GNSA Hall of Fame

2026 Recipients

The GNSA Hall of Fame recognizes GNSA members who have made significant contributions to the organization. Nominees must be a participant in one of the following GNSA Leadership Groups (GNSA Liaisons, Digital Innovators, or Advocacy Leaders) and must have demonstrated outstanding participation in GNSA programming, contributions to GNSA programming, and/or outstanding GNSA recruitment.

  • Bootan Ahmed

    Bootan Ahmed

    PhD Student
    Case Western Reserve University

    Bootan is an extremely engaged member of the GNSA community. From participating in GNSA Liaison Networking events to bringing innovative ideas to the GNSA Conference Planning Committee, Bootan never fails to raise the bar when it comes to what is possible for student engagement. Bootan also excels in his ability to listen carefully to the needs of his peers and to advocate on their behalf by being an active participant in the GNSA Connect Community.

  • Heather Bezerra

    Heather Bezerra

    DNP
    Quinnipiac University

    Heather is an engaging leader who has consistently strengthened peer involvement in GNSA initiatives. Alongside Rebecca Greenawalt, Heather often brings students together by organizing watch parties for GNSA webinars to foster student collaboration and encourage active participation. Her dedication to the GNSA’s mission and her own initiative to try new approaches has meaningfully impacted student involvement with the GNSA.

  • Nancy Cielencki

    Nancy Cielencki

    DNP
    Indiana Wesleyan University

    Nancy demonstrates a strong commitment to nursing education through her teaching, scholarship, and engagement with the GNSA community. She is a consistent participant in GNSA Networking Events, where she contributes thoughtful perspectives grounded in both practice and education. Her personal experiences as a student, clinician, researcher, and educator allow Nancy to provide one-of-a-kind insights into the unique challenges of nursing education.

  • Christi Conran

    Christi Conran

    DNP
    University of Michigan-Flint

    Since the beginning of her time as a GNSA Liaison, Christi has been laser-focused on building meaningful connections at the University of Michigan–Flint to grow membership and encourage student engagement. She regularly participates in GNSA programming, and her reliable, relational approach has strengthened communication between her institution and the GNSA, all while fostering a more connected student community. Christi…

  • Rebecca Greenawalt

    Rebecca Greenawalt

    MSN
    Quinnipiac University

    Rebecca has shown an extreme dedication to engaging her peers as a GNSA Liaison. Alongside Heather Bezerra, Rebecca organizes GNSA Webinar watch parties to promote active participation in professional development activities and connect like-minded students to one another. This innovative programming type has effectively fostered more student collaborations and increased engagement with the GNSA. Rebecca has also been an active…

  • Moselle Jules

    Moselle Jules

    MSN
    Drexel University

    Moselle exemplifies a spirit of innovation, service, and leadership that defines the very best of the graduate nursing student community. Her innovative spirit is best illustrated through her pioneering final project for the Digital Innovators Program, where she collaborated to create a comprehensive digital transition-to-practice workbook that strengthens clinical judgment, critical thinking, time management, and student nurs…

Past Recipients

Meredith Fischer

Meredith Fischer
BS to DNP Student
University of Florida

Meredith takes full advantage of the opportunities provided by the GNSA as an online student, including attending the GNSA Conference, Student Policy Summit, and Liaison Office Hours to connect with other student leaders across the country. She is a strategic thinker, a trait which is demonstrated in her advocacy work for nurses at the state level, her involvement in the GNSA Advocacy Leaders, and her suggestions for increasing engagement within the GNSA.

Melissa Gayle

Melissa Gayle
Post-Master’s Certificate Student
Kennesaw State University

Melissa acts as a leader both at her institution and at the national level. As a Liaison, she has conducted excellent outreach on her campus to ensure her fellow students are aware of the GNSA’s opportunities. At the same time, she has provided fantastic feedback as a participant in the Conference Planning Committee and consistently creates spaces to bring GNSA members into the GNSA Connect community by starting conversations about memorable patients, winter holiday activities, and keeping organized in graduate school. She is a community builder who never fails to stand up for what is right.

Amanda Matthaei

Amanda Matthaei
BS to PhD Student
University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Amanda never hesitates to provide her perspective or to hunt down information to help the team—and she always does it with GNSA's highest potential in mind. Her can-do attitude demonstrates a spirit of engagement and enthusiasm that is aspirational, and it shines through during her presence on the bi-weekly Writing/Study Groups and as an active Liaison who provides feedback during the Town Hall Calls, leads the Neurodivergence Group’s equity efforts, and acts as a thought leader through her Liaison Pulse piece on the power of networking. As her nominator said, "Leaders like Amanda keep the GNSA going!"

Light Ndurue

Light Ndurue
PhD Student
Pennsylvania State University

Light is a wonderful representative of AACN, the GNSA, and the science of nursing. He embodies the best of the field as an outstanding advocate for his patients and his peers. He is actively engaged in all aspects of the GNSA, frequently contributing to Town Hall Calls and various Liaison workgroups including the Conference Planning Committee. He is willing to do the additional work, and his personal experiences add a wonderful, unique aspect to the art of nursing and healthcare policy.

Gemma O'Donnell

Gemma O'Donnell
PhD Student
Arizona State University

Gemma’s creativity as a member of the GNSA Conference Planning Committee demonstrates a vision for the organization that goes beyond current programming to imagine what the GNSA and its membership is capable of. Similarly, as an active participant in Liaison Office Hour calls, forum member in GNSA Connect, and "first year survival tips" webinar host, she intentionally connects with other graduate nursing students across the country as a mentor and equal and makes the most of every opportunity.

Odilia Underwood

Odilia Underwood
MSN Student
United States University

Odilia stands out as a student who has taken full advantage of the GNSA’s programming to support her education and personal growth. In the past year, she has attended both the GNSA Conference and Student Policy Summit and has actively engaged with speakers and fellow participants at each gathering. In addition, she is a GNSA Liaison and regularly attends Office Hours where she fosters connections with other student leaders across the country. Her nominator shared that it has been a pleasure watching her confidence and engagement bloom through her involvement with the organization.