Juyoung Park, PhD, MSW, FGSA, received recognition from the Western Institute of Nursing Gerontological SIG for her innovative project on combining brain stimulation and mindfulness to manage chronic knee osteoarthritis pain. Her research focuses on developing safe, accessible, at-home, non-pharmacological interventions to address the significant unmet need in chronic pain management for older adults. The award highlights both her work’s potential to improve quality of life and the College of Nursing’s commitment to patient-centered, innovative aging-related research.

Three Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesiology residents—Quang Lu, Lindsey Warne, and Morgan Wondrak—participated in a surgical mission in the Dominican Republic, providing anesthesia care in a resource-limited setting. Working alongside faculty and an international volunteer team, they adapted to limited surgical equipment, strengthening their clinical judgment and problem-solving skills. The experience deepened their understanding of global health disparities and reinforced their commitment to delivering safe, equitable care in both domestic and global settings.

The College of Nursing recently hosted its Donor Appreciation Tea, a special event celebrating the generosity and lasting impact of its supporters. The gathering highlighted the vital role donors play in advancing student success, research, and community outreach, and offered an opportunity for meaningful connections among donors, students, and faculty. Through shared stories and expressions of gratitude, the event underscored how philanthropic support continues to strengthen the college’s mission and shape the future of nursing.

Ruth Taylor-Piliae, PhD, RN, a tenured professor at the College of Nursing, received the 2026 Anna M. Shannon Mentorship Award from the Western Institute of Nursing, recognizing her exceptional impact on mentoring and developing the next generation of nurse scientists. A longtime faculty member who joined the college in 2007, Taylor-Piliae is widely recognized for shaping the next generation of nurse scientists through her guidance, high standards and supportive approach.

Jennifer Rose Saxton, a DNP student in the College of Nursing’s Executive Health Systems Leadership program, is elevating awareness of forensic nursing through data-driven policy work and statewide advocacy in Arizona. Her efforts led to a proclamation establishing November 8, 2025, as Forensic Nurses Day, highlighting the critical role forensic nurses play in caring for survivors of violence and trauma. Through her academic work and leadership at SACASA, Saxton is advancing trauma-informed care, shaping policy, and strengthening support for vulnerable populations.

Partnership in action: Through its collaboration with the American Red Cross, University of Arizona College of Nursing students are stepping beyond the classroom, volunteering in communities, delivering life-saving education, and helping lead a nationally recognized effort to combat extreme heat. These hands-on experiences are shaping the next generation of nurses to lead with skill, compassion, and a deep understanding of community health.

Three College of Nursing faculty members, Lauren Acosta, Ruth Taylor-Piliae, and Chen X. Chen, were selected for a competitive, university-wide mentoring program focused on strengthening leadership across the University of Arizona. The year-long initiative, offered through the MENTOR Institute, supports professional growth through workshops, mentorship, and collaboration. Their involvement reflects the college’s strong leadership presence and is expected to enhance both individual development and the broader university community.

The College of Nursing continues to rank among the nation’s best in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, with its DNP and MSN programs leading the state and placing in the top tier nationally. These distinctions underscore the college’s commitment to preparing highly skilled nurses and addressing critical healthcare workforce needs.

Arizona faces a critical need for expanded, evidence-based mental health care, prompting new efforts to better prepare healthcare professionals. Faculty from the College of Nursing and other colleagues from the University of Arizona have been selected for a national fellowship that supports integrating emerging research and evolving treatment approaches into academic curricula. Through this initiative, they aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to thoughtfully address complex patient needs in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

Francis Quartey, a DNP nurse anesthesiology student, published research showing that virtual reality can significantly reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients. His review of 30 studies found that VR improves cooperation during anesthesia induction, lowers stress markers, and reduces the need for sedative medications. The findings support VR as a safe, evidence-based alternative while highlighting the need for greater clinical adoption and implementation.