college of health sciences Simulation and Translational Research Center
The Simulation and Translational Research Center (STRC) at Georgia College & State University is internationally recognized for providing various types of high-quality simulation experiences and is provisionally accredited through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.
Between the two STRC locations, the Simulation Center and Skills Acquisition Lab includes 17,400 square feet of learning opportunities that replicate a variety of clinical spaces to prepare healthcare students to become practicing professionals and take on advanced clinical practice roles. The STRC features an array of simulation technology, simulated medical devices, and uses standardized participants as well to provide students with an average of 27,000+ total contact hours annually in simulation experiences.
Our Mission
The mission of the Georgia College & State University Simulation and Translational Research Center (STRC) is to provide challenging, interdisciplinary, state of the art simulations for all programs in an inclusive, supportive and safe environment. The STRC promotes student learning by integrating didactic content with deliberate, progressive, simulated clinical experiences that ensure mastery of essential competencies. The STRC’s unique environment prepares learners to deliver care to diverse patient populations in a variety of care settings.
Our Vision
The STRC aspires to develop preeminent healthcare professionals using innovative educational strategies which will benefit our local, national, and international stakeholders.
Our Values
The STRC values are consistent with the Georgia College & State University College of Health Science philosophy, including the development of leaders engaged in evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and civic participation to serve the healthcare needs of a diverse population.
Simulated Learning Experiences
SimMan 3G Human Patient Simulator (HPS)
The SimMan 3G is a high fidelity patient simulator. The simulator is capable of the following functions:
Speech
Reactive pupils
Crying, runny nose, and ear drainage
Oral cyanosis
Heart, lung, and bowel sounds
Chest rise and expansion, with the ability for needle decompression and chest tube training
Bilateral carotid, brachial, radial, femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis training
Vast bedside monitoring capability, such as ECG, SpO2, blood pressure, arterial line, end-title carbon dioxide, and central venour pressure
Assess 12-lead EKG, radiology studies and lab results from bedside monitor
Advanced ventilation management
CPR, code blue management and defibrillation
Vascular access for medication and fluid administration
Genitourinary system with urine output
Tetherless to allow for in-situ simulation capability (simulations conducted in the actual patient care area)
Birthing Simulator
Birthing simulators are high-fidelity manikins that can provide nursing students and seasoned nurses training with normal and high-risk deliveries that can result in many complications.
SimMom
Speech
Heart, lung, bowel sounds, and fetal heart tones
Bilateral carotid and brachial pulses that correlate with patient monitor
Automatic or manual delivery mode
Can simulate breech, assisted deliveries such as with forceps, shoulder dystocia, cord prolapse, eclampsia, post-partum hemorrhage, uterine inversion, or rupture
Touch screen supporting monitoring systems that display, but not limited to EFM, SpO2, ECG, heart and respiratory rate, temperature, end-tidal carbon dioxide waveforms
Access 12-Lead ECG and radiology studies from monitor
CPR and code management with chest compressions, defibrillation, pacing and cardioversion, advanced airway management
IV, subcutaneous and intramuscular sites for medication administration
Pediatric Simulators
SimJunior
Speech
Interchangeable pupils
Heart, lung, and bowel sounds
Intravenous and interosseous vascular access
Bedside monitoring capability, such as ECG, Sp02, blood pressure, and end-title carbon dioxide levels
CPR, code blue management and defibrillation
Infant Simulator
SimNewB Simulator
Programmable infant simulator with appropriate physiology
Programmable heart and lung sounds
Airway training and management
CPR and infant code management
Intravenous and interosseous access
Harvey Cardiopulmonary Simulator
50 cardiac diseases programed from aortic valve stenosis to pulmonary embolism
Master stethoscope for auscultation, an addition to wireless stethoscopes for learners listening capability
Portable
Cardionics Bionic Hybrid Simulator
Wearable technology which can be used on live patients or manikins to simulate normal and abnormal heart, lung, and bowel sounds
Palpable carotid, radial, and brachial artery pulses
5-lead ECG connection
Simulates multiple physiological conditions
Real time diagnostics and treatment capabilities
Cardionics SimScope WiFi capability
Cervical & GYN Simulator
Bi-manual pelvic examination
Vaginal Speculum examination
Six cervices with cervical abnormalities
Anatomically accurate fimbriae and ovaries
IUD insertion
MEDiC Mobile Exam Device
Telehealth system that allows access to healthcare from outside the clinical and hospital setting by transmitting remotely over Wi-Fi from anywhere in the world. Georgia College nursing students have traveled abroad to remote populations in Honduras and Africa that have enabled the communities to access specialized care such as cardiology.
