The NPAA Outstanding Faculty Member award is presented to Dr. Tracy Lakin, Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Dr. Lakin earned her MSN with a specialty as an Acute  Adult Care Practitioner in 1998 and her DNP in 2019. Along with her faculty role at UAH Dr. Lakin works as a ACNP for the Huntsville Cardiovascular Clinic. Due to her extensive knowledge in the realm of critical care, Dr. Lakin developed a course dedicated to students who were lacking significant ICU experience. She has also developed two high-fidelity simulations for acute care students including a simulation aimed at palliative care and end-of-life care. Congratulations, Dr. Lakin.

The NPAA Rising Star Award  is presented to Rachel Kummer. Rachel earned her Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing in 2017. She is currently completing her requirements for a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Rachel currently works for The Heart Center in Huntsville, AL as a NP. Congratulations to (the future) Dr. Kummer!