July 29, 2013

Congratulations to John Cornele and Carol Okupniak, who are transitioning to new roles within the College effective August 1. Cornele has been named the new Director for the Center for Interdisciplinary Clinical Simulation & Practice (CICSP) and Okupniak will be transitioning to full-time teaching in the undergraduate nursing program.

Cornele has worked as Coordinator of Simulation since 2009, responsible for the daily operations of the Standardized Patient Lab and assisting faculty with the implementation of simulation. He has also provided instruction in Drexel’s Certificate in Simulation emersion course and other simulation continuing education programs. He completed his Master’s degree in Nursing Education in May 2012 and became certified in nursing education in June 2013.

Okupniak served as the Director of the CICSP since April 2009. During her tenure, the Center has seen growth in student population and usage by all disciplines of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. She implemented perennial scheduling, extended hours of services and integration of human patient simulation labs for nursing, Physician Assistant, and continuing education programs. She became certified in Nursing Informatics in September 2011.