Research Day 2026 program

Welcome to the 2026 University of Minnesota Nursing Research Day!  
Research Day is an in-person event with selected online attendance options.

Dr. Katie Boston-Leary is our keynote speaker. She is the Senior Vice President of Equity and Engagement at the American Nurses Association addressing DEIAB and workforce challenges within the profession. She was inducted as a Distinguished Fellow at the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing with the NBNA, is a Fellow with American Organization of Nursing Leadership (AONL), the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Dr. Boston-Leary has conducted research on care delivery models, time allocation, nurses’ well-being, racism and civilized oppression in nursing. Her keynote presentation, Collective Power: Shaping Nursing’s Equitable Future, will explore how nurses, organizations, and partners across the ecosystem can leverage their collective power to influence policy, transform practice environments, and strengthen pathways for the next generation. Through real world exemplars, actionable strategies, and a collective call to action, participants will examine how collaboration, advocacy, and inclusive decision-making shape a nursing workforce where every nurse can thrive and contribute fully. Together, we will reimagine what becomes possible when nursing stands united to advance a future built on fairness, access, and shared impact.

8:00 am Registration opens
In Minnesota Room

8:45 am Welcome and Opening Remarks
In Memorial Hall (Zoom option)

9:00 am Keynote followed by Q&A
In Memorial Hall (Zoom option)

10:15 am Break

10:30 am Morning breakout sessions 

A. Data Sparks: Lightning Ideas at the Speed of Informatics
In Memorial Hall (Zoom option)

B. Reimagining Nursing Education and Professional Pathways Through Collaborative Interdisciplinary Approaches: Innovations in learning, mentorship, competency assessment, and collaborative workforce development
In Johnson

C. Leveraging AI, Informatics, and Community-informed Methods to Advance Health Research: Data, design, and digital innovation in nursing science
In Ski-U-Mah

1:00 pm Afternoon breakout sessions 

D. Living with Complexity: Aging, Chronic Conditions, and Symptom Experiences Across the Lifespan Person-centered insights into management, adaptation, and quality of life
In Memorial Hall (Zoom option)

E. Enhancing Spirituality, Resilience, and Lived Experience across Diverse Contexts: Identity, meaning, and psychosocial well-being in youth and young adults
In Ski-U-Mah

F. Advancing Clinical Quality and Safety Through Nursing-Led Evidence and Decision-Making: From bedside protocols to systems-level care improvement
In Johnson

2:30 pm Break

2:45 pm  Poster presentation session
In Swain Room and The Commons (Vote for your favorite poster)

3:30 pm People's Choice Poster Awards and Closing Remarks
In Memorial Hall (Zoom option)

2026 UMN Nursing Research Day Posters

Held in the Swain Room and The Commons at 2:45 pm

Vote for your favorite poster 

The People’s Choice Award

1. Implementing Standardization of Prenatal Contraception Counseling: A Quality Improvement Initiative  

Kaitlynn Orobona, RN, BSN**, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Monica Streater, APRN, CNM*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota 

2. Implementing a Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy Algorithm in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project 

Kayla Siok, RN, BSN, CCRN**, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Erica Schorr, PhD, BSBA, RN*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota 

3. The Role of Midwives in Advancing Planetary Health: A Contemporary Issue in Education and Practice 

Monica Streater, DNP, APRN, CNM*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Angelica Walton*, DNP, RN, RYT, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota 

4. Cuddle for the Heart: Implementation of a Parental Holding Protocol for Infants with Congenital Heart Disease in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit  

Julie Arldt-McAlister, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CPNP-AC, M Health Fairview; Sarah McCarthy, DNP, APRN, CNP*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota 

5. Stress and Coping among People with Heart Failure in an Online Support Group 

Ling Bai**, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Michelle Mathiason, MS, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Samantha Conley, PhD, RN; Mayo Clinic; Kristin E. Sandau, PhD, RN*, School of Nursing University of Minnesota 

6. Nurses' Communication with Patients Regarding Pain 

Ashley Lordeman, BSN, RN, Essentia Health; Sandy Hagstrom, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, Essentia Health; Nora Eastvold, BSN, RN; Essentia Health; Mary Fran Tracy, PhD, RN, APRN, CNS, FCNS, FAAN*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota 

7. Recipient Gain in Glomerular Filtration Rate is Equivalent Regardless of Donor Age

Jessica Fisher, DNP, MPH, APRN, NP-C, University of Minnesota; Kathleen Madden, MD, MBA, University of Minnesota; Jesse Seegmiller, PhD, DABCC, FADLM; University of Minnesota; Timothy Pruett, MD, University of Minnesota 

