Citing her extensive research endeavors, the University of Connecticut recently honored Jean W. Lange, Ph.D., associate professor and director of graduate studies of Fairfield University's School of Nursing, with The Marlene Kramer Outstanding Alumni Award for Research in Nursing.

Dr. Lange's latest research pursuits include exploring cardiovascular disease among Puerto Rican women, and investigating the role of spirituality in coping with chronic disease. Earlier this year, she began working with her Fairfield colleague Philip A. Greiner, DNSc, RN,associate professor of nursing, to develop and test a 'train the trainer' model to disseminate evidence-based best practices in the nursing care of older adults. This is part of a three-year, federally-funded effort.

"I felt honored to be recognized publicly for my contributions to nursing research by my colleagues at the University of Connecticut," said Dr. Lange, who was honored at UConn's School of Nursing's 10th Annual Alumni Banquet. "I tend to be immersed in what I am doing and don't realize that others feel what I do is making an impact on the profession. It is very rewarding to have my work acknowledged in this way."

Jeanne Novotny, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing, said Fairfield nursing students have greatly gained from Dr. Lange's wealth of knowledge. "She is exceptionally well qualified by academic and clinical preparation. She is a true national nursing leader who helps the School of Nursing provide one of the highest standards of nursing education in the country."

In 1999, Dr. Lange was the first to earn a doctorate from UConn's School of Nursing. She is a recognized scholar in cross-cultural research, instrument development, cardiovascular disease management and gerontological nursing education.

She has been published extensively, and has received many grants over the years for her projects. For example, in 2002, Dr. Lange was the recipient of a three-year grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation to develop gerontological expertise among faculty and to integrate gerontology into the curriculum.

Dr. Lange's exemplary resume includes early roles as a staff nurse at various hospitals and her eventual rise to Cardiovascular Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator and Clinical Preceptor. She has also served as a lecturer at Yale University and Quinnipiac University.

She has received numerous awards, including the Carolyn Ladd Widmer Research Award, National Primary Care Week: Most Collaborative Project Award, and Infusing Geriatrics into the Nursing Curriculum Award. She also received the honor of Distinguished Nurse Researcher by Sigma Theta Tau, Mu Chi Chapter. Dr. Lange received a B.S.N. from the State University of New York at Binghamton, and a M.N. from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a focus on Medical-Surgical Nursing.

Posted On: 11-26-2006 10:11 AM

Volume: 39 Number: 92