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Faculty and Staff
Marie Lourdes Charles named American Academy of Nursing Fellow
The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) announced its selection of highly distinguished nurse leaders for its 2026 class of Academy Fellows, including Marie Lourdes Charles, EdD, RN-BC, FNYAM, associate professor at the Lienhard School of Nursing.
Dr. Charles will be recognized for her significant contributions to health and health care at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, taking place October 8–10, 2026, in Washington, DC. The theme of this year’s conference is “Digital Health: Promise, Responsibility.”
Dr. Charles is a community health nurse, researcher, and educator with over 40 years’ experience. Her practice, research, and scholarship aim at improving health outcomes by focusing on underrepresented populations, especially individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as people living in resource-poor communities. She is a founding member and vice-president of the Health Education Action League for Haiti (HEAL Haiti), collaborating with community partners in Haiti to provide resources, health screening, and education to underserved populations. She has also served as a liaison between Pace University and Caribbean Communities of Brooklyn and Queens to execute the All of Us Educational Program from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Currently, she is involved in the PrEP Ring study in Uganda which was funded by several Pace University grants. Dr. Charles has received many awards for her contributions to Public Health including the Caribbean Impact Award from Caribbean Life and Advancing Health Equity Award from the Association of Community Health Nurse Educators (ACHNE).
According to the AAN press release, the 2026 Class of Fellows represents 39 states, the District of Columbia, and 17 countries, and reflects the powerful role nurses play in promoting health and well-being. Induction into the Academy is a significant milestone in which past and current accomplishments are honored by colleagues within and outside the profession.
AAN President Debra J. Barksdale, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, ANEF, FADLN, FAAN, said the vision, dedication and accomplishments of this year’s inductees represent the best of the nursing profession.
Through evidence-based innovation, leadership, and scholarship, they have improved outcomes, shaped policy and practice, strengthened nursing education and care delivery, and advanced scalable solutions that promote healthy lives for all people. Their accomplishments demonstrate the depth and reach that define Fellowship in the Academy.
Dr. Charles joins the following Pace Lienhard School of Nursing faculty Fellows:
- Harriet Feldman, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Sandra Lewenson
- Andréa Sonnenberg, PhD, WHNP, CNM-BC, FNAP, FNYAM
- Joanne Singleton, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAAN, FNAP, FNYAM
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