M. Louise Fitzpatrick Nursing Scholarship Award
Scholarship
For Nursing PhD or EdD Candidates with a Home Healthcare Focus or Specializing in Historical Research
M. Louise Fitzpatrick, EdD, RN, FAAN, was a 1970 NEF Doctoral Scholar and a longstanding member of the NEF Board of Directors. She served as the Dean of Villanova College of Nursing from 1978 until she passed away in 2017. The school was renamed the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.
This scholarship, initiated by Dr. Fitzpatrick in 2015 and made permanent by her $30,000 bequest in 2017, is given to nursing PhD or EdD candidates with a home healthcare focus, or specializing in historical research.
Featured M. Louise Fitzpatrick Nursing Scholarship Recipients
These four featured scholarship recipients have completed their doctoral degrees and are now using their advanced knowledge in nursing to champion sustainable change to improve health and healthcare:
Natalie Kasper, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS
2025-2026 Winner | Doctoral Degree
- Began her career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Nephrology at Nemours Children’s Health
- Joined a private pediatric practice in her community, where she provided care to children from birth to 21 years old, addressing behavioral concerns, sleep issues, and adolescent health for 14 years
- Became one of Nemours’ initial providers in its School-Based Health program, focused on enhancing children's health outcomes and improving access to care
Melissa Condren, DNP, APRN, CPNP
2020-2021 Winner | Doctoral Degree
- Practiced as a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Otolaryngology at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and in Pediatric Pulmonology at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center
- Served as a consultant for the Massachusetts Technology Assistance Resource Team, which provides a free service helping families and schools plan for the safe integration of children with special health care needs into school
- Was first author of the article, “Polytobacco Use Among Adolescents,” in Pediatric Nursing, and co-author of the “Respiratory Guidelines” chapter in Pediatric Practice Guidelines, published in 2021
Megan Moyer, PhD
2018-2019 Winner | Doctoral Degree
- Certified as an Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse
- Worked as a nurse practitioner with the traumatic brain injury clinical research team at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center at the University of Pennsylvania, providing expert clinical, compassionate care for patients and families
- Implemented the traumatic brain injury support group at The University of Pennsylvania to meet an unmet need in the community for this widely underserved patient population through counseling, support, and knowledge, and provided traumatic brain injury prevention education at local conferences and community health fairs
Jennifer Eccles, PhD, RN, FAADN, FAAN
2017-2018 Winner | Doctoral Degree
- Became a Certified Emergency Nurse from the Canadian Emergency Nurses Association
- Held clinical nursing administrative positions as Clinical Coordinator in transitional care, Assistant Director of Nursing in long-term care, Nurse Manager of emergency services, and Clinical Director of med/surg
- Served as the Director of Nursing at Century College
- Is currently Executive Director of the Center for Nursing Equity and Excellence and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing