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Graduate School Alumni Spotlight

Dr. Brittany Brennan, a proud ������Ƶ alum, currently works as an assistant professor in the College of Nursing at ������Ƶ. In her free time, Brittany enjoys reading, camping, spending time with family, repurposing furniture and playing the piano.

Brennan earned her Ph.D. in nursing and has since focused her career and research on nursing education and simulation. Brennan received certification as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) and a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). She shared, “my journey has included conducting research on simulation nursing education and disseminating that work”.

Teaching in a bachelor’s nursing program had been a dream of Brennan’s and shared that her “experiences as a student at ������Ƶ made me realize how well my goals align with the mission and vision of the College of Nursing at ������Ƶ”. She quickly accepted a position as an instructor here and then later as an assistant professor. “Returning to ������Ƶ felt natural because of the supportive and inspiring environment I had experienced as a student,” she shared. 

Brennan has experienced many accomplishments since graduation, including publishing articles on simulation and nursing education, presenting research at conferences locally, nationally and internationally, receiving the Mary Anne Rizzolo Doctoral Research Award from the National League of Nursing and the Early Career Mentored Research Award from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Another accomplishment that Brennan is currently working on is revising the healthcare simulation standards of best practice with the International Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). She stated she has “implemented innovative teaching strategies that not only enhance nursing education but also allow me to give back to the students and nursing profession, which is my true passion”.

Graduate school prepared Brennan for her professional career by providing “a strong foundation in research, curiosity, and fostered growth in teaching,” she shared. She expressed that her dissertation research in healthcare simulation “served as a catalyst for launching my research career” and the mentorship she received was “invaluable, guiding me to achieve certifications, publish research and make meaningful contributions to nursing”. 

Brennan offered advice for someone considering graduate school, stating “to remain curious and embrace lifelong learning. Graduate school is an opportunity to explore your passions, develop expertise, and contribute to your profession in meaningful ways. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination”. 

GRSCAD Save the Date: April 16, 2025 

To showcase the innovative work of ������Ƶ graduate students, the Graduate School will be sponsoring Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day (GRSCAD) on April 16, 2025.

The event is open to All graduate students, regardless of discipline or type of degree being earned. Students not completing a thesis or research paper are welcome to present on a project, portfolio, written work or any other type of creative activity. A group of faculty judges will select the top two posters to receive awards.

Graduate students will need to provide a brief abstract of the project, as well as other pertinent information.

The Graduate School will reach out to those who registered prior to the event.