Brian Leventhal is an Associate Professor of Graduate Psychology and Director of the Assessment & Measurement PhD program at James Madison University. He holds a PhD in Research Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics from the University of Pittsburgh (2017), an MA in Applied Statistics (2013), and a BS in Mathematics from Clarkson University (2011). His work focuses on advancing psychometric methodologies, particularly in item response theory (IRT), Bayesian applications, and survey development. Leventhal’s research emphasizes multidimensional IRT, response style analysis, and the application of IRTree models to assess disengagement and validation processes. He leads the ITEMS (Interactive Tools for Measurement Education) initiative, developing online modules to enhance educational measurement practices. His recent work explores interprofessional collaboration between behavior analysts and school psychologists, as well as alignment between general education and program-specific learning outcomes. He has contributed to the NCME’s digital modules on data visualization and Monte Carlo simulations, and his articles frequently address methodological innovations in psychometrics. Leventhal is actively involved in James Madison University’s CARS (Center for Assessment and Research Studies), driving institutional assessment strategies and program evaluation initiatives.
Kelly Bass serves as Associate Professor and Faculty Chair in the Department of Social Work at the University of South Dakota, directing the Child & Adult Advocacy Studies (CAASt) program. His clinical expertise spans forensic evaluations, crisis intervention, and therapeutic treatment for vulnerable populations across criminal justice, mental health, and welfare systems. His educational background includes: Doctorate in Social Work (DSW), Clinical Social Work, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, 2015 MS, Advanced Generalist Social Work, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2001 BS, Generalist Social Work, University of Sioux Falls, 1998 Bass focuses on clinical supervision frameworks, interprofessional education, and trauma-informed interventions for at-risk youth and families. His research examines service delivery integration at healthcare-discipline intersections and outcomes improvement for mentally ill populations within institutional systems. Recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on culturally relevant case studies, advocacy curriculum development, and ACEs mitigation through neuroscience-informed practice. His scientific recognition includes the 2023 IPEC Excellence Award Honorable Mention and multiple Belbas-Larson Teaching Award nominations. Current grants like HRSA's COMPASS initiative ($1.2M) address South Dakota's behavioral health workforce shortages through innovative training pipelines, while the NCWWI case-based learning project enhances child maltreatment practitioner competencies. Bass leads the CAASt certificate program and serves as an ASWB Path to Licensure Scholar, developing national curricular guides for licensing regulation. His clinical supervision research informs the COMPASS grant's mentorship framework, creating sustainable pipelines for rural mental health professionals through university-community partnerships.
Isdore Chola Shamputa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). He holds an adjunct position at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, Dalhousie University. He earned a PhD in Medical Sciences from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (2006) and postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health (2007-2011). His education includes certifications in nursing education, university teaching, and clinical instruction. Expertise: Tuberculosis epidemiology, immigrant health, healthcare equity, nursing education Affiliations: UNB Saint John campus, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick Research focuses on tuberculosis screening for newcomers to Canada, healthcare access barriers, and interprofessional education. He has directed over $500K in grants, including studies on latent TB infection screening protocols and mobile radiography for long-term care facilities. Key funding bodies include CIHR, CFI, and NB Health Research Foundation. Teaching spans undergraduate (pharmacology, pathophysiology) and graduate nursing courses. He has supervised 3 graduate theses and contributed to 26 collaborative research teams. His lab work includes developing a long-term care simulation lab funded by CFI and partners. Recent projects include a Chesley Family grant to improve hepatitis C care in correctional facilities and an environmental study on single-use plastics in healthcare. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work emphasizing immigrant health disparities and virtual education strategies.
