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The excitement is building!
The countdown to our 2026 Induction Ceremony has officially begun, and we are excited to welcome you on April 7th at 5:00 PM for an inspiring evening of celebration, scholarship, and sisterhood. This year’s ceremony promises to be especially memorable, as we prepare to reveal our highly anticipated keynote speaker, whose message will uplift and energize all who attend.
We are proud to recognize our 2026 Research Award recipient, Jeni Fitzpatrick, a dedicated Sigma member whose work reflects the heart of nursing advocacy and evidence-based practice. Her research addresses a critically important issue in maternal health and exemplifies the impact of nursing scholarship on improving patient experiences and outcomes.
Jeni Fitzpatrick, MSN, RN, RNC-OB
Jeni Fitzpatrick's research study examines the impact of labor and delivery doulas on women’s perceptions of mistreatment by healthcare providers during childbirth in hospital settings. Mistreatment during childbirth may include violations of bodily autonomy, privacy, and dignity experiences that are not only disrespectful but, in some cases, discriminatory. Despite advances in healthcare, such mistreatment remains prevalent worldwide, including in high-resource countries such as the United States. This research explores the presence of doulas as a potential protective factor in promoting respectful, patient-centered maternity care.
qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5hA2zdCFQbNWjs2
https://gsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5hA2zdCFQbNW
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Marcella Davies PhD-PH, MBA-HC, MSN, RN
Driven by a passion for social change and global engagement, this Sigma member brings innovative and culturally responsive teaching strategies into the classroom. Through Sigma’s extensive resources ranging from evidence-based research to global nursing networks she enriches her courses with diverse perspectives that prepare students to practice in an increasingly interconnected world. Her work integrates global health discussions, study-abroad and virtual exchange experiences, and immersive simulations that allow students to apply theory to real-world community health challenges. By fostering intercultural dialogue, critical thinking, and cultural humility, she inspires nursing students to grow into confident professionals and globally minded leaders who are prepared to improve patient care and community outcomes.
Here's my interview with Dr. Davies:
How has Sigma membership resources helped you thrive in the classroom?
The resources provided by Sigma have strengthened my teaching by giving me access to evidence‑based research, global nursing networks, and innovative teaching tools. These resources have been especially valuable in my study abroad and virtual exchange courses, where international perspectives and current scholarship enrich class discussions on global health, cultural awareness, and allowing students to develop global citizenship. Through Sigma, I’m able to bring more relevant, diverse, and research‑informed content into the classroom, helping my students thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
What inspires you to teach?
As a proponent of social change, teaching provides me the tools for advancing social change because it shapes how people think, what they value, and how they act within their communities I’m inspired to teach because I love watching students discover their strengths and grow into confident, compassionate professionals. Teaching allows me to help shape their journey, support their curiosity, and connect learning to real‑world impact especially in global and cross‑cultural settings. Knowing that teaching cultivates critical thinking and informed action; what happens in the classroom can influence patient care, communities, and the future of our profession is what motivates me every day.
What innovative pedagogy have you engaged in recently?
One of my most significant innovations has been embedding sustained virtual exchange as a central instructional strategy. For over three years, I partnered students with peers in international institutions for multi week discussions responding to each other’s cultural insights on global health and social issues. Through structured cross‑cultural dialogues and shared readings, students developed real‑time intercultural communication skills, global awareness, and the ability to compare health systems and community contexts across borders. This approach fosters intercultural competence, broadens their understanding of global health issues, fosters empathy, cultural humility, and develops global citizenship, without the travel barrier.
Pictures from Study Abroad in Ghana:
Student outreach with local health workers in rural community (Achiase).
Dr. Davies and nursing student at Central University
GSU students and Nursing Administrative Staff at Central University
GSU students at Kwabe Municipal Hospital with Nurse Manager
What other innovative pedagogy have you implemented in your classroom?
I have introduced simulation activities that replicate real‑world scenarios such as working with a marginalized family to promote healthy lifestyle and prevent diseases, applying behavioral theories to impact change, or responding to social determinants of health challenges. These simulations allow students to make decisions, experience diverse roles of the community health nurse, reflect on outcomes, and apply critical thinking skills in a low‑risk environment, and reflect on They offer active learning and immediate feedback, reinforcing both confidence and competency.
Outside the Classroom: Hobbies and Interests
Gardening is one of my greatest joys - an opportunity to slow down, observe growth, and cultivate resilience. I am also passionate about traveling, both personally and professionally allowing me to immerse myself in diverse cultures, cuisines, and ways of living. These experiences enrich my worldview and directly inform my global teaching practices. Travel keeps me adaptable and committed to helping students understand the broader world they will serve.
I am also enthusiastic about community engagement initiatives; especially marginalized/vulnerable communities. Through volunteer work, service partnerships, or supporting local organizations, I am committed to strengthening marginalized communities through educational support. Community engagement keeps me connected to real‑world needs while making sure my teaching remains relevant, compassionate, and grounded in service.
These interests gardening, traveling, and community engagement help me maintain balance, creativity, and purpose. They enrich my personal life and continually inspire my work as an educator, scholar, and mentor.