Innovation Fellowship
Turn bold ideas into measurable impact in your program, your practice and your career.
The Innovation Fellowship is a 12-month, interdisciplinary program where participants advance a real project with personalized coaching, a supportive peer cohort, and an evidence-based curriculum. Across three phases – creative inquiry, design and development, and synthesis and spread – participants identify high-leverage problems, prototype and test solutions, and leave with polished deliverables ready to launch, publish or scale. It’s our flexible “structure of fluidity” approach that makes room for creativity while driving concrete results.
- Build and launch: Develop an innovation that fits your context (clinical, academic, community)—with assets including a pitch deck, pilot plan, manuscript, grant proposal or curricular product.
- Grow as a leader: Strengthen identity, confidence and psychological safety to navigate complexity.
- Learn by doing: Apply systems thinking, design thinking and our Three Cs of Innovation™ – creativity, courage and connection – plus heutagogical (self-directed) learning strategies you can reuse with your teams and students.
- Clinical redesigns piloted with new funding
- Innovation labs launched
- Peer-reviewed publications
- Alumni spotlights:
- Karen Meade, MSN, RN: B3 Buddy (Below the Bladder Bag) to improve mobility and dignity; fellowship momentum supported her successful PhD admission
- Audra Hanners, DNP, APRN-CNP, CKNS: Keto Rx program integrating lifestyle psychiatry into outpatient care
- Shane Gahn, DNP, APRN-CNP: Commercial-ready microlearning modules to embed design thinking in undergraduate curricula
Thanks to scholarships, tuition is $2,500 for the full year. Fellows receive 50+ hours of individualized coaching and structured innovation content, an executive-education equivalent valued at $15,000 to $20,000. Many alumni subsequently secure $10,000 to $100,000+ in grants, launch income-generating products/services or earn promotions with $10,000 to $30,000 annual salary increases. Organizations see accelerated innovation, stronger retention and scalable solutions that improve systems, producing high-leverage impact at low cost.
Three pillars, one transformational year:
- Coaching: monthly 1:1 and group sessions with experienced innovation leaders
- Curriculum: systems thinking, feedback loops, change models, design thinking, holistic leadership; microlearnings you can use with your team
- Hands-on project: move from problem framing to prototype to a ready-to-spread solution
- Timeline: 12 months (September through August), hybrid format
- In-person touchpoints: kickoff retreat (September) and pitch event (July)
- Included: monthly workshops, 1:1 coaching, peer community and a year-long project
- Deliverables: innovation pitch plus a strategic dissemination path (pilot, publication, product, curriculum)
We welcome faculty across tracks, clinicians, administrators, educators and emerging leaders who want to create sustainable, system-level change while supporting their own well-being and professional growth.
Turn your idea into impact
Join a cohort that blends rigor and heart, imagination and execution, and leaves you with tangible results for your patients, organization and career.
"The team created a safe space that allowed for vulnerability and growth. This resulted in several "ah-ha" moments as I was challenged. I am grateful for the insight that I've gained, the camaraderie, and the ability to witness (and apply) innovation in an evidence-based manner."
Northern Arizona University College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing
2025-26 cohort
Lisa Albert, EdD, MSN, RN, CSN
Chair of Undergraduate Nursing Education
Assistant Teaching Professor
Penn State Harrisburg
Morgan Cangelosi, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CCRN
Assistant Professor
Apple Distinguished Educator, Class of 2023
University of Texas Medical Branch
Sara Donevant, PhD, RN
Associate Professor
Jonas PhD Nurse Leader Scholar Alum
University of South Carolina College of Nursing
Kim English, RN, BScN, MN
Professor, Trent/Fleming School of Nursing
Member, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Faculty of Rural, Remote and Humanitarian Healthcare
Ecampus Ontario Empowered Educator
Global Rural Nurse Exchange Ambassador
Joan M. Krug, PhD, RN, CCRN, CNE
Assistant Teaching Professor
The Pennsylvania State University Altoona Campus
Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
Paula J. Kustenbauder, DNP, RN, CCRN, CNE
Assistant Teaching Professor
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
Karen O. Moss, PhD, RN, CNL
Assistant Professor
The Ohio State University College of Nursing
Lacy Mroz, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Orthopedic Sports Med Center
Colin Plover, PhD, MSN/MPH, MSN, MSEd, RN
Founder, Nightingale Caring Solutions
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Adjunct Instructor, Thomas Jefferson University
- Ofonime Bleess, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-BC, ENP-C
Assistant Professor
UTMB School of Nursing, Galveston Texas - Abegail Carpenter
Professional Services, Manager
Title21 - Kelly Casler, DNP, APRN-CNP, CHSE, EBP-C, FAANP
Clinical Associate Professor and Family Nurse Practitioner
Director, Doctor of Nursing Practice Clinical Expert Track
The Ohio State University College of Nursing - Rebecca Dodmead, MSN-Ed, RN
Inaugural Class-Doctor of Nursing Education Program
The Ohio State University
Founder of 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Artisans for Good - Shane W. Gahn, DNP, APRN-CNP
Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
The Ohio State University College of Nursing - Kate Gawlik, DNP, RN, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN
Associate Clinical Professor
Director of Undergraduate Health and Wellness Academic Programming
Co-Director of Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness
Co-Director NSPIRE
Project Manager, Million Hearts
The Ohio State University College of Nursing - Victoria (Vicki) A. Kellogg, PhD, JD, MBA, CRNP
Assistant Teaching Professor
Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
Penn State Altoona - Suzanne Kuhn, PhD, RN, CNE, CNEcl
Director for Undergraduate Nursing Education at Penn State Altoona
