Excellence in PhD Dissertations and DNP Project Awards

AACN created this awards program to recognize and showcase excellence in PhD dissertations and DNP projects completed by students in research- and practice-focused doctoral programs. Many doctoral students are advancing ground-breaking research and practice innovations that are worthy of national recognition and could serve as exemplars for other students to emulate.

Two awards will be presented each year, with one award presented in each of the following categories:

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Science Award for an outstanding dissertation from a student in a PhD in nursing (or DNS program). A dissertation is an original research project that focuses on advancing nursing science and developing new evidence with the potential to guide nursing practice. To apply, please fill out the online application.

Download PhD Nomination Information

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award for an outstanding final project from a student in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. A DNP project demonstrates high-level mastery of an area of advanced nursing practice and focuses on the translation of evidence into practice. To apply, please fill out the online application.

Download DNP Nomination Information

The submission deadline for applications is June 6, 2025. 

A selection committee will review all complete nominations received and select award finalists. This committee reserves the right to decide not to recommend an award in any given year. Award finalists must be approved by the AACN Board of Directors.

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Science Award

Call for nomination is now open. All nominations must be completed online by June 6, 2025. Please review the Nomination Information PDF to prepare for submission.

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award

Call for nomination is now open. All nominations must be completed online by June 6, 2025. Please review the Nomination Information PDF to prepare for submission.

  • The doctoral student/graduate receiving an award must attend AACN’s Doctoral Education Conference. The conference registration fee for the winners will be waived.
  • The award will be presented at the podium in conjunction with a plenary session.
  • Award winners will present their abstracts on the second day of the Doctoral Education Conference.
  • The award includes a “symbol” of appreciation and a $1,000 check. Winners will be announced via AACN publications and on the AACN Website.

Contact Information

Please direct any questions related to this awards program to Alexa Tehansky, MS, Associate Director of Online Learning and Engagement at atehansky@aacnnursing.org.

Congratulations to the 2024 Award Recipients!

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Science Award

Zhihiong Zhang

Zhihiong Zhang
University of Rochester
Examining Resilience in Symptom Response to Cancer Treatment Among Older Adults with Advanced Cancer
PhD Program Director - Marie Flannery, PhD, RN

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award

Emily McAllister

Emily McAllister, DNP, FNP
Texas Women's University
Evaluating a Workflow Process for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in a Student Health Clinic: A Quality Improvement Initiative
DNP Program Director - Jayne Jennings Dunlap, DNP, APRN

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