Kristen Harknett, Orlando Harris, Karen Barrett, Erin McCauley, OiSaeng Hong

Leadership in Action: Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Student Milestones

Nursing Leaders
May 22, 2025
By School of Nursing Office of Communications and Marketing

Faculty, staff, students and alumni of the UCSF School of Nursing are leading innovative projects to promote health quality and equity worldwide. 

No. 1 DNP and Master’s Programs in California

The UCSF School of Nursing continues to lead California in nursing education with the No. 1 ranked Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Science programs in the state, according to U.S. News and World Report’s new 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings. Read the story.

Students sitting in a classroom

Orlando Harris, PhD, RN, FAAN
Orlando Harris, PhD, RN, FAAN

Orlando Harris Honored with Humanitarian Award

Orlando Harris, PhD, MPH, FAAN, associate professor, is the recipient of the 2025 School of Nursing Humanitarian Award from the University of Rochester. This prestigious recognition honors an alumnus whose work has had a profound impact on those most in need. Harris received the award during a ceremony on April 11 in Monroe County, New York.

Karen Barrett Receives Young Investigator Award

Karen Barrett, PhD, assistant professor, is the recipient of the 2025 Young Investigator Award from the Society for the Neuroscience of Creativity. This prestigious recognition honors Barrett's outstanding contributions to creativity research.

Karen Barrett, PhD

Erin McCauley, PhD, MEd, MA

Erin McCauley Named Population Health and Health Equity Scholar

Erin McCauley, PhD, MEd, MA, assistant professor, has been named a 2025 UCSF Population Health and Health Equity Scholar. The program provides funding to investigators to support their cutting-edge population health and health equity research. McCauley's work examines the health implications of competency waitlists for people with disabilities in the criminal legal system.

Laura Wagner, Jocelyn Murgatroyd Win 2025 AORN Journal Writers Contest

Laura Wagner, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, and Jocelyn Murgatroyd, RN, clinical nurse coordinator at UCSF Health, won the 2025 Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Journal Writers Contest for their paper, “Improving Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Specimen Handling and Processing." This recognition demonstrates the value of collaborative research between School of Nursing faculty and UCSF Health nurses. Wagner and Murgatroyd received the award during the 2025 AORN Global Surgical Conference Exposition, April 5-8, in Boston, Massachusetts. 

Laura Wagner, Laurie Saletnik, Jocelyn Murgatroyd
Left to right: Laura Wagner, PhD, RN, FAAN; Laurie Saletnik, DNP, RN, CNOR, AORN editor-in-chief; and Jocelyn Murgatroyd, RN.

 

Rebecca Menza
Rebecca Menza, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC

Rebecca Menza Organizes Inaugural Nurse Research Symposium at ZSFG

Rebecca Menza, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, assistant professor, was part of a team that organized the inaugural nurse research symposium at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) on May 6. In addition to Menza, the planning committee included alumna Norlissa Cooper, PhD '17, RN. The event featured over 40 podium and poster presentations on the work of ZSFG nurses. The symposium highlighted the existing connections between the School of Nursing and ZSFG nursing, and heralded exciting opportunities for future research and clinical partnerships.

Kristen Harknett Offers Testimony on Proposed Minimum Wage Changes

Kristen Harknett, PhD, professor, offered testimony to legislative hearings in the Washington State Senate and House on proposed legislation that would raise the minimum wage. Harknett shared her research on the impact of California's fast food minimum wage increase to $20 per hour in 2024. Her findings show that the wage increase did not lead to unintended consequences in the form of reductions in work hours or fringe benefits.

Kristen Harknett
Kristen Harknett, PhD

Oi Saeng Hong, PhD, RN, FAAN
Oi Saeng Hong, PhD, RN, FAAN

OiSaeng Hong Invited to Scientific Committee for Global Occupational Health Congress

OiSaeng Hong, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, was selected to serve on the scientific committee of the 2025 Joint Congress of the International Commission on Occupational Health Work Organization and Psychosocial Factors and the Asia Pacific Academy for Psychological Factors at Work, Dec. 10-12, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The event brings together global researchers, practitioners, policymakers and professionals to exchange ideas, discuss solutions and foster multidisciplinary international collaborations in occupational health and safety.

Erica Sedlander Advocates for Global HIV Research Funds

On April 10, Erica Sedlander, DrPH, MPH, assistant professor, participated in Population Association of America's Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. Sedlander and five other researchers from across the UC system met with representatives and shared stories about the critical need for federal funding to maintain quality health science research. Sedlander advocated specifically for global funds for HIV research. "We've made so much progress preventing the spread of HIV," said Sedlander. "We can't leave our global partners behind."