Ear Exam Models
Allows for practicing proper use of an otoscope
Anatomically correct ear model facilitates student practice in clinical procedures
Includes: 11 ear pairs, 1 normal and 9 tympanic membrane pathologies, and 1 foreign body/cerumen removal
Eye Exam Models
Facilitates students learning using direct ophthalmoscopes
3 fundal depths
Includes: 10 retinal slides, 1 normal and 9 retinal pathologies
Joint, Knee, & Shoulder Injectors
Facilitates student learning with normal anatomy (both superficial and subdermal) for palpation purposes
Feedback technology to support student learning
Skills Acquisition Lab
The Skills Acquisition Lab has over 4400 square feet of learning/skills stations to support the ongoing development of nursing student competencies. Equipped with a functional nursing station and 5 bays that house 21 beds of task trainers, simulators, and various skill stations. Students gain competency by practicing skills and make didactic content connections in a supportive, supervised environment.
Birthing Simulator
Birthing simulators are high-fidelity manikins that can provide nursing students and seasoned nurses training with normal and high-risk deliveries that can result in many complications.
Victoria
Smooth full-body skin and seamless joints
Lifelike eyes with programmable eyelid and eye movement, automatic object tracking, and reactive pupils
Births life-like newborn baby of realistic weight, length, proportion, and joint articulation
Manual Operation or Modeled Physiology: Modeled physiology responds automatically to treatments and interventions.
Auscultation of brachial/radial pulse
Airway
Breathing
Cardiac
Circulation
IM Medication Administration
Neurological Assessment
Urinary
Lung and Heart Sounds
Blood Pressure Assessment
IV insertion/medication administration
Foley insertion
Pupil reaction assessment
NG tube placement
Foley insertion
Airway management
Trach care
IV insertion/assessment
Simulated wound care
CHEST TUBE TASK TRAINER
Pre-hospital chest trauma management, ongoing chest tube maintenance, and assessment.
Two cut-away viewing areas to provide learner visualization of the anatomical relationships between the skin surface, musculature, ribs, and lungs.
Left side pressurized tension pneumothorax site.
Surgically placed chest tube site.
Perfect for teaching the concepts and mechanics of closed water-seal drainage systems.
CHESTER CHEST™
The right chest area of the Chester Chest™ model has a 9.6Fr tunneled central catheter that is visible up to the clavicle. The Dacron cuff on this catheter is also discernable.
Central line care skills, competency, and assessment.
External jugular vein with attached triple lumen catheter.
Subclavian catheter site
Features a dual 5Fr PICC exiting the basilic vein from the inner bicep area.
Forearm IV catheter
Standardized Participant Program
The Simulation and Translational Research Center at Georgia College offers a variety of standardized participant (SP) experiences to support an array of healthcare educational needs. We have a repository of SPs of various ages, gender, and ethnicities to provide authentic SP experiences to future and practicing healthcare professionals. The GCSU Simulation Coordinator trains standardized participants to portray specific medical backgrounds, physical conditions, and emotional states found in patients in various healthcare settings. We apply moulage and other simulation technology to SPs to portray injuries or medical conditions to support the realism of the learning experience.
Executive Director of the Simulation and Translational Research Center; Associate Professor - Nursing; Healthcare Simulation Certificate Program Coordinator
Dr. Roberts is a Georgia College & State University alumna, where she received her Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master's in Nursing Education, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During her doctoral studies she was signified as a Jonas Scholar. She has worked in various clinical areas as a registered nurse including intensive care, pain management, and emergency care services. Dr. Roberts received the Laurie Hendrickson McMillan Award in 2020 for excellence in teaching, research, and campus and community service. She holds a certification as Healthcare Simulation Educator-Advanced (CHSE-A) from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and Standardized Participant Methodology certification through the Association of Standardized Patient Educator. In addition to being a 2022 alumna of National League for Nursing Lead Institutes Simulation Education Program and the 2022-2023 recipient of the College of Health Science Excellence in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award.
