InnovatED Symposium

Integrating visual art, history, literature and music into health education can enrich clinical practice. McGoogan Health Sciences library staff will share practical strategies for incorporating health humanities into curricula. Faculty will learn how experiences like Visual Thinking Strategies and historical artifacts can enhance students’ observation, empathy and tolerance for ambiguity. This session empowers educators to help future healthcare professionals build resilience and form stronger patient connections through meaningful engagement with the humanities. 

Presenters

• Erin J. Torell, MA, Rare Books Librarian, Associate Professor, Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library 

• Emily Glenn, MSLS, Dean, Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library 

Location & Time

Main Event Hall at 10:15 a.m.

Group work fosters engagement, critical thinking, and collaboration—but online formats pose unique challenges. This session equips faculty with practical tools to design and facilitate effective online group work. Attendees will explore strategies for helping students stay organized, meet deadlines, and manage shared responsibilities. The session also highlights fair and transparent assessment practices. Faculty will leave with a toolkit of actionable strategies to support meaningful, equitable group work in virtual learning environments. 

Presenters

• Tanya Custer, PhD, MS, R.T.(R)(T)ARRT, Director, Interprofessional Academy of Educators; Director of Distance Education; and Associate Professor, College of Allied Health Professions 
• Analisa McMillan, PhD, MSEd, Director, Distance Education; Associate Director, Interprofessional Academy of Educators; Assistant Professor and Director of Teaching & Learning, College of Public Health 
• Kim Michael, EdD, MA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, Program Director, Diagnostic Medical Sonography; Anderson Distinguished Professor ; Professor, College of Allied Health Professions 
• Peggy Moore, MSEd, Director, E-Learning and Noncredit Learning  

Location & Time

Room B at 10:15 a.m.

Simulation-based education (SBE) enhances technical skills, communication and interprofessional collaboration in healthcare training. This session explores how SBE fosters critical thinking and knowledge transfer in undergraduate nursing, especially for students without hospital-based clinicals. Using a large-scale, multi-touch video wall, students practiced obstetrical skills in labor, postpartum care, newborn assessment and infant respiratory distress. This innovative, immersive approach demonstrates how technology can enrich nursing education and better prepare students for real-world clinical practice.

Presenters

• Missy Ofe Fleck, PhD, MSN, RN, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing 
• Paul Dye, MSEd Director, Advanced Educational Design & Delivery, iEXCEL 
• Emily Coffey, PhD, MSN, RN, MHA, Nurse Specialist, College of Nursing 
• Elizabeth Bockoven, MSN, RN, Instructor, College of Nursing 

Location & Time

Room C at 10:15 a.m.

Artificial intelligence–generated feedback offers a scalable way to enhance clinical education by addressing the limits of direct observation. This session shares how the Health Educators and Academic Leaders (HEAL) program piloted AI to evaluate video-recorded teaching encounters with custom rubrics. Comparisons with traditional feedback methods reveal key lessons, highlighting how AI can provide consistent, actionable insights and practical strategies for integrating this approach into simulation-based faculty development initiatives. 

Presenters

• Evan Symons, DO, Chief Resident, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics, College of Medicine 

• Cory Rohlfsen, MD, Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine, College of Medicine 

Location & Time

Room D at 10:15 a.m.

This session empowers attendees to approach accessibility with confidence using generative AI and built-in tools. Presenters will demonstrate how Microsoft’s Accessibility Assistant addresses common challenges like alt text, content summarization and visual contrast. The second half explores how institutions are leveraging AI to support faculty and staff accessibility efforts. Leave with ready-to-use strategies and a reframed perspective on accessibility, emphasizing practical, scalable solutions for inclusive communication and course design. 

Presenters

• Kristin Bradley, MS, Instructional Designer, College of Public Health 
• Erin King, MA, Associate Director, Accessibility Services Center, University of Nebraska Omaha 

Location & Time

Main Event Hall at 11:15 a.m.

Auditory hallucinations are common in psychiatric conditions and often misunderstood. This session explores how immersive simulation methodology can help future clinicians experience the challenges faced by patients with these symptoms. Through experiential learning and structured debriefing, students build empathy and understanding, leading to improved patient care. Attendees will gain practical tools to implement this training across patient-facing roles, making it a valuable addition to clinical education and a step toward more compassionate healthcare. 

Presenter

• Nathan Chen, MPH, NREMT, Advanced Simulation Specialist, iEXCEL 

LOCATION & TIME

Room B at 11:15 a.m.