Audrey Lyndon is the Executive Vice Dean and the Vernice D. Ferguson Professor in Health Equity at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. She holds a PhD from the University of California, San Francisco, and is a renowned expert in maternal health equity, patient safety, and nursing workforce development. Her leadership and research have significantly advanced understanding of nurse-sensitive outcomes and disparities in maternal care. Her educational background includes: PhD, University of California, San Francisco MS, University of California, San Francisco BA, University of California, Santa Cruz Prof. Lyndon's research centers on maternal health equity, community health engagement, and nursing workforce development. She has pioneered studies on patient safety in maternity and neonatal care, including clinician-parent communication, nurse-sensitive outcomes, and severe maternal morbidity. Her work on the CMQCC Obstetric Hemorrhage Toolkit has set national and international standards. She investigates how neighborhood disinvestment, rurality, and systemic inequities affect maternal outcomes, and she leads community-driven initiatives to support survivors of severe maternal morbidity. Her research consistently emphasizes qualitative and health services methodologies to address women's health disparities. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on reducing cesarean birth rates through improved nurse staffing, understanding racial disparities in peripartum cardiomyopathy, enhancing interprofessional teamwork via simulation training, and addressing mental health screening gaps during pregnancy. Her work spans epidemiology, health policy, clinical practice, and community engagement, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to maternal health equity. Her scientific honors include: Vernice D. Ferguson Professor in Health Equity (2021) PhD Program Mentor of the Year, UCSF (2019) Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (2012) Award of Excellence in Research, AWHONN (2011) Prof. Lyndon is actively mentoring future nurse scientists and clinicians from underserved communities, aiming to build equitable pathways into nursing and clinical specialties. She leads major research projects such as Holistic Care Partners , a Black woman-led nurse navigation program, and investigations into racial-ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity. Her work is supported by agencies like the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and she collaborates across disciplines to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. She is a key member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Nursing, American Nurses Association, and Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), and serves as an Educational Affiliate of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Her research has been widely covered in media outlets, highlighting the impact of adequate nurse staffing on cesarean rates and the urgent need for Black midwives in the U.S.
Professor Natalie Ciccone is a Professor in Speech Pathology at Edith Cowan University's School of Medical and Health Sciences. She joined ECU in 2009 after working in Speech Pathology programs at Curtin University since 1999. Professor Ciccone is currently involved in two NHMRC-funded projects: a multi-centre randomized control trial of very early intervention for people with aphasia after stroke and an exploration into communication disorders after stroke and traumatic brain injury in Aboriginal peoples in Western Australia. Her educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Communication Science from Curtin University of Technology (2003) and a Bachelor of Science in Speech & Hearing Science from the same institution (1996). Professor Ciccone's research focuses on neurogenic communication disorders, particularly aphasia intervention, clinical decision making, communication difficulties after stroke in Aboriginal Australians, and the use of discourse in the analysis and treatment of aphasia. Her work bridges clinical practice with culturally responsive care, emphasizing the importance of understanding communication disorders within specific cultural contexts, particularly for Aboriginal populations. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on culturally responsive rehabilitation for Aboriginal Australians with brain injuries, early intervention for aphasia after stroke, treatment fidelity in clinical trials, and innovative educational approaches in speech pathology. Her work shows a consistent trajectory toward addressing health disparities and developing culturally safe rehabilitation practices. Member of the Editorial Committee for the Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech Language Pathology Active participant in national and international speech pathology and allied health conferences Professor Ciccone has supervised numerous research students, including PhD candidates and Master's students, with projects focusing on aphasia rehabilitation, simulation-based learning, and culturally responsive care. Her research projects have secured substantial funding from organizations including the National Health and Medical Research Council, Department of Health WA, and the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science. She has led projects totaling over $8 million in research funding, with current projects focusing on AI-driven virtual character simulation for aggression de-escalation training and enhancing rehabilitation services for Aboriginal Australians after brain injury. Professor Ciccone maintains active clinical connections, having worked as a speech pathologist in acute and rehabilitation hospital settings as well as community-based clinics in Perth and Darwin, primarily working with patients with communication and swallowing difficulties following stroke and head injury.