As the director of the Simulation and Translational Research Center at Georgia College & State University she provides leadership, development of faculty/staff, metrics, and integration of simulation technology into the nursing curriculum. Additionally, Dr. Roberts is the Program Coordinator for the year long, healthcare simulation certificate program that teaches healthcare educators about simulation pedagogy, best-practices, and operations.
Dr. Roberts has secured grant funding from various sources at Georgia College. Her current research focuses on using simulation to support the learning needs of undergraduate and graduate healthcare disciplines. She has published simulation related research in various nursing journals. Dr. Roberts has also presented on simulation research and simulation center management at the local, state, national, and international levels.
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Tormechi Chambliss
Assistant Professor - Nursing; Skills Lab Coordinator
PhD, Nursing, Georgia State University MSN, Nursing Education, Georgia College & State University
Biography
Tormechi Chambliss has been a nurse for 18 years with experience in medical/surgical, cardiac ICU and telemetry, radiology nursing, endoscopy, and case management. She graduated in 2007 with an associate degree in nursing from Macon State College. She then completed the RN-BSN program at Georgia College & State University and received a bachelor's degree in 2018 and a master's degree in nurse education in 2021. While pursuing her master's degree, Tormechi worked as a graduate assistant in the School of Nursing for the 2019-2020 academic year. She received her PhD from Georgia State University in 2025. Tormechi’s research interests include African American veteran women and the barriers to health-seeking behaviors for PTSD treatment.
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Talecia Warren
Assistant Professor - Nursing; Skills Lab Coordinator
Dr. Warren earned both her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education from GCSU. She previously received her Bachelor and Associate Degrees in Nursing from Excelsior College and completed the U.S. Army Practical Nurse Course. Previously in the clinical setting, she has practiced in the Intensive Care, Step-down, Hospice, Telemetry, Postpartum, and Labor & Delivery settings. Most recently she has practiced as a staff Emergency Room Nurse. She maintains instructor certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Her teaching assignments within the undergraduate baccalaureate nursing program focus on transition to nursing practice and simulation. Her research interests include prevention of unrecognized clinical deterioration, the use of simulation as a teaching modality, and the training impact of clinical faculty.
BS Health Information Management, Macon State College
Biography
Ms. Tiffany M. Bell is an alumna of Macon State College where she received her Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. She has over 20 years of healthcare experience in the Central Georgia area. Ms. Bell specializes in Simulation Activity Coordination and Standardized Participant experience. She has completed training and received certifications in Standardized Participant Methodology through the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) and in Healthcare Simulation through Georgia College & State University.
Kendra serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Georgia College & State University (GCSU) Simulation Center. A dedicated registered nurse with over 30 years of clinical experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and organizational expertise to her role.
Her specialty lies in orthopedic surgical nursing, where she spent the majority of her career providing expert care to patients recovering from surgery and injury. Known for her attention to detail and calm under pressure, she played a vital role in surgical teams and post-operative recovery.
Now, she’s excited to support the mission of the Simulation Center—helping to shape the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals. With a warm welcome and a passion for service, she is proud to assist students, faculty, and staff as they engage in innovative, hands-on learning.
Patsy Hicks is a Georgia College & State University alum with a BS in Nursing and a BS in Community Health Education. She has over 36 years of medical-surgical nursing experience as well as two years of infection prevention experience. Patsy received her education in Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing from Emory University and holds a certification in Medical-Surgical Nursing. She is a member of the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing Society. Patsy also holds a certification in the Fundamentals of Standardized Patient Methodology through the Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) and in Healthcare Simulation through Georgia College & State University and has received training in All Hazards/Medical Moulage through Moulage Concepts. Patsy’s submission of Pin PPE on a Healthcare Worker was accepted for publication to the National League for Nursing-Simulation Innovation Resources Center HomeGrown Solutions website.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, sewing, working in her garden, and spending time with her family.
AS General Studies, Georgia Military College Certificate in Standardize Patient Methodology, Association of Standardized Patient Educators
Biography
Tyler Laster is a graduate of Georgia Military College where he received his degree in general studies. Mr. Laster has over ten years IT/ audio visual experience and four years in healthcare Simulation.
