INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Jazel Sugay

Jazel Sugay’s nursing career began far from the bedside behind a laboratory bench, conducting infectious disease research. While she was fascinated by the science, she quickly realized she missed the human connection, the very reason research matters. That realization inspired her to pursue nursing, where she discovered her true calling in oncology care. Working with oncology patients was challenging, emotional, and deeply meaningful, but Jazel found her ultimate niche when she discovered oncology clinical research nursing.

Bridging Science and Compassion

Oncology clinical research nursing, a specialty formally recognized by the American Nurses Association only in 2016, was still emerging when Jazel entered the field in 2018. With few resources available, she had to carve her own path, building her expertise while sharing knowledge with others along the way. Her work allows her to merge her love for science with her dedication to patient care, helping advance life-changing research while supporting patients and their families through clinical trials.

Shaping the Future of Clinical Research Nursing

Today, Jazel continues to mentor, educate, and engage with professional organizations to raise awareness about the value of clinical research nurses. She is passionate about expanding access to this growing specialty and inspiring other nurses who share her dual passion for research and patient care. “My journey from the lab to the bedside to clinical trials nursing has shown me that the greatest impact happens when science and compassion work hand in hand,” she reflects. “I want to help shape the future of clinical research and the oncology nursing community.”

The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly celebrates Jazel Sugay as a 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for her dedication to advancing oncology clinical research nursing and inspiring the next generation of nurses to lead in this vital field.

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