An acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died (at the age of 33) from complications of the auto-immune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Patrick’s family was very touched by the remarkable compassion and clinical skill demonstrated by Patrick’s nurses during his illness, so they created DAISY to recognize exceptional nurses everywhere. The DAISY Foundation is dedicated to saying Thank You to Nurses and is now proud to recognize Nursing Faculty with The DAISY Faculty Award.
Earning a DAISY Award is within the reach of nursing faculty and nursing students at 165 schools of nursing that have partnered with the program. A combined total of more than 1,000 nursing faculty and students have earned a DAISY Award.
All DAISY Awardees
A recent graduate of UC Irvine’s Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), Chavez-Carillo received the 2025 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Student. “Diana embodies the purest of hearts, and getting through nursing school with her by my side has truly been a blessing. She has faced so many challenges, yet always comes out the other side with positivity, warmth, and a smile. During our pediatric rotations, I watched her care for a young patient with such compassion while offering calm reassurance to an anxious family. Even when we were exhausted and overwhelmed, Diana never missed a chance to show empathy and kindness to her patients and their loved ones. She is a breath of fresh air, someone who always sees the glass half full. Every group project with Diana has felt like a meaningful experience rather than just another assignment. She brings positivity, curiosity, and a true sense of teamwork to everything she does. Nursing is undeniably her calling, she leads with heart, humility, and the kind of courageous strength that makes every patient feel safe, seen, and cared for. Diana exemplifies the mission of the UCI Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing by championing collaboration, compassion, and interdisciplinary, evidence-based practice in all that she does.”
Dr. Sarah Campbell, DNP, FNP-C, was nominated for the 2025 Faculty DAISY Award. Dr. Campbell has had a profound impact on the future practice of her nursing students through her innovative and compassionate approach to education. She has developed a CBT-based intervention to help nursing students reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, demonstrating her commitment to their mental health and well-being. This intervention not only supports students during their studies but also equips them with valuable tools for their future careers in nursing. Using personal attributes such as caring, compassion, and empathy, Dr. Campbell has created a supportive learning environment for doctoral students facing challenges during their studies. Her approach encourages learning by addressing the holistic needs of her students, allowing them to thrive academically and personally. Dr. Campbell inspires and motivates students beyond the classroom by actively engaging in community education programs. She provided education on the ‘three Ds’ (dementia, delirium, depression) to diverse community college students aspiring to become LVNs in long-term care facilities. By using case stories and active learning tools, she made complex topics accessible and engaging, inspiring future nurses to provide high-quality care for older adults with complex conditions. Furthermore, Dr. Campbell has developed collaborative working relationships with students, colleagues, and the community. Her involvement in interdisciplinary projects and her presentations at national conferences demonstrate her commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration across the nursing field. Dr. Campbell’s dedication to student support, innovative teaching methods, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration make her an exceptional candidate for the UCI Daisy Faculty Award. Her work not only impacts her current students but also shapes the future of nursing practice by preparing compassionate, knowledgeable, and resilient healthcare professionals.”
A recent graduate of UC Irvine’s Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), Adewunmi received the DAISY award for Extraordinary Student. “The DAISY award came as a huge surprise, and I feel incredibly honored to have been recognized,” said Adewunmi. “This award acknowledges not just me, but my family, friends, and educators who have supported me. It also honors the patients and families who encouraged me to keep striving to be a nurse.”
Adewunmi said her time at UC Irvine equipped her with the necessary skills and confidence to pursue her passion for nursing, particularly in maternal and women’s health, and her commitment to delivering compassionate care and fostering meaningful connections with her patients.
“The strong theoretical foundation and practical curriculum at UC Irvine prepared me exceptionally well for the challenges of healthcare,” Adewunmi added. “I am dedicated to lifelong learning and aim to specialize in a field that aligns with my interests, all while advocating for healthcare access and making a positive difference in my community.”
Philippe Pierre Trajano, a dedicated clinical nurse at UCI Medical Center, received the DAISY award for Extraordinary Nurse Educator. Trajano, known for his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of nurses, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition.
“To me, receiving the DAISY award is one of the greatest honors as a Nurse,” said Trajano. “The nomination alone assures me that I have positively impacted the experience of at least one student, who will go on to touch the lives of many in need. I hope to continue growing as an educator to share my knowledge and inspire new nurses.”
In addition to his role in the Emergency Department, where he handles trauma care, ER bedside assistance, and triage coordination, Trajano serves as a clinical preceptor to new graduate nurses and transition of care nurses from various departments. His diverse experience makes him a particularly qualified candidate for guiding nursing students as they pursue their future careers within the healthcare industry.