Spanning 10,310 kilometers, the LiveWell initiative in Lagos, Nigeria, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy foster cross-cultural mentorship in pharmacy education. This session presents findings from a qualitative study exploring shared passions for patient care and challenges such as language and time zones. Attendees will learn how this ongoing collaboration is shaping globally minded pharmacy leaders and discover strategies to implement similar international mentorship models in their own institutions. 

Presenters

• Ally Dering-Anderson, PharmD, Professor, College of Pharmacy 

• Daniel Kresock, BS, P-4, College of Pharmacy 

• Tanner Cromer, BS,P-4, College of Pharmacy 

• Paige DeWeese, BS, P-4, College of Pharmacy 

• Shelby Butts, BS, P-4, College of Pharmacy 

LOCATION & TIME

Room C at 11:15 a.m.

As demand grows for research-ready health science students—especially in informatics—traditional coursework often falls short. This session introduces competency-based education (CBE) as a flexible, focused approach to building real-world analytical and computational skills. Attendees will explore how CBE can accelerate learning, support individualized progress, and better prepare students for biomedical research and clinical programs. Learn how this innovative model can bridge the gap between academic preparation and the evolving needs of the health sciences workforce. 

Panelists

• Harnoor Dhaliwal, PhD, Executive Director, Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program; University of Nebraska Medical Center; University of Nebraska Omaha 

• Matt Muellner, BS, Co-Founder, White Coats Write Code, University of Nebraska Medical Center 

• Ryan Chapman, BS, Co-Founder, White Coats Write Code, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center 

LOCATION & TIME

Room D at 11:15 a.m.

In 2022, UNMC Academic Affairs launched a microcredentialing initiative using NU Advance and Canvas Credentials to support workforce and professional development. This panel features UNMC innovators sharing their journey in noncredit learning and digital badging for external audiences. Attendees will explore course design, badging criteria and lessons learned—from grant-funded credentialing to fee structures and revenue-sharing models. Gain practical insights and strategies to implement microcredentials that support lifelong learning and alternative revenue generation. 

Presenters

• Peggy Moore, MSEd, Director, E-Learning and Noncredit Learning; Assistant Professor, College of Allied Health Professions 

• Analisa McMillan, PhD, MSEd, Director, Distance Education; Associate Director, Interprofessional Academy of Educators; Assistant Professor and Director of Teaching & Learning, College of Public Health 

• Dustin Krutsinger, MD, MSCE, ATSF, Assistant Professor, College of Medicine 

• Nicole Kolm-Valdivia, PhD, CHES, MPH, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, College of Public Health; Assistant Professor, UNMC Department of Epidemiology 

• Tuggen Even, MSEd, Instructional Technologist, Interactive E-Learning and Noncredit Learning 

Location & Time

Main Event Hall at 1:00 p.m.

This session explores updated ADA Title II guidelines and their impact on digital course accessibility. Presenters will share strategies for evaluating and revising course materials to meet compliance, improve usability for all learners and support institutional efforts toward equitable digital education. 

Presenters

• Michael Kozak, MEd, Instructional Designer, IT Academic Technologies 

• Julie Gregg, MEd, Instructional Designer, IT Academic Technologies 

Location & Time

Room B at 1:00 p.m.

As telehealth reshapes clinical practice, nurse practitioner students must build skills in virtual care and communication. This session highlights how faculty developed simulation-based scenarios help students navigate telehealth platforms, conduct virtual assessments and manage remote patient interactions. Pre- and post-course evaluations showed increased confidence and competency in telehealth delivery. Attendees will explore how experiential learning prepares students for evolving digital healthcare environments and supports the development of future-ready clinical professionals. 

Presenters

• Lynne Buchanan, PhD, APRN-NP, BC, Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Specialty Track  

• Renee Sullivan, DNP, RN, APRN-GNP, BC, Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Specialty Track 

• Katie Messner, DNP, RN, APRN-FNP, BC, Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty Track 

Location & Time

Room C at 1:00 p.m.

As health science education becomes more global, educators must foster inclusive, engaging spaces for diverse learners. This session introduces a two-tiered approach to student engagement: fostering collaboration across disciplines locally and through global partnerships. Drawing from a recent course and workshop in Egypt, presenters will share practical strategies to enhance communication, teamwork and cultural understanding. Attendees will leave with a toolkit of global case studies and collaborative tools to support cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary learning. 

