While the search committee continue a thorough search for CONHI’s next Dean, Dr. Tanya Sudia is serving in the interim role.

Before arriving at UTA, Sudia served as dean at Augusta University College of Nursing, associate dean for research and scholarship at Baylor University and as a faculty fellow and faculty associate for biomedical ethics at Emory University. She also served for many years in various faculty roles in the School of Nursing at Emory.  Her research accomplishments include NIH-funded projects on research and clinical ethics, and she recently completed a Health Resources and Services Administration grant focused on integrating impactful primary care experiences for pre-licensure nursing students.  She holds a Ph.D. in educational studies, a Master of nursing and education from Emory, and a BSN from the University of Akron. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and a distinguished scholar fellow of the National Academies of Practice. 

Last month, the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) 2025, held in Orlando, Florida, celebrated 25 years of advancing healthcare education through simulation. Among the notable contributions, Dr. Jennifer Roye, Dr. Steven Gellman, Katherine Kreis, Jill Whitfill, Erica Hinojosa, and Lucas Farris showcased innovative approaches to simulation-based education, highlighting advancements in nursing, rural health, and pre-medical training.

"Together, these contributions at IMSH 2025 demonstrated the transformative power of CONHI Smart Hospital's role in promoting simulation to advance healthcare education, foster inclusivity, improve patient safety, and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals," said Katherine Kreis.

CONHI students recently attended our 2025 Career Fair held in the MAC. Attendees met with representatives from various organizations, including health care related facilities, private duty agencies, and more.

Ahmed Yacoub, a Ph.D student in the kinesiology department and research assistant in the Bone-Muscle Research Center, has been nominated as a finalist by the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) National Student Research Group (NSRG) for the 2025 411 Rapid Research Competition best presentation award. Ahmed's presentation titled, "Semiconductor Dielectric Coatings on Cranial Implants Boost Osteogenesis and Rapid Bone Apposition," is one of fourteen finalists, who will be competing at the AADOCR/Canadian Association for Dental Research Annual Meeting and Exhibition being held in New York next month.

View Academic Program options

Listen to the latest episode of the 'Behind The Scrubs" Podcast

UTA is commemorating Black History Month

View upcoming events here

Jeremiah Joseph, a UTA CONHI alumnus and member of the Maternal and Reproductive Health Equity (MRHE) Lab, will serve as a legislative aide for Senator Royce West (a two-time UTA graduate) during the 89th Texas Legislative Session. His official roles will also include serving as Co-Head Intern and Team Lead for Health and Human Services and member on the Economic Development, and Local Government committees. Additionally, he is also participating in the Texas Legislative Fellowship through the UT System.

"I believe my time in research at UTA played a big part in understanding how to use data to inform decision-making," said Joseph. "The work we do in the MRHE Lab has greatly influenced my current role in the Senate, where I draw on those experiences to support policy-making and inform my contributions to the Senator’s office.

Dr. Kyrah Brown, who is a CONHI Kinesiology Assistant Professor, and Director of the MRHE, shared her support for Jeremiah.

"Jeremiah is one of UTA’s shining stars. I believe that he has a natural ability to lead and connect with people which positions him well for a career in health policy and research," said Brown.

Orlando Flores RN, BSN, CCRN, CBRN, a UTA CONHI alumnus, and former president of the UTA Hispanic Student Nurses Association (HSNA), believes his decision to join a UTA student organization helped pave the way for future success.

"My experience serving in HSNA was invaluable in preparing me for leadership after graduation. It allowed me to hone key professional skills," said Flores. "Additionally, I built a strong network of connections in the healthcare field, which has proven essential."

While the experience serving in the HSNA was important for his career, it made an even greater personal impact on him.

"My overall experience while serving in HSNA was both meaningful and transformative," he added. "From the very beginning, HSNA provided a safe, culturally rich environment where students with shared values and interests could come together to celebrate, connect, and give back to the community."

While balancing school and the leadership roles in the HSNA, Flores also joined the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Dallas chapter in 2018. And within a few years, he would serve as the NAHN Dallas President from 2022 - 2024. Flores credits his time in the HSNA for preparing him for the role.

"When transitioning into my leadership role with the NAHN Dallas chapter, the shift felt seamless," said Flores. "The skills I developed through HSNA naturally translated into my leadership responsibilities within NAHN, making the process feel like a natural progression."

Flores encourages UTA students to consider joining a UTA organization, as he himself continues to benefit from the decision he made to join one years ago.

"I strongly believe that joining UTA organizations is incredibly beneficial for students. It’s important to find a community that shares your interests and offers support throughout your academic journey," he added. "For me, I was fortunate to discover HSNA, where I felt an immediate connection. Joining an organization is an investment in your future career—what you put into it is what you’ll get out."

Monthly Faculty & Staff Seminar Series on Secondary Analysis. Join us each 2nd Monday.

Seminar Series on Secondary Analysis: SEER and SEER-Medicare-Linkage Data

March 10, 2025

Register today

Learn more here