Dr. Michelle DePhillips embodies the qualities of an exemplary nurse educator, role model, and mentor, inspiring students through her passion for the intersection of nursing, global health, and climate change. She brings energy and enthusiasm to every learning environment, motivating students to see themselves as future leaders and advocates in the profession.

As a faculty member, Dr. DePhillips integrates her expertise in climate health into the honors section of Population Health and across the curriculum, encouraging students to explore how climate impacts health outcomes locally and globally. She serves as a mentor by engaging students in meaningful discussions, connecting them with advocacy initiatives, and modeling how nurses can influence change at both community and global levels.

Her enthusiasm for teaching is infectious and inspires students to think beyond traditional boundaries of nursing practice. Her own professional development and accomplishments exemplify her commitment to lifelong learning and advocacy. She was accepted into Sigma's Virtual Mini Academy: Global Advocacy, where she refined her advocacy skills and collaborated to advance the Nurses Climate Challenge across Sigma chapters.

She also serves as a Nurse Fellow for the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education, a prestigious appointment through Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. In this role, she has contributed to global initiatives, including presenting at COP28 in Dubai and educating community health workers in India on heat-related illness. Dr. DePhillips's leadership in integrating climate and health into nursing education, combined with her recognition as a Delaware Today Top Nurse for Advancing & Leading the Profession, illustrates her extraordinary contributions to nursing.

Through her passion, scholarship, and mentorship, she is shaping the next generation of nurses to be compassionate caregivers, advocates, and leaders for a healthier and more sustainable future."

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Dr. DePhillips is an exceptional educator whose student-centered approach reflects the very spirit of the DAISY Foundation's combining knowledge, compassion, and mentorship to inspire the next generation of nurses.

Since joining the University of Delaware School of Nursing, Dr. DePhillips has distinguished herself as an enthusiastic, innovative, and compassionate educator. She is deeply committed to creating learning environments that are rigorous and evidence-based, yet supportive and engaging. Students consistently describe her as approachable, caring, and willing to go above and beyond to ensure their success.

Her teaching reflects the belief that every student can thrive when guided with respect, encouragement, and a commitment to their individual growth. Dr. DePhillips is remarkably open to feedback and adapts quickly to meet student and program needs. She thoughtfully designs her courses to be interactive and meaningful, fostering the type of critical thinking and compassionate practice that are essential for nursing. Beyond the classroom, she invests in her students as individuals - listening, mentoring, and celebrating their successes.

Her ability to balance high academic expectations with genuine care makes her an extraordinary role model. In addition to her teaching, Dr. DePhillips is committed to her own professional growth. She eagerly seeks opportunities to develop her skills and apply new strategies, reflecting her dedication to excellence in nursing education. For her student-centered teaching, her compassionate approach to mentoring, and her unwavering commitment to shaping compassionate, skilled nurses.