Two doctoral students named Jonas Scholars

Doctor of Nursing Practice student Muna Mussa and PhD student Nellie Swanson were named to the 2026-2028 cohort of Jonas Scholars. In total, 80 doctoral students from across the country were named Jonas Scholars by Jonas Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Scholars were selected for their academic achievement, commitment to teaching, and research abilities. The two-year program provides financial assistance, leadership development, and networking support to expand the pipeline of nursing faculty.

“I was beyond thrilled to learn that I was named a Jonas Scholar. I sought this opportunity to gain mentorship and collaborate with future nursing faculty and researchers,” says Mussa, who is a student in the family nurse practitioner specialty. “As I transition from student to advanced practice provider and educator, I wanted to have a wealth of experience to draw from, and it turns out the program also offers great networking opportunities.”

As a third-year PhD student, Swanson’s dissertation research is focused on breastfeeding support practices for hospitalized preterm infants, and she currently serves as a pediatric nurse practitioner.

“This opportunity provides crucial financial support and mentor connections to help me move forward in my career,” says Swanson. “As a first-generation college student, it's humbling to receive an award like this, and I'm still in disbelief.”

Swanson plans to conduct research and teach after graduation. “Nurses bring unique and valuable perspectives to healthcare and research, and we have great potential to lead and influence,” says Swanson. “I want to help prepare future nurses to be leaders in making our healthcare systems more sensitive to the needs and preferences of the people they serve.”

Mussa and Swanson will attend the AACN Student Policy Summit and Jonas Scholar Conference in Washington, D.C., in March 2027.