the recipients for the 2018 AAOHN Foundation Scholarships sponsored by MediTrax. This scholarship gives me the opportunity to better reach my goals to become certified and advance my career as a certified OHN. I think it is essential to learn from others who focus on illness/injury prevention and those who have given people the tools to stay happy, healthy and sage."

Jane Burnson, RN, BS, CPHQ, CHC, New Lennox, Illinois
"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere! I am so very grateful to have the honor of receiving the AAOHN scholarship award funded by Meditrax. I eagerly anticipate the networking and learning opportunities that await me in Reno!  We are in the process of expanding our services in Employee Health to include offering Occupational Health services. Attendance at National Conference will better prepare and equip me to meet the challenges ahead."

Meg Gustafson, Jacksonville, Oregon
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! Being the recipient of this scholarship has not only validated me as an occupational health nurse, it has opened the door for more nursing education so that I can be the best occupational health nurse for my wonderful company and its employees."

Click here to read Meg's scholarship recipient essay.

Jamesha Williams, Tulsa, Oklahoma
"This scholarship will help me keep my practice viable and relevant. I will gain the education required to be prepared for the changes in occupational health. My population includes office workers, DOT, street workers, water plant workers, 911 operators, animal shelter workers, police, and firefighters. My goal is to ensure that my population leaves work better than they arrived. The AAOHN conference attendance is critical to complete my goal, successfully lead my practice, and communicate ROI with City of Tulsa leaders."

Click here to read Jamesha's scholarship recipient essay.

Margaret Lampark, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
"This scholarship will allow me to attend the 2016 AAOHN National Conference. The conference is an outstanding opportunity to learn new and innovative approaches in worker health and safety. The information presented by the speakers, vendors, and gained from networking with peers always impacts my practice!"

Click here to read Margaret's recipient essay.

Christopher Mol, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
"Froedert Health and the Medical College of Wisconsin have recently merged their occupational health programs. Together the combined occupational health program services over 18,000 employees geographically dispersed throughout the state of Wisconsin. He size and scope of the program would be challenge enough but combine this with the separate and distinct cultures of a fast paced academic medical center and a growing research and educational base and you have the making of some interesting emerging issues. It is my hope that I can learn the programming skills and/or network with other nurses in similar situations to deal with this massive change."

Click here to read Christopher's scholarship recipient essay.

Bridget Ringgenberg, RN, COHC, EMT, Oskaloose, Iowa
"It is an honor to be chosen as one of the recipients for the 2018 AAOHN Foundation Scholarships sponsored by MediTrax. This scholarship gives me the opportunity to better reach my goals to become certified and advance my career as a certified OHN. I think it is essential to learn from others who focus on illness/injury prevention and those who have given people the tools to stay happy, healthy and sage."

Jane Burnson, RN, BS, CPHQ, CHC, New Lennox, Illinois
"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere! I am so very grateful to have the honor of receiving the AAOHN scholarship award funded by Meditrax. I eagerly anticipate the networking and learning opportunities that await me in Reno!  We are in the process of expanding our services in Employee Health to include offering Occupational Health services. Attendance at National Conference will better prepare and equip me to meet the challenges ahead."

Meg Gustafson, Jacksonville, Oregon
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! Being the recipient of this scholarship has not only validated me as an occupational health nurse, it has opened the door for more nursing education so that I can be the best occupational health nurse for my wonderful company and its employees."

Click here to read Meg's scholarship recipient essay.

Jamesha Williams, Tulsa, Oklahoma
"This scholarship will help me keep my practice viable and relevant. I will gain the education required to be prepared for the changes in occupational health. My population includes office workers, DOT, street workers, water plant workers, 911 operators, animal shelter workers, police, and firefighters. My goal is to ensure that my population leaves work better than they arrived. The AAOHN conference attendance is critical to complete my goal, successfully lead my practice, and communicate ROI with City of Tulsa leaders."

Click here to read Jamesha's scholarship recipient essay.

Margaret Lampark, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
"This scholarship will allow me to attend the 2016 AAOHN National Conference. The conference is an outstanding opportunity to learn new and innovative approaches in worker health and safety. The information presented by the speakers, vendors, and gained from networking with peers always impacts my practice!"

Click here to read Margaret's recipient essay.

