The National Advisory Council for Nursing Research has a new member, and she happens to be from NIU.

Marilyn Frank Stromborg, chair professor of NIU’s School of Nursing, will be one of seven nurses on the 15-member board.

Stromborg said she was shocked to find out about her new position, and said it will be the first time anyone from NIU is on the council.

“I think it’s a great honor for the [nursing] school and the university,” Stromborg said.

She received an invitation about a month ago from Tommy Thompson, secretary of Health and Human Sciences.

Stromborg will make three to four trips to Washington, D.C., every year for council meetings, and she will give advice and recommendations to leaders of the Department of Health and Human Resources, the National Institutes of Health and other national institutions, such as the military.

She said she is excited about the opportunity it presents to her and NIU.

“You really have a handle on what type of research is being valued and funded,” Stromborg said about being on the council. “It gives me a platform to advocate for research in this area.”

Stromborg will serve a three-year term, and she begins her service immediately.