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

Angel Kuo Receives National Honors

Angel Kuo, EdD, MSN, PNP, professor, will be inducted into the Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) 2026 Class of Fellows. This prestigious recognition honors nurse practitioners who are committed to advancing the profession and making a meaningful, lasting impact. Kuo will be inducted at a June 25 ceremony during the AANP's National Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kuo was also inducted into the National Academies of Practice (NAP) on March 14, during the NAP Meeting and Forum in Indianapolis, Indiana. The honor recognizes her outstanding achievements and leadership in both nursing and interprofessional care.

Juli Maxworthy and Angel Kuo pose together in a busy ballroom. Kuo is wearing a medal around her neck. — *Kuo (right) with Juli Maxworthy, associate professor, who nominated Kuo for NAP.*

Jarmin Yeh, PhD, MPH, MSSW

Jarmin Yeh Honored by the American Society on Aging

Jarmin Yeh, PhD, MPH, MSSW, associate professor, has been named the 2026 American Society on Aging (ASA) award recipient in recognition of her work to advance equity, innovation, and excellence for older adults. Yeh received the award during the ASA's annual conference, April 20-23, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Orlando Harris Recognized for Excellence in Health Equity and Justice

Orlando Harris, PhD, MPH, FAAN, associate professor, received the 2026 Excellence in Health Equity and Justice Award from the American Nurses Association of California. Harris received the award at a celebration on April 25, in San Diego, California.

Orlando Harris, PhD, MPH, FAAN

Ifeyinwa Asiodu, PhD, RN, FAAN

Ifeyinwa Asiodu Honored for Research Excellence

Ifeyinwa Asiodu, PhD, RN, FAAN, associate professor, was awarded the 2026 Award of Excellence in Research by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). This award recognizes AWHONN members who exemplify the highest standards of service to nursing. Asiodu will receive the award during the 2026 AWHONN Convention, June 6-10, in Orlando, Florida.

Mica Estrada Invited to National Academies' Network of Scholars

Mica Estrada, PhD, professor and associate dean, has been selected by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Action Collaborative on Education and Workforce Trajectories in Tech to join their Network of Scholars, a trusted community of experts providing guidance on strengthening tech education and workforce pathways.

Mica Estrada, PhD

Elizabeth Gatewood, DNP, FNP, FAAN

Elizabeth Gatewood Elected to NONPF Board of Directors

Elizabeth Gatewood, DNP, FNP, FAAN, professor and assistant dean, has been elected to the board of directors for the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).

Sandra Weiss Inducted to International Society of Psychiatric Nurses

Sandra Weiss, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, was inducted as a charter fellow of the International Society of Psychiatric Nurses. The induction occurred at an awards ceremony during the society's annual conference, March 18-21, in Seattle, Washington.

Sandra Weiss, PhD, RN, FAAN

SON Community Engages at 2026 WIN Conference

The SON community was well represented at the 2026 Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) Conference, April 21-24, in San Francisco. The conference featured over 40 abstracts from SON and UCSF Health community members, and two individuals were honored with awards: Sandra Weiss, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, received the 2026 Distinguished Research Lectureship Award, and Ling Xu, current PhD Nursing student, received the WIN and National League for Nursing research award.

Two men and three women pose in a line together in front of a set of scientific posters. — *Soo-Jeong Lee; PhD Nursing students Michael Deynu, Kellie Redmond, and Haruno Suzuki; and Glenn-Milo Santos at the WIN Conference.*

Four women stand together, smiling at the camera. — *Jian Zhang, DNP, MS ’92, FAAN; Jarmin Yeh, PhD ’20, MPH, MSSW; Carol Dawson-Rose, PhD, RN, FAAN; and Jennie Chin Hansen, MS ’71, RN, FAAN, at the inaugural Dean’s Lecture*

Inaugural Dean’s Lecture Features Alumni Panel

On April 23, three prominent alumni convened for the first School of Nursing Dean’s Lecture. Jian Zhang, DNP, MS, FAAN, served as the moderator for a panel discussion that also featured Jennie Chin Hansen, MS, RN, FAAN, and Jarmin Yeh, PhD, MPH, MSSW, associate professor. The event, titled “Nursing as a Catalyst for Systems Change: Shaping the Future of Health Care in California,” was co-sponsored by Bartko Pavia. Read a recap and view photos of the discussion.

