Simulation Center DNP Projects & Awards KPSA Faculty Awards and Acknowledgments KPSA Clinical Instructor of the Year Clinical Site of the Year Agatha Hodgins Memorial Award John J Nagelhout Memorial Award Research and Evidence-Based Practice Award CSUF Contributions to Professional Nursing Award

Simulation Center

State-of-the-Art Simulation Center

Our state-of-the-art simulation center provides a safe learning environment that allows students to practice technical skills while integrating knowledge into practice. Our simulation center is equipped with the most modern technology and equipment, including but not limited to:

Adult and infant high-fidelity Leardal™ mannequin-based simulators
Subarachnoid block and epidural task trainers
Storz™ C-MAC™ video laryngoscopes/flexible intubating video endoscopes
Ambu™ fiberoptic bronchoscopes
Glidescope™ video laryngoscopes/flexible intubating video endoscopes
McGrath™ video laryngoscopes
Blue Phantom™ ultrasound task trainers
SonoSim™ Point-of-care ultrasound task trainers
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) simulators.

First Year

Sterile Technique
Anesthesia Gas Machines
Pre-operative Evaluation
Induction of Anesthesia
Basic Airway Workshop
Spinal Workshop
Problem-based Simulation
TeamStepps®
Differential Diagnosis

Second and Third Years

Central Line Workshop
Pediatric Induction
Epidural Workshop
Double Lumen Endotracheal Tube Insertion
Differential Diagnosis
Crisis Resource Management
Peripheral Nerve Block Workshop
Advanced Difficult Airway Workshop
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) Workshop
Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Workshop

DNP Projects & Awards

Our program’s practice-oriented doctorate, combined with the academic education and clinical experience received throughout the program, prepares graduates to meet the demands of an increasingly complex healthcare system. Below are some of our graduates’ program projects from the College of Health and Human Development Student Research Showcase.

2026

Anesthesia Technique and Stroke Occurrence After Carotid Endarterectomy: A Secondary NSQIP Analysis
Cecily Dallow, Mark Kantor, Kate Manalo, Aliza Matthews
Developing a Predictive Model for Maternal Morbidity After Cesarean Delivery
Joanna Gaertner, Elizabeth Neiswender, Christina Tuttle

Award:
- 21st Annual Nursing Research Symposium, Azusa Pacific University, School of Nursing – Invited in-person poster presentation
Developing an Awake Flexible Intubation Education and Training Module Using the Delphi Method
Patrick Dilena, Carly Dorminy, Connor Murray, Cooper Wise
Developing and Implementing an Educational Module on Postoperative Unplanned Reintubation
Michelle Dukhovny, Huy Nguyen, Sandra Zhu

Award:
- AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo – Invited podium presentation
Development of an E-learning Module for Ultrasound-Guided Arterial Line Insertion
Kimson Cantos, Cyrus Heravi, Madeline Kamiyama, Ryan Scimeca
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Clinical Decision Support Tool for Perioperative Glucose Management
Alex Awad, Adrianne Causing, Isaac Kim, Vivien Schultz
Exploring Fresh Gas Flow Rates for Sevoflurane and Creating Best Practice Recommendations
Samantha Ferraro, Hunter Jeffers, Kannitha Lor, Kyle O’Reilly
Patient Care Experiences with Anesthesia Based on an Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Survey
Philip Caro, Abigail Kahn, Shawn Weinberger

Award:
- 21st Annual Nursing Research Symposium, Azusa Pacific University, School of Nursing – Award for Completed Research Category

2025

Analyzing the NSQIP Database for Risk Factors Related to Perioperative Visual Loss
Bianca Danielle Alejo, Damon Austin, Janice Im, Jetrho Mercado
Development of a Cricothyrotomy Educational Module
Leyla Kousari, Meghan McDermott, Paul John Tesorero

Awards:
- 2025 AANA Education Committee Resident Video Contest Winner
- 2025 KPSA Research and Evidence-Based Practice Award
Development of a Formalized Evidence-Based Mentorship Program for Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Krysta Charles, Marc Gonzales, Thalia Hernandez, Lana Jahangard
Effects of Anesthesia Technique on Cardiac Outcomes After Carotid Endarterectomy: A Secondary Analysis of the NSQIP Database
Adrienne Garalza, Marielle Garalza, Marestel Martin, Diana Nguyen
Exploring Anesthesia Practitioners’ Perception of Ambulatory Surgery Center Patient Safety Culture
Caroline Card, Caroline Cline, Danae Doll

