Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing, New York Alumnae Association/Edith G. Ryan and Joan Herman Bilder Scholarship
For Graduate Nursing Students Exhibiting Excellence in Academics and Leadership
Established in 2024, by the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing, New York Alumnae Association, this permanent scholarship was named in honor of Edith G. Ryan, who was a graduate of the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing class of 1916. She was the first nursing supervisor of the Semi-Private Housman Pavilion and was a beloved mentor and admired supervisor for many Mount Sinai graduates.
Joan Herman Bilder, a graduate of the class of 1955 and a faculty member of the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing, is also honored by this scholarship. Ms. Bilder was a nursing leader at Montefiore Einstein Medical Center, Weiler Division, where she served from 1965 until her death in 1987. The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing New York Alumnae Association gave an annual award in her name to honor nursing excellence. A scholarship in her memory was started by her husband the Honorable Judge Lawrence Bilder, who was special counsel to Governor Hughes of New Jersey.
NEF awards this scholarship to master's or doctoral nursing students exhibiting excellence in academics and nursing leadership.
Featured Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing, New York Alumnae Association / Edith G. Ryan & Joan Herman Bilder Scholarship Recipients
The two recipients of this scholarship so far are both nurse leaders who are building on clinical experience to advance nursing practice through graduate education, teaching, and mentorship:
Francesca Gardella, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, CNE
- Is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), providing exceptional didactic and clinical instruction across Adult Med-Surg, Critical Care, and Obstetrical courses, and was recognized with the OHSU DAISY Award
- Maintains clinical expertise as a Per Diem Charge Registered Nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center
- Conducted research on delirium evaluation and management, and presented it at the American Delirium Society Conference
- Selected for the Medical Review Auschwitz immersive educational program in Kraków, Poland
Joelle Craft, MA, BSN, RN, CCRN, NPD-BC
- Transitioned from a bedside charge nurse in the intensive care unit to a clinical educator in a rural hospital, where she supports nursing staff and promotes excellence in clinical practice
- Holds certifications as a Critical Care Registered Nurse and in Nursing Professional Development, reflecting her commitment to clinical excellence and lifelong learning
- Is committed to delivering holistic, equitable, and patient-centered care as a family nurse practitioner to individuals and families in her community, particularly in the primary care setting