Presenters

• Maha Farid, MBBCH, MS, PhD, Education Researcher, Interprofessional Academy of Educators 

Location & Time

Room D at 1:00 p.m. (25-minute session)

Are you transforming your teaching methods to be more engaging and innovative? Discover how you can share your newfound insights with others in this informal session focused on transforming your innovative teaching into scholarship. Hear stories from local experts before breaking into small groups to brainstorm and connect. Get ready to leave inspired and equipped with new ideas and strategies to jump start your scholarly projects. All experience levels welcome. 

Presenters

• Elizabeth Beam, PhD, RN, Education Researcher, Interprofessional Academy of Educators; Associate Professor, College of Nursing 

• Maha Farid, MBBCH, MS, PhD, Education Researcher, Interprofessional Academy of Educators 

• Jana Wardian, PhD, MSW, Associate Director, Interprofessional Academy of Educators; Associate Professor, Internal Medicine, College of Medicine 

Location & Time

Room D at 1:30 p.m. (25-minute session)

Backed by a $4 million HRSA grant, the UNMC College of Nursing is advancing preceptor training through innovative, multimodal learning. This session showcases how faculty use microlearning content—developed with EZStudio, iEXCEL and other campus resources—to bridge the academic-practice gap. Attendees will explore strategies for creating engaging, practice-relevant training that meets the evolving needs of today’s healthcare learners and supports professional development in a dynamic clinical education landscape. 

Presenters

• Heidi Keeler, PhD, MSN/MBA, RN, Assistant Vice Chancellor, UNMC Office of Community Engagement; Executive Director, Continuing interProfessional Development and Innovation; Associate Professor, College of Nursing 

• Renee Paulin, DNP, MSN, RN, CWOCN; Assistant Director & WTA Course Coordinator, Continuing interprofessional Development and Innovation; College of Nursing 

LOCATION & TIME

Main Event Hall at 2:00 p.m.

If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to navigate a collaborative approach to academic writing, this session is for you. Led by experienced scholars, the session invites you to explore collaborative strategies, share insights and build confidence. Attendees will leave with practical tools to engage in shared authorship and contribute meaningfully to academic scholarship. 

Presenters

• Kim Michael, EdD, MA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, Program Director, Diagnostic Medical Sonography; Anderson Distinguished Professor ; Professor, College of Allied Health Professions 

• Tanya Custer, PhD, MS, R.T.(R)(T)ARRT, Director, Interprofessional Academy of Educators; Director of Distance Education and Associate Professor, College of Allied Health Professions 

• Analisa McMillan, PhD, MSEd, Director, Distance Education; Associate Director, Interprofessional Academy of Educators; Assistant Professor and Director of Teaching & Learning, College of Public Health 

• Peggy Moore, MSEd, Director, E-Learning and Noncredit Learning; Assistant Professor, College of Allied Health Professions 

LOCATION & TIME

Room B at 2:00 p.m.

Generative AI is transforming instructional design, offering new ways to streamline course development and boost learner engagement. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore a practical framework for integrating free tools—ChatGPT, Gemini, CoPilot, Canva, Adobe Firefly and Napkin AI—into curriculum design. With a focus on innovative pedagogy and student-centered learning, you’ll leave with a ready-to-use toolkit to create dynamic, responsive and engaging educational experiences for future health professionals. 

Presenter

• Nishank Varshney, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Education & Child Development, Munroe-Meyer Institute 

LOCATION & TIME

Room C at 2:00 p.m.

Assessing clinical reasoning doesn’t have to be resource-heavy. In this session, explore an AI-powered chatbot that simulates patient encounters and delivers automated, personalized feedback on accuracy, efficiency and thoroughness. Piloted at UNMC in June 2025, this tool—developed by a multi-institutional team—presents a scalable solution to enhance clinical reasoning education and standardize formative assessments. 

Presenter

• Alexandra Sorrick, MD, Assistant Professor, College of Medicine 

• Cory Rohlfsen, MD, Assistant Professor, College of Medicine 

LOCATION & TIME

Main Event Hall at 3:00 p.m. (5-minute session)

In response to recommendations from the Education Council’s Subcommittee on Artificial Intelligence, a dynamic, self-paced online course was developed to equip health care educators with foundational AI knowledge. In this session, you’ll get an inside look at the course’s engaging instructional models and learn how to navigate its content effectively. You’ll leave empowered with practical strategies to begin integrating AI as an instructional support tool in your own teaching. 

