Isabella Longo

Senior Isabella Longo is wrapping up her final year with a flourish. The Freshman Direct Admit nursing student was recently honored with the Woman of Impact Leadership award during the 2026 Women’s Leadership Seminar, hosted by Florida Atlantic University’s Weppner Center for LEAD and Service-Learning.

“Being one of the recipients of the 2026 Women of Impact Leadership award is a great honor, and I am proud to represent the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing,” expressed Longo. “I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to learn and lead at Florida Atlantic, and I plan to carry these experiences into my future endeavors.”

Longo chose to attend Florida Atlantic and pursue a degree at the College of Nursing with the goal of dedicating her life to caring for others.

“The nursing field revolves around making a positive difference in patients’ lives,” stated Longo. “I hope to help those I encounter throughout my career with the skills, education and holistic sense of caring I have developed during my time at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.”

Under the guidance of mentor Armiel Suriaga, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the College of Nursing, Longo served as group leader for the project, “The Effect of Postpartum Depression on Mother-Baby Relationships,” which won the 2024 Best Poster award from the Iota Xi at-Large Chapter International Honor Society of Nursing. The research was conducted along with her team members: Claire Trefry, Emma Morris, Gabi Falkowski, Sydney Gibbons, Mackenzie Zweeres and Dr. Suriaga.

“Collaborating as a research team to help improve patient outcomes has been especially meaningful, and I am grateful for the experience,” shared Longo. “Dr. Suriaga has been an exceptional mentor to me during my time at Florida Atlantic. His expertise in nursing research and dedication to his students have truly inspired my interest in the field.”

Longo also credits Jaquie Marshall, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor and director of assessment, evaluation and student success, as an influential mentor. Marshall, a panelist at the Women’s Leadership Seminar, helped guide Longo’s interest in nursing leadership.

Outside the classroom, Longo has been a member of the Phi Mu Fraternity, where she has served in many leadership roles, including academic excellence chairwoman and chapter president.

“Leading my peers to achieve academic, philanthropic and personal excellence has been both inspiring and rewarding,” said Longo. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a leader in the Florida Atlantic Fraternity and Sorority Life community.”

Following her anticipated graduation in May 2026, Longo aims to continue her education and earn a graduate degree. She hopes to continue to push the boundaries of excellence in nursing through research and leadership, as well as expand the patient experience on all levels.

“My passion for keeping the ‘care’ in health care has only grown throughout my time in the College of Nursing,” noted Longo. “I hope to create positive change in the nursing field through patient care, leadership and meaningful contributions to the nursing community.”