Two faculty members and a PhD student from The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing recently received recognition for their contributions to nursing science, leadership, and service, reflecting the UT Austin School of Nursing’s continued impact on health care and nursing scholarship.
Merci Paulhill, doctoral student and UT Austin School of Nursing alumna, received the Southern Nursing Research Society (SNRS) Top Student Poster Award, which recognizes exceptional research and scholarship by students. The title of her study was, “Through the Public Eye: Visual Representations of Interstitial Lung Disease.” Earlier this year, Ms. Paulhill was also selected as a 2026 Graduate Archer Fellow.
John Lowe, PhD, RN, FAAN, Joseph Blades Centennial Memorial Professor in Nursing, received the SNRS Research in Empathetic Care for Populations with Distinct Healthcare Needs Award. This prestigious honor recognizes nursing researchers whose work demonstrates a deep commitment to empathetic, culturally responsive care for populations with distinct or underserved health care needs.
Alexa Stuifbergen, PhD, RN, FAAN, James R. Dougherty, Jr. Centennial Professor, received the SNRS Research in Nursing and Health (RINAH) Authorship Award, which recognizes a SNRS member who disseminated research findings, or important theoretical or methodological advances in the official SNRS journal, within the previous year. Dr. Stuifbergen also delivered the keynote speech at SNRS on Feb. 20, 2026, titled “Innovative Strategies to Develop and Sustain a Program of Research: 1986 to 2026.”
These recognitions highlight the excellence of the School of Nursing faculty and students and their ongoing commitment to advancing compassionate, evidence-based care.