West Campus aerial view

21st Annual Nursing Research Symposium

21st Annual Research Symposium

The Impact of Technology and Innovation on Health Care
Thursday, March 26, 2026
9:00am - 4:00pm PST

Felix Event Center
Azusa Pacific University
701 E. Foothill Blvd Azusa, CA 91702

Azusa Pacific University’s School of Nursing and the Iota Sigma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International invite nursing and health sciences professionals, as well as faculty and students, to the 21st Annual Aja Tulleners-Lesh Research Symposium.

If you would like to submit an abstract and poster for this event, please review the links and deadlines below:

Abstract submission deadline: January 23, 2026 (notification deadline: February 6, 2026);

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Abstract Submission Link

Posters submission deadline: February 27, 2026 (notification deadline: March 11, 2026);

Conference presentation date: March 26, 2026

If you cannot attend in person, the event will be livestreamed at live.apu.edu.

For more information, check out our 2026 Research Symposium Google Site. Further details to come such as continuing education units, our virtual poster hall, and student resources!

About the Research Symposium

The School of Nursing sponsored the first Research Day in spring 2005 in conjunction with the installation of Aja Lesh, PhD, RN, as dean. Today, the Research Symposium stands as an important annual outreach event. Guests include preceptors, nurses in collaborating healthcare facilities, and APU students, faculty, and alumni. Each year, research presentations focus on a specific theme, such as Behavioral Health and Wellness in Children; Addressing Health Disparities; and Building Bridges Across the Globe: Research, Academic, and Service Partnerships.

Featured speakers have included Betty Ferrell, PhD, FAAN; Nancy Fugate Woods, PhD, RN, FAAN; Josepha Campinha-Bacote, PhD, MAR, APRN, BC, CNS, CTN, FAAN; Janice Morse, RN, PhD; Loreta Sweet Jemmot, PhD, FAAN, RN; Adey Nyamathi, ANP, PhD, FAAN; and Patricia M. Davidson, RN, BA, Med, PhD, FRCNA.

The objectives of the symposium are to:

  • Provide an avenue for dissemination of evidence-based research and linkages to clinical applications.
  • Utilize researchers as role models to encourage excellence in students and colleagues.
  • Provide networking opportunities and promote collegiality among students and nursing professionals.
  • Provide a forum for students and nurses from the community to present their work.
  • Provide a forum for dialogue and collaboration with students and service and academic partners, locally and internationally.