Perspectives from the Class of 2026
Columbia Nursing celebrates all of our students graduating this month! Graduates of our Masters Direct Entry (MDE), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), PhD, and Masters in Advanced Clinical Management and Leadership (ACML) programs told us why they chose Columbia and how their education has prepared them to excel as clinicians, scholars, leaders, and policy makers.
Andrew Fernandez
DNP Nurse Anesthesia ’26
I am passionate about becoming an excellent clinician while staying grounded in service, representation, and community. I am especially passionate about my future career as a nurse anesthetist and caring for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments.
Jaynia Harris
DNP Midwifery '26
I used to believe that the way things are is simply the way they have to be, but the faculty here have ignited in me a fierce commitment to using my voice for those who go unheard.
Sophie Junak
PhD ’26
My time at Columbia Nursing has reinforced the critical role nurses play not only in patient care, but in shaping research, policy, and clinical practice. I’m excited to carry that perspective forward and continue contributing to a field that is constantly evolving and deeply impactful.
Molly Moody
MS in Advanced Clinical Management and Leadership ’26
I feel strongly that nursing leadership starts at the bedside, not in the boardroom. Clinical nurses should drive quality concerns and policy changes up the chain of command. This means inspiring nurses to practice to the full scope of their license and to engage with hospital leadership.
Aimé Nandziga
MDE ’26
The greatest thing I've learned is that sometimes comfort and growth cannot both exist at the same time. The challenges I have overcome during my time at Columbia Nursing have made me a more capable and intelligent future nurse. I'm excited and proud of how far I have come.
David López Vaneros
PhD ’26
Physical activity itself is a powerful nonpharmacological intervention, and studying the barriers that prevent marginalized communities from engaging in it has deepened my interest in how mind-body and movement-based approaches can address stress and promote health across diverse populations.