Nurses Honored for Excellence in Research by MARN

Kate Gregory

Patrice Nicholas

This spring, the Massachusetts Association for Registered Nurses (MARN) recognized Katherine Gregory, PhD, RN, and Patrice Nicholas, DNSc, DHL (Hon.), MPH, MS, RN, NP-C, FAAN, with Excellence in Nursing Research Awards.

Gregory, a Haley Nurse Scientist at BWH and associate professor at Boston College, is recognized for her pioneering efforts in helping premature neonates born with necrotizing enterocolitis, a primary cause of morbidity and mortality. Her groundbreaking research focused on identifying specific biomarkers in order to better predict which infants are at risk for developing the disease. As a Haley scientist at BWH, Gregory mentors nurses in the Connors Center for Women and Newborns interested in conducting research.

Nicholas, director of Global Health Nursing at BWH and professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, has made unique and enduring contributions to the field of HIV/AIDS research since 1989. She established her own program of research about neuropathy-related symptoms in HIV/AIDS and self-care strategies. Her work has focused on quality of life issues for those living with pain and other HIV-related symptoms. She also served as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, where she mentored junior faculty, worked in two area hospitals and developed her research.

The Massachusetts Association of Registered Nurses is committed to the advancement of the profession of nursing and of quality patient care across the Commonwealth.