Ask the Experts: Open Forum with Experienced Educators and Scholars (1 MAC Ed CE) (Additional Registration Required)

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: Level 2- Commonwealth Ballroom 7-8

Speaker(s)

Edwin N. Aroke, PhD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN (he/him/his)

Professor and Assistant Dean for Research and Scholarship (Interim)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Jorge Valdes, DNP, Ed.S., CRNA, APRN, FAANA, FAAN (he/him/his)

Professor of Nurse Anesthesiology, Dean
Florida International University
MIAMI, Florida, United States
Valerie J. Diaz, DNP, CRNA, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE, CHSE, FAANA, CAPT (Ret), USN

Clinical Associate Professor
Florida International University
Pembroke Pines, Florida, United States
Nickie K. Damico, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA (she/her/hers)

Herbert T. Watson Chair Department of Nurse Anesthesia
Virginia Commonwealth University
RIchmond, Virginia, United States

Whether you’re new to academia or looking to advance your career as an early career education professional, this workshop will help you acclimate to a new role outside of the clinical setting. Workshop sessions will discuss strategies and concepts utilized by educators in the classroom. Experienced educators will provide insight into how to achieve your professional goals while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Attendees will participate in a Q&A session with experienced educators and have the opportunity to explore the challenges and successes of their educator peers.

This open forum will allow attendees to discuss with a panel of experienced educators.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss concepts and topics affecting new educators. Focus on 3 domains of teaching, service, and scholarship.