Santacroce receives 2026 APHON Distinguished Researcher Award

An older woman with curly white hair, wearing a patterned top and gold jewelry, smiles softly while standing indoors with a blurred background.

UNC School of Nursing Distinguished Professor Sheila Santacroce, PhD, RN, CPNP, FAAN, received the 2026 Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) Distinguished Researcher Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions as a dedicated nurse scientist and her work to advance evidence-based nursing care for children and their families.

Santacroce received the award at the APHON annual conference in Memphis on September 17.

The Distinguished Researcher Award is selected annually by the APHON Evidence-Based Practice/Research Committee and awarded to an APHON member whose research has made a significant contribution to the scientific foundation for pediatric hematology/oncology nursing and advanced the care of children with cancer and/or hematological disorders and their families.