Nursing Student Ayo Adebiyi Awarded Scholarship for 2025-2026
Ayomidamope “Ayo” Adebiyi, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON), has been awarded a scholarship from the Nurses Educational Fund (NEF) for the 2025-2026 academic year. Adebiyi is focusing her studies on Executive Leadership and Health Policy while also pursuing a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education.
Adebiyi’s journey into nursing is deeply personal. She was born prematurely at 29 weeks as one of triplets in Nigeria, where she was the only survivor due to inadequate medical resources. This early tragedy fueled her dedication to healthcare and advocacy for equitable access to medical services.
In her professional role as Clinical Programs Lead in Occupational Health at the University of California, Merced, Adebiyi oversees comprehensive workplace health initiatives through a collaboration with Work Health Solutions. Her responsibilities include serving on the Institutional Biosafety Committee and the Animal Care and Use Committee, where she plays a vital role in shaping research safety protocols and ethical practices in animal research.
Her leadership has been pivotal in developing OSHA-compliant respiratory protection systems, infectious disease surveillance protocols, and injury prevention strategies tailored for high-risk environments. Adebiyi’s commitment extends beyond her immediate professional duties; she founded “Care for the Unreached,” a nonprofit focused on providing essential prenatal and antenatal care to underserved rural communities in Nigeria. Her volunteer efforts have earned her the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and recognition as a Clinton Global Initiative University Change Maker.
Adebiyi’s DNP project addresses musculoskeletal injuries prevalent among workers in physically demanding jobs. She is evaluating the effectiveness of integrating ergonomic education with workplace physical activity programs, utilizing a “train-the-trainer” model for sustainable implementation. This research not only enhances her occupational health practice but also contributes to national worker safety standards. Furthermore, her concurrent Nursing Education certification will equip her to train future nurses in fundamental occupational health principles as an adjunct faculty member.
The NEF Scholarship, named in honor of M. Elizabeth Carnegie, who was instrumental in breaking racial barriers in nursing, holds special importance for Adebiyi. It symbolizes a significant investment in her potential and acknowledges her commitment to advancing nursing leadership for underrepresented communities. The scholarship relieves financial pressures while enhancing her determination to drive systemic changes in both occupational health and nursing education.
Comprehensive academic and professional biographies of all the 2025 NEF scholars are available on the NEF website, showcasing the achievements and ambitions of these future healthcare leaders.
