Two Molloy University doctoral nursing students have been selected for the 2026-2028 Jonas Scholars cohort, a national program supporting the development of future nursing educators and researchers.
Lorraine Cupelli and Jim Van Tassel were among 80 doctoral nursing students nationwide selected by Jonas Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The program aims to strengthen health care by increasing the number of nurses with doctoral degrees who can educate the next generation of nursing leaders.
The two-year program provides scholars with financial support, mentorship and a curriculum designed to help them transition into faculty positions. Students are selected based on their commitment to teaching, academic achievement and research.
“I am thrilled that two Molloy University PhD students have been selected as Jonas Scholars, one of the most respected honors available to emerging nurse scholars,” said Marcia Gardner, dean of the Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Molloy University, in a statement. “The selection of both Lorraine Cupelli and Jim Van Tassel speaks volumes about their talent, dedication, and potential to shape the future of nursing education and research.
“It also underscores the excellence of our doctoral program and the outstanding work being accomplished by our students and faculty,” she continued. “We are profoundly grateful to Jonas Nursing and the AACN for recognizing and supporting these future nursing leaders.”
Cupelli is a full-time faculty member in an associate degree nursing program, where she teaches prelicensure nursing students in classroom and clinical settings. She is particularly committed to supporting diverse and first-generation nursing students who may encounter barriers to academic success.
Her research interests include adverse childhood experiences, resilience, grit, academic achievement, student well-being and strategies to strengthen the nursing workforce.
Van Tassel is an adjunct professor at Molloy's Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences. His planned research will examine the social development of people with developmental disabilities and how the use of telemedicine may affect that development.
“I am excited to be part of the PhD program and to explore research areas that address issues affecting people with developmental disabilities,” Van Tassel said in a statement.
The 2026-2028 cohort includes doctoral nursing students from across the country whose research interests address a range of health care challenges, including pediatrics, mental health and veterans' health.
Through financial assistance and mentorship, the Jonas Scholars program seeks to prepare doctoral nursing students for academic careers and help expand the pool of qualified faculty members who will educate future generations of nurses.
