ACORN Faculty and Students Shine at SNRS Conference
Several ACORN Center faculty members and students attended and presented at the Southern
Nursing Research Society (SNRS) Annual Conference in Memphis, TN, from February 19-21,
2025.
Presentations and Posters
Our faculty and students showcased their research through oral presentations and poster
sessions, highlighting ACORN’s dedication to advancing nursing research and healthcare
innovation.
A special congratulations to Dr. Gaynell Magwood, Myrtle Irene Brown Endowed Professor of Nursing who received the 2025 Distinguished
Researcher Award. Dr. Magwood was recognized for her consistent evidence of outstanding
scholarly contributions to nursing knowledge, ongoing program of research, sustained
publication record, and documented contributions to knowledge-building in the Southern
region.
Theresa Ekenedo, a PhD in Nursing Science student from the University of South Carolina, who received
a highly competitive SNRS Student Travel Scholarship Award in recognition of her current
and future contributions to the profession and to nursing science.
The conference provided a fantastic opportunity for networking, collaboration, and
knowledge exchange, reinforcing ACORN’s role in shaping the future of nursing science.
ACORN Center Faculty

Dr. Lori Vick
Congratulations to Dr. Lori Vick on her induction as a Fellow in the Academy of Nursing Education (ANEF)! This esteemed recognition honors her dedication to advancing nursing education,
mentorship, and academic excellence. Her contributions to shaping the next generation
of nursing professionals and enhancing educational innovation make this achievement
well deserved. We are incredibly proud to celebrate Dr. Vick’s success at the ACORN
Center!

Dr. Carolyn Sue-Ling
Congratulations to Dr. Carolyn Sue-Ling on being selected as a participant for the
PRIDE (Programs to Increase Diversity Among Individuals Engaged in Health-Related
Research) and Summer Institute with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)! This highly competitive program is designed to support early-career researchers in
advancing their expertise in heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders research. Dr.
Sue-Ling’s participation reflects her commitment to impactful research and professional
development. We are excited to celebrate this achievement and look forward to her
continued contributions to health science!

Dr. Lorie Donnelle
Congratulations to Dr. Lorie Donelle on her induction as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, one of the most prestigious honors in the field! This recognition celebrates her significant
contributions to health literacy, digital health, and nursing research. Her leadership and dedication continue
to shape the future of healthcare innovation, inspiring students, researchers, and colleagues at
the ACORN Center. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement!