AIM-High graduate research assistant shares perspectives on the future of education in UMB podcast.
Waiyigo Kinyua, MSN, RN, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student and graduate research assistant (GRA) for UMSON's AI in Maryland Higher Education (AIM-High) program, was recently featured on Episode 62 of the University of Maryland, Baltimore's Moving the Needle podcast, titled "Voices That Matter: Students Shaping the Future of Education."
Produced by UMB's Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning, Moving the Needle features conversations with educators, students, and leaders about innovations, challenges, and emerging trends in teaching and learning.
During the episode, Kinyua reflected on her experiences as a graduate nursing student and neonatal intensive care unit nurse, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning, interprofessional collaboration, technological competency, and continuous professional development. Describing herself as "a humble learner in motion," she highlighted the need for health care professionals to continually adapt as clinical practices, technologies, and educational expectations evolve.
Kinyua also discussed the importance of incorporating student perspectives into educational improvement, encouraging educators to reconsider traditional approaches and explore opportunities to better prepare learners for professional practice.
These perspectives align closely with the mission of AIM-High, a statewide initiative focused on strengthening Maryland nurse educators' capacity to integrate artificial intelligence into nursing education. As AIM-High's GRA, Kinyua contributes to program activities, including the co-design and refinement of a generative AI-powered program assistant to support grant management and operations. Through this work and mentorship, she is developing practical nursing informatics and AI competencies while contributing to educational innovation.
Kinyua's participation in Moving the Needle highlights the valuable perspectives nursing students bring to conversations about the future of education and the importance of engaging emerging nursing leaders in technology-enabled educational transformation.