Dr. Kristen Jones-Bonofiglio is an Associate Professor and Director of the School of Nursing at Lakehead University. She also serves as Director of the Centre for Health Care Ethics within the Faculty of Health & Behavioural Sciences. Her work bridges nursing practice with ethical frameworks, focusing on moral distress and compassionate care. Academic Background: PhD in Educational Studies (Cognition & Learning Stream), Lakehead University MPH in Nursing Specialization, Lakehead University BScN, Lakehead University Research Focus: Dr. Jones-Bonofiglio's research addresses ethical decision-making in health care, moral distress, teaching compassion in nursing, substance use in inpatient settings, and digital storytelling. She integrates theory with practical applications, such as patient care planning using computer-aided design. Publication Trends: Recent works include pandemic ethics, rural health care frameworks, nurse practitioner retention, and patient-oriented research. Many publications analyze moral distress in acute and community settings, while others explore digital storytelling and educational innovations. Scientific Contributions: AMS Phoenix Fellow Co-editor of Health Care Ethics through the Lens of Moral Distress (2020) Editorial Board, Global Bioethics Enquiry Leadership & Collaboration: She leads the Centre for Health Care Ethics and contributes to EPID@Work Research Institute. Her affiliations include the Centre for Research on Aging & Health. She supervises student theses and emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration.
Sarah Kandil, MD, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Critical Care) at Yale School of Medicine and a pediatric intensivist at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital (YNHCH). She specializes in pediatric critical care medicine, sedation services, and quality improvement initiatives. Dr. Kandil holds leadership roles as Deputy Quality and Safety Officer at YNHCH and has spearheaded collaborative projects to improve outcomes in pediatric sepsis, reduce CLABSI rates, and optimize antibiotic timing in critically ill children. Education: MD from McGill University (2004), residency at Baystate Children’s Hospital (2008), fellowship at Yale SOM (2011). Her research focuses on systematic methods for quality improvement, sepsis care protocols, and metabolic changes during critical illness. Notable contributions include the Transport Risk Assessment in Pediatrics (TRAP) score for transport triage and studies on glucose control in PICU patients. Key Awards: 2011 Travel Award (Eastern Society of Pediatric Research), 2010 Best Research Abstract (AAP Transport Medicine Section). Leads the IPSO Collaborative to reduce pediatric sepsis mortality. Developed the CLABSI Rapid Response Team to proactively address infection risks. Published extensively on pediatric sepsis, antibiotic timing, and quality improvement strategies. Labs/Teams: Active in the Pediatric Critical Care Transport Program and the Quality and Safety Division at YNHCH.
Dr. Gabriel Sandblom is a Senior Lecturer and Senior Physician at the Karolinska Institutet's Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset. His research group focuses on improving outcomes in gallstone surgery, abdominal wall surgery, and acute pancreatitis through population-based studies and clinical trials. He leads projects on gallstone disease management , hernia repair techniques , and quality of life assessments post-surgery. The group's recent publications (2025-2016) span topics such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy optimization , hernia repair complications , and acute surgical care . Articles emphasize comparative surgical techniques (ultrasonic vs electrocautery), patient safety , and long-term functional outcomes after procedures like diastasis recti repair . Studies often use Swedish national registries to analyze trends in acute cholecystitis and colorectal surgery . Key collaborators include Drs. Enochsson, Österberg, and Ali . His work addresses weekend surgery outcomes , retained gallstones , and ERAS protocols in gastrointestinal surgery. The group also explores interprofessional teamwork and surgical training innovations like virtual simulators.
Marissa Abram is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at Duke University, holding this position since 2023. She earned her Ph.D. from Adelphi University in 2017 and maintains active external relationships with the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA) and Wake County HIV Clinic. Education: Ph.D., Adelphi University, 2017 Dr. Abram's research centers on psychiatric-mental health nursing with critical contributions to substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction frameworks, and innovative simulation-based education. Her work addresses urgent gaps in preparing mental health nurse practitioners for traumatic scenarios like patient suicide, developing nurse-led care models for substance use disorders, and combating stigma in addiction nursing. She demonstrates strong commitment to health equity through research examining racial justice in clinical training and intersecting vulnerabilities like climate impacts on rural substance users. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant trajectories: (1) Simulation methodology for interprofessional trauma-informed training, (2) Structural analysis of nursing's role in the national addiction crisis, and (3) Implementation science for nurse-led models of care. Her work consistently bridges clinical practice, education innovation, and policy advocacy with emphasis on vulnerable populations. Grants: Faculty Scholars Program 2025 Research (Principal Investigator), Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation (2025-2027) Dr. Abram actively mentors through DNP projects (NURSING 975) and teaches advanced courses including NURSING 766 (Assessment and Management of Addictive Disorders). Her external partnerships with IntNSA and Wake County HIV Clinic demonstrate applied commitment to addiction nursing practice and HIV care integration. She contributes to professional discourse through editorial work with major nursing journals while advancing workforce development for behavioral health through interprofessional fellowship models.
