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  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Taking his nursing career to the next level

May 6, 2025 by Ella Reuter

Danny Vlasin (second from left) with his regional competition certificate. With him are School of Anesthesia Director Dr. Monika Feeney (far left), Graduate College Associate Dean Dr. Carrisa Hoelscher (second from right) and Associate Provost and Graduate College Dean Dr. Julie Masterson (far right).

This May, Missouri State University’s Danny Vlasin’s goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) will come to fruition.  

After coming to Missouri State in 2022 to pursue the CRNA program, Vlasin will graduate with his Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice. 

The path to MSU 

Originally from Romania, Vlasin’s family won the Diversity Visa Lottery and immigrated to the United States when he was five years old. They settled in Seattle, Washington, where Vlasin studied nursing at Seattle University. 

“Nursing started as a backup plan, but during my senior rotation in the pediatric intensive care unit, I was captivated by the challenge of caring for critically ill babies,” Vlasin said. “That experience completely changed my path and solidified my decision to continue working as a registered nurse after graduation.” 

He started his career in March 2015 in the pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Seattle Children’s Hospital. After that, he moved to an adult ICU where he worked as a CVICU registered nurse and mixed ICU.  

While working in the ICU, Vlasin learned about CRNAs. Their depth of knowledge, skills and responsibility in the operating room fascinated him. He knew he wanted to pursue this specialty area in nursing. 

After almost seven years as an ICU nurse, he chose to pursue a CRNA program. A friend recommended Missouri State’s program, so he checked it out, applied, got accepted and moved to Springfield with his wife and two children. 

Learning by doing 

For Vlasin, his time at Missouri State and in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services has been a positive one.   

“I think the program has prepared me exceptionally well,” said Vlasin, who has been involved in the Student Council for the graduating class in the School of Anesthesia.

“As students, we’ve had the opportunity to practice anesthesia techniques to the best of our ability. The coursework, simulation labs and regular labs gave me everything I needed to practice real-world skills in a safe, controlled environment.” 

He notes his favorite part about the program has been getting to know all his classmates. 

“The anesthesia program is very daunting and requires a lot of work. So, having good friends to study with, especially during those late nights and to support each other throughout the journey is something I’ll always cherish,” Vlasin said.

Competition success

Danny Vlasin (center) won first prize at the 3MT Competition in fall 2024.
Danny Vlasin (center) won first prize at the 3MT Competition in fall 2024.

In fall 2024, Vlasin participated in and won the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition with help from his teammates. Hosted by Missouri State’s Graduate College annually, the competition showcases graduate students’ research. They have to present their research orally in three minutes or less.   

His research highlighted the potential of a new drug called Remimazolam. For winning, he got to represent Missouri State at the regional competition during the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools conference in Indianapolis on April 4.   

“It was a great experience. I found it inspiring to hear from so many different types of researchers and see their passions on display,” Vlasin said.  

The next chapter 

After graduation, Vlasin will move to Charlotte, North Carolina, to work as a CRNA at Atrium Health.  

“I want to grow as a CRNA, make the most of my time as an anesthesia provider and then potentially get into some real estate investing,” he said. 

 To current and future CRNA students, Vlasin offers this advice: take your learning seriously. 

“One thing I’ve learned from my preceptors and providers I’ve worked with in the last three years is this: ‘Study like your life depends on it, because someday, somebody’s life will depend on all you’ve studied,’” Vlasin said. 

“Take the time to learn everything because when you’re providing anesthesia for surgery, a patient’s life is in your hands.”

Explore the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Filed Under: Anesthesia, Student spotlights Tagged With: School of Anesthesia, students

Sharing research with excellence

December 12, 2024 by Sewly Khatun

Danny Vlasin (right) and another male hold up his winner's mock check.

Four graduate students represented McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) with pride and poise at this year’s 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. 

The Missouri State Graduate College hosted the competition on Nov. 8, showcasing graduate students’ research. They had to present their research orally in three minutes or less. 

Danny Vlasin, a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice student, won first place. His research highlighted the potential of a new drug called Remimazolam.  

His ability to simplify complex research while highlighting the drug’s transformative potential made his work stand out.  

“This win reflects the dedication and effort of my entire team, including Christian Thomas and Jenna Scheer, in this project,” Vlasin said. “We’re excited to share our research and provide valuable insights into new findings in anesthesia care that affect many lives.” 

For winning, he gets to represent Missouri State at the regional competition during the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools conference in April next year. 

Modernizing anesthesia 

Vlasin’s winning thesis title is “Remimazolam: A New Medication for Procedural and General Sedation.” Remimazolam (Byfavo) is a safer sedation with faster recovery times. It is a more effective alternative compared to traditional anesthesia medications.  

He chose to research this drug for his doctoral project to address critical gaps in anesthesia safety and improve patient care. His research involved a comprehensive literature review of clinical trials. His study revealed highly favorable results for using Remimazolam in both procedural sedation and general anesthesia.  

“I want to educate the public and health care professionals about this awesome new medication,” Vlasin said.  

In his presentation, he stated: “The next time a doctor asks how to proceed with the care of a loved one, respond with this question: ‘Hey doc, have you heard of Remimazolam?’”

The other presentations by MCHHS Bears

From left to right: Ako Rostampour, Olivia Johnson and Emma Liimatta.
From left to right: Ako Rostampour, Olivia Johnson and Emma Liimatta.

