FNS Section Award Recipients
The AAFS Forensic Nursing Science Section Awards were presented at the AAFS Annual Scientific Conference in New Orleans, LA. Each award recognizes innovation, science, and service by a forensic nurse.
Virginia Lynch Nurse Innovator Award
Awarded to Janean M. Fossum, BSN
This innovation award is given to a forensic nurse actively engaged in forensic nursing leadership, practice, service, and/or education. Forensic nurses nominated for this award demonstrate significant achievement in advancing forensic nursing through endeavors that help improve health and legal outcomes in patients affected by trauma, violence, and maltreatment.
Forensic Nurse Scientist Award
Awarded to Michelle Patch, PhD
This science award is given to a forensic nurse scholar who is actively engaged in advancing the science of forensic nursing. Forensic nurses nominated for this award demonstrate significant achievement in the areas of forensic nursing research development, implementation, translation, and/or dissemination.
Forensic Nurse Distinguished Service Award
Awarded to Amy Y. Carney, PhD
This service award is given to a Fellow who has demonstrated meritorious service in the areas of forensic nursing science. The award recognizes a person who has exhibited significant contributions to the development and/or dissemination of forensic nursing by advancing practice, mentoring, leadership, administration, or scholarship.
Special thanks to our Award Committee Chair, Diana Faugno, and Patricia Speck. Would you like to recognize a member for their contributions and work in Forensic Nursing? We need to hear from you! Please step forward and nominate someone or yourself as outlined in the criteria. The submission deadline is October 15, 2026.
Submission consists of an application stating the specific award and the person being nominated with their demographic information (email, cell phone, address), supported by two letters of recommendation, their current CV, and a headshot photograph.
Please submit your nominations to Diana Faugno at diana@dianafaugno.com.
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