Wayne State nursing PhD student Biyyiah Lee elected as a 2024-2026 Jonas Scholar
Jonas Nursing, a leading supporter of doctoral nursing education in the U.S., and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), announced that Wayne State University College of Nursing PhD student Biyyiah Lee has been selected as a Jonas Scholar for the program’s 2024-2026 cohort. This program aims to improve health care by expanding the pool of PhD and DNP-prepared nurses needed to educate the next generation of nurse leaders.
Lee joins a select group of 63 of the nation’s most promising doctoral nursing students chosen for their passion for teaching, academic excellence, and research prowess. As a Jonas Scholar, Lee will receive financial support, mentorship, and a curriculum tailored to providing students with the learning experiences they need to successfully transition into a faculty role.
“On behalf of the entire Wayne State College of Nursing community, I want to congratulate Biyyiah on this outstanding accomplishment,” said College of Nursing Dean Ramona Benkert, PhD, PhD, ANP-BC, FAANP. “She is the 12th Jonas Scholar in our college’s history, reflecting a rich tradition of educating exceptional doctorally prepared nurses. I have no doubt that Biyyiah will make an impact on the future of our profession with this support from Jonas Nursing.”
Lee joins an incredibly diverse group of doctoral nursing students, with over 50% of its 2024-2026 cohort representative of Black, Latino, and other communities of color, ensuring that burgeoning nursing leaders reflect the patient population of their diverse communities. This group of 63 Scholars contain a multitude of research interests focused on some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including underserved populations in nursing, mental health, and veterans’ health.
Lee's research focuses on the relationship between cannabis use and mental health outcomes in underserved urban minority communities under the supervision of Assistant Professor Seung Hee Choi, PhD, RN.
“Being named a Jonas Scholar is such an honor and a pivotal moment in my academic journey. This recognition strengthens my commitment to advancing nursing education and research, especially in addressing health disparities in underserved communities,” Lee said. “I’m excited to continue my studies with the support of a network of like-minded scholars and mentors. I am grateful for this support, especially as I navigate a new and controversial topic. It’s encouraging to know that my passions are backed by such a great organization and network of health care professionals.”
The Jonas Scholar at Wayne State University is made possible by a grant from Jonas Nursing. Find more information about the Jonas Scholars program on the AACN website.
About the Wayne State University College of Nursing
Recognized as a leader in nursing education, knowledge generation and contemporary nursing practice, the Wayne State University College of Nursing has been dedicated to providing the highest quality education to a diverse population of students for more than 75 years. Through our BSN, MSN, PhD, DNP and graduate certificate programs, Wayne State nursing graduates are prepared to be leaders in research, education and practice, with an enhanced focus on addressing health disparities and the health care needs of urban populations. U.S. News and World Report has recognized the WSU College of Nursing for offering BSN, MSN and DNP programs that are ranked among the best in the country.
About Jonas Nursing
The mission of Jonas Nursing is to enhance the nursing profession by developing nurse leaders who will address the nursing shortage by educating the future nursing workforce and by investing in the health and well-being of our most underserved communities. For more information on Jonas Nursing, visit www.aacnnursing.org/jonas-nursing.
About the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
AACN is the national voice for academic nursing representing more than 875 schools of nursing nationwide. AACN establishes quality standards for nursing education, influences the nursing profession to improve health care, and promotes public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research, and practice. For more information about AACN, visit aacnnursing.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and/or X.