The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing’s Nurse Anesthesia Program proudly honored the graduating Class of 2024 on Friday, December 13, at the University Club. The event featured remarks from nursing leaders, including Christine Kasper, PhD, RN, FAAN, Dean and Professor of the School of Nursing; Senior CRNA Clinical Director Toni Orsino, MBA, CRNA; and John M. O'Donnell, DrPH, CRNA, who presented the graduating class.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 35 graduates of the Class of 2024, who successfully completed their rigorous academic and clinical training to earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. These graduates now join the ranks of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), prepared to advance patient care with expertise and compassion.
As part of their DNP program, each graduate completed a capstone project focused on improving quality, safety, or performance within healthcare. These innovative projects underscore the graduates’ commitment to driving evidence-based improvements in clinical practice. The full list of students and their capstone projects is provided below.
Additionally, congratulations to the following individuals for their outstanding contributions to the Nurse Anesthesia Program:
Donna Rauch, MSN, CRNA – Mary DePaolis Lutzo Anesthetist of the Year Award
Vince Contento, MSN, CRNA – SRNA Preceptor Service Award
Michael Desciak, MD – Stephen Finestone Anesthesiologist of the Year Award
Class of 2024 Capstone Projects
Name | Project |
|---|---|
 Moriah Adams
| Development of a Simulation-Based Training Course to Increase Anesthesia Provider Knowledge, Competence, and Confidence in Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blockade |
 Andrey Artamonov
| Development of a Simulation-Based Training Course to Increase Anesthesia Provider Knowledge, Competence, and Confidence in Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blockade |
 Natalie Baker
| Evaluation of Effectiveness of a Thermoregulation Management Cognitive Aid (TMCA) for Pediatric Surgical Spine Patients |
 Adrian Bermudez
| Implementation of a Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of High Flow Nasal Cannula During Gastrointestinal Lab Procedures |
 Rachel Carlson
| CPitt Module: Perioperative Active Shooter Anesthesia Response (PASAR) |
 Julia Corbin
| Implementation of an Infectious Disease Cognitive Aid in the Operating Room to Increase Anesthesia Providers’ Compliance of Infection Control Policies |
 Patrick Daisley
| Assessing the Impact of In-Situ Simulation on Provider Knowledge and Confidence in Management of the Postpartum Pre-Eclamptic Patient |
 Laura Daley
| Development and Usability Testing of an Evidence-Based, Structured Manual for CRNA Preceptors to Enhance the SRNA Experience and Patient Care |
 Vivian Dang
| Re-Implementation of a Web-Based Preceptor Training Program for Precepting Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists |
 Lauren Fassnacht
| Simulation Training for Minimally Assisted Induction of Anesthesia |
 Kyara Francis
| Simulation Training for Minimally Assisted Induction of Anesthesia |
 Rachel Honodel
| Development of a Simulation-Based Training Course to Increase Anesthesia Provider Knowledge, Competence, and Confidence in Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blockade |
 Kayla Iachini
| Effects of a Difficult Airway Management Course on Knowledge, Confidence, and Skill of Student and Practicing Nurse Anesthetists |
 Julianna Jarrett
| A Cognitive Aid to Improve Anesthesia Provider Knowledge and Confidence when Working in the MRI Suite |
 Farah Khalifa
| Development of a Simulation-Based Training Course to Increase Anesthesia Provider Knowledge, Competence, and Confidence in Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blockade |
 Mataya Kosky
| Implementation of a Pediatric Pharmacology Education Module to Improve Anesthesia Provider Knowledge and Confidence |
 Meghan Levy
| Improving Knowledge and Skill in Vietnam ICU Nurses with the Implementation of Educational Modules on Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia |
 Anna Long
| Implementation of an Infectious Disease Cognitive Aid in the Operating Room to Increase Anesthesia Providers’ Compliance of Infection Control Policies |
 Caleb Martin
| Assessment of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures and Their Management at UPMC Hospitals |
 Jennifer Martin
| Development and Usability Testing of an Evidence-Based, Structured Manual for CRNA Preceptors to Enhance the SRNA Experience and Patient Care |
 Elizabeth Moore
| Survey of Second Victim Phenomena Amongst Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists with Education on Currently Available Critical Incident Stress Management Programs |
 Jennifer Ngo
| Incorporating the Fire Risk Assessment During the Procedural Timeout in the Outpatient Setting |
 Kellee Olson
| Corneal Injury Risk Reduction in the Perioperative Setting: Change with Education and Standardization in Evidence-Based Practice |
 Maureen Ooro
| Enhancing CRNA Utilization of Cognitive Aid Case Primers During Surgical Time-Outs in Adult Neurological Surgeries: Improving Knowledge, Confidence, and Team Cohesiveness |
 Lan Pham
| Improved National Strategic Plan on Infection Prevention and Control for Healthcare Providers in Cambodia to Reduce Prevalence of Infectious Diseases in Patient Populations: A Qualitative Content Analysis |
 Nicole Phillips
| Multidisciplinary Postpartum Hemorrhage Due to Uterine Atony In-Situ Simulation |
 Jeff Rodz
| Rapid Development of Ultrasound-Guided IV Insertion Skills in CRNA Professionals at a Tertiary Care Academic Hospital |
 Kylie Rush
| Incorporating the Fire Risk Assessment During the Procedural Timeout in the Outpatient Setting |
 Margaret Schluter
| Simulation Training for Minimally-Assisted Induction of Anesthesia |
 Madeline Smithgall
| Effects of in-situ Simulation Education for Malignant Hyperthermia Crisis Management in Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurses |
 Katherine Tak
| Nurse-driven Protocol to Initiate Capnography Monitoring in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea or STOP- Bang Scores ≥ 3 in the Post-anesthesia Care Unit for Earlier Detection of Respiratory Compromise |
 Samantha Tyson
| Validity and Reliability Assessment of a POCUS Gastric Ultrasound Checklist |
 Danielle vonWaldow
| Assessment of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures and their Management at UPMC Hospitals |
 Sarah Walker
| Multidisciplinary Postpartum Hemorrhage Due to Uterine Atony In-Situ Simulation |
 Abigail Wu
| Assessment of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures and their Management at UPMC Hospitals |