Heidi Gilroy, winner of the Judith Whittaker Scholarship is studying for her PhD in nursing science at Texas Woman’s University in Houston, Texas. She earned her masters in nursing at Benedictine University before returning to Texas Woman’s for graduate work. Currently she is also the project manager of a grant-funded study that involves 300 women who are victims of domestic abuse. Working with victims of domestic abuse has helped her form a clear vision for her future as a scholar – to research the effects of poverty on women and children – a significant threat to the future of our nation. She is also interested in utilizing policy and practice to serve as a health care advisor to lawmakers in matters related to poverty and health. She hopes one day to develop an intervention that will facilitate the prevention of domestic abuse