Presenter

• Michael Kozak, MEd, Instructional Designer, IT Academic Technologies 

• Tanya Custer, PhD, MS, R.T.(R)(T)ARRT, Director, Interprofessional Academy of Educators, Director of Distance Education and Associate Professor, College of Allied Health Professions 

• Andrew Robertson, MA, Director, Institutional Research, Academic Affairs 

LOCATION & TIME

Main Event Hall at 3:00 p.m. (5-minute session)

Now available in Canvas, Khanmigo Teacher Tools is an AI-powered resource developed by Khan Academy in partnership with Microsoft. Designed to support educators, Khanmigo offers personalized, interactive learning experiences and streamlines planning tasks. In this session, you’ll explore available training and resources through a self-paced, interactive Canvas course. Learn how to navigate the platform and begin integrating Khanmigointo your teaching toolkit. 

Presenter

• Michael Kozak, MEd, Instructional Designer, IT Academic Technologies 

LOCATION & TIME

Main Event Hall at 3:00 p.m. (5-minute session)

This session introduces a powerful platform that allows educators to create AI-driven virtual patients with customizable symptoms, histories and diagnoses. Health professions students conduct interviews, submit diagnoses and receive instant, personalized feedback on clinical reasoning and documentation. Instructors can assign cases, review transcripts and export data. Leave with practical insights into how this scalable tool enhances clinical training through real-time assessment and supports deeper learning in medical decision-making. 

Presenter

• Nicholas Guenzel, PhD, RN, APRN-NP, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing 

LOCATION & TIME

Main Event Hall at 3:00 p.m. (5-minute session)

This session explores how AI can enrich graduate medical education through three key applications: generating realistic patient histories for clinical training with focused prompts and an AI agent, and creating “choose your adventure” discussion prompts for online learning. These tools support clinical reasoning and learner engagement, while reducing faculty workload through automated feedback. Attendees will see examples of AI-generated content and hear insights from students and faculty—leaving with practical ideas for integrating AI into their own teaching. 

Presenter

• Jami Monico, MSEd, CHSE, Instructional Designer and Non-Clinical Instructor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine 

LOCATION & TIME

Main Event Hall at 3:00 p.m. (5-minute session)

Too often, educators rely on quick fixes to improve courses—adding resources or tweaking assignments—without addressing deeper issues. This presentation introduces the blueprint course methodology, a proactive approach to course design that emphasizes intentional planning and structure. Attendees will learn how blueprint courses reduce student confusion, improve learning outcomes, and prevent instructor burnout. Through practical examples and strategies, participants will gain tools to build more effective, sustainable, and engaging learning experiences from the ground up. 

Presenter

• April Elker, MSEd, Instructional Designer, College of Public Health  

LOCATION & TIME

Main Event Hall at 3:00 p.m. (5-minute session)

Creating engaging educational videos is a growing challenge for faculty. This session offers practical strategies to overcome common obstacles: building on-camera confidence, segmenting content into digestible parts and designing visuals that clearly communicate key concepts. Whether you're recording your first lecture or updating existing material, you'll gain actionable techniques for producing high-quality, student-centered videos that enhance learning and retention. Attendees will leave equipped to create compelling content for today’s learners. 

Presenter

• Janet Skogerboe, Instructional Technologist, College of Public Health 

LOCATION & TIME

Main Event Hall at 3:00 p.m. (5-minute session)

Innovation in health professions education thrives when technology, pedagogy and resources align. This session showcases a successful collaboration between the E-Learning Program and iEXCEL to create an interactive, self-paced module for first-year medical students. Featuring a custom 3D neuroanatomical model, the project emphasized student involvement, creative design and strategic resource use. Attendees will explore the award application process, collaboration strategies and lessons learned—leaving inspired to reimagine content delivery through immersive, high-quality learning experiences. 

Presenter

• Matt Vilburn, DC, Associate Professor, College of Medicine 

LOCATION & TIME

Main Event Hall at 3:00 p.m. (5-minute session)

KEYNOTE

Reimagining Responsive Teaching presented by Deepak Keshwani, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

RESOURCES

• View a list and description of all sessions and presenters (requires UNMC login)

KEYNOTE

Generative AI: Technology's Swiss Army Knife presented by Victor Winter, PhD, Professor of Computer Science, University of Nebraska Omaha

RESOURCES

• Symposium agenda and presentation descriptions
• PowerPoints for the additional sessions (requires UNMC login)