The honor is designed to recognize some of UCF’s brightest stars who shine a positive light on UCF and in their respective fields.
UCF College of Nursing faculty member Desiree Díaz is among 15 faculty members who were celebrated for their leadership and the impact they are making in communities, the nation and in the world during UCF’s annual Luminary Awards held Tuesday at Leu Gardens in Orlando.
The Luminary Awards — established in 2017 — are designed to recognize some of UCF’s brightest stars who shine a positive light on the university and in their respective fields, as well as illuminate a path of discovery for those who will come after them.
Desiree Díaz, Department of Nursing Practice, College of Nursing
Desiree Díaz is a highly-accomplished researcher with significant contributions made to healthcare simulation research at local, national, and global levels, transforming experiences for students, faculty, and institutions. She is the co-author of the only international healthcare simulation dictionary, and her research has been transformative in healthcare disparities and the representation of minorities in simulation research.
For over a decade, Díaz has pioneered exploring linguistic bias and representation in simulation-based research. As president of the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning, she has disseminated best practice standards in simulation internationally to places such as Thailand, Latin America and the Bahamas, to name a few. She also co-founded the Caribbean Simulation Alliance, furthering the advancement of simulation research and science in the Caribbean.
Díaz has three pending U.S. patents, and is the PI, Co-PI, or Principal Project Contact in 21 funded projects, including endeavors in the past two years involving more than $5 million. Yet, she still makes time to foster the next generation of researchers by mentoring and engaging junior faculty and students.
Her many achievements include induction as a fellow in both the American Academy of Nursing and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare Academy.
Meet all of the Awardees HereHas the UCF College of Nursing Positively Impacted You?
The mission of the College of Nursing at the University of Central Florida is to prepare nurse leaders and patient advocates through excellence in education, research and service.
Find out how to give back to your college, today!