Six people stand in front of flags
Pictured: Erica Sedlander (third from left), DrPH, MPH, with California Representative Jimmy Gomez (center) and other researchers from across the UC system.

 

Ifeyinwa Asiodu, Andrea Kuster, Erin McCauley
Left to right: Ifeyinwa Aisodu, PhD, RN, FAAN; Andrea Kuster, DNP, RN, FNP; Erin McCauley, PhD MEd, MA

 

SON Faculty Lead Efforts to Improve Lactation Supports Across UC

Ifeyinwa Asiodu, PhD, RN, FAAN, associate professor, Andrea Kuster, DNP, RN, FNP, associate professor, and Erin McCauley, PhD, MEd, MA, assistant professor, have been instrumental in advancing new lactation supports for University of California employees. Asiodu and McCauley helped establish access to milk shipping services for UCSF community members traveling for business. Asiodu and Kuster serve on the UCSF Lactation Task Force, and Asiodu was part of the UC systemwide workgroup to revise the Lactation Accommodation Policy that went into effect this year for all University of California campuses. The policy ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and provides important supports for UC community members.

Faculty, Staff Share Expertise at National, International Events

  • Jane Abanes, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC, assistant professor, shared her expertise at the 2025 Society of Acupuncture Research, April 3-6, in Newport Beach, as part of the junior researcher panel "Emerging Pathways in Science: Why Do This Research?" Additionally, Abanes was the featured speaker during the April 29 UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health Research Seminar. The title of her talk was "Acupuncture Research in Service Members."
     
  • Lydia Bartholow, DNP, PMHNP, CARN-NP, assistant professor, and Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP, professor, presented at the third annual Psych Congress NP Institute, March 27-30, in Orlando, Florida. Bartholow presented on comorbid substance use and its impact on psychiatric care. Penn, who was co-chair of the meeting, spoke on neurobiology and on combining psychotherapy with medication management.
     
  • Sandra Domeracki, MSN, FNP-BC, FAAOHN, professor, was a course chair for the UCSF School of Medicine's Occupational, Environmental and Climate Medicines Annual International Conference, March 12-14, in San Francisco. Additionally, Domeracki presented at the April 16 Bay Area History of Medicine Society meeting. Her presentation was titled “An Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Carpet Layers (Prepatellar Bursitis)."
     
  • The School of Nursing was well represented at the NONPF Annual Conference, April 9-13, in Denver, Colorado. Elizabeth Gatewood, DNP, FNP, FAAN, and Angel Kuo, EdD, MSN, PNP, both professors, presented "UCBAAPT: Partnerships to Support Education and Transition to Practice for Underrepresented Minority Advanced Practice Nursing Students." Bridget Gramkowski, MS, RN, CPNP-PC, associate professor in Family Health Care Nursing, presented "Enhancing Clinical Education Through Generative AI-Powered Virtual Simulations."
     
  • Kate Holbrook, MS, CNS, PHN, assistant professor, shared her expertise at the California Immunization Coalition Annual Summit on April 29, in Riverside, California. Holbrook participated on a conference-wide panel, presenting about school-located vaccine programs across California.
     
  • OiSaeng Hong, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Soo-Jeong Lee, PhD, RN, FAAOHN, both professors, participated on a panel during the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing Annual Conference, April 1, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The discussion explored the mission of the National Institute for Occupational Safety Health Education and Research Centers (ERCs) with occupational health nursing program leadership. Panelists highlighted professional development opportunities within ERCs and clarified the distinction between evidence and research translation.
     
  • Angel Kuo, EdD, MSN, PNP, professor, co-represented the School of Nursing and the UCSF Program for Interprofessional Practice and Education (PIPE) and co-presented two posters at the National Academies of Practice (NAP) Annual Conference, March 13-15, in Washington, D.C. The first poster was titled “Igniting Synergy Through Interprofessional Collaboration Scholars Program” and the second was titled "Regional Collaboration for the WIN: Establishing the Western Interprofessional Network" which highlighted Kuo's work to launch WIN, a network of 12 interprofessional programs from across the western United States.
     
  • Jerry John Ouner, PhD, RN, FAAN, assistant professor, shared his expertise at the 11th Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, April 9-11, in Kampala, Uganda. Ouner's presentation was titled "Addressing the Nursing Shortage in Africa: Strategies for Retention and Workforce Sustainability." Ouner, who is a Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing United Nations Representative, represented Sigma at the event.
     