Sabrina Wong Receives 2026 Helen Nahm Research Lecture Award

Alum Sabrina Wong, PhD, FAAN, FCAHS, received the 45th Helen Nahm Research Lecture Award in honor of her outstanding contributions to nursing science, health policy, and research. Wong received the prestigious award in the presence of colleagues and friends during a May 6 celebration on the Mission Bay campus. During the event, she delivered the lecture "Informing and Transforming Primary Care: Lessons from the Canadian Primary Care Research Network." Read a recap and view photos from the event.

Four women stand together, smiling. — *Carol Dawson-Rose, Catherine Gilliss, Sabrina Wong, and Anna Nápoles*

Faculty Share Expertise at National, International Events

Karen Barrett, PhD, assistant professor, was a visiting speaker for the University of British Columbia's Music Research Cluster Series, March 11-13, in Vancouver, Canada. Barrett gave one keynote presentation on the neuroscience of creativity and another on the use of music for health across the lifespan. She also hosted an open discussion on careers in music and science with the brain and music undergraduate student interest group and co-taught a class on music cognition.
Sandra Domeracki, MSN, FNP-BC, professor; OiSaeng Hong, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor; and Heather Leutwyler, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, presented a poster at the 2026 American Association of Occupational Health Nurses National Conference, April 26-28, in Orlando, Florida. The title of their poster was "Carpet Installer Voices on Their Occupational Health and Safety Issues." Additionally, Domeracki presented "Use of Oral History in Studying Carpet Fitters" during the 8th International Conference on the History of Occupational and Environmental Health, April 15-17, in Leuven, Belgium.
Sarah Gutin, PhD, assistant professor, was a panelist at the UCSF-Bay Area Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Future Leaders in HIV Research Symposium, April 17, on the Mission Bay campus. The panel was titled "Pivoting Next Steps to Current Realities: Panel from Past CFAR Awardees."
Charlene Harrington, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor emeritus, was invited to speak at the American Geriatrics Society Virtual Annual Meeting, April 30, as part of the JAG Editor's Choice: Influential Articles of the Year session. The title of Harrington's presentation was "Nursing Home Guide to Adjusting Nurse Staffing for Resident Case-Mix."
As a current board member of the Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses Association, Linda Park, PhD, NP, FAAN, associate professor, co-chaired and co-moderated the Annual Cardiovascular Nursing Symposium, April 9-11, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The conference highlighted cutting-edge advances in cardiovascular care, emphasizing translation of research into practice.
Andrew Penn, MS, RN, PMHNP, professor, began serving as a board member for the Coalition for Psychedelic Safety and Education, a nonprofit community organization dedicated to enhancing public education and shaping responsible, evidence-based policy regarding psychedelic drug safety. Penn also co-chaired the 4th Annual Psych Congress NP Institute, March 19-22, in Nashville, Tennessee. During the event, he taught on fundamentals of neurotransmission and rapidly acting antidepressant treatments, and shared a panel discussion with co-chair Julie Carabray, PhD, PMHNP, professor, University of Illinois Chicago.
Mike Taigman, MS, associate professor, presented at the Asia Navigator Conference presented by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, Feb. 4-5, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The name of his presentation was "How to Lead a Low Stress Emergency Dispatch Center in Kuala Lumpur." Taigman also presented "Nurturing a Resilient Leadership Team" at the National Emergency Medical Services Management Association Conference, March 24, in Washington, D.C., and "Leading Through Conflict" at the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch Annual Conference, April 23, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
KT Waxman, DNP, RN, FAAN, professor, represented the School of Nursing at the 2026 Association of California Nurse Leaders Conference, Feb. 8-11, in Rancho Mirage.
SON faculty shared expertise at the NONPF Annual Conference, April 15-19, in Dallas, Texas. Elizabeth Gatewood, DNP, FNP, FAAN, professor and assistant dean, presented on the plenary panel "Strengthening Clinical Training Capacity" and co-presented with Carrie Evans, DNP, FNP, assistant professor, "The Promise of AI Tutors in NP Education: Vision, Use, and Impact." Angel Kuo, EdD, MS, PNP, professor, presented "Equipping Students for Transition to Practice to Improve Retention in Medically Disadvantaged Areas," work she conducted with Mary Anne Israel, DNP, CPNP-PC, assistant professor. Israel also had a poster at the conference, "Antibiotic Stewardship in an Outpatient Pediatric Practice."

