Nursing Shines at WIN Conference with Bold Research and National Recognition

At the annual Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) Conference held in April in Spokane, Washington, faculty and students from the College of Nursing made a significant impact under the conference theme: "Redesigning Nursing for New Frontiers in Health.” As a leading hub for nursing research, the conference allowed scholars, clinicians, educators, and students to share innovative work that pushes the boundaries of health care. This year, 13 PhD students attended the conference and presented their research, representing approximately 31% of the PhD students enrolled in the college's program.

At this year's conference, college faculty and alumni led several pre-conference sessions and symposia on diverse topics, including "What to Do When Things Go Wrong During Research Studies" and strategies for enhancing student well-being in nursing academia. Numerous PhD students and faculty members delivered podium presentations throughout the conference. Among those were:

• 2025 Abstracts of Distinction: Addressing the Valley Fever Knowledge Gap in Arizona Primary Care – Rebecca R. Foley, Lori Martin Plank, Patricia Daly, John Galgiani
• 2025 Abstract of Distinction: The Colonized Healthcare System: Fronteras within the Puerto Rican Veterans Affairs – Jacquelyn Martin
• Clinical Challenges and Management of Dysphagia in Heart Failure: A Scoping Review – Juvel-lou Velasco, Shu-Fen Wung
• Human Trafficking Assessment: A Descriptive Qualitative Study – Deanna Thompson, Timothy Sowicz, Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Timian Godfrey
• Biomarkers of Postpartum Blood Loss: An Evolutionary Medicine Exemplar – Julienne Rutherford, Mary Dawn Koenig, Elizabeth Abrams, Lily Woods, Hillary Ruvalcaba, Stephanie Lapsley, Elise Erickson

"Our participation in the WIN Conference highlights the exceptional commitment of our faculty, students, and alumni to promote nursing science, education, and practice," said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. "I am extremely proud of the innovative work presented, the recognition received by our scholars, and the leadership our college continues to demonstrate nationally. Together, we are shaping the future of health care."

The conference celebrated the accomplishments of several nursing students and faculty members. PhD student Ying Chen received the prestigious Best Abstract Award for her research Feasibility and Efficacy of Remote Tai Chi on Older Adults' 24-Hour Movement Behaviors. Her work, mentored by Professor and Interim PhD Program Director Ruth Taylor-Piliae, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, was recognized for its innovation and relevance in promoting health among aging populations through integrative approaches. Chen said, “The incredible mentorship by Dr. Taylor-Piliae made this possible, and I’m truly thankful for her time, patience, guidance, and support.” Another notable recognition went to Erin George, PhD, CNM, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, who received the SIGMA/WIN Research Grant for her ongoing contributions to nursing science.

In recognition of her leadership in nursing research and education, Jessica Rainbow, PhD, RN, associate professor, was inducted into the Western Academy of Nurses.

College of Nursing PhD students and faculty also took center stage with compelling poster presentations, reflecting the diverse and impactful research taking place at the college:

• Implementation of Babywearing in the NICU As an Intervention for NAS – Lisa M. Grisham 
• Smart Ring Physiological Data in Pregnancy: Associations with Hypertension -Stefanie L. Boyles, Elise N. Erickson 
• Nurse Coaching Feasibility of Plant-Based Diets in Indigenous Dialysis Patients – Deidre Chase, Megan Skiba, Ruth Taylor-Piliae
• Feasibility and Efficacy of Remote Tai Chi on Older Adults’ 24-Hour Movement Behaviors – Yingying Chen, Suryeon Ryu, Nan Zeng, John Oginni, Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Zan Gao
• Pediatric Pain Interventions: Knowledge and Attitudes Among Clinicians and Guardians – Kaylee Fauvell, Justin B. Poll, Stephanie C. Stokes, Jody Osteyee
• Yoga for Methamphetamine Associated Cardiomyopathy: A Feasibility Study – Kari Sandau, Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae
• Recruitment and Retention of Diverse Cancer Survivor-Caregiver Dyads in Trials – Molly Hadeed, Terry Badger, Chris Segrin, Rogelio Robles-Morales, Samantha Werts-Pelter
• Dysphagia and Volume Status Detection Using Strain Sensor – Juvel-lou Velasco, Shu-Fen Wung
• Leveraging the Stetler Framework and Wearable Technology to Reduce Pressure Injuries – Ashlee Garcia, Kara Snyder, Charlene Cornett
• Model of Postmortem Caring and Coping – Kaleigh Barnett, Cindy Rishel, Pamela G. Reed
• Efficacy of Using Simulation to Support Readiness for Post-Mortem Care – Kaleigh Barnett, September T. Nelson
• An Integrative Review of the Literature on Tai Chi and Chronic Lung Disease – Aubree Bussa-Carlson, Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Helena Morrison
• Explaining Nursing Students’ Stress: The Self-Trust and Learning Patience Theory – Elise Dando, Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae
• Inhaler Use Measurement: The Edelphi Method to Establish Content Validity – Catherine Harpst, Sheila M. Gephart, Douglas Mapel
• Amplifying Voices of American Indian/Alaska Native Students in Medicine & Nursing – Kristin Payestewa-Picazo, Timian Godfrey, Barret Michalec, Angela Gonzales, Nathan Martin, Nina Karamehmedovic
• Menopause Education for Undergraduate Nursing Students: Quality Improvement Project – Cindy Brigham-Althoff, Cindy Rishel, Bev Mayfield, Lindsay Bouchard

This year’s WIN conference highlighted the College of Nursing’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in nursing. Through groundbreaking research, student engagement, and faculty leadership, the college continues to shape the national dialogue on the future of health care. As new frontiers emerge, the college stands at the forefront, driving evidence-based solutions and preparing the next generation of nurse leaders to transform health outcomes across communities.