  • Erica Sedlander, DrPH, MPH, assistant professor, was selected as an early stage investigator representative and presented a poster at the 15th Annual Center for AIDS Research Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Network Conference, Feb. 26-28, in North Bethesda, Maryland. The theme of the conference was "Ending the HIV Epidemic: The Role of Social and Behavioral Sciences."
     
  • Sandra Staveski, PhD, RN, PNP, associate professor, presented the 25th Annual Thomas Garrett Rauch Memorial Lecture in Nursing on Feb. 22, part of Cardiology 2025, the 28th Annual Update on Pediatric and Congenital Cardiovascular Disease, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The invitation honored Staveski's lifelong commitment to advancing nursing practice globally, particularly in the field of pediatric cardiac care. Her lecture was titled "The Serendipity of Vagabonding: My Uncommon Journey with the Art and Science of Nursing."
     
  • KT Waxman, DNP, RN, FAAN, professor, was invited to a thought leadership summit sponsored by Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing , May 8-9, in Washington, D.C. The theme of the summit was "Shaping the Future of the Healthcare Workforce: Policy and Best Practice Recommendations for the Use of Simulation for Healthcare Education."
     
  • Margaret Wallhagen, PhD, GNP-BC, FAAN, professor, gave the Adrian Davis Lecture at the Population Hearing Health Care 2025 Annual Conference, Feb. 11-12, in Scottsdale, Arizona, in honor of her distinguished research career in the field of hearing loss. Her lecture was titled "Barriers to Entry and Navigation of the Healthcare World: Thought on Future Directions."
     
  • Kathryn Wise, OTD, MHSc, OTR/L, associate professor and director of the MS Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership Program, presented at the 2025 Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Conference, May 8, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Her presentation highlighted research on the creation of a community of practice to support occupational therapists who have recently transitioned into leadership positions.
     
  • Maria Yefimova, PhD, RN, lead nurse scientist, was invited as a keynote speaker at the Penn Medicine Nursing Research and EBP Conference, held virtually on Feb. 27. Her talk was titled "From Practice to Research and Back: Academic-Practice Partnerships to Advance Nursing Science."
     
  • Jarmin Yeh, PhD, MPH, MSSW, associate professor, was a keynote presenter at the American Society on Aging (ASA) RISE Alumni Luncheon, part of the On Aging Conference, April 21-24, in Orlando, Florida. Her talk was titled "Scaling Quality Training for Home Care Workers in California." ASA Rise is a training and mentorship program that prepares emerging leaders of color in the field of aging.

Julia Itsikson, MS '15, RN, AGCNS-BC
Julia Itsikson, MS '15, RN, AGCNS-BC

Celebrating Preceptors

Julia Itsikson, March Preceptor

Julia Itsikson, MS '15, RN, AGCNS-BC, is the school's March Preceptor of the Month. A SON alumna, Itsikson is a clinical nurse specialist in Stanford Health Care's cardiovascular medicine services. She is a volunteer faculty member and has precepted SON students for five years.

"Julia is an exceptional CNS whose deep knowledge and clinical expertise are evident in everything she does," says Matt Baskwell, a former preceptee. "She consistently takes the time to explain complex concepts in a way that is both practical and easy to understand." 

Rebecca Amirault
Rebecca Amirault, MS' 07, WHNP, CNM

Rebecca Amirault, April Preceptor

Rebecca Amirault, MS' 07, WHNP, CNM, is the school's April Preceptor of the Month. A SON alumna, Amirault works at UCSF Birth Center Labor and Delivery. "Rebecca has consistently been willing to work with nurse-midwifery students, and students consistently have positive experiences," says Amy Law, PhD, CNM, assistant professor and co-specialty coordinator of the Nurse-Midwifery specialty. "She is an engaging teacher who models compassionate, respective care." 

Hattie Clark Grundland, MS '03, RN, NP
Hattie Clark Grundland, MS '03, RN, NP

Hattie Clark Grundland, May Preceptor

Hattie Clark Grundland, MS '03, RN, NP, is the school's May Preceptor of the Month. She works in the UCSF Family Health Center at ZSFG and has been a preceptor and volunteer faculty member for many years. Grundland is a graduate of the school's master's degree program and was previously a faculty member in the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) specialty.

"Hattie is one of the most beloved preceptors in our program's history," said Miranda Surjadi, MS, RN, ANP-BC, assistant professor and co-coordinator of the AGPCNP specialty. "She embodies the very best of UCSF alumni — merging expert clinical care, compassionate mentorship and a deep commitment to health equity." 

