Navy Medicine Explores Educational Innovation at Columbia Nursing’s Simulation Center
On July 7, 2026, Columbia Nursing welcomed Rear Admiral Robert J. Hawkins, chief, U.S. Navy Nurse Corps and commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, and members of the Navy Medicine team to the Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation Center for a closer look at how Columbia Nursing is preparing the next generation of health care professionals.
Hosted by vice dean of education Mary Hickey, EdD, associate director Merona Hollingsworth, assistant director Juan Gonzalez, and simulation technician Steven Caldwell, the delegation toured the center’s simulation environments and explored its educational technologies including artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled learning environments currently used by students.
The visit offered an opportunity to share Columbia Nursing’s academic programs as Navy Medicine expands initiatives to build the health care workforce pipeline. As the delegation interacted with the center’s state of the art high fidelity manikins and AI avatars, members expressed strong interest in how technology is being used to support learning. The visit also opened the door to potential collaboration between Columbia Nursing and the U.S. Navy Surgeon General’s Office, highlighting the simulation center’s growing role in demonstrating how innovative technology can strengthen clinical judgment, communication, teamwork, and workforce preparation.