Celebrating Preceptors: Jane Pun

Jane Pun, MS, NP, ANP, has received a 2026 Preceptor Award from the School of Nursing. Pun works with the Prepare Program located at UCSF's Parnassus Heights campus. Pun has precepted for the school for over 15 years.

"Jane has been a wonderful supporter of our students over the years," says Jim Gatewood, PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC, assistant professor and specialty co-coordinator of the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty.

"I remembered what it felt like to be a novice nurse, so I put that empathy and attention into how I teach my students and colleagues, says Pun. "I found it very rewarding to see them shine and excel at the end of their rotation and training.

Read more about Pun on the Preceptor Portal.

Jane Pun, MS, NP, ANP

Community Members Capture New Funding

Harry Adynski, PhD, RN, PMH-BC, assistant professor, received a UCSF School of Nursing Global Nursing Research Seed Award for the project “Health-Risk Behavior Profiles Among Swedish Adolescents in Jönköping County: Identifying Latent Classes and Examining Associations with SGM Status and Minority Stress.” The award is $5,000.
Ifeyinwa Asiodu, PhD, RN, FAAN, associate professor, received a grant from New York University to support her project “Developing a Community-Driven Innovation Agenda to Prevent Severe Maternal Morbidity and Other Serious Complications of Pregnancy and Postpartum and Advance Health Equity.” The award is $134,282.
Glenda Baguso, PhD, MPH, RN, assistant professor, received a UCSF Research Resiliency Initiative Mini-Grant to support the continued growth of her research program focused on marginalized communities. The award is $2,000.
Karen Barrett, PhD, assistant professor, received a $10,000 Research Resilience Initiative Mini-Grant from the UCSF Office of Research and the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Opportunity and Impact.
Sneha Challa, PhD, MPH, assistant professor, received a UCSF Society for Hellman Fellows Award for the project "Influences on Sexual and Reproductive Health Among South Asians in California.” The award is $50,000. Challa also received a $10,000 UCSF Research Resiliency Initiative Mini-Grant.
Calvin Chiu, PhD, assistant professor, received a California HIV/AIDS Research Program grant for the project "Preferences, Barriers, and Syndemic Influences for HIV and STI Testing Among Latine Young Adults.” The award is $348,226.
Jose Gutierrez, PhD, FNP-BC, AAHIVS, assistant professor, received an NIH National Institute of Mental Health award for the project “Identifying HIV Treatment Engagement Factors Using Clinical informatics and Stated Preference Methods.” The award is $200,880. Gutierrez also received a $15,000 UCSF School of Nursing Research Committee Award for the project “Identifying Preferences for Real-Time Artificial Intelligence Support for Nursing Patient Encounters.”
Sarah Gutin, PhD, assistant professor, received a grant from the Ministry of Health Kenya to support her project “Global Programs Kenya.” The award is $30,000. She also received a $3,563 UCSF-Bay Area Center for AIDS Research CFAR/ARI Boost Award for the project "Assessing Feasibility and Acceptability of a Relationship-Focused Couples’ Intervention To Improve HIV Self-Testing and Linkage to HIV Care and Prevention Services Among Male Partners of Women Living With HIV in South Africa.”
Orlando Harris, PhD, MPH, FAAN, associate professor, received two awards from the California HIV/AIDS Research Program, University of California Office of the President. The first award is $5,000 to support the Choose Your Own Adventure to Wellness program, which provides mental health and wellness resources to Harris’ research team. The second award is $10,000 and will support the work of an incoming PhD student to conduct systematic review of the literature to identify the prevalence of HIV/STI among young people with autism spectrum disorder. Harris also received a UCSF Research Resiliency Initiative Mini-Grant.
Jennifer Jain, PhD, assistant professor, received a UCSF School of Nursing Research Committee Award for the project “WAVE (Women's Adherence and HIV Viremia Evaluation).” The award is $15,000.
Erica Sedlander, DrPH, MPH, assistant professor, received a $4,000 award from the Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s Pilot Awards Program. The funding will support her project “Leveraging Qualitative Research to Increase Funding for HIV Care in Kenya.”
Lindsey Scheller, PhD, postdoctoral scholar, received a UCSF Research Resiliency Initiative Mini-Grant to develop a medical-social complexity measure based on electronic health records (EHR), using the pediatric medical complexity algorithm (PMCA) and social indicators among children discharged from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. The award is $9,800.
Lila Sheira, PhD, MPH, assistant professor, received a UCSF Society for Hellman Fellows Award for the project “Preferences for PrEP Technologies and Implementation Features Within and Across Two Key Populations in Zanzibar: A Discrete Choice Experiment.” The amount is $50,000. Sheira also received an $8,986 award from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Tanzania through the UCSF Global Action in Nursing (GAIN) Research Fund for the project "Global Programs TZ GAINE Project.”
Janet Shim, PhD, professor, received an award from Columbia University for the project “The Future of Bioethics: Shifting Federal Priorities and the Sustainability of the Field.” The amount is $46,267.
Jarmin Yeh, PhD, MPH, MSSW, associate professor, received a UCSF Academic Senate Pilot for Anti-Racism Research Resource Allocation Program award to support her project “Aging in Focus: Framing Diverse Voices Through an Anti-Racism Lens.”

