Rutgers School of Nursing Magazine - Summer 2026

NURSING.RUTGERS.EDU 1 ensure that every graduate is pre- pared for the complexity of modern healthcare. We are also committed to building a nursing workforce that reflects the communities we serve— an essential component of advancing health equity. At the graduate level, we continue to educate advanced practice nurses, nurse scientists, and nurse leaders who shape policy, transform systems, and generate evidence that improves care. Our faculty are nationally recog- nized scholars and clinicians whose thousands of qualified applicants is not simply a statistic—it represents unrealized potential at a time when our communities urgently need care. Addressing this challenge will require sustained investment in faculty development, clinical placement expansion, infrastructure, and innovation. With the partnership of alumni, clinical agencies, policymakers, and philanthropic supporters, we are working to expand our reach while preserving the excellence that defines a Rutgers education. research addresses pressing issues, including chronic disease, health dis- parities, symptom science, caregiving, mental health, and the future of care delivery. Through this work, Rutgers nurses are influencing practice, not only across New Jersey, but through- out the nation. Aligning Demand and Capacity We are equally focused on supporting our students—academically, finan- cially, and professionally. Scholarships, mentorship, wellness initiatives, and leadership development opportunities ensure that our graduates are resil- ient, compassionate, and prepared to lead in times of uncertainty. The overwhelming number of applicants affirms that nursing remains a call- ing grounded in service, science, and social responsibility. Still, the gap between demand and capacity is stark. Turning away As part of Rutgers University, we remain steadfast in our public mis- sion: to educate the next generation of health professionals, generate trans- formative knowledge, and serve the people of New Jersey. Thankfully, we now have a leader who is an expert at building bridges, our inaugural vice dean of research Leorey Saligan, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN. Meet this dynamo on page 4, and learn more about my vision for the school’s future on page 2. Our school stands at the intersection of workforce need, scientific discovery, and community impact. This is indeed a crucial time for nurses—and for nursing education. At Rutgers School of Nursing, we are rising to meet the moment. Angela Starkweather DEAN, CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER, AND PROFESSOR Angela Starkweather “I am both inspired by the extraordinary demand for a Rutgers nursing education and deeply aware of the responsibility that accompanies it.” DEAN ANGELA STARKWEATHER SUMMER 2026 I N T H I S I S S U E Letter from the Dean .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 A Nurse Scientist Leading What’s Next in Nursing .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Great Matchmaker .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Spotlight on Discovery .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Nurse Scientist “Shows Up” For Community Health .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Points of Pride .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Champion for Mothers And Families .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Student-Run Organizations Build Leadership Skills .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Supporting Students Through Emergencies .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 From Music to Nursing: An Alumnus Gives Back .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 RU TG E R S NU R S I NG Contributors EDITORIAL: Michele L. Lam-Fortes, executive editor ; Lynn McFarlane, editor ; Mary Ann Littell, associate editor ; Merry Sue Baum, Amanda Castleman, Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Nancy Ruhling, writers DESIGN: Sherer Graphic Design PHOTOGRAPHY: Jeff Arban, John Emerson, John O’Boyle, Cari Ellen Hermann, Erica S. Lee DIGITAL PRODUCTION: Thomas DiStefano, James Schwemmer, Kristen Tinsdale