Faculty Profiles
Our faculty are active researchers, writers and speakers; many of them internationally known for their contributions toward the advancement of their fields of study. But, most of all, they're passionate, caring teachers.
Grace Gao, PhD, DNP, RN-BC, LHIT-HP, RWJF Future of Nursing Scholar Alumni
Associate Professor, Department of Nursing
Grace Gao earned her DNP degree in Nursing Informatics and Integrative Health, and PhD in Nursing from University of Minnesota. In addition, Grace is a public health nurse and ANCC certified Informatics Nurse. Grace has worked in a variety of roles in both public and private sectors across extensive health care settings, including case manager in home care, care plan coordinator in long-term care, staff nurse in hospital, nurse educator in the academic setting, and clinical informatics specialist and consultant.
Grace’s nursing experiences showcase expertise in public health, nursing informatics, and integrative health.
Matthew Byrne, PhD, RN, CNE
Adjunct Faculty
I am passionate about improving the technologies used by nurses and patients in both the clinical and educational contexts. My research focus in in the areas of Nursing Informatics, notably clinical decision support, UX/UI design and workflows. In terms of nursing education my focus is on instructional technology and educational analytics. My clinical "home base" is perianesthesia nursing and I serve as a reviewer and columnist for the Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, serve on their Ed Board and publish in several perianesthesia texts.
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Joyce Brettner, DNP, MAHS, RN-BC
Assistant Professor, Nursing
Joyce Brettner, DNP, MAHS, RN-BC. Dr. Brettner has a BS in Nursing from Bethel University, MA in Holistic Health Studies from St. Catherine University, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a specialty in nursing informatics from the University of Minnesota. She completed the Veterans Administration Quality Scholars (VAQS) 2-year, post-doctoral fellowship at the Minneapolis VA Healthcare Center in October 2021. VAQS is a multi-site, interprofessional, Federal fellowship program that has been developing quality leaders for over 20 years. She has been board certified in nursing informatics through the American Nurse Credentialing Center.