Sharon L. Youmans is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy , where she serves as Executive Vice Dean . She received her PharmD from UCSF in 1985 and MPH from San Jose State University in 2005. She oversees strategic priorities including DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) , global partnerships , PharmD program leadership , and pharmacy practice partnerships . PharmD, University of California San Francisco (1985) MPH, San Jose State University (2005) Licentiate in Pharmacy, California State Board of Pharmacy (1985) Her research focuses on pharmacy education administration , curriculum transformation , health communication , health disparities , and global health . She has led significant PharmD curriculum reform and telehealth education programs during the pandemic. Her work extends to LGBTQ+ healthcare education , counterfeit medication prevention , and international pharmacy education partnerships with institutions in Malawi and Tanzania. Recent publications highlight her 2023 study on academic pharmacy administration , 2021 PharmD curriculum innovation , and 2020 telehealth interventions for vulnerable populations. She has published extensively on pharmacy education , health disparities , and interprofessional training since 2003. 2023 ASHP-ABHP Joint Leadership Award 2016 Founder's Champion Award for DEI contributions 2013 APhA Fellowship 2008 AETNA African American History Calendar Profile 2005 Sam Radelfinger Award As Executive Vice Dean, she has shaped pharmacy education policy through roles on the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) , Xavier University's Health Disparities Advisory Board , and AACP Council of Deans . She teaches public health , pharmacist-patient communication , and cultural humility curricula.
Simon Kitto is a Professor in the Department of Innovation in Medical Education at the University of Ottawa, where he also serves as Director of Research in the Office of Continuing Medical Education. He holds cross-appointments as Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto and as Lecturer in the Department of Surgery at Monash University since 2003. Research Focus: Interprofessional education and collaboration in healthcare Continuing professional development (CPD) and its impact on patient safety Implementation science in medical education Sociocultural and structural influences on clinical practice and education Knowledge translation and quality improvement in healthcare His research has been widely disseminated through 93 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and reports. He is also an Associate Editor of the Journal of Interprofessional Care and the Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions . His work has gained international recognition, with invited presentations and collaborations across Europe, North America, and Australasia. Editorial and Advisory Roles: Associate Editor, Journal of Interprofessional Care Associate Editor, Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions Editor-in-Chief transition noted in 2017 for JCEHP Supervision and Mentorship: He currently supervises graduate students including Rima ElChamaa and has contributed to training and mentoring in the fields of medical education and health professions research.
Professor Jane Hanrahan is a leading academic in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney, where she holds the rank of Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She has served on the University of Sydney Academic Board since 2002 and chairs the Undergraduate Studies Committee, with prior roles in the Therapeutic Goods Administration Advisory Committee on Prescription Medicines (2013). Her career spans postdoctoral research at Cardiff (1996-97), lectureships in Pharmacology (1997-2002), and progressive promotions to Professor (2014). Education: BSc (Hons), University of Sydney PhD, University of Warwick (UK) Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Higher Education) Her research focuses on GABA receptors in anxiety, sleep disorders, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and learning/memory, with an emphasis on synthesizing conformationally restrained GABA analogues and exploring natural products from traditional herbal medicines. Key themes include neuropharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and mental health. Recent publications highlight trends in GABA receptor modulation (11/15 articles), traditional medicine analysis (4/15), and clinical pharmacy applications (4/15). Notable collaborations include work with Chebib, Johnston, and Collins on receptor-specific drug design. Grants and Committees: NHMRC Project Grants (2005-2014) on GABA receptors and neuroprotection Chair of Academic Board Undergraduate Studies Committee Member of Therapeutic Goods Administration Advisory Committee
