Achievements and Impact
New alumnus today, incoming DNP candidate tomorrow (literally).
After 25 years as an EMT, Kris Ferrara is charting a bold new path in nursing—earning his BSN and stepping directly into a Doctor of Nursing Practice program the very next day. Along the way, he benefitted from support through the Nursing Alumni Association, helping him continue to move forward with confidence. Balancing multiple roles while staying focused on advancing patient care, his story is one of determination, purpose, and momentum.
Read the full story: https://www.upstate.edu/news/articles/2026/2026-04-30-kris.php
Publication Spotlight:
Bridging Research & Patient Care: Dr. Mary Forgea’s Study on Stroke Rehabilitation
The Nursing Alumni Association is proud to spotlight Mary Catherine Forgea, PhD, RN, whose recent research was featured in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing. Dr. Forgea’s study, Factors Affecting Functional Improvement in the Initial Stroke Rehabilitation of Older Adults, explores how early rehabilitation efforts and personalized care strategies can significantly improve recovery outcomes for stroke survivors. Her work contributes valuable insights to the ongoing conversation about optimizing stroke rehabilitation and underscores the importance of patient-centered care.
Dr. Forgea holds a PhD in Nursing from the University at Buffalo and currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Upstate Medical University. Inspired by her parents' careers in nursing, she has dedicated herself to advancing the field through both education and research. In addition to her scholarly contributions, Dr. Forgea takes pride in fostering the next generation of nurses, while balancing her professional achievements with a commitment to family, wellness, and lifelong learning.
Congratulations on your publication from your friends at the Upstate College of Nursing Alumni Association!
Read Dr. Forgea's paper here: Journal of Neuroscience Nursing