Meet the Researchers

Brendan joined the Research Department in May 2018. He is an experienced researcher with more than 20 years in quantitative modeling and consulting, and over 80 peer-reviewed publications. As principal investigator, Brendan most recently spearheaded NCSBN’s longitudinal examination of simulation use in prelicensure clinical nursing education before, during, and after the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brendan also led additional projects focused on nursing workforce trends in long-term care settings and among Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.

Recent studies published include, LPNs/LVNs in Long-Term Care, Hospitals, and Home Health: A Comparative Analysis (AJN, September 2026), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses’ Burnout and Intent to Leave Following the Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis of Workforce Trends from 2022 to 2024 (JNR, May 2026), and A longitudinal examination of clinical simulation in a postpandemic era: A national survey of prelicensure nursing programs (Nursing Outlook, February 2026).

Nicole joined the Research Department in January 2020. She is a certified Project Management Professional and holds a PhD in Educational Psychology (Psychometrics) from the University of Illinois at Chicago.  Nicole’s primary research interests include prelicensure nursing education and the broader nursing workforce. Nicole’s recent works include a trend analysis of the nurse educator workforce and the LPN workforce through the lens of race and ethnicity.  Other recent works include examining differences between clinical and academic nursing faculty, the adoption of virtual clinical simulation in LPN programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the regulation of clinical simulation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a preliminary examination of healthcare facilities’ nurse staffing strategies to address COVID-19 surges. Nicole serves as the co-PI of the National Nursing Workforce Survey and supports the Annual Report Program.

Allison has been a part of the Research Department since June 2026. She has a Master of Science in Environmental Health from the University of Washington. Prior to joining NCSBN, she worked as a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studying novel approaches for the treatment of tuberculosis. Her research interests include geospatial patterns in characterization of the nursing workforce and nursing education.

Richard joined the Research Department in September 2001. He earned a Master of Science in Statistics from the University of Chicago and a Master of Arts in Demography from Georgetown University. One of Richard’s most notable research contributions is the landmark  NCSBN National Simulation Study, which explored the role and outcomes of simulation in prelicensure clinical nursing education. Currently, Richard is leading the National Nursing Workforce Survey and NCSBN’s longitudinal Substance Use Disorder Monitoring Programs Study.

Richard is the subject matter expert for Meridians’ Questionnaire Design course in NCSBN's Meridians learning hub.

Michaela joined the Research Department in April 2023. Michaela received a dual degree in Political Science and Interdisciplinary Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) before joining NCSBN. She worked as a research assistant at UIUC and produced an in-depth literature review on the impacts of increased green space on epigenetic outcomes, physical and psychological health outcomes, environmental conditions, and levels of social and political participation. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Research Methodology from Loyola University to further grow and integrate her research skills into her work for the Research Department. Michaela supports the research team by providing technical, logistical, and research support. She works closely with each study principal investigator and conducts comprehensive literature reviews and survey programming to support project development. In the previous fiscal year, she worked on eleven different studies assisting the research team among other duties.

Audrey joined NCSBN in February 2022. She currently works as an Assistant Editor in both the Research Department and the Journal of Nursing Regulation (JNR). In her role Audrey helps edit and review manuscripts for the research department while assisting with editorial workflows and administrative responsibilities for JNR. Audrey received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Marquette University.