Award:
- 2025 KPSA Research and Evidence-Based Practice Award
Publications:
- Card C, Cline C, Doll D. Exploring anesthesia practitioners’ perception of patient safety culture. Int Student J Nurse Anesth. 2025;24(2):24-25.
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia uses AHRQ’s Surveys on Patient Safety Culture, TeamSTEPPS® AHRQ News Now. May 6, 2025. https://www.ahrq.gov/news/newsletters/e-newsletter/956.html
- Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia Uses AHRQ’s Surveys on Patient Safety Culture®, TeamSTEPPS®. Content last reviewed June 2025. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. https://www.ahrq.gov/news/newsroom/case-studies/202502.html
Identifying Risk Factors and Creating a Point Based Risk Calculator for Postoperative Pneumonia in Thoracic Surgery Patients
Olivia Caldwell, Sarah Cook, Hayden Johnston, Zachary Petterson

Awards:
- 20th Annual Nursing Research Symposium, Azusa Pacific University, School of Nursing – Award for Excellence in the Community Category
- 32nd National Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Conference, University of Iowa Healthcare – Poster Award
- Mae Orvis Healthcare Symposium, University of Nevada, Reno, Orvis School of Nursing – 3rd Place
Publication:
- Petterson Z, Cook S, Johnston H, Caldwell O, Al-Majid S, Rakovski C, Gabot M. Identifying risk factors and creating a point-based risk calculator for postoperative pneumonia in thoracic surgery patients. AANA J. 2026;94(2):115-122. doi:10.70278/AANAJ/.0000001053
Improving Intraoperative Glucose Management of Diabetic Patients
Breeanna Boyd, Nina Fofang, Yana Hakobyan, Roxanne Lyter
Low-Flow Anesthesia: Assessing Current Utilization and Creating Best Practice Recommendations
Sasha Hourany, Norman Kung, Kha Nguyen

2024

A Secondary Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database: Practice Recommendations to Reduce Adverse Postoperative Respiratory Occurrences
Malia Case, Abby Schrader, Evan Shmagranoff

Award: 2024 KPSA Research and Evidence-Based Practice Award

Publication: International Student Journal of Nurse Anesthesia Case M, Schrader A, Shmagranoff E. National database analysis to reduce adverse respiratory occurrences. Int Student J Nurse Anesth. 2024;23(3):40.
Developing a Cricothyrotomy Training Module: a Delphi Analysis
Jessica Godshall, Jake Moss
Developing a Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist Mentorship Program
Amanda Blanco, Leeshy Levi, Frances Stauber

Award: 19th Azusa Pacific University Nursing Research Symposium – Award for Excellence in the Community Category
Developing an Operating Room to Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Handoff Checklist: a Delphi Study
Justin Breazeale, Junelle Jones, Gina Yan
Developing and Implementing an Educational Module on Situational Leadership During Intraoperative Crises
Matthew Martin, Tiffany Nguyen
Exploring the Relationship Between Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intentions Among Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Survey
Alaina Yamamoto

Award: CSUF College of Health and Human Development Student Research Showcase – 1st Place for Best Poster Presentation
Implementing an Online Preceptorship Training Module for CRNAs
Ryan Han, Michelle Patzer, Han Tran
Implementing the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Hospital 2.0 Survey on Patient Safety Culture
Sarah Evangelista, Garrick Liang, Brandy Plascencia
Managing Perioperative Glucose of Diabetic Patients
Madinah Durrani, Hanh Le, Jessie Rellosa
Reducing Postoperative Reintubations Through a Risk Assessment Aid
Jacqueline Otake, Caroline Tan, Grace Troyer
The Safety and Efficacy of Sugammadex in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure
Jillian Stasiun
Transition to Practice Programs: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Britainie De Garbott

Award: CSUF College of Health and Human Development Student Research Showcase – 3rd Place for Best Student Oral Presentation

2023

Developing an Educational Module on Situational Leadership During Intraoperative Crises: A Delphi Analysis
Caitlin Hester, Elena Jin, Michelle Kim
Fluid Management Considerations for Colorectal Surgery: Understanding and Enhancing Intraoperative Fluid Management Guidelines for Anesthesia Providers
Sarah Cantrell, Karli Nihei, Susanna Smith

Publication: International Student Journal of Nurse Anesthesia
Cantrell S, Nihei K, Smith S. Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy for Colorectal Surgery. International Student Journal of Nurse Anesthesia. 2023;22(2):50-51.
Improving Standardization in the Perioperative Management of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices
Tom Roschek, Grant Tarrant, Bronsen Valentine
Online Preceptor Training Module to Improve the Clinical Experience: A Focus on Improving Knowledge, Preceptor Satisfaction, Confidence, and Comfort
Erica Butler, Michaela Holland, Alicia Johnson
Operating Room to Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Handoff Checklist
Marlonino Balajadia, Savannah Dominguez, Yasaman Karimianpour
Perioperative Glycemic Management of Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery
Niko Africano, Ryan De La Merced, Gustavo Leor
Postoperative Unplanned Intubation and Associated Patient Factors
Allison Aown, Ashley Bailey, Alexandra Kukurba
Postoperative Vision Loss Following Prone Spine Surgery
Azucena Becerra, Michael Liu, Molly Ronan