These MCHHS students also delivered commendable presentations at the competition: 

  • Emma Liimatta, cell and molecular biology: “How Does the Protein RAD23 Aid in Repairing DNA?”
    Her research explored critical molecular mechanisms that may advance cancer treatments and genetic therapies. 
  • Olivia Johnson, biomedical sciences: “The Similarities Between Viruses and Vampires: Approaches to Triumph over Them”
    She drew fascinating parallels between infectious diseases and vampire folklore, offering a fresh perspective on combating emerging health threats. 
  • Ako Rostampour, cell and molecular biology: “Let’s Run to Outrun Alzheimer’s”
    His work shed light on innovative strategies for understanding and addressing Alzheimer’s disease. 

Congratulations to all four students for their outstanding achievements and contributions to advancing knowledge in health-related areas. 

Explore programs in MCHHS

Filed Under: MCHHS News Tagged With: Biomedical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Anesthesia, students

Students and faculty attend the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Congress

September 25, 2023 by Avery E. Adkins

Members of the School of Anesthesia stand together in front of the AANA Wall of Fame

Each year, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Annual Congress brings together nurse anesthetists from around the U.S. and helps them renew their passion for the profession. 

Nine students and two faculty from Missouri State University’s School of Anesthesia attended the 2023 congress. It took place Aug. 18-22. 

Nurse anesthesiology’s largest educational event offers students and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) learning and networking opportunities. Two thousand five hundred students from 120 schools all over the country attended the congress in Seattle, Washington.

“As a first-year CRNA student, it was an amazing experience,” Katie Wills said. “It really got me pumped for my future career!”  

Connecting with professionals 

The AANA congress is both a fun and educational opportunity for student and professional collaboration.   

One of the featured activities at the event was the college bowl, a quiz show where Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNA) compete in an anesthesia trivia competition against currently practicing CRNAs. 

It’s refreshing for students to be around people who are enthusiastic about their profession,” Dr. Jeanie Skibiski, MSU associate professor of anesthesiology, said. “It helps to recharge their batteries and keep them positive.” 

The impact on students 

The event’s workshops covered specialties, such as pediatric, cardiovascular and pharmacology. There were many informative lectures on topics relevant to both SRNAs and CRNAs.  

Additionally, students witnessed live demonstrations such as a CRNA performing a tracheal intubation technique on himself. 

“I learned many things and came back with enthusiasm to share my experience with classmates,” Wills said. “I can’t wait to go back and I hope more of us can attend next year.” 

Learn more about the School of Anesthesia

Filed Under: Anesthesia, MCHHS News Tagged With: McQueary College of Health and Human Services, School of Anesthesia

Faculty fan-favorites

May 18, 2023 by Strategic Communication

The fountain at sunset.

Keith McShan, assistant professor in the department of kinesiology, and Kati Morgan, clinical assistant professor in the School of Anesthesia, are two valuable faculty members in our McQueary College of Health and Human Services. 

Let’s learn more about them during this last month of the academic year! 

What’s been the funniest thing to happen in your classroom?  

McShan: In my ethics and diversity in American sports class, students ran a youth sports meeting in groups and discussed how they’d run a sports league. They had to address issues related to how they’d integrate refugee students into sports, deal with racism within their sports league and get girls involved in sports, among other topics. Students also had role-playing sessions where they acted as parents, athletes and coaches. The students and I had to leave the room because of the outrageously painful laughing we had during this activity. You had to be there! 

Morgan: My classroom is mostly in hospitals during students’ clinical rotations, but we also help them through rigorous simulation labs at the end of each semester. During simulations, it can get a little crazy. We create intense scenarios where the simulation patient is close to dying and the student needs to step in and resuscitate the person.  Some of these situations can get very interesting! 

Where are you from?   

McShan: Windsor, Ontario, Canada. 

Morgan: I’m a Springfield native and went to Hillcrest High School. 

What brought you to Missouri State? 

McShan: I finished my PhD in summer 2022. When looking for a faculty position, I wanted to teach courses in the areas of sport and exercise, psychology and sports management. MSU had these opportunities. 

During the interview process, I was enthused to see Missouri State’s focus on teaching. I was excited to create a club where students could develop their talents and I’ve been afforded that opportunity in creating the Kinesiology Research and Career Club. Finally, and most importantly, I felt God wanted me and my wife here at MSU. We sold everything we owned and moved here in faith, not knowing anyone or having ever even been to Missouri before. Since making that decision, my wife has received a job here at MSU and our daughter will be attending school here in the fall. It’s been the best leap of faith we’ve taken in our marriage. 

Morgan: I completed the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program at MSU. I loved the program and the faculty. 

What’s your favorite part about working here?  

McShan: The students; they’re Godly, kind and respectful. I honestly enjoy coming to work every day. I pinch myself sometimes at how lucky I am to work with these students here at MSU. 

Morgan: I love watching our students grow and become confident providers working at the top of their game. Our students and alumni have a huge impact on our community through their anesthesia care. It feels good to be a small part of that.  

My other favorite part of being a member of MSU School of Anesthesia is the opportunity to work with an amazing team. Our department has always made me feel like a valued member of the team, which makes it a happy place to come to work each day. 

Explore the School of Anesthesia

Do you have a favorite class to teach?  

McShan: I love all my classes. It’s like having children—you’re not supposed to have favorites! One of my highlights so far was taking a group of 22 students to the NFL Draft in Kansas City, MO. Between an emergency room visit with a student, having Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers for the first time and having my first KC barbeque, it certainly was a fun and memorable time.     

Morgan: Time spent with students in clinicals is always my favorite!  It’s wonderful to observe how much they grow and the impact they have on their patients. 

Dig into the department of kinesiology

Filed Under: Anesthesia Tagged With: Kati Morgan, Keith McShan, Kinesiology, MCHHS Spotlights, School of Anesthesia, School of Nursing, Spotlights

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