8. Culturally Inclusive End-of-Life Simulation for Undergraduate Nursing Students

Jodi Olson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CentraCare & College of St. Benedict; Mary Pesch, DNP, MPH, APRN, FNP-BC, College of St. Benedict/St. John's University; Julie Keller-Dornbusch, MSN, APRN, RN, AGNP-C; College of St. Benedict/St. John's University 

9. From Identification to Action: Empowering Nurses with a Feasible, Evidence-Based Sensory and Behavior-Informed Pediatric Fall Prevention Tool

Debbie Lommel, SNP, BSN, RN**, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Danni Wills, DNP, BSN, PHN, PED-BC, M Health Fairview; Kristin Moquist, MS, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC-CPON; M Health Fairview; Samantha Lindsley, PT, DPT, M Health Fairview, Wendy Looman PHD, APRN, CPNP-PC*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Cheri Friedrich DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, FNAP, FAAN*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota

10. [WITHDREW] A Qualitative Socio-Cognitive Study of Factors Influencing Clinical Nurses' Research Involvement in Nigeria

Zainab Seidu**, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Emuejevoke Fuafugo, RN, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; Evans Appiah Osei, MSN, RN, Purdue University; Rozina Bhimani, PHD, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, CRPN, FARN*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota

11. Standardizing Count Boards and Count Process in the Operating Room at the Minneapolis VA

Jo Angela Amores, MSN, RN, CNOR, Minneapolis VA Health Care System; Dorean Hortillosa, RN, Minneapolis VA Health Care System 

12. [WITHDREW] Improving Emergency Contraception Utilization in the Primary Care Setting: A Quality Improvement Project

Celeste de los Santos, BSN, RN, RNC-OB**, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Melissa Saftner, PhD, MBA, CNM, FACNM*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Dylan Daniels, RN; Indian Health Board of Minneapolis, Inc.; Vicky Lee, BAS, Indian Health Board of Minneapolis, Inc.; Indi Prairie Chicken, MHA, RN, Indian Health Board of Minneapolis, Inc. 

13. Vicarious Trauma Among APRN’s at the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System: A Quality Improvement Project

Sophia Gregg, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Minneapolis VA Health Care System; Morgan Zender, APRN, FNP-C, Minneapolis VA Health Care System 

14. A Qualitative Analysis of Policies, Practices and Barriers to Maternal Care and Young Child Nutrition at Health Clinics in Ethiopia

Mary Hearst, PhD, MPH*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Hussen Mekonnen, PhD, RN, Addis Ababa University; Blaine Damte, BA; University of Minnesota; Melissa Laska, PhD, RD, University of MInnesota 

15. Can Text Messages Help Young Adults Quit Vaping? Evidence from a Rural Feasibility Trial

Jovan Gwon, PhD, RN, FIAAN*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Vipavee Thongpriwan, PhD, RN, CNE, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Han Lee, PhD; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Young Cho, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Suna Paek, PhD, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago; Redson Machongo, MPhil, RN, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Devon Noonan, PhD, MPH, FNP-BC, CARN, FIAAN, FAAN, Duke University 

16. A Time of Danger: A Literature Review of Homicide During the Perinatal Period Among Black Women in the United States

Frances Kimber, BSN, RN, C-EFM**, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Redson Machongo, MPhil, BSc-NM, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Breanna Heisterkamp, BSN, RN, PHN, SANE-A, SANE-P, GFN-C**; Toyin Olukotun, PhD, RN, CNE, University of Portland; Lucy Mkandawire-Valhmu, PhD, RN, FAAN*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota

17. Associations Between Problematic Social Media Use & Suicide Ideation Among Adolescents: Findings from the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey 

Corrina Jones, BS, Northwestern University; Michelle Mathiason Moore, MS, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Aaron Sather**, School of Nursing; Patricia Jewett, PhD, MS, University of Minnesota; Iris Borowsky, MD, PhD, University of Minnesota; Lindsay Talliaferro, PhD, MPH; University of Central Florida; Eunice Areba, PhD, RN, PHN*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota 

18. Outcomes of Supervised Exercise Therapy and Cilostazol Use in Peripheral Artery Disease

Kendall Karrmann**, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota 

19. Implementing a Nurse-led Aromatherapy Protocol in an Adult Pre-surgical Unit

Melissa Martiniello Wilcox, BSN, RN, RYT200**, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota 

20. Delivering Unexpected News: Improving Confidence Levels in a Simulated Learning Environment 

Tiffany Oslin, BSN, RN, RN-BC**, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Erica Timko Olson, PhD, RN*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Stephanie Delkoski, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota

21. Gamification as a Strategy for Interprofessional Learning 

Phoebe Enebechi, BSN, RN, Winona State University; Aislinn Dorko, BSN, RN, Winona State University; Sandra Paddock, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, PHN; Winona State University; Jennifer Timm, DNP, RN, PHN, Bridges Health 