Award: CSUF Student Creative Activities and Research Day (SCAR) – 2nd Place

Publication: Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing
Becerra, A., Liu, M., Ronan, M., Giron, S. E., Yan, R., & Al-Majid, S. (2024). Perioperative Vision Loss Following Prone Spine Surgery: A Case-Control Study. Journal of perianesthesia nursing: official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses, S1089-9472(23)01069-9. Advance online publication.
Preoperative Hyperoxygenation for Reducing Risk of Surgical Site Infection in Colorectal Surgery Patients
Josiah Hoi, Brian Lin, Chris Radford
Reducing Perioperative Complications in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Marcus Jew, Mai Lor, Brett Miyamoto

Award: 18th Azusa Pacific University Nursing Research Symposium – Award for Excellence in the Community Category
Surgical Factors Associated with Unplanned Intubations
Mario Khong, Michael Ortegon

2022

A Rural California Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Workforce Study
Haiyun Bertrand, Se Park, Hana Yoo
Disaster Preparedness: Massive Power Outage in the OR
Joseph Ortega, Joshua Quesada, Caroline Yi
Implementation of Crisis Checklists: A Simulation-Based Toolkit
Leo Myo, Rex Itchon, Ryan Guinoo
Implementing a Clinical Decision Support Tool to Minimize Nitrous Oxide Use at a Southern California Kaiser Permanente Hospital
Rozely Barbero, Heather Todd, Mariam Youssef
Intraoperative IV Fluid Administration by Anesthesia Providers During Colorectal Surgery
Mason Cox, William Frappaolo, Francisco Lievano
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Quality Improvement Project
Monica Lang, Quinn Le, Devon Reeves
Operating Room to Intensive Care Unit Handoff for Cardiac Surgery
Vincent Risler, Karanbir Sumra, Graham Valley
Perioperative Glycemic Management of Diabetic Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery
Chelsea Putman, Tyler Stitt
Perioperative Opioid Reduction in Orthopedic Spine Surgeries
Jocelyn Brown, Blake Ohm, Scout Stanley

Award: CSUF College of Health and Human Development Student Research Showcase – 1st Place for Best Oral Presentation
Sugammadex and Hormonal Contraceptives: Improving Education and Documentation
Sydnie Dong, Christa Solis, Victor Tung
The Effect of Hyperoxia on the Incidence of Surgical Site Infections in Colorectal Surgery Patients
Carla Morris, Kristy Abel

2021

Development of a Clinical Reference for Screening and Perioperative Management of Patients with OSA
Matthew Rosales, Meagan Sitzer, Alyssa Wagenhals
Intravenous Fluid Administration in Colorectal Surgery
Caresse Correa, Allison Yue
Enhancing Simulation Education: A Quality Improvement Project to Support Professional Development, Growth, and Education of Nurses Transitioning into the Critical Care Setting
Jennifer Ngo, Austin Peik, Lisa Wheeler-Haggart
Improving Proper Disposal of Opioid Prescriptions Among Patients
Soomin Kim, Gina Nguyen
Nitrous Oxide for the Management of Labor
Lindsay McCormick, Allison Spolsdoff
Non-Invasive Respiratory Monitoring for the Early Identification of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Postoperative Setting
Stevan Abt, Jeffrey Graham, Adrian Ramirez

Award: CSUF College of Health and Human Development Student Research Showcase – 3rd Place for Best Oral Presentation
Nurse Education: Utilizing Acetaminophen and NSAIDs to Reduce Postoperative Opioid Consumption After Orthopedic Surgery
Nicholas Rincon, Emanuel Sevilla, David Sierra

Award: CSUF College of Health and Human Development Student Research Showcase – 3rd Place for Best Poster Presentation
Perioperative Glycemic Management of Diabetic Patients
Isabella Alcaraz, Kathryn Fukumoto, Shayne Santiago
Perioperative Hyperoxygenation for Reducing Risk of Surgical Site Infection in Colorectal Surgery Patients
Christina Cross, Kyla Winkle
Reducing the Use of Nitrous Oxide in an Urban Southern California Hospital
Erika Giovanniello, Rebecca Hamilton, Kuei-na Lee

Award: CSUF College of Health and Human Development Student Research Showcase – 1st Place for Best Oral Presentation
Remifentanil Analgesia During Labor
Leezett Lopez, Katy Mabunay, Miroslav Ustemchuk

