Bianca Beyer Award

My name is Morgan MacNeil, and I am a PhD in Nursing candidate at Dalhousie University, working under the supervision of Dr. Marsha Campbell-Yeo. My research explores how the infant brain responds to pain—particularly in babies who may be at risk for developing neurological impairment. 

My journey into nursing has always been rooted in a deep curiosity about science and a passion for mentorship. Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, I was naturally drawn to the clinical world from a young age. At the same time, I was influenced by remarkable teachers and coaches who instilled in me the importance of guiding others and making a difference through knowledge and compassion. Nursing felt like the perfect intersection of those two callings: a field where I could explore complex scientific questions while supporting others through some of life’s most vulnerable moments. 

Being a nurse has allowed me to wear many hats—caregiver, advocate, collaborator, and scholar. It has given me the privilege of holding space for people during their most joyful and most difficult times, of contributing to interdisciplinary innovation, and of helping to shape the future of evidence-based care. 

Throughout my time in the doctoral program, I’ve been privileged to grow not only as a researcher, but also as a compassionate leader and learner. My work is more than academic—it’s personal. I am especially driven by the possibility that my research could one day improve the lives of children like my younger sister, who has Down syndrome. This connection continues to anchor my work and reminds me daily why I chose this path.