>Christopher Mol, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
"Froedert Health and the Medical College of Wisconsin have recently merged their occupational health programs. Together the combined occupational health program services over 18,000 employees geographically dispersed throughout the state of Wisconsin. He size and scope of the program would be challenge enough but combine this with the separate and distinct cultures of a fast paced academic medical center and a growing research and educational base and you have the making of some interesting emerging issues. It is my hope that I can learn the programming skills and/or network with other nurses in similar situations to deal with this massive change."

Click here to read Christopher's scholarship recipient essay.

Natalie G. Guynn, MSN, NP-C, Roanoke, Virginia
"Thank you for awarding me the MediTrax Leadership Institute and Conference Scholarship. I am excited to attend the AAOHN National Conference for the first time and meet other nurses who share my passion for occupational health. I look forward to the leadership institute as it will help me to not only better serve my patients, but also my team. Thank you for this opportunity as I can’t wait to be in San Antonio to learn, grow, and better the future of occupational health nursing at the 2020 AAOHN National Conference."

Mary A. Eweka, MSN, RN, BSc, Bow, New Hampshire
I feel honored and grateful to be one of the recipients of this award. This award will enable me to pay part of my student loan in pursuit of my dreams and aspirations in the healthcare industry. With the knowledge acquired from my course, I will continue to deliver respectable, ethical care to my patients, support to students, my peers and colleagues, and the community I serve."

Amber Guy, ADN, RN, Carlisle, Kentucky
"I am incredibly grateful to be the recipient of this award.  This scholarship will allow me to purchase books and other materials necessary to further my education.   The remainder will be applied to tuition.  I look forward to increasing my knowledge and skills and hope to apply it back to the occupational health field upon graduation.  Thank you so much for this award and contributing to my goals of advancing my education."

Sungwon Park, MSN, RN, PhDc, Chicago, Illinois
"I appreciate being the recipient of AAOHN Academic Scholarship by UPS. This award means a lot to me, working as a Korean Occupational Environmental Health Nurse for over 7years. Experience as OEHN has always motivated me to pursue research for improving workers' health and making a better workplace setting for them.  This scholarship support would be enough to launch the data collection effort for my dissertation. My study provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the components of an ongoing, large-scale metabolic syndrome intervention and to provide recommendations that will help to improve its effectiveness. With your assistance, my study promises to contribute to our understanding of how best to intervene with those workers having or at risk of metabolic syndrome."

Betty Sanisidro, MSN, RN, APHN-BC, COHN-S, Marion, Massachusetts
I feel inexplicable gratitude to be the recipient of the 2020 AAOHN Academic Studies Scholarship sponsored by UPS.  This scholarship supports and validates my continued progress through my DNP studies.  I endeavor to prove my worthiness of this scholarship and continue to be the change I wish to see within the nursing community and the world!"

Dawn Mopkins, MSN, RN, MPH, COHN-S, Richmond, Texas
"I am honored to have been selected and I graciously accept the 2020 AAOHN Foundation Academic Studies Scholarship sponsored by UPS. Your contribution will assist me in obtaining a PhD in Nursing Science. Upon graduation, I will use my research to promote improvements in healthcare. I intend to make great use of this reward by funding my required education expenses including tuition, books, and travel. Thank you for your support and confidence in my ability to succeed."

Deborah Guidry, RN, COHN, Addis, Louisiana
"I am so honored and grateful to receive this academic scholarship.  This scholarship will enable me to pursue my RN to BSN degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  Obtaining my BSN will open many opportunities in my current position as an Occupational Health Nurse at Dow Chemical.  The knowledge gained will enhance my role in health promotion and ensure the wellbeing of the employees I serve.  In addition, this degree will allow me to one day fulfill my goal of becoming an Occupational Nurse Educator.  Thank You."

Mark Blizzard, BSN, RN, COHN, Seven Springs, North Carolina
"This award will help eliminate some of the financial burden for attending family nurse practitioner school. Education is a wise, but expensive investment. I am looking forward to graduating and practicing as a nurse practitioner in the Occupational Health world."

Lisa McBride, RN, Oreland, Pennsylvania
"Caring is the Essence of Nursing - Jean Watson. Jean Watson’s theory of caring is a powerful reminder of why I became a nurse. The hours spent caring for our patients, studying or researching, attending seminars with colleagues, or even celebrations with co-workers that demonstrate our commitment to caring speaks to our dedication to provide exceptional care. I am grateful to AAOHN Foundation for being selected as a UPS Scholarship Recipient. It is another way that nurses care for others by supporting and encouraging my progress to be a more skilled and knowledgeable nurse in the field of Employee and Occupational Health. The AAOHN provides many opportunities for growth and is a wonderful resource at my workplace. This award gives validity to the pursuit of my education and provides inspiration to continue beyond my BSN! Thank you!"