Teaching Professor Nursing and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing - Nicole McGarity, MHI, BSN, RN, CEN
Associate Director, James Patient Education
The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute - Nastaran Minassians, MSN, ACNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Tristate Community Healthcare - Tara O’Brien, PhD, RN, CNE
Assistant Professor
The Ohio State University College of Nursing - Danielle Peterman, DNP, RN, CNE
Assistant Teaching Professor
Penn State University - McKenzie Posey, MSN, RN
Nursing Professional Development Program Manager
Bon Secours Mercy Health - Sarah Rust-Overman, DNP, APRN-CNP, CPNP-PC
Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
The Ohio State University College of Nursing - Whitney Shanley, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Assistant Professor of Nursing
The George Washington University - Ebonie Siemer, RN, HN-BC
RN Navigator
Moffitt Cancer Center - Andrew Skapenko, MA, CPHR
Interim Manager, Partner Relations, Office of Strategic Partnerships
Thompson Rivers University - Carter Todd, MS, MBA, RN, NE-BC, CCRN
Nurse Manager
Kaiser Permanente Roseville
- Emery Bergey, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, OCN, HNB-BC
Moffitt Cancer Center - Amy D. Criscitello, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing - Taylor Criste, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC
Allegheny Health Network - Wendy Edgar, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Fayette Campus - Abbey Elliott, DNP, MHA, RN, CEN, CHSE
Purdue University Global - Paula Garvey, DNP, NPD-BC, RN, CHSE
The Ohio State University College of Nursing - Elizabeth Ann L. Gatchell, DNP, RN
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing - Stephanie Justice, DNP, RN, CHSE
The Ohio State University College of Nursing - Susan B. Leight, EdD, ARPN-BC, NP-C, ANP-BC, FAANP, FAAN
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing - Christina M. Lightner, PhD, MSN, WHNP-BC, RN
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing - Shannon Linder, DNP, APRN-CNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
The Ohio State University College of Nursing - Karen Meade, MS, APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC, OCN
Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center - Jacquelyn D. Svoboda, DNP, APRN, WHNP-C
UTMB Health - Morgan Wiggins, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
The Ohio State University College of Nursing
- Bradley Chesham
Queensland, Australia - Miriam Espinoza
Northern Arizona University College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing
"The OSU CHIL team impressively created a safe space that allowed for vulnerability and growth. This resulted in several "ah-ha" moments as I was challenged. I am grateful for the insight that I've gained, the camaraderie, and the ability to witness (and apply) innovation in an evidence-based manner. I enjoyed building insight and the collaboration." - Lara Jaquemai
Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center - Michelle Litchman
University of Utah College of Nursing - Uzo Nwankpa
Samuel Merritt University
"I appreciated the space to connect, build and innovate my idea. I learned a few entrepreneurial skills that I will take with me. I enjoyed the ability to flesh out my idea in a supportive group setting." - Oren Shtayermman
Chamberlain University
- Angela D. Alston, DNP, MPH, APRN-CNP, WHNP-BC, FNP-BC
The Ohio State University College of Nursing
"Participation in this fellowship program has expanded my perspective on innovation and provided practical tips that I will use both in my personal and professional endeavors." - Megan Amaya, PhD, CHES, NBC-HWC
The Ohio State University College of Nursing - Amber Essman, DNP, APRN-CNP, CLC
The Ohio State University College of Nursing - Shannon L. Gillespie, PhD, RN
The Ohio State University College of Nursing
"I highly recommend this fellowship for anyone who is grappling with where they want to go with their innovation. As a nurse and a scientist, I entered this field to help people, to save lives. But getting new discoveries to the people that need them is more challenging than I ever imagined. At the beginning of this fellowship, I had an idea that was showing a lot of promise in its ability to help patients. By the time I finished this fellowship, I had secured funding to produce a first-of-its-kind clinical kit, made significant progress on intellectual property protection, and started preparations to launch a start-up company. This was the push that I needed to take my innovation from the bench to the bedside, and you can do it too!" - Audra Hanners, DNP, APRN-CNP, CKNS
The Ohio State University College of Nursing
"Great experience, coaching and support through the innovation process. Networking with other fellows and beyond was truly valuable." - Lisa Militello, PhD, MPH, RN
The Ohio State University College of Nursing - Brittany E. Punches, PhD, RN, CEN, FAEN
The Ohio State University College of Nursing
"I enjoyed my experience as a fellow. Through individual and group coaching as well as the curriculum content, I was able to identify opportunities for growth and accelerate my project accomplishments!" - Annetta Sipes, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P
The Ohio State University College of Nursing
- Christa Newtz, MS, RN
- Audra Hanners, DNP, APRN-CNP, CKNS
- Lista Militello, PhD, MPH, RN
- Susan Thrane, PhD, RN
- Shannon Gillespie, PhD, RN
Board members
Taura L. Barr, PhD, RN, FAHA, HWNC-BC
Associate Professor
Director of the Innovation Fellowship
The Ohio State University College of Nursing
Taura L. Barr is an internationally recognized nurse scientist, coach and herbalist with expertise in innovation, entrepreneurship and neuroimmunology. She has been a nurse for 19 years and has launched 5 companies. Dr. Barr is an associate professor at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, founding scientist of Valtari Bio and CEO of Deep Roots Healing Inc. As a functional nurse herbalist and coach, Dr. Barr uses her scientific experience combined with her personal journey to inspire others to nurture their creative spirit while enhancing their well-being and living a holistic lifestyle.
