Carolina Nursing showcases its impact at Sigma’s International Nursing Research Congress
August 7, 2026
UNC School of Nursing faculty, students and alumni presented research, shared evidence-based work and received international recognition at Sigma’s 37th International Nursing Research Congress, held July 16-18 in Toronto.
The congress brought together nearly 1,000 nurse researchers, students, clinicians and leaders. Carolina Nursing was represented throughout the program through poster and podium presentations, student research, session leadership and the induction of Ashley Leak Bryant, PhD, RN, OCN, FAAN, and Lixin Song, PhD, RN, FAAN, into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.
“This level of representation demonstrates Carolina Nursing’s contributions across research, education and practice,” said Dean Valerie Howard. “Our faculty and students shared work with an international nursing community, built connections with colleagues and represented our school across the congress program.”
Carolina Nursing faculty members who delivered peer-reviewed poster and podium presentations were:
- Cheryl Jones, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Megan Williams, EdD, MSN, RN, FNP
- Megan Ross, EdD, MSN, RNC-MNN
- Catherine Crawford, PhD, RNC-OB
- Jean Davison, DNP, FNP-BC, FAAN
- Suja Davis, PhD, RN, CGRN, CGNC
- Natalia Villegas Rodriguez, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, FAAN
Alumni and students also attended a Carolina Nursing gathering during the congress, providing an opportunity to connect across the school’s community. PhD student Lucero Rocha-Dela Cruz, BSN, RN, and Jailene Lemus Hurtado, BSN ’26, presented invited posters. Alumnus Harry Adynski, PhD, RN, PMH-BC, also presented a poster, while Taleah Frazier, BSN ’22, RN, a PhD candidate at Carolina Nursing, moderated a session.
Bryant, Frances Hill Fox Distinguished Professor and associate dean for strategy and global affairs, was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International’s Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame during the congress. She also gave a presentation about her journey to becoming a nurse researcher. The Hall of Fame recognizes nurse researchers who have achieved sustained national or international recognition and whose research has affected the nursing profession and the people it serves.
Song, PhD, RN, FAAN, a Carolina Nursing postdoctoral alumna and professor emerita, was also inducted into the Hall of Fame and delivered a presentation during the congress.
The 2026 congress theme was “Discovery Into Action: The Future of Nursing Research Starts Here.” Its focus areas included artificial intelligence and digital health tools, emerging care models, resilience and well-being strategies, and leadership for future health care challenges. Research, evidence-based practice and translational science sessions addressed nursing practice, policy, education and global health. The program emphasized collaboration, mentorship, cross-cultural exchange and the application of nursing research in clinical settings.
“Carolina Nursing’s presence reflected the range of scholarship taking place across our school,” Howard said. “I am proud of our faculty and students for contributing their work and perspectives to this international forum.”
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