Meet Robin.

Robin Elkins, a PhD student at WVU School of Nursing has been named one of the 2024-2026 Jonas Scholars.

The American Association of College Nursing (AACN) and Jonas Nursing announced 63 doctoral students across 25 states as Jonas Scholars. Collectively, these students will receive over $1 million in scholarship funds.

Jonas Nursing is a philanthropic initiative that works toward providing financial assistance, leadership development and networking support for nursing faculty, researchers and practiced nurses. They aim to empower doctoral nursing scholars across all 50 states. Being a Jonas Scholar is being a part of a supportive network of distinguished nurses.

Elkins will receive a mentor to guide her through developing into nursing faculty and $12,000 to support her tuition and other academic expenses. She would like to obtain a faculty position to continue sharing her experiences and knowledge so she can educate the next generation.

"I am honored to be selected to join the 2024-2026 cohort of Jonas Scholars," Elkins said. “The resources it provides will enable me to pursue my goals and make a difference.”

Elkins wants to help make change in her research areas: intersection of obesity, weight bias, chronic disease and social determinants of health. When intervening for obesity, she would like to see the removal of bias and blame, more consideration of any barriers, and looking at patients from different perspectives.

“I hope being a Jonas Scholar will help me develop a strong peer network and learn from national leaders,” Elkins said. “This will help me pursue my goals and continue to learn; I plan to continue moving forward and not stop until things improve with education, treatment, and policies.”

Elkins hopes to reduce stigma and develop treatments, as she believes it impacts successful weight management. She said she has a special interest in this area of research because three members of her family were over 500 pounds.

When one of those family members tried to receive medical attention, they were stigmatized, and they never went back for help. That person died at a young age. Back then she was too young to help her, but she feels now she can help others.

“I love what I study because I hope to be someone's voice one day, as we all need one,” Elkins said.

As weight management medications are expensive and not many insurance companies cover them, Elkins finds it more important than ever to use her voice to help people.