AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing faculty member Cara Young, PhD, RN, FNP-C, FAANP, associate professor, was selected for induction into the 2021 class of fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN).
The academy is an honorific society that recognizes nursing's most accomplished leaders in policy, research, practice, administration, and academia. Induction into the AAN is a significant milestone in a nurse leader’s career in which their accomplishments are honored by their colleagues within and outside the profession. Fellows are selected based on their contributions and impact to advance the public’s health.
Dr. Young's research examines and seeks to improve behavioral and psychosocial transitions for vulnerable populations in the first half of the life course. Her primary line of research has focused on improving the mental health of children, adolescents, and young adults through mindfulness-based interventions.
“We are proud of the accomplishments of Dr. Young and are confident she will continue to contribute to the body of nursing science and education,” said Alexa Stuifbergen, dean of the UT Austin School of Nursing. “We are also grateful to the AAN for recognizing her stellar achievements with this designation.”
“It is an honor and privilege to be included amongst such an amazing group of nurses,” Dr. Young said. “I look forward to contributing to the mission of the American Academy of Nursing.”
Dr. Young is one of 225 individuals selected to be inducted into the 2021 Class of Fellows (PDF), representing 38 states, the District of Columbia, and 18 countries. She also joins 124 UT Austin Fellows, 28 of whom are current faculty or faculty emeriti.
The 2021 inductees were recognized for their significant contributions to health and health care at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, Oct. 7–9, 2021. This year’s conference and induction ceremony was offered in a hybrid format, allowing attendees to participate either in-person at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC, or virtually. This year’s ceremony, featuring personalized video vignettes and live streaming of each inductee, was a special way to recognize the new Fellows as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge traditional methods of celebration.