KPSA Faculty Awards and Acknowledgments

1980 - Helen Lamb Outstanding Educator Award - Joyce Kelly, EdD, CRNA
1989 - Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing - Joyce Kelly, EdD, CRNA, FAAN
1993 - Program Director of the Year - Joyce Kelly, EdD, CRNA, FAAN
2002 - Agatha Hodgins Outstanding Accomplishment Award - Joyce Kelly, EdD, CRNA, FAAN
2002 - Program Director of the Year - John Nagelhout, PhD, CRNA
2011 - Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing - John Nagelhout, PhD, CRNA, FAAN
2015 - Helen Lamb Outstanding Educator Award - Sass Elisha, EdD, CRNA
2017 - Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing - Sass Elisha, EdD, CRNA, FAAN
2021 - Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology - Ed Waters, DNP, CRNA, FAANA
2021 - Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology - Sass Elisha, EdD, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN
2022 - Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology - Mark Gabot, DNP, CRNA, FAANA
2022 - Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology - Sarah Giron, PhD, CRNA, FAANA
2023 - Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology - Jeremy Heiner, EdD, CRNA, FAANA
2024 - Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology - Sandra Bordi, DNP, CRNA, FAANA

KPSA Clinical Instructor of the Year

1985 - Donald Schindler
1986 - Danielle Civitello
1987 - Esther Momrow
1988 - Julianna Mortimer
1989 - Theresa Park
1990 - Janet Meredith
1991 - Wendy Bryson
1992 - Jane Lai
1993 - Mary Perrin
1994 - Patricia M. Hughes
1995 - Lois MacDonald
1996 - John B. Fisher
1997 - Shelly Harthrong
1998 - Heather Sargeant
1999 - Greg Stone
2000 - Jim Decker/Gregory Wright
2001 - Jim Decker
2002 - Joe Burkhard
2003 - Ivan Valladolid
2004 - Nancy Brown
2005 - Kathi Ryan
2006 - Sandra Lee
2007 - Steve Peirera
2008 - Corry DeRobertis
2009 - William McIlvaine, MD
2010 - Saro Davidian
2011 - Mark Gabot
2012 - Craig Cooper
2013 - Ann Singleton
2014 - Mojdeh Didehvarsadr
2015 - John DellaRipa
2016 - Anne Dondis
2017 - Valerie Sedor
2018 - Raymond Hussain
2019 - Darlene Falco
2021 - Kevin De Leon
2022 - Robert Valdez
2023 - Bryan Elrod
2024 - Jen Hernandez

Clinical Site of the Year

2024 - KP West Los Angeles

Agatha Hodgins Memorial Award

Recognizing Outstanding Graduate Nurse Anesthetist of the Year

1974 - Joanne Coudret
1975 - Carol A. Haynes
1976 - Jim Estrada
1977 - Randy Willeby
1978 - Frank Perez
1979 - Carol Jackson
1980 - Karen Kennedy
1981 - Gayle Ulshafer
1982 - Patricia Van Culin
1983 - Sharon Nakandakare
1984 - Elizabeth Sodbinow
1985 - Thomas Broach
1986 - Joyce Sherman Frankfurt
1987 - Lois Rodriquez Ruder
1988 - Martha Espinosa
1989 - Mark Shuzo Noguchi
1990 - Roy H. Fukuoka
1991 - Sharolyn Haida
1992 - Gregory S. Wright
1993 - Marianne Azar-Goodnight
1994 - Christine Jaussen
1995 - Ellen McCaughey
1996 - Karen Erickson
1997 - Susan Chesley
1998 - Michael Epperson
1999 - Mark Hunter
2000 - Karla Waddell/Cathy Forward
2001 - Bobby Smith/Robert Lineses
2002 - Debra Espinosa
2003 - Frank Cardoza
2004 - Jennifer Zitt-Thompson
2005 - Kate Sulitis/Joe Velasquez
2006 - Diana Padilla
2007 - Emily Hwang
2008 - John Cavitt
2009 - Sandy Yang
2010 - Lee Ranalli
2011 - Jennifer Morales
2012 - Kerrie Klein
2013 - Shelly Noland
2014 - Jaine Chapman
2015 - Jeff Kupfer
2016 - Michael Schafer
2017 - Ellison Concepcion
2018 - Amin Azam
2019 - Natalie Jones
2021 - David Sierra
2022 - Hana Yoo
2023 - Michaela Holland
2024 - Gina Yan

John J. Nagelhout Memorial Award

2024 - Ryan Han

Research and Evidence-Based Practice Award

2024 - Evan Shmagranoff, Malia Case, Abby Schrader
2025 - Caroline Card, Caroline Cline, Danae Doll
2025 - Leyla Kousari, Meghan McDermott, Paul John Tesorero

CSUF Contributions to Professional Nursing Award

2021 - Erika Giovaniello
2022 - Vincent Risler
2023 - Azucena Becerra
2024 - Sarah Evangelista