The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing proudly celebrates PhD candidate Amy B. Patten, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, on being selected as a 2026–2027 Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Scholar Award recipient, a prestigious honor recognizing women who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and the potential to make significant contributions to society.
Patten is one of just 115 doctoral students across the United States and Canada chosen to receive the highly competitive $25,000 award. She was nominated by Chapter HQ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood in Austin.
With more than 20 years of experience as a family nurse practitioner in community health settings, Patten has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes for underserved populations. As a doctoral student at UT Austin, she is building on that foundation through research that examines the intersection of housing insecurity, food access, and health outcomes.
Her interdisciplinary studies in Nursing Science and African and African Diaspora Studies have shaped her approach as a clinician-scholar committed to centering the lived experiences and knowledge of marginalized communities.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Jonas Scholar, and community organizer, Patten is currently conducting a community-engaged dissertation exploring the food culture and health capabilities of older adults who have experienced chronic homelessness and now reside in permanent supportive housing. Her work seeks to better understand how food, community, and lived experience influence health and well-being among vulnerable populations.
The P.E.O. Scholar Awards recognize women pursuing doctoral-level degrees who have demonstrated outstanding scholarly excellence and show exceptional promise for advancing their professions and creating meaningful societal impact. Established in 1991, the program provides merit-based awards to support doctoral students at accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada.
Patten's selection reflects both her dedication to advancing nursing science and the School of Nursing's mission to prepare researchers and leaders committed to improving health for all communities.