Advancing Scholarship and Capacity for Emerging Nursing Doctorates
Building Global Nursing Leadership
The ASCEND program at York University addresses a critical global need: strengthening nursing education and research capacity in regions facing significant healthcare challenges. Building a robust, well-educated nursing workforce is essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals and improving health outcomes. Yet nursing education systems in many regions need additional capacity and support to prepare the next generation of nurse leaders and educators.
About ASCEND
Through ASCEND, we create pathways for exceptional nursing faculty from partner institutions to pursue their PhD in Nursing. Selected scholars may receive tuition scholarships from York University Faculty of Health, along with comprehensive support to develop research addressing critical health challenges in ASCEND scholars' home countries.
Selected ASCEND scholars engage in rigorous doctoral education while conducting research that addresses health priorities in their communities. Through mentorship, research collaboration, and professional development opportunities, scholars strengthen their expertise as nurse researchers and educators. The program builds on existing partnerships between York University and educational institutions globally, fostering knowledge exchange and advancing nursing scholarship across borders.
ASCEND scholars conduct research that addresses pressing healthcare challenges in their communities while strengthening nursing education capacity. Through mentored research opportunities, scholars develop expertise that directly enhances curriculum development, teaching practices, and healthcare delivery in their home institutions.
Juliet Abredu
ASCEND SCHOLAR —
"A Turning Point for Global Research"
Guided by my supervisor and committee, I am developing a project focused on viral hepatitis and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission in Ghana. York’s inclusive and diverse environment fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
For me, the ASCEND Program represents a turning point in my academic journey, making it possible to pursue my PhD in Nursing at York University, a long-held aspiration. My experience has been both enriching and intellectually stimulating, strengthening my critical thinking and qualitative research skills through rigorous coursework and mentorship.
Through ASCEND, I have gained essential academic and research competencies while collaborating with global experts. These opportunities allowed me to present our team’s research at a prominent international conference, further shaping my growth as a nurse scholar and my aspirations for future global scholarly engagement.
Veronica Salia
ASCEND SCHOLAR —
"Defining Milestone in Academic Journey"
Working alongside healthcare providers and managers in Ghana, my research identifies practical, locally relevant strategies for improving diabetes and foot care by bridging the gap between existing clinical guidelines and everyday practice.
York’s strong reputation in research excellence, combined with ASCEND’s financial support and mentorship, has empowered me to focus fully on my dissertation while strengthening my scholarly voice. It marked a defining milestone, recognizing my potential as an emerging nurse scholar.
Through this experience, I have evolved from identifying primarily as a clinician and educator to embracing my role as a researcher committed to meaningful, evidence-informed health systems improvement.
Moses Robertson Anyigba
ASCEND SCHOLAR —
"Empowering Financial Support & Mentorship"
My doctoral research at York University focuses on leveraging nursing innovations to champion the management of diabetes in Ghana. By emphasizing practical impact and collaboration, I aim to culturally adapt evidence-based healthcare interventions that improve the recognition and management of hypoglycaemia in adults with diabetes.
The ASCEND Program has been a life-changing financial breakthrough and a sustaining backbone in my journey. By covering my tuition fees, the program relieved the constant anxiety of financial burdens, providing me with the peace of mind to focus fully on the rigorous demands of my doctoral studies.
York’s unique culture of inclusivity and mentorship attracted me to this path, ensuring that emerging scholars are nurtured to lead. Through ASCEND, I have been empowered to achieve a level playing field in nursing science, evolving into a researcher dedicated to driving impactful transformation in healthcare systems.
Collaborative Learning Environment
ASCEND scholars become part of a dynamic community of nurse researchers at York University who are passionate about global health innovation. This collaborative environment encourages rich knowledge exchange between scholars while maintaining vital connections with home institutions. The program integrates advanced coursework and research opportunities to develop expertise in both nursing research and education.
Scholars work alongside leading researchers whose interests align with their research goals and community health priorities. These mentoring relationships often evolve into lasting research partnerships that continue to benefit participating institutions.
Support our ASCEND Scholars
Join ASCEND
We welcome applications from nursing faculty at partner institutions who are committed to advancing nursing education and research.
ASCEND invites engagement from:
- Educational institutions interested in partnership opportunities
- Organizations and individuals interested in supporting scholarships
- Nursing faculty in regions facing significant healthcare challenges seeking to pursue doctoral studies