Two UCLA Nursing students selected as Jonas Scholars

Jonas Nursing, a leading supporter of doctoral nursing education in the U.S., and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), announced that two UCLA School of Nursing PhD students, Marianne Gutierrez, BSN, RN, and Yuriko Matsuo, MSN, PMHNP-BC, APRN, have been selected as Jonas Scholars 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.

Gutierrez and Matsuo join 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, both 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.

“We are incredibly proud of all that Marianne and Yuriko continue to accomplish,” said Dr. Lin Zhan, dean and professor at the UCLA School of Nursing. “This honor from Jonas Nursing is a true testament to their hard work, dedication, and focus on improving nursing research and the health of our communities. Congratulations to both of this year’s honorees.” 

The UCLA students join 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. 

Gutierrez’ research involves the experiences and challenges faced by Latina women who are the primary caregivers for individuals living with dementia. Her focus is to better understand how sociocultural contexts, such as cultural beliefs and gendered expectations, shape their caregiving experiences and decision-making related to help-seeking.

“I am filled with gratitude to Jonas Philanthropies, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the UCLA School of Nursing for their immense support,” Gutierrez said. “The Jonas Scholars Program provides mentorship, leadership development, and access to a network of exceptional scholars and nurse leaders. As a first-generation Latina, access to this kind of guidance and support is invaluable, and I am deeply honored.”

Matsuo’s research is centered on the adulthood of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with a particular emphasis on those with Down syndrome. She is also interested in improving mental health and quality of life of the elderly, as both the geriatric population and life expectancy are on the rise.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the Jonas Scholar community,” Matsuo said. “Improving the education of future nurses in the field of mental health and disabilities is one of the primary reasons I am pursuing a PhD. I am eager to learn from exceptional role models and connect with counterparts who share the same values.”

Learn more about the Jonas Scholars Program