MSN Graduates Showcase Research
Class of 2026 Nursing Students Finish Strong with Research Posters
On the evening of December 17, 2025, Touro University California’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program celebrated its graduating students with a research poster presentation event at the Farragut Inn Ballroom that brought together family, friends, and clinical preceptors to round out these students’ journey through the nursing program.
The night highlighted the scholarly work of MSN students who displayed posters reflecting months of research and quality improvement projects. Guests enjoyed an elegant atmosphere featuring poster displays, light hors d’oeuvres, and a special recognition ceremony. Each graduating student received a certificate of completion, marking an important milestone in their academic and professional journey.
Led by Kathleen Hahn, Interim Assistant Director of the School of Nursing, she had nothing but praise for the students and what this event means. “The poster presentation is the culminating event for our MSN students to showcase their year of work developing, initiating and showcasing the results of their quality improvement projects,” explains Hahn. “Each one of these projects led to improved patient care, and a change in practice in many institutions that was guided by their research and development of these projects. Their impact really does improve our healthcare systems, and they learn to continue these efforts as clinical nurse leaders.”
"This is one of my favorite events, as we can see the growth in leadership throughout the year,” Hahn exclaims.
The poster exhibition included inspiring remarks from Dr. Tami Hendriksz, Campus Provost and Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Dr. Farid Khalafalla, Associate Dean and Chief Academic Integrity Officer, College of Health Sciences, who commended the graduates for their dedication to advancing nursing practice through evidence-based research.
“The research and leadership skills acquired during the MSN program will undoubtedly help our graduates identify areas for improvement in their day-to-day practice and come up with evidence-based, innovative solutions to continuously enhance the health care system and community wellness,” Dr. Khalafalla states with admiration.
The poster event also featured awards presented by the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, recognizing excellence in research and presentation. Honors included:
Best Overall Poster – Lacie Johst
Most Visually Appealing Poster – Dilraj Sandhu
Best Quality Improvement Outcomes Poster – Beanne Blando
Most Inventive Quality Improvement Project – Larry Melgarejo
This celebration not only honored the achievements of MSN students but also highlighted Touro University California’s commitment to preparing nurses who lead with knowledge, compassion, and innovation.
