UCF College of Nursing student Ilana Logvinov has been selected as a 2024-2026 Jonas Scholar, joining a group of 63 of the nation’s most promising doctoral nursing students chosen for their passion for teaching, academic excellence and research prowess.

The national program, led by Jonas Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, aims to improve healthcare by expanding the pool of doctoral-prepared nurses needed to educate the next generation of nurse leaders.

The Jonas Scholar program will aid Logvinov in her academic and research pursuits. In addition to financial support, Jonas Scholars receive mentorship and a curriculum tailored to providing students with the learning experiences they need to successfully transition into a faculty role.

“I am thankful to be selected as a Jonas Scholar, which will support my academic and professional goals to improve nursing practice and patient care,” she says.

Immigrating to the U.S. to Pursue Possibilities

Selection for this program is a testament to Logvinov’s grit, determination and hard work.

“For me, becoming a nurse educator is not just a career to-do list, it is a relentless tug from within that I could not ignore due to my persistent academic determination,” Logvinov says.

Logvinov is a first-generation college graduate. She earned her nursing degree and began her nursing career in the Ukraine before immigrating to the U.S. in 1997.

“Like many other refugees, I sought opportunities in the land of opportunities,” she says. “But let me tell you, those opportunities did not come knocking on my door; I had to chase them down myself.”

In the U.S., she had to start over, learn a new language, and take classes to gain access to nursing school. Through her perseverance and a little help from people who supported her, she never stopped believing in herself and never stopped learning.

After earning her initial associate degree in nursing, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and most recently, her first doctoral degree in nursing (a Doctor of Nursing Practice, or DNP, degree) all while advancing in her nursing career in the U.S.

At the Mayo Clinic in Florida, where she has worked since 2003, she continued to pursue learning opportunities. She became a Silver certified Mayo Clinic Quality Fellow and a Certified Clinical Research Professional.

Currently, Logvinov is an assistant professor of anesthesiology and nursing at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a research program manager for the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Florida. In addition, she is a visiting professor at Chamberlain University.

Inspiring Educational Excellence

“As an educator, I want to make a difference in nursing education and cultivate a new era of excellence by providing the next generation of nurses with the knowledge, skills and compassion to excel,” she says.

To do this, she incorporates technology, interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities for professional development in her classes to prepare students for the complex and rapidly evolving field of healthcare.

Logvinov also fosters a culture of learning and is committed to student retention, especially among English as a second language students.

“I value mentoring others in the same way I have been mentored because navigating academia can be challenging, especially for first-generation college students or immigrants to the United States,” says Logvinov.

Improving Outcomes for Older Adults

After earning her nursing Ph.D. from UCF, Logvinov plans to become a full-time faculty member at a university to work as a nurse scientist while mentoring the next generation of nurses and researchers.

Inspired by her clinical career in the U.S., Logvinov’s primary research interests are in gerontology, examining the impact of surgical procedures and anesthesia on older adults.

“My research has focused on the intersection of aging and perianesthesia nursing,” she says.

At the Mayo Clinic, she earned the distinction of an associate in anesthesiology — an honor given to allied health professionals for research contributions.

At UCF, she plans to continue to her research and expand nursing science and knowledge about the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of aging in surgical care.

“My goal is to improve the well-being and quality of life for older adults, leaving a legacy in geriatric healthcare and research,” she says.