Van Riper named to Sigma Theta Tau International Researcher Hall of Fame
April 11, 2025
Marcia Van Riper, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor at the UNC School of Nursing, will be inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International’s (STTI) Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame at the 36th International Nursing Research Congress in Seattle on July 19, 2025.
The International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame was founded in 2010 to recognize nurse researchers who have achieved significant and sustained broad national and international recognition for their work, and whose research has impacted the nursing profession and people it serves.
Van Riper has led an extensive global research program examining the family experience of genetic testing and living with conditions such as Down syndrome. Her international studies have engaged more than 3,000 caregivers in over 50 countries and informed clinical practice, education and health policy.
She holds a joint appointment with the Carolina Center for Genome Sciences and served as chair of the School’s Family Health Division from 2007 to 2017. Over her career, Van Riper has served as principal investigator, co-investigator or consultant on more than $20 million in funded research. She has published widely and delivered over 175 refereed presentations, including more than 100 at international conferences.
“Marcia’s innovative research in genomics and family resilience has transformed nursing education and practice worldwide,” said Valerie Howard, dean of the UNC School of Nursing. “She’s an inspiring mentor whose leadership continues to shape the next generation of nurses, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her induction into Sigma’s Hall of Fame.”
Van Riper’s work focuses on how families adapt to genetic conditions, with particular attention to resilience and cultural context. Her findings have contributed to the development of practice guidelines and support tools used by nurses and other providers.
“Her work is at the intersection of academia and practice, engaging family and the community through every step of her work so that she can ensure that her research will have immediate utility and benefit children and families,” said Ashley Leak Bryant, PhD, RN, OCN, FAAN, Senior Associate Dean for Strategy and Global Affairs. “Her international family research collaboration advances Carolina’s commitment to leading change to improve society and to help solve the world’s greatest problems.”
Van Riper has received Fulbright awards for her work in Ireland, Spain and Iceland, and has been recognized by national and international organizations including the International Society of Nurses in Genetics and the UNC Women’s Leadership Council. She is a past president of the International Family Nursing Association.
“Dr. Van Riper’s global endeavors span education, research, and ongoing collaborations with faculty and students at multiple universities. She has a distinguished record of international scholarship and leadership related to the intersection of family life and genetic conditions,” said Kathleen Knafl, PhD, FAAN, Professor Emerita at the UNC School of Nursing. “Through her research, resource sharing, and collaborative endeavors she is advancing development of tailored interventions to improve the health and quality of life for children with genetic conditions and their families worldwide.”
The criteria for the Hall of Fame are:
- Researcher’s program of research has a measurable, sustained, and current impact that includes more than one of the following: changes in widespread clinical practice; changes in national and/or international policy; changes in nursing science through the development of new methods; bringing existing methods from other fields into nursing science. Other kinds of substantive and widespread impact will be considered.
- Researcher has a distinguished and recent (within the last five years) record of publications in nursing and non-nursing peer-reviewed journals: first-authored; coauthored; presentations.
- Researcher has received external funding, university funding, or unique organizational support, with justified unique context of funding.
- Researcher mentors novice researchers with demonstrated scholarly outputs. Evidence includes but is not limited to number of past and current mentees (master’s, PhD, novice, and clinical researchers).
“I’m humbled and honored to recognize this year’s 15 esteemed inductees into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame,” said Sigma President Sandra C. Garmon Bibb, DNSc, RN, FFNMRCSI, FAAN, in the organization’s announcement. “Through your groundbreaking research, unwavering dedication, and commitment to advancing nursing science, you represent Sigma’s vision of connected, empowered nurses transforming global healthcare. This prestigious recognition is a testament to your impact on nursing research and the lives you have touched through your work. I celebrate your achievements, the generations you have inspired, and the legacy you continue to build.”
Van Riper joins Cheryl Jones, PhD, RN, FAAN, Sarah Frances Russell Distinguished Professor at the UNC School of Nursing, and Professors Emeritae Nena Peragallo Montano, Ruth Anderson, Margarete Sandalowski and Merle Mishel (deceased) as members of the Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.
About Sigma
The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere. Founded in 1922, Sigma has more than 100,000 members and 600 chapters at institutions of higher education and healthcare partners from Armenia, Australia, and Botswana to Thailand, the United States, and Wales. Sigma members include clinical nurses and administrators, academic nurse educators and researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others working to fulfill the organization’s vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare. Learn more at www.SigmaNursing.org.