Ulster University is proud to celebrate the success of two outstanding members of its School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, who were recognised at the Royal College of Nursing Northern Ireland (RCN NI) Nurse of the Year Awards 2026.
Held at the Culloden Estate on Thursday 4 June, the awards ceremony marked a proud moment for the School with Dr Andrea Shepherd, Deputy Head of School, receiving the Nursing Research Award and Michaela Devine, a third-year Adult Nursing student, being presented with the Student Award.
Dr Andrea Shepherd received the Nursing Research Award, sponsored by Ulster University, in recognition of her pioneering contribution to nursing research.
Andrea has led pioneering person-centred research that advances understanding of families’ experiences of brain-computer interface technology. Her work has developed a new framework to guide ethical, person-centred nursing practice, highlighting the crucial role of nurses in supporting families and embedding family perspectives in emerging neurotechnology services.
On receiving this award, Dr Andrea Shepherd, Deputy Head of School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, commented:
“Winning the RCN NI Nursing Research Award is both a tremendous honour and a deeply meaningful recognition of my research journey. I am immensely proud of this achievement, not only as a personal milestone but also as recognition of the value and impact that nursing research can have on the people we care for, families and healthcare practice.“As a nurse, educator and researcher, it is particularly rewarding to see my research recognised by the profession, especially given the years of commitment, perseverance and collaboration required to bring the work to completion.“The award acknowledges the importance of understanding the experiences of families living with the uncertainty of disorders of consciousness and locked-in syndrome, and their interactions with emerging brain-computer interface technologies. It reinforces my belief that, while healthcare technology continues to advance at pace, nursing has a crucial role in ensuring that care remains compassionate, person-centred and focused on what matters most to the people we care for and their families. “I hope this recognition will continue to raise the profile of nursing research and inspire others to pursue research that has the potential to improve care, inform practice and make a meaningful difference to people's lives.”
Also honoured on the evening was Michaela Devine, a third-year Adult Nursing student, who received the Student Award, sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast.
Michaela’s journey has shaped the nurse she aspires to be, dedicated to supporting individuals holistically and delivering care with integrity and compassion. Her achievement highlights both her individual commitment and the strength of Ulster University’s approach to nurturing future healthcare leaders.
Winner of the Student Award, Michaela Devine, said:
“I am truly honoured to receive this award and to be recognised for something I am so passionate about. It has strengthened my confidence as I prepare to qualify as a nurse and has inspired me to continue providing high-quality compassionate care, for my patients and their families.”
The recognition of both a senior academic leader and a student within the same institution underscores the breadth of talent and impact across Ulster University’s nursing community.
Professor Neal Cook, Head of School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, said:
“The Royal College of Nursing NI Nurse of the Year Awards provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate excellence across the nursing community, with the School of Nursing and Paramedic Science enjoying a memorable and inspiring evening. “We extend our congratulations to Dr Andrea Shepherd and student Michaela Devine on their well-deserved success. Their achievements reflect the impact, compassion and excellence that continue to inspire our nursing community, while also demonstrating the significant contribution of Ulster University staff and students to advancing healthcare practice, education, research and the care of people across Northern Ireland and beyond.”
Congratulations to both Andrea and Michaela on this outstanding achievement and well-deserved recognition.
Find out more:
Visit RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year | Royal College of Nursing for more information and a full list of award winners.