barr.428@osu.edu
724-710-0541
Sophie Nathenson, PhD
Associate Professor of Medical Sociology and Population Health
Director, Population Health Management Program
Oregon Institute of Technology - Portland Metro
Sophie Nathenson is a medical sociologist, professor and consultant based in Portland, Oregon. She is the director of the Master of Allied Health/Healthcare Leadership program and director of the Bachelor's of Science in Population Health Management program at Oregon Tech. She is also the owner of Widespread Wellness Consulting, providing career mentorship and education for individuals and groups working on promoting social, physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Shane Gahn, DNP, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC
Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
The Ohio State University College of Nursing
Dr. Shane W. Gahn, DNP, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC (he/him/his) is a clinical assistant professor of practice at The Ohio State University College of Nursing and a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He brings over a decade of diverse experience in psychiatric nursing, both as a registered nurse and advanced practice provider, with a clinical focus on adult outpatient care. Since 2016, Shane has been licensed and certified as a nurse practitioner, and he currently offers virtual psychiatric services to adults across Ohio from his private practice. Shane is deeply committed to inclusive, patient-led care and has specialized training in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly gender diverse and transgender people. He prioritizes collaboration with therapists, primary care providers and other specialists to foster holistic wellness. His approach emphasizes self-efficacy, resilience and ethical evidence-based care while actively working to reduce health care disparities and promote sustainable, equitable health care systems.
In addition to his clinical work, Shane has been teaching at Ohio State since 2019, educating students at both the baccalaureate and master’s levels. He earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Ohio State, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges of balancing academic and professional responsibilities. Shane is actively involved in curriculum development, innovation and other initiatives within the College of Nursing and beyond. He serves as faculty advisor to the Buckeye Assembly for Men in Nursing and has also completed the Innovation Fellowship through Ohio State's Center for Healthcare Innovation and Leadership.
Suzy Bureau, CPO
Chief Product Officer, Health Universe
Founder, GiveBackHack
Suzy Bureau is a proud Ohio State alumna and chief product officer at Health Universe, where she leads product strategy to automate healthcare workflows with AI. With over 15 years of experience as an early-stage and growth product leader in health care technology, Suzy has built her career at the intersection of cutting-edge tech, innovation and social impact. She joined CoverMyMeds in early startup stages as the first product leader, helping drive its growth to a $1.3 billion acquisition by McKesson. Suzy is also the founder and board member of GiveBackHack, an organization that has coached thousands of attendees from more than 20 countries to prototype social impact ideas, distributing funding to promising initiatives. Through her work teaching Design Thinking and Product Management Fundamentals, she empowers individuals—regardless of background—to bring ideas to reality in sustainable and scalable ways. Suzy has been recognized as VentureOhio's Catalyst of the Year, YWCA Woman on the Rise, and Columbus Business First 40 Under 40. She is passionate about building communities and products that create meaningful impact in health care and beyond.
Lalita Kaligotla, EdD, MA, MBA
Associate Professor
Senior Director for Leadership, Policy Engagement and Innovation
The Ohio State University College of Nursing
Dr. Kaligotla has deep and broad experience and expertise in creating, implementing and evaluating experiential models that integrate adaptive leadership, human-centered design and applied policy analysis—empowering leaders to address health, social and public policy challenges. Leveraging her interdisciplinary expertise in higher education, health policy and innovation, Dr. Kaligotla is a catalyst for future-facing, policy-informed nursing leadership rooted in creativity, innovation and impact. Her interests span curricular design and evaluation, policy advocacy, workforce development and civic engagement. She leads initiatives that connect academic, community, and policy partners to co-create sustainable solutions for complex health and social challenges.