22. Collaborate to Elevate: Improving Teamwork between RNs and NAs on Med-Surg and Rehabilitation Units

Sarah Nemeth, BSN, RN, PHN, SCRN, Allina Health; Sonia Lovelace, MSN, RN, Allina Health; Bri Kelly, BSN, RN; St. Catherine University; Holly Kurzhal, BSN, RN, St. Catherine University; Sia Dunbar, CNA, Allina Health; Martha Freeman, CNA, Allina Health 

23.Improving Outcomes Through Standardized RN Documentation of High-Priority Telemetry Events

Meagen Otto, BSN, RN, M Health Fairview; Adam Milbauer, BSN, RN, PCCN, M Health Fairview; Cheri Blaha, BSN, RN, M Health Fairview; Faith Devery, BSN, RN, M Health Fairview; Angie Hernandez, BSN, RN, M Health Fairview; Patty Hoadley, M Health Fairview; Jasmyne Loyola, M Health Fairview; Veronica Walsh, MSN, RN, M Health Fairview; Taylor Aldrich, MS, RN, M Health Fairview; Jacob Kern, BSN, RN, M Health Fairview; Famatta Meaway, CNA, M Health Fairview; Lisa Sansgaard, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, SCRN, M Health Fairview; Emily Stelter, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, M Health Fairview; Natalie Nelson, BSN, RN, M Health Fairview

24. Innovating Safety: Model for Safer Psychiatric Monitoring

Corinne Murphy, MSN, RN, PHN, Fairview Health Services; Maria Raines, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, CENP, Fairview Health Services; Kristina Luebke, RN, MSN, PHN; Fairview Health Services; Jessica Hermann, BSN, RN, PHN, Fairview Health Services 

25. Nurse Residency Reimagined: Resilience and Workforce Impact

Katie Pitzl, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, Fairview Health Services; Maria Raines, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, CENP, Fairview Health Services; Amala Carlson, BSHS, MSN, RN, NPD-BC; Fairview Health Services; Laura Toomey, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN, Fairview Health Services; Sheilah L. McGrath-Luster, MN, BA, RN, PHN, AHN-BC, NPD-BC, Fairview Health Services 

26. Veteran Entered Electronic Screening to Collect Care Partner Information: Preliminary Experience 

Sarah Garrett, MSN, RN, Minneapolis VA Health Care System; Hannele Nicholson, CCC-SLP, PhD, Minneapolis VA Health Care System; Dylan Paoli, MA; Minneapolis VA Health Care System; Edward Ratner, MD, Minneapolis VA Health Care System; Allison M. Gustavson, PT, DPT, PhD, Minneapolis VA Health Care System; Hilary Mosher, MD, Minneapolis VA Health Care System 

27. Standardization of Surgical Dressings for High-Risk Pediatric Spine Patients to Reduce SSIs and Adverse Outcomes

Hawi Muhammed, MHI, RN, PHN, Gillette Children's 

28. Lessons Learned from a Pilot Study of Multimodal Digital Assessment in Individuals Receiving Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Pearl Fang, BS**, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Esther Moon, PhD, MSN, RN*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; McKay Hall**; School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Alex Hubbell, MD, University of Minnesota; Kelvin Lim, MD, University of Minnesota; Gavin Bart, MD, PhD, Hennepin Healthcare 

29. Integrating Urine Drug Screening, Craving, and Wearable-derived Physiological Data in Outpatient Opioid Use Disorder Treatment    

Esther Moon, PhD, MSN, RN*, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota Michelle Mathiason, MS, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; Heeyoung Lee, PhD, PMHNP-BC, FAAN; University of Pittsburgh 

30. Caffeine and Hyperoxia Modulate Airway Remodeling and Hyperreactivity 

Venice Macawili, BSN, RN, CCRN, Mayo Clinic; Samantha K. Hamrick, MS, Mayo Clinic; Christina Pabelick, MD; Mayo Clinic; YS Prakash, MD, PhD, Mayo Clinic 

31. Quality Improvement Through Pre‑Operative Bowel Preparation: Reducing Rectal Medication Use After Low-Risk Pediatric Spine Surgery  

Lindsey Tri, MSN, RN, CPN, Gillette Children's Hospital and Clinics; Danielle Harding, PA-C, Gillette Children's Hospital and Clinics; Hawi Muhammed, MHI, RN, PHN; Gillette Children's Hospital and Clinics; Katie Amaya, MPH, Gillette Children's Hospital and Clinics 

32. Bridging the Gap: Auricular Acupuncture Training for Nurses to Support Rural Veteran Populations

Colleen Kraft, DNP, MA, RN, NBC-HWC, Minneapolis VA Health Care System; Megan Daman, DNP, APRN, CNS-BC, Minneapolis VA Health Care System 

