Two UCLA Nursing associate professors named 2026 Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing

UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing Associate Professors Nalo Hamilton and Yeonsu Song have been selected for induction into the American Academy of Nursing’s 2026 Class of Fellows, one of nursing’s highest honors. 

With more than 250 inductees, the 2026 cohort represents 39 states, the District of Columbia, and 17 countries. Fellows are recognized as nursing leaders whose scholarship, innovation, and leadership has significantly advanced healthcare and health policy across the United States and globally. Fellows will be formally inducted at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, taking place in October. 

Nalo Hamilton, PhD, MSN, APRN-BC, FNPWH, associate professor and associate dean for inclusive excellence at UCLA Nursing, is recognized for her contributions to breast cancer research and women’s health equity. Her research focuses on the biological mechanisms driving triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of the disease that disproportionately affects younger and diverse populations. By bridging biochemistry with clinical nursing practice, Dr. Hamilton’s work aims to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets that can lead to more precise, personalized treatments. 

“Being selected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing is an incredible honor that reflects the collaborative work of so many colleagues and communities,” said Dr. Hamilton. “My goal has always been to translate scientific discovery into meaningful improvements in women’s health, particularly for those most impacted by disparities in cancer care.”

Yeonsu Song, PhD, RN, FNP-C, FGSA, associate professor at UCLA Nursing, is recognized for pioneering the first dyadic behavioral sleep intervention for persons living with dementia and their family caregivers. Her evidence-based program, Care2Sleep, integrates behavioral sleep science, digital health tools, and real-time physiological monitoring to better understand how sleep influences cognition and daily functioning in older adults. The program has been adopted in Veterans Affairs (VA) insomnia clinics and adult day healthcare programs, with over 150 caregivers trained across Southern California. Supported by over $5.5 million in external funding, Dr. Song's work demonstrates sustained impact across diverse communities. 

“I am deeply honored to join the American Academy of Nursing and to represent research that elevates the importance of sleep health in dementia care,” said Dr. Song. “This recognition underscores the need to develop innovative, culturally responsive solutions that support both patients and caregivers in meaningful ways.”