In the News

Karen Barrett, PhD, assistant professor, shared her expertise on a March 12 episode of The Science of Happiness podcast, "What Happens in the Brain When We Improvise. Barrett also discussed the neuroscience of improvisation on the April 6 episode of the podcast Come Together with Ephraim Hershmann.
Elena Flowers, PhD, RN, professor; Sandra Staveski, PhD, CPNP-AC, FAAN, associate professor; and Maria Yefimova, PhD, RN, lead nurse scientist, were featured in the March 4 UCSF News article "These Nurses' Research Could Help Save You or Your Child's Life."
Carolyn Harris, PhD, RN, OCN, assistant professor, was featured in the National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Prevention's Jan. 23 article "Meet the 2026 Cohort of the Early Career Scientists."
OiSaeng Hong, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor, was featured in the March 4 UCSF News article "UCSF is Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars for 9th Time."
Grace Kistner, MS, RN, project policy analyst, shared her expertise on the Designing Care On-Air podcast's Feb. 20 episode "Climate Is Care: A Conversation on Advocating Sustainable Change." She was also a guest host on the Nurses for Healthy Environments podcast's April 3 episode "Connecting the Dots: Nursing, Climate, and Health."
Cherry Leung, PhD, RN, associate professor, was featured in the April 28 UCSF News story "New Study Asks, Can Probiotics Help Reduce Depression in Teens?"
Rebecca Menza, PhD, RN, ACNP, assistant professor, was quoted in the ACP Hospitalist's March 25 article "The Healing Power of Music."
Jeremiah Mock, PhD, MSc, professor, shared his expertise in The New York Times' April 20 article "Influencers Are Spinning Nicotine as a 'Natural' Health Hack."
Elena Portacolone, PhD, MBA, MPH, professor, was quoted in Cal Matters' Feb. 18 article "We Wanted to Find New Friends': See How Older Californians are Proving that Senior Isolation Isn't Inevitable.
Stacy Torres, PhD, assistant professor, shared her expertise in the Winter 2026 issue of Footnotes, the American Sociological Association's magazine. Read the article "The Future of Old New York." Additionally, Torres was a guest on the At Home, On Air podcast's April 19 episode "Aging in Place: A Lifelong Practice."