33. Pain Management: Quantitative Data Analysis of Med/Surg Pain Reassessment 

Kasey Eveland, BSN, RN, CPH, Fairview Health Services; Shelbie Foster, BSN, RN, CPH, Fairview Health Services; Lindsey Lundberg, BSN, RN; Fairview Health Services; Laura Kaine, ASN, RN, Fairview Health Services; Nicolette Bloome, BSN, RN, Fairview Health Services 

NOTES: Primary presenter names are bolded and * refers to University of Minnesota School of Nursing faculty member, ** refers to University of Minnesota School of Nursing student

2026 Nursing Research Day Planning Committee Members

Becca Brown
Andrea Bushaw
Sherry Chesak
Cassie Dike
Sandy Hagstrom
Kim Heckmann
Beth Keating
Katheren Koehn
Liz Kozub
Fang Lei
Andrea Leszko
Kim Lorence
Megan Oldenburg
Charles Osingada
Sarah Pangarakis
Maria Raines
Rachel Rittenhouse
Amy Smith
Laura Tillman 
Diane Treat-Jacobson

Nursing Research Day Supporters

Allina Health
CentraCare
Children’s Minnesota
Essentia Health
Fairview Health Services
Gillette Children’s
HealthPartners
Mayo Clinic
Minnesota Organization of Registered Nurses (MNORN)
Sigma Theta Tau International - Zeta Chapter
University of Minnesota School of Nursing and the School of Nursing Foundation

Nursing Research Day Collaborators

Kappa Phi at-Large Chapter Sigma Theta Tau
Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System
Winona State University - Department of Graduate Nursing

Looking for Zoom links or a confirmation email?  

Your Research Day registration should trigger a confirmation email within 24 hours of registering.  The morning of April 17 the Research Day event page will have the individual session Zoom links for those sessions that will be streamed (note, not all 2026 Research Day sessions will be streamed).  If you are not seeing a confirmation email, be sure to check your spam folder as some organizations' email systems flag our emails as spam. If you don’t see an email confirmation, re-register and be sure to type your email carefully.   If you still don’t receive a confirmatory email, contact us at [email protected]

How does Research Day work?

Nursing Research Day is an in-person event with only select sessions available via Zoom.  Activities occurring in the main hall of McNamara (i.e., Memorial Hall) will be streamed via Zoom in 2026.  This includes the Keynote presentation and the morning Data Sparks: Lightning Ideas at the Speed of Informatics breakout session and the afternoon Living with Complexity: Aging, Chronic Conditions, and Symptom Experiences Across the Lifespan: Person-centered insights into management, adaptation, and quality of life breakout session.  In order to attend in-person or online you MUST pre-register for Research Day.  Same day or “walk-in” registration on April 17 cannot be accommodated.  

Is there a cost to attend Research Day?

No.  It is free.

Are CEUs available?

Yes.  MN Board of Nursing contact hours will be offered to those who indicated MN Board of Nursing contact hours in their registration.

Is there a schedule for Research Day?

Yes there is. Link to the at-a-glance schedule.  

Is breakfast and/or lunch provided as part of Research Day?

No.  We are able to offer Research Day free of charge by not providing food as part of the conference, although coffee and tea will be available during the morning hours.  Please plan accordingly.  A Google search of nearby restaurants can be found here (📌Insider Tip: pre-order your lunch at Sweetgreen for pick-up at noon.  Favorite Stadium Village area restaurants include:  Afro Deli & Grill, Kimchi Tofu House and Kinzo Udon

Help!  I am having trouble accessing the Research Day event page and/or a Zoom

If you are having Zoom issues, we suggest making sure that you have the most current version of Zoom (guidance here).  If issues persist with the Zoom or event page, email [email protected] and someone may be able to assist.  Note, not all 2026 Research Day sessions will be streamed.

I missed a breakout session.  Can I access the recorded presentations after Research Day?  

The keynote presentation recording will be posted on the School of Nursing web page by mid-May.  No other oral presentations will be available/streamed outside of the actual, live, presentation on Research Day.

I am only interested in attending a poster session.  Do I still need to register?

Yes.  Please register before April 17.  We are happy to have you join us just for the poster session.  

I registered for Research Day but want to change my breakout session registration. How do I do that?

Don’t worry.  You can attend any breakout session that you want.  We don’t require you to update your breakout registration.  However, if you no longer plan to attend Research Day in-person, we would appreciate receiving notification (email [email protected]) as McNamara does have a seating capacity and Research Day typically has a waiting list for in-person attendance.

Can I share the Research Day Zoom link with my friend?  S/He forgot to register.

No. Unfortunately that isn't an option.  Research Day is a closed/private event.  Access is limited to people who have pre-registered.

Is a lactation space available at McNamara?

Yes there is.  Room 211 (searchable here)