Dr. Christiana Hall, MD, MS, FNCS serves as Professor of Neurology with secondary appointment to Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where she joined in 2008. She currently holds the position of Chief of Service for Neurology at Parkland Hospital, one of the nation's largest public hospital systems. Dr. Hall previously served as Medical Director for the Neurocritical Care Unit at Parkland (2013-2018) and led the transition of neurological services into the new Parkland hospital facility in 2015. Her clinical expertise spans Neurocritical Care and Vascular Neurology, with significant contributions to stroke systems development. Dr. Hall established the Neurocritical Fellowship program at UT Southwestern in 2009, achieving UCNS accreditation in its inaugural year, and directed the program for six years during its expansion to five fellows. She previously co-founded the REACH telestroke system at the Medical College of Georgia (2004-2008), one of the earliest effective models for rural stroke care. Medical College of Georgia (MD, 1995) Neurosurgery training: University of New Mexico (2 years) Neurology residency: Medical College of Georgia Neurocritical Care & Vascular Neurology fellowships: University of Texas at Houston Dr. Hall's research program focuses on Intracerebral Hemorrhage and glucose regulation in critically ill neurological patients, with continuous investigation since her residency. She served as Principal Investigator for the landmark SHINE trial (U01 NS069498), a North American multi-site study demonstrating that glucose regulation to As an active leader in professional societies, Dr. Hall served eight years on the Neurocritical Care Society Board of Directors (including Executive Committee) and eleven years on its Research Committee, earning Fellowship status in 2013. Her work bridges clinical care, research innovation, and educational program development across multiple institutions. Fellow of the Neurocritical Care Society (2013) Board Certification: Neurocritical Care (UCNS) Board Certification: Neurology and Vascular Neurology (ABPN) Dr. Hall has secured substantial research funding through NIH mechanisms including the SHINE trial and multiple ICH/SAH studies. She has mentored fellows through the Neurocritical Care Fellowship program she established and contributed to multicenter research networks including the Neurocritical Care Research Network (NCRN). Her leadership extends to designing the expansion of Neuro ICU beds and establishing comprehensive neuroscience facilities at Parkland Hospital. Her current work focuses on optimizing stroke care delivery in public health systems, with recent publications examining racial/ethnic variations in intracerebral hemorrhage and potentially avoidable neurological emergency visits. The new Parkland neuroscience floor (66 beds) houses multiple certified centers including a Comprehensive Stroke Center and the nation's largest public-system Sleep Center under neurological direction.
Alan Hindle is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton's School of Pharmacy & Life Sciences, with expertise in Clinical Pharmacy Practice . He has extensive experience in practice-based education and case-based learning approaches, focusing on cardiology and liver disease within pharmacy therapeutics. BSc in Pharmacy (1990) Postgraduate Diploma from Keele University (2003) PG Cert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education PG Cert in Professional Learning in Education His research centers on enquiry-based learning and case-based learning in pharmacy education, practice-based education , assessment systems (including electronic portfolios), and medicines management for patient safety. He has pioneered non-modular, theme-based curricula and team-based learning (TBL) in MPharm programs. Alan's publications highlight themes in pediatric pharmacotherapy , interprofessional prescribing , clinical teaching , educational technology , and pharmacy education reform . He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and earned a Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction from Keele University. He has held leadership roles in course accreditation , served on the University Quality Panel , and contributed to regulatory body engagements as a member of the GPhC MPharm accreditation team (2007-2016). His work bridges pharmacy education and clinical practice through innovations in teaching and assessment.
Dr. Robyn J Stiger is a Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University , specializing in Clinical Skills, Simulation & Immersive Technology . She leads a multidisciplinary team in simulation-based education, with affiliations to the Centre for Movement, Occupational and Rehabilitation Sciences (MOReS) and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust . PGcert in Education MSc in Physiotherapy BSc in Health Sciences Research Interests include: Prehabilitation for Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer and Critical Care outcomes Pedagogical applications of Simulation-Based Education to improve Patient Safety and Interprofessional Learning Physiotherapy interventions for Spinal Cord Injuries and Delirium in ICU Publications focus on: Systematic reviews and scoping studies on prehabilitation and critical care Simulation pedagogy in Postgraduate Healthcare Education Virtual reality applications for Muscular Activity Analysis Scientific Awards : Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Professional Roles : External Examiner at Birmingham University (2023–present) Executive Committee Member, Association of Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH) (2023–present) Honorary Research Physiotherapist at Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust (2019–present) External Examiner at Keele University (2020–2025)