MPA, Georgia College
BS, Sociology, Georgia College
Biography
Tracy is a double alumna of GCSU and has worked in the School of Nursing since 2012. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the SON administrative office and provides budgetary oversight.
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Krystal Canady
Professor - Nursing; Assistant Director, Graduate Programs - School of Nursing
Dr. Canady received her BSN from Georgia College & State University, graduating as vice president of her class. She returned shortly after to pursue her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She practiced family medicine for several years before returning to the emergency room, where she had also spent most of her time as a BSN-RN. Dr. Canady completed her post-master’s in nursing education and her Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees at Georgia Southern University, where she received a recognition award for demonstrating exemplary promise in improving patient care.
Dr. Canady has multiple publications and presentations. Her research interests include stressors in the working environment of nurses and the role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in nursing education. She currently practices as an FNP at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinic and is passionate about caring for underserved and vulnerable patient populations.
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Corey Claxton
Assistant Professor - Nursing; Interim PMHNP Program Coordinator
Dr. Claxton graduated with a BSN from Armstrong State University and MSN and DNP from Georgia Southern University. His clinical background includes mental health nursing and advance practice mental health nursing in both outpatient and inpatient settings. A large portion of his career has been spent in community mental health working with indigent and underserved patients. Dr. Claxton's special interests include bullying behaviors, suicide prevention, and child/adolescent mental health nursing.
Denise Cochran is an alumnus of Lipscomb University (1998) and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (2005) with a focus on Nurse Midwifery. She has over 18 years of experience as a Certified Nurse Midwife in hospital and home birth settings. Denise also has experience working as a hospice nurse and clinical nursing instructor at Middle Georgia State University.
Denise joins Georgia College & State University (GCSU) in 2024 as a lecturer. She is currently enrolled in the MSN-DNP program at GCSU. Denise discovered a love of teaching as a midwifery preceptor and desires to expand her role as an educator with a DNP degree.
Dr. Coke received her PhD in Nursing from Georgia State University, her Post Master’s as a Family Nurse Practitioner from University of Massachusetts, her MSN as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from Emory University, and her BSN in Nursing from Georgia College & State University. She has published in a number of peer reviewed journals and presented nationally and internationally on her research related to innovative teaching techniques and using service learning to enhance nursing education. Dr. Coke has received numerous research grants that are focused on improving access to healthcare in rural areas of Georgia and her international service-learning work. She currently has an ANEW HRSA grant where she serves as lead researcher. Dr. Coke actively practices as a Family Nurse Practitioner in rural Georgia in a medically underserved county. Her role as International Coordinator for the College of Health Sciences has led to the development of a Global Health Minor for Georgia College and service learning and exchange opportunities for Georgia College & State University's nursing students in Sweden, Honduras, and Tanzania.
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Josie Doss
Interim Associate Dean, Chief Nurse Administrator, and Professor
Simulation, Forensic Science, Transformational Learning, Maternal/Infant Health
Biography
Dr. Doss received a BSN from Troy University (2001), an MSN with a focus in maternal-infant nursing education from Troy University (2002), and a research doctorate (PhD) from Georgia State University (2017). Dr. Doss has worked in maternal and infant health as a clinician and educator for over 20 years and is a trained forensic nurse. She maintains certification in inpatient obstetrics (RNC-OB, 2003), as an Advanced Forensics Nurse (AFN-C, 2022), and as an Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE-A, 2020). She has presented regionally, nationally, and internationally on women’s health, forensic nursing, and nursing education/research.
MSN, Nursing Education, Georgia College & State University BSN, Georgia College & State University
Biography
Melanie Hammond graduated from Georgia College & State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2019 and a Master's in Nursing Education in 2024. She also completed her healthcare simulation certificate at GCSU. Her background is in emergency department nursing and clinical research where she specialized in studies with an emphasis in endocrinology. She fell in love with nursing education and simulation and is now pursuing her DNP with an expected graduation date of 2026.
Dr. Henry is a “Triple Cat” having graduated from Georgia College & State University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (1985), Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education (2018), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (2020). Her background includes critical care, management, and education. She has maintained her instructor certifications in BLS, ACLS, and PALS since 2007. In 2018, she began working with a federal grant to train sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) and currently holds SANE-A certification. Her forensic work includes multiple presentations and journal and book publications. In addition to her role as the SANE grant’s program director, Dr. Henry is an Assistant Professor at the school of nursing. She is active in her church where she serves on the Medical Response Team and Worship Team.
