Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology

Nancy C. Tkacs, PhD, RN, received her BSN and MSN degrees from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and her PhD in physiology with a focus in neuroscience from Loyola University of Chicago Graduate School at the Stritch School of Medicine. She completed postdoctoral training in neuroendocrinology in the laboratory of Dr. William F. (Fran) Ganong at University of California San Francisco. Dr. Tkacs conducted preclinical research on neuroendocrine responses to physiological stressors in rodent models, particularly pertaining to the diabetes complication hypoglycemia unawareness. Dr. Tkacs has been teaching pathophysiology for advanced nursing practice for over 25 years, drawing on her knowledge of organ systems physiology and pathophysiology to provide a strong basic science foundation for advanced nursing practice. As a master's-prepared nurse with a doctorate in physiology, she is able to build a bridge between physiology concepts and the pathophysiology of disease. Students learn how findings from the history and physical and diagnostic test results relate to the underlying disease process at the cell and organ level. She taught advanced pathophysiology and neuroscience courses at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the New Jersey Medical School; she taught advanced pathophysiology and pathogenesis of mental health disorders courses at the University of Pennsylvania; and she directed and taught advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology online courses at the University of Southern California. She also served as assistant dean for Diversity and Inclusivity at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Linda L. Herrmann, PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC, GNP-BC, ACHPN, FAANP, is a clinical assistant professor and nurse practitioner with expertise in gerontology, neuroscience, and palliative care. Dr. Herrmann's clinical and research interests are acute neurological injury in older adults, dementia, stroke, caregivers, palliative care of patients with neurological diseases, and transitional care of older adults. Dr. Hermann teaches advanced pathophysiology and aging at the graduate level. Her research also explores innovative pedagogy using virtual reality and mixed reality to teach advanced pathophysiology and advanced nurse practitioner courses in acute care and aging. Dr. Herrmann earned her BSN, MSN, and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing under the mentoring of Neville E. Strumpf, PhD, RN. She was a John A. Hartford predoctoral scholar and is currently a Fellow of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing and a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She is a nationally recognized expert in neuroscience, aging, and advanced pathophysiology; and is known internationally for expertise in patient safety in hospital and clinic settings in Africa. Randall L. Johnson, PhD, RN, is an associate professor of nursing at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He is also a pediatric critical care nurse practitioner. Dr. Johnson has clinical experience in pediatric medical-surgical nursing and pediatric intensive care and trauma. His research interests are in clinical care of hospital-acquired infection reduction. Dr. Johnson has taught pathophysiology in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. He has also taught various pediatric and pharmacology courses through the course of his academic career. Dr. Johnson earned his BSN from Cedarville University, his MSN from the University of Pennsylvania, and his PhD from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Johnson has held academic appointments since 1999 and has served in a leadership capacity in academics.