Georgia Ann Latham, RN, COHN-S, CCM, Phoenix, Arizona
"I very much appreciate this scholarship I received from UPS. And I feel like I’ve come full circle, in a way. Many years ago, when I was in nursing school, in my ADN program, I worked part time at night, in a UPS facility in NY. I was determined to become a nurse even though the truck drivers would tell me I could make more money working at UPS. As all of us who are nurses know, it isn’t really about the money. It’s about the difference we make in people’s lives on a daily basis. But, truthfully, money always helps. I believe that with great privilege comes great responsibility. And with a little extra help toward our education, we are always able to give more back, tenfold. This money will be used toward this, my last semester’s tuition for MS in Environmental Resources Management, which provides Occupational Health Nursing a more global understanding of EHS, especially in these days of cost cutting where nurses are being asked to take on expanded roles on the job. I have completed credits in the following subjects: Toxicology, Environmental Health, Chemistries of hazardous materials, 2 courses in industrial hygiene, Safety Management & insurance, Environmental Management, Ergonomics, and 3 courses of Environment Law. And I use pieces of each one of these classes, each day in my career as an occupational health nurse. UPS, you have my heartfelt thanks!"

Arlene W. Baker, RN—Brampton, Ontario, Canada
"I am grateful for this award as this will help to further my studies as a RN in the area of Occupational Health Nursing and Workplace Safety. In order for me to win this award, I have to keep a constant high GPA in all my current classes. I have been recognized for my contribution as a Nurse to delivering care and workplace safety. This award will encourage me to continue to be a scholar in my field as I aspire to work in the Public Health Sector later on in my career. I hope I will be able to write for the AAOHN journals and other publications one day, therefore promoting Occupational Health and Safety for all workers."

The UPS Team at the 2019 National Conference

Kristin L. Gardner, BSN, RN, CEN, OHN, CPH(P), Nokomis, Florida
"I am thrilled to be one of the recipients of the 2018 AAOHN Foundation Academic Studies Scholarship sponsored by UPS. I am currently pursuing Dual Masters Degrees from the University of South Florida Sunshine Education and Research Center - an MPH in Occupational Health from the College of Public Health and a MS degree as an Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner & Adult- Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Receiving the scholarship will allow me to attend the 2018 AAOHN National Conference where I will be able to network with other occupational health nurses from different industries. I am also looking forward to hearing about the most pertinent issues and challenges facing the OHN today and being able to apply this knowledge throughout the remainder of my academic program and as an occupational health nurse practitioner providing direct care to workers. Thank you to the AAOHN Foundation and UPS. I am very grateful for this scholarship."

Colleen V. Anusiewicz, BSN, RN, Birmingham, Alabama
"The AAOHN Foundation Academic Study Scholarship will allow me to participate in occupational health and safety courses, collaborate with occupational health professionals and advance the occupational and environmental health profession. I am incredibly grateful to be able to be a recipient of this prestigious award. The scholarship will provide the opportunity to pursue my passion of empowering new graduate nurses to overcome occupational and environmental obstacles to ultimately deliver quality care to patients and their families. This financial support will assist me in my doctoral studies and help provide the foundation for a career as an aspiring nurse scientist in the field of safety and health."

Katherine Khatsenko, RN, San Francisco, California   
"Receiving the AAOHN UPS award will significantly help me to continue my graduate studies and research in San Francisco, studying the occupational health hazards and implications of today’s modern gig economy. The scholarship confirms that the work I am pursing is valuable and important for the health of future workers in our society. I am overwhelmingly grateful to have received this scholarship and to be seen as having potential as a future Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner."

Amanda Primeaux, RN, Lafayette, Louisiana  
"I am honored to have been one of the recipients of the 2018 AAOHN Foundation Academic Studies Scholarship sponsored by UPS. I am grateful for the opportunities this award will provide me. This scholarship will assist in the completion of my college education in my current RN to BSN program through the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This will help make my dream of pursuing certification in occupational health possible."

Brianna M Singleton, RN, PHN, MPH, AGPCNP-BC, San Francisco, California  
"Sometimes I wish I was fluent in many languages and had the words to express more emotions unconstrained to the English language. I would say ‘thank you’ and convey my sincere gratitude in 500 languages if I could.

