AACN Graduate Nursing Student Academy

🔥 There's so much power in shared experiences.

One of last year's conference attendees shared, "My favorite experience has been finding other people that have been able to offer me new perspectives and seeing how they are impacting nursing."

🤝Join us in Washington, D.C. for this year's GNSA Conference from July 30 - 31 and be a part of the conversation.

Register before early bird pricing closes on July 9: https://www.aacnnursing.org/gnsa-conference

GNSA Liaison and Regis University DNP student Angie Cook explores the importance of supporting, defending, and advocating for graduate nursing education in the June 2026 edition of the Liaison Pulse.

🌟Read Angie's article on our website today: https://www.aacnnursing.org/students/gnsa/leadership/liaisons/liaison-pulse

🌟 New Episode Drop! 🌟
Tune in and listen to the first episode in a new podcast series dedicated to the neurodivergence experience as a graduate nursing student.

This first episode highlights one MSN student's journey from overcoming academic and social challenges to leveraging unique strengths.

🎧Listen now: https://ow.ly/IMH350ZcWeM

Attending your first conference can feel daunting, but at the GNSA Conference, you're met with encouragement and support every step of the way. 🌱

One of last year's attendees shared, "The GNSA Conference provided a safe and nurturing environment to present my first poster. I felt very comfortable, and it was a great way to gain experience!".

Whether it's your first conference or your 100th, register today before early bird pricing ends: https://www.aacnnursing.org/gnsa-conference

Congratulations to Kennesaw State University’s GNSA Liaison, Melissa E. Gayle, on her recent graduation!

Melissa successfully completed two graduate programs, earning an accelerated Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in December 2024, followed by a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Driven by a deep commitment to addressing healthcare disparities, Melissa’s work focuses on advancing both primary care and mental health care through research, quality improvement, education, and mentorship.

We are also proud to share that Melissa has been accepted into a dual Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she will continue serving as a GNSA Liaison starting in Fall 2026.

We are thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone with you, and thankful for your continued service and leadership in the GNSA.

Congratulations to GNSA Liaison and Doctor of Nursing Practice, Luis E. Caso Vega! 🎉

Luis E. Caso Vega graduated in May 2026 from Nova Southeastern University with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Throughout his DNP program, Luis demonstrated a profound commitment toward transforming healthcare through evidence-based practice, equity, and leadership. As a true nurse scholar, Luis’ doctoral work focused on enhancing LGBTQ+ affirming care competency among emergency department nurses through evidence-based education. While a student, Luis was named a Fellow of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing and a Fellow of the Society of Internationally Educated Nurses. He was also recognized as an ENA Connection “20 Under 40” honoree, a recipient of the Florida Emergency Nurses Association Leadership Award, and a nominee for The Nurses Magazine’s Men of Honor recognition.

Congratulations to Luis! We are proud to celebrate your leadership, advocacy, and ongoing impact on nursing.

We are so excited to see everyone at the 2026 GNSA Conference this July!

Haven’t secured funding to attend yet? No problem! Our Conference Justification Toolkit is designed to help you build a strong case to receive funding from your institution: https://ow.ly/6ZEW50Z91WB

The GNSA proudly congratulates GNSA Leadership Councilmember Akeeka S. Davis on being selected as a Keynote Speaker at Neuroscience2027, the 3rd Global Summit on Neuroscience, Neurology, and Brain Disorders. 🎉

Akeeka will present a keynote speech titled, "State of the Science in Neuroplasticity‑Based Interventions for Neurodivergent Nursing Students: Integrating Humanistic Therapies and Ethical Cognitive Optimization toward Optimal Licensure Outcomes."

Akeeka is currently a PhD candidate at Villanova University. Congratulations!