George Washington University School of Nursing PhD student Daniel Terrell has been named a Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA) Emerging Leader—an honor that affirms his dedication to health equity and advocacy for marginalized communities, particularly within LGBTQ+ health.
Terrell, a member of PhD Cohort 5, attributes this recognition to the steadfast support of GW Nursing faculty, the collaborative spirit of his peers, and his passion for using nursing science to drive systemic change. “This honor reflects the power of empathy, data, and service,” he said. “Leadership in nursing means listening deeply and advocating boldly.”
Terrell’s approach to leadership has been deeply shaped by his nursing education. Through doctoral training, he has learned to integrate evidence-based research with human-centered care to address social determinants of health and influence policy.
He applied for the Emerging Leader distinction after being accepted into the GNSA Advocacy Leaders cohort. “I wanted to actively pursue opportunities that align with my goals in advocacy, research, and service,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Terrell aims to continue researching health disparities affecting sexual and gender minority populations, particularly in relation to substance use and mental health. He plans to pursue a faculty position that allows him to combine research, teaching, mentorship, and ongoing policy advocacy to foster inclusive, equity-driven healthcare systems.
GW Nursing proudly celebrates Terrell’s recognition and the leadership he brings to the next generation of nurse scientists and changemakers.