It is difficult to walk the line of making my community proud, and sacrificing for the possibility of making a small corner of the occupational health world better. I have a RN license, two master’s degree in public health and nursing, and now I’m completing my 2nd year in the nursing PhD program at the University of California, San Francisco. It is crucial to sustain myself with the emotional and verbal support of my family and friends; additionally, it is also a blessing to receive financial support from generous donors and my professional community.

Winning this award reminds me of the importance of community. The webs of relationships that link us together serve two purposes: 1) to form a safety net and support system, and, 2) ropes that help people advance personally and professionally. This gift will help ease the financial burden as I study stress, sleep and safety aspects of transit workers. 

Thank you! Gracias! Asante! Ngiyabonga! E Dupe!"

Rachel Powell, MSN, APRN, COHN-S, Richmond, Kentucky   
"I was thrilled to receive the AAOHN and UPS scholarship for 2018. I have been taking courses to work toward my doctorate of nursing practice degree and this scholarship was extremely helpful. As an occupational health nurse practitioner, some of the information I have been learning is quite relevant to my practice.

Evidence based practice has been a top priority in most practices across the country. One course I just completed, focused on this topic. One of the most helpful pieces of information I learned and which I have already put into use at work is the advanced ability to search the literature for articles, evaluate their usefulness to my care population, and appraise the articles to see if the information is reliable and valid.

This has been very beneficial when evaluating employees for their fitness for duty, return to work and new information related to disease. Finding evidence specific to the case at hand, and working with the company to be able to find appropriate work to keep employees with the company as needed has been much easier. I find that I am more able to function in a leadership role and assist management to understand the issues in many of these cases. Many employees have commented on the extra assistance I have given and how pleased they were with the educational instruction given over and above their occupational issues. I am also happy to further educate the employees to improve their health, safety and work abilities. This has led others to come in and discuss their medical concerns where previously employees were skeptical of the company medical providers.

I look forward to continuing my studies, as well as, the health of the employees with whom I work. Thank you so much for this assistance."

Barbara Allen, Graham, North Carolina
"This scholarship will definitely help me continue on with my advanced degree by helping pay for tuition.  I’m very interested in education; not only educating new nurses but the public/community as well.  Although I have lots of clinical experience, occupational health is relatively new to me.  My past experience allows me to incorporate that into our clinic while learning more about workplace safety and the care of the patient outside the hospital."

Pamela Fallon, North Andover, Massachusetts
"I am so grateful to have been chosen to receive an AAOHN Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship will be applied to my Ph.D. studies at the Universities of Massachusetts Lowell. Thank you again for this wonderful gift to continue my studies."

Click here to read Pamela's scholarship recipient essay.

Susan Kirks, Ridgeway, Virginia
"My plans for the scholarship is to assist in the cost of obtaining my BSN. This degree will open new doors to management positions that I can obtain and gives me the knowledge in making informed and practical decisions in promoting safety and wellness within industries. I plan to be proactive in visiting and assisting companies with ergonomics, preventative health measures, and health fairs. My passion is the industry and the well-being of their employees. A healthy workforce is a happy workforce."

Click here to read Susan's scholarship recipient essay.

Michelle McPadden, Middle River, Maryland
"The gift of this prestigious scholarship will afford me the opportunity to continue my educational goals. The completion of my BSN, and eventually the completion of my Master's degree would imbue my nursing practice with the leadership and knowledge base to become an effective leader in Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing. The effective leadership skills learned would improve outcomes to workers' health and safety and the nursing profession."

Jenni Wise, Vestavia, Alabama
"Long-haul truck drivers are disproportionately burdened with depression, sleep disturbance, and fatigue, which may ultimately increase the risk for injury or fatality to self or others. Although mindfulness has not been studied in the long-haul trucking population, mindfulness interventions have demonstrated improvements in depression, sleep quality, mental fatigue, and safety behaviors. With over five million employees within the industry and in consideration of the safety effects on the general population, research improving the occupational safety of long-haul truck drivers is highly warranted.

This scholarship will facilitate my exploration of the relationships between dispositional mindfulness, depression, PTSD, sleep quality, and fatigue in long-haul truckers. As part of my dissertation, I plan to conduct qualitative research to provide insight on the design and feasibility of a web-based mindfulness intervention to support the improvement of occupational safety in this population." 

Diane Doyker, Somers, Connecticut
Dawn Salpaka Stone, Fullerton, California

Click here to read Diane's recipient essay.

Click here to reach Dawn's recipient essay.