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Monica Ketchie
Associate Professor - Nursing; WHNP and Nurse Midwifery Coordinator
Dr. Ketchie's educational background includes earning a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Augusta University, a Post Master’s Certificate as an Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) from Northern Kentucky University, a MSN concentrating in Nurse-Midwifery from East Carolina University, and a BSN from the University of Connecticut. With over 30 years of experience as a certified nurse-midwife (CNM), she has dedicated the past decade to nursing education while continuing to actively practice, maintaining APRN licensure and hospital privileges.
She is a Fellow of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (FACNM), an honor bestowed upon midwives who have demonstrated leadership, clinical excellence, outstanding scholarship, and professional achievement that has merited special recognition both within and outside the midwifery profession. As a co-principal investigator, she helped to secure $2.7 million from the HRSA ANEW grant to advance APRN practice in rural Georgia. Her innovative teaching approaches, including the development of a wearable birth simulator and hands on simulation cases, have enhanced clinical preparation for nurse-midwifery and women’s health nurse practitioner students.
Dr. Ketchie is passionate about fostering student growth and encouraging them to reach their full potential. Her scholarship includes case reports, qualitative studies, and clinical articles in women’s health and midwifery journals. Her current research focuses on the transition of new APRN graduates into rural practice and initiatives to reduce maternal mortality rates in the state. Dr. Ketchie initiated and directs the Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program at GCSU, where she continues to inspire and educate future healthcare providers.
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Amelia Malcom
Assistant Professor - Nursing; Interim FNP Coordinator
Dr. Malcom came to GCSU in August 2023 as an assistant professor of nursing. She received her DNP in Advanced Practice from Brenau University in 2014. Her project was about type 2 diabetes self-care management using telehealth. Dr. Malcom is currently in her final year in Augusta University’s Ph.D. in Nursing program. She completed the American Association of Nurse Practitioner’s Execute Leadership Program in 2023. She has been a nationally board-certified family nurse practitioner since 2011 and works in rural family practice. At her previous university, she was the NP Programs Coordinator for 10 years. She received her MSN and BSN from Brenau University. As an RN she worked primarily in critical care and was a certified critical care RN. She has been in higher education since 2012 and is a National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator. She is active in AANP, UAPRN of Ga, AHNA, STTI, and Phi Kappa Phi. She received the “Master in the Art of Nursing” award from the Gainesville Community in 2017 for her 30 years in nursing. Her research areas are compassion care, telehealth, and type 2 diabetes. She likes to take students on mission trips to the Gypsy villages in Romania. She loves to read and travel.
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Angela Queen
Assistant Professor - Nursing; Interim Assistant Director, Undergraduate Programs - School of Nursing
DNP, Georgia College & State University APRN-BC dual certification - PMHNP, FNP
Research
Health Prevention & Promotion, Palliative Care, Opioid Addiction, and Mental Health
Biography
Dr. Queen is a Georgia College & State University (GCSU) multi-alumni earning both her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1995, a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) in 1996, and a master’s degree in family nurse practitioner (FNP) education at GCSU in 2000. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in May 2022 which focused Opioid Use Disorder. In 2025, she completed her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) post master's certification. She practices part-time as a PMHNP and as a peer reviewer for the Georgia Board of Nursing as her schedule allows. Her publications focus on opioid use disorder and mental health issues for all populations. Dr. Queen has a broad range of experience in the clinical setting which includes oncology, family practice, preventive and alternative medicine, palliative care, women’s health, obstetrics, bariatrics, cardiology, and mental health. In her spare time, she loves traveling, hiking, and other outdoor activities. She is a novice painter and author but is truly passionate about animal rescue. She has 4 rescue dogs - Lady, Trooper, Gypsy Rose, & Huckleberry and 3 rescue cats - Trixie, Diddle, and Roo.
Dr. Smith began his nursing career in the medical-surgical setting before transitioning to critical care. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia College & State University and returned to complete his MSN and DNP. A board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, he also holds certification as a Critical Care Registered Nurse. He currently teaches medical-surgical nursing within the undergraduate nursing program and enjoys working in the clinical setting with both undergraduate and graduate-level nursing students.