Read more about Itsikson, Amirault and Grundland on the Preceptor Portal.

Faculty, Postdoctoral Scholar and Student Capture New Funding

  • Abbey Alkon, PhD, RN, professor, received a grant from the California Environmental Protection Agency Department of Pesticide Regulation for her project "Department of Pesticide Regulation-UCSF Training of Trainers Needs Assessment." The award is $197,003.
     
  • Ifeyinwa Asiodu, PhD, RN, FAAN, associate professor, received a grant from the County of Santa Cruz for her project "Trauma Informed Approach Public Health Nursing Project Evaluation." The award is $37,195.
     
  • Samantha Auerbach, PhD, MS, postdoctoral scholar, received a grant from the Society of Family Planning for her project "Documenting the Safety and Efficacy of Medication Abortion Provision by Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives and Physician Assistants." The award is $41,667. Auerbach's advisor is Linda Franck, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor.
     
  • Carrie Evans, MS, RN, FNP, assistant professor, and Elizabath Gatewood, DNP, RN, FNP-C, associate professor and assistant dean educational technology innovation, have been awarded a UCSF Innovations Grant in the amount of $18,112. The funds will support the development and deployment of customizable large language model-based digital tutoring programs for health sciences training programs.
     
  • Kristen Harknett, PhD, professor, received a grant from Harvard University to support her research on workplace climate for young workers in the service sector. The award is $30,000.
     
  • Coretta Jenerette, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, received a grant from UC Irvine for her project "MULTIsite Feasibility of MUSIc Therapy to Address Quality of Life in Sickle Cell Disease (MULTI-MUSIQOLS)." The award is $19,893.
     
  • Julene Johnson, PhD, professor, received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for her project "Sound Health Network." The award is $272,727.
     
  • Kord Kober, PhD, associate professor, received a R37 grant from the NIH National Cancer Institute for his project "An Investigation of the Molecular Mechanisms for and Prediction of the Severity of Cancer Chemotherapy-Related Fatigue Using a Multi-Staged Integrated 'Omics Approach." The award is $380,757.
     
  • Jenny Liu, PhD, MPP, MA, professor, received a R01 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health for her project "AmbassADDOrs for Health: Maintaining Youth-Friendly HIV Prevention Services to Young Women Through Drug Vendors." The award is $528,901. Additionally, Liu received a grant from the World Bank Group for her project "Assessing the Economic Burden of Increasing Heat in Saudi Arabia." The award is $13,043.
     
  • Ruth Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, received a grant from the Public Health Law Center, Inc., for her project Public Health Law Center Contract. The award is $23,324.
     
  • Jeremiah Mock, PhD, MSc, professor, received a grant from the California Department of Public Health for his project "Anticipating and Countering Emerging Tobacco Industry Strategies." The award is $310,461.
     
  • Michael Joshua Morales, MS, RN, current student in the PhD in Nursing program, received a grant from UCLA for his project "Impact of High-Reliability Organization Implementation and Safe Patient Handling Program Compliance on Patient Handling Injury Prevention in Veterans Affairs Healthcare Facilities." The award is $4,629.
     
  • Jerry John Ouner, PhD, RN, FAAN, associate professor, received a grant from the NIH John F. Fogarty International Center for his project "We Are Together (WAT): Development and Testing of an Intervention to Reduce HIV-Related Stigma Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women." The award is $129,626.
     
  • Elena Portacolone, PhD, MBA, MPH, professor, received a R01 supplement from the NIH National Institute on Aging for her project "Access and Use of Long-Term Services and Supports for Older Adults Living Alone with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias from Four Racial/Ethnic Groups." The award is $156,359.
     
  • Jarmin Yeh, PhD, MPH, MSSW, associate professor, received a grant from the California Department of Public Health, for her project "C-CARERS: Centering Caregiving in Alzheimer's Research on Equity, Representation, Services and Supports." The award is $1.6 million.
     
  • Valerie Yerger, ND, professor, received a grant from the California Department of Public Health to support her statewide project The LOOP, a centralized one-stop delivery system that helps grantees of the California Tobacco Prevention Program strengthen their capacity to address the needs of their local communities. The award is $2.5 million.
     
  • Laura Wagner, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, received a grant from the University of Pennsylvania for her project "Advanced Provider Care Models and Health Outcomes of Nursing Home Residents with Dementia." The award is $39,706.

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