Kimberly S. Headrick, Jasper, Georgia
"As I continue to advance my education and enhance my knowledge, I will be able to grow and help enhance the lives of our individuals and promote health and wellness."Rebecca Libal, Anchorage, Alaska
"This scholarship will help me to complete my MSN at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with subspecialty in Occupational Health and certificate in education. I plan to work in Anchorage at an Occupational Health specialty clinic with emphasis on providing care and education for workers in the gas and oil industry."

Juanita Kantner, Fleetwood, Pennsylvania
This scholarship will allow me to continue to pursue my degree as a Nurse Practitioner and my Doctorate of Nursing Practice. This educational duo will afford me the opportunity to combine highly valued busness and leadership expertise along with clinical practice autonomy. An advanced practice nurse with an occupational health specialty possesses unlimited potential to play an influential role in the future and evolution of healthcare. My education will allow me to guide employers who are continually searching for ways to improve health and safety, control health care costs and provide quality health care benefits that employees will truly value.

Donna Zankowski, Olney, Maryland

Stephanie Phelps, San Francisco, California
University of California San Francisco - pursuing PhD in Nursing ResearchLinda Walker, Fresno, Texas
Columbia Southern University - pursuing Master of Science degree in Occupational Safety and HealthKate Michael-Ramos, Windcrest, Texas
Capella University - pursing a Masters in Nursing with a focus on Leadership and Education

Sarah Hewitt, FNP-BC, COHN-S, Lebanon, Indiana
"Returning to school to obtain my Doctorate in Nursing Practice has been a long-term goal of mine.  I am so grateful for the AAOHN Foundation for selecting me for this scholarship, as it helps my journey through advanced education be less financially taxing.  I am forever thankful for this organization and the relationships I have made through it."

Suyoung Kwon, MPH, RN, COHN-S, Seattle, WA
"This scholarship will help me in my goal to finish my PhD in nursing in the field of occupational health. Due to my previous work as an occupational health nurse at manufacturing companies, I have become passionate about occupational health nursing. I received experience dealing with injured workers, which has caused me to think about ways to improve workplace safety, considering which policies and methods will be most effective.

Linda Walker, MS, BSN, RN, COHN-S, CCM, FAAOHN—Fresno, Texas
"My personal quote comes from Benjamin Franklin; “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”  I am grateful to be the recipient of this award because I will be able to complete my Master of Science degree in Nursing.  With the completion of this degree, I will be able to give back to my profession by mentoring our nursing professionals of tomorrow.  Just as my mentors helped me to pursue my goals, my desire is to help the nursing professionals of tomorrow realize how important it is to seek all the knowledge they can to sustain our profession. I hope that the hard work, time, and willingness to serve the organization in multiple capacities whenever asked has been recognized by my peers as a desirable trait worthy of recognition by my fellow occupational health professionals.  This award will help me meet my goal of giving back to the profession by being an advocate for the profession in any way I can.  I am both humbled and thankful for this award; but, I am even more thankful because I received the award because of my involvement with AAOHN and the AAOHN Foundation and the importance AAOHN and the Foundation places on continued learning."

Denise Knoblauch BSN, RN, COHN-S/CM, FAAOHN, Lowpoint, Illinois
"I so thankful to the AAOHN, the AAOHN Foundation, and Liberty Mutual for awarding me this generous scholarship opportunity. It is a great benefit to provide educational assistance to members. This scholarship will provide me with a financial peace of mind as I finish my master’s degree in management and organizational leadership. I have been self -funding this educational journey and this provides a vast relief to know that I have a financial lifeline. I am so appreciative of my friends and fellow occupational health nurses who have offered such staunch support. I look forward to using my degree to assist occupational health nurses successfully obtain certification and to provide strategic and financial leadership to my organization.  Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the Foundation in some manner with my time, talents, and other contributions.  Thank you again for this generous support."

Rosa Jimenez, RN, COHN/CM, Harrisonburg, Virginia   
"I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Liberty Mutual Academic Studies Scholarship. When I was first opened the email notifying me I had won, I had to go back and read it again because I couldn’t believe it. I am so grateful for winning this award because it helps lessen the financial burden on myself and my family of furthering my education. This award means so much me and my family. This award gives me an opportunity to sharpen skills, like leadership and communication which will help me serve my workplace and community in a greater capacity. I believe my passion for my field and my endless determination to succeed, helped me win this award."

Amber Hamill, Wapakoneta, Ohio
"I am honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the Liberty Mutual Scholarship. This generous award will help support my goal of attaining my Bachelors of Science in Nursing. As a BSN prepared nurse, I will look forward to promoting quality improvement through research and evidenced based practice to ensure the population I serve receives high-quality care, yielding positive outcomes."

Click here to read Amber's scholarship recipient essay.

Geunjae Lee, Cincinnati, Ohio
"As an occupational health nurse, my professional interest focuses on performing research that will improve workplace environments, especially for under-served workers and those in hazardous job environments such as healthcare workers.  Specifically, I plan to conduct my dissertation research in conjunction with the work of a UC CON / College of Medicine Professor who served as a member of Ebola response team in 2014 to 2015 and has an ongoing project in Sierra Leone. Liberty Mutual Insurance scholarship will enable me to purchase required equipment (survey tool, statistical software, and etc) and other fees (flight fee to Sierra Leone, recruitment, data analysis, and etc) that required for my dissertation."

Click here to read Geunjae's scholarship recipient essay.

HaDo Byon, Towson, Maryland
It is my great honor and privilege to be awarded of the 2016 Liberty Mutual Insurance Academic Study Scholarship. This scholarship will enable me to take an advanced quantitative research course and purchase statistics packages for data analyses necessary for my dissertation study. My dissertation is concentrating on identifying potential risk factors for client violence toward direct care workers in the US home settings, using an ecological perspective. Also, it will enable me to attend the 2016 AAOHN National Conference, connecting me to a well-established network of occupational health professionals.

Click here to read HaDo's recipient essay.

Margo Long, Denver, Colorado
This scholarship will help me to achieve my goal of becoming an Occupational Nurse. I will be able to to use my background in Occupational Safety to positively impact workers by helping them to restore health after injury as quickly as possible while successfully navigating the workers’ compensation system. I would also like to be very active in my future employer’s safety committee in order to proactively prevent injuries.

Click here to read Margo's recipient essay.

Tena Hall, Odenton, Maryland
"Completing my Bachelor’s degree will enhance my skills to bridge from Occupational Health Nurse to an Occupational Health Nurse Consultant with a primary focus on staff and worker education.These skills will assist me in designing courses for OHN’s that focus on current issues directly related to maintaining a safe work environment and worker’s health on a global forum."Stephanie Phelps, San Franciso, California
"The AAOHN Professional Development Scholarship for Academic Study, funded by Liberty Mutual Insurance, will assist in my dissertation study by allowing me the opportunity to travel to my data collection sites more frequently and recruit participants, which will result in research findings that are more generalizable due to a larger more diverse sample size. I will also use the scholarship to attend national conferences to disseminate the research findings to both occupational health professionals and firefighters, in addition to disseminating the findings to fire departments. I anticipate my research will impact firefighter health and safety by identifying risk factors for occupational injury, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, noise exposure, and occupational stress, ultimately reducing occupational injury rates and improving firefighter’s quality of life."

Valerie Mac, Decatur, Georgia
Nurses are increasingly taking the lead in climate change awareness, remediation efforts and heat-related illness prevention in occupational populations. This scholarship will support my continued work investigating heat-related illness in Florida farmworkers, including continued data collection and the dissemination of recent findings to workers and key community members. Additonally, this scholarship will help to support my pursuit of an family nurse practitioner certification during my doctoral studies so that I will be prepared to care for patients in primary and occupational settings, gaining competencies needed to address emergent chronic conditions that workers face.Jennifer Wilson, Pueblo, Colorado
“I will complete my baccalaureate degree in December 2014. I plan to then expand my COHN to COHN-S once I am able. I am looking into the next phase of my education and I plan to continue my professional development. I am considering pursuing either a Master degree in Public Health or a Master degree in Occupational Health. My current job position will end in 2017 and by that time I plan to be better educated to serve my community in occupational and environmental health nursing."

Dana Betts, Clifton Park, New York
SUNY Plattsburgh – pursuing Bachelor’s in Nursing
"This award will help me pursue my advanced degree in nursing in order to provide my patients and clients with the most up-to-date information and care. My current position as an Occupational Health Nurse is a fluid position and this scholarship will help me undertake a new interest of travel health."Valerie Mac, Decatur, Georgia
Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing – pursuing Doctor of Philosophy
"This scholarship will support my second phase of doctoral research on heat related-illness in Florida agricultural workers, promoting my progress towards a Ph.D in nursing specializing in occupational and environmental health. My work measuring physiologic indicators of heat stress coupled with self-reported symptoms will help to characterize the degree of heat stress experienced by this population. This information will help to inform heat-related illness prevention strategies and standards."