Laura Pittiglio, PhD., RN

Dr. Laura Pittligio has been a faculty member at Oakland University since 1999. Her research interests include coping mechanisms of African American mothers who are living with HIV/AIDS and sexual risk-taking behaviors that put young African American women in jeopardy of contracting HIV. As a certified HIV Test Counselor, Dr. Pittiglio implemented a free HIV and syphilis screening program on campus. Additionally, she continues to examine the impact of simulation on student outcomes.

Education

• PhD in Nursing – Wayne State University
• MSN in Adult Primary Carecollee – Wayne State University
• BSN – Wayne State University

Research Area Interests

• The Impact of Learned Helplessness on Sexual Risk Taking Behaviors Among Adolescent and Young African American Females
• Sexual Risk Taking Behaviors in Adolescent and Young Adult African American Women
• HIV Infected Mother's Coping Strategies
• Simulation and Patient Outcomes 

Publications

Cameron, P.& Pittiglio, L. (2025). Integrating Social Determinants of Health into nursing education: Faculty knowledge, curriculum mapping, and simulation-based learning.  Nursing Education Perspectives, in press.

Pittiglio, L., & Vallie, S. (2024). Using standardized patent simulations in the nursing curriculum to address health disparities for LGBTQ+ identifying individuals. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 92, N.PAG. https://doi-org.huaryu.kl.oakland.edu/10.1016/j.ecns.2024.101554.

Pittiglio, L., & Lidtke, J. (2021). The Use of Simulation to Enhance LGBTQ+ Care Competencies of Nursing Students. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 56, 133-136.  

Pittiglio, L., (2017). Learned helplessness and sexual risk taking in adolescent and young adult African American females. AIDS Patient Care & STD’s, 31(8), Doi: 10.1089/apc.2017.0052

Vendittelli, D., Penprase, B., & Pittiglio, L. (2016). Musculoskeletal injury prevention for new nurses. Workplace Health & Safety, 64(12), 573-585. doi:10.1177/2165079916654928

Penprase, B., Johnson, A., Pittiglio, L., Pittiglio, B. (2015).  Does mindfulness-based stress reduction training improve nurse satisfaction? Nursing Management, 46(12), 38–45 Doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000470772.17731.e6

Harris, M., Pittiglio, L., Newton, S., & Moore, G. (2014). Simulation Methodology to Improve Medication Administration in BSN Students. Nursing Education Perspectives.

Pittiglio, L., (2013). The correlation between self-esteem and risky sexual behaviors in young African American women. Journal of AIDS and Clinical Research. doi: 10.4172/2155-6113.S1.002

Newton, S. E., Harris, M., & Pittiglio, L. (2013). Constructivist Philosophy and Nursing Student Medication Calculations. Research & Theory for Nursing Practice, 27(2), 88-94. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.27.2.88

Harris, M., & Pittiglio, L. Simulation Clinical Competencies: High Stakes Evaluation of Performance. Abstract accepted for publication in the NLN Technology Conference Proceedings.

Pittiglio, L., Jackson, F., & Florio, A. (2012). The Relationship of Self Esteem and Risky Sexual Behaviors in Young African American Women. Journal of the National Black Nurses’ Association: JNBNA, 23(1), 16-20.

Jackson, F. & Pittiglio, L. (2012). Reducing HIV/AIDS in Michigan African American Young Adult Women. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care: JANAC, 23 (6), 521-530.

Pittiglio, L., Harris, M. & Mili, F. (2011). Development and evaluation of a 3-D virtual hospital unit: VI-MED. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 29 (5). doi: 10.1097/NCN.0b013e31822ef46

Jackson, F. (PI), & Pittiglio, L. Reducing HIV/AIDS in Michigan African American Young Adult Women. Report submitted to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (December, 2010).

Newton, S., Moore, G., Harris, M., & Pittiglio, L. (2010). The effect of context on nursing student math aptitude. Journal of Professional Nursing. 26, 341-345.

Pittiglio, L., & Hough E., (2009). Coping with HIV: Perspectives of Mothers. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care: JANAC, 20(3), 184-192.

Newton, S., Harris, M., Pittiglio, L., & Moore, G. (2009). Nursing student math aptitude and success on a medication calculation assessment. Nurse Educator, (34)2, 80-83.

Mili, F., Barr, J., Harris, M., & Pittiglio, L. (2008). Nursing Training: 3D Game with Learning Objectives. Proceedings of The First International Conference on Advances in Computer-Human Interaction, Sainte Luce, Martinique, 236-242.

Vallerand, A., Hough, E., Pittiglio, L., & Marvicsin, D. (2005). The Process of Disclosure between positive women and their HIV negative children.  AIDS Patient Care & STDs, (19)2, 100-109. 

Pittiglio, L. (2000). Use of Reminiscence Therapy in Patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Lippincott’s Case Management, 5(6): 216-220

SCHOLARLY PRESENTATIONS (Referred)

Pittiglio, L. (2023). The use of simulation and standardized patients to enhance nursing student competency in caring for LGBTQ individuals. . Accepted for a poster discussion presentation at Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) 47^th Annual Research Conference, Des Moines, Iowa.

Pittiglio, L., & Lidtke, J. (2020). The Use of Simulation to Enhance LGBTQ Care Competencies of Nursing Students. Poster Abstract submitted for 2020 Nuts and Bolts Conference, August 6^th – 8^th.

Dereski, M.O., Pittiglio, L., Lerchenfeldt, S., Patel, V.K., & Dalal, B. (2017). Integration of Simulation Early in Undergraduate Medical Education Enhances Student Critical Thinking, accepted for presentation at the International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE) for the 2018 annual meeting.

Pittiglio, L. (2017). Does Learned Helplessness Facilitate Sexual Risk Taking Behaviors Among African American Young and Adolescent Females? Accepted for oral presentation at the 5^th International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs, and STIs, Las Vegas, USA.

Pittiglio, L. (2017). Learned Helplessness & Sexual Risk Taking in Adolescent African American Females. Accepted for a poster discussion presentation at Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) 41^st Annual Research Conference, Minneapolis WN.

Dereski,M.O., Pittiglio, L., Lerchenfeldt, S., Dalal, B (2015). Assessing the Impact of Interprofessional Clinical Simulation, submitted for poster or oral presentation to AAMC for the 2016 Medical Education meeting.

Pittiglio, L., (2013). The correlation between self-esteem and risky sexual behaviors in young African American women. Accepted for Paper Presentation at the International 151^st OMICS Group Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs & STIs, Orlando, FL.

Pittiglio, L., & Harris, M. (2012). VI-MED Simulation and Training System. Abstract submitted for presentation at The International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) 3rd Annual Serious Games and Virtual Environment Showcase and Arcade, Orlando, Florida.

Pittiglio, L., & Jackson, F. (2012). The Correlation between Self Esteem and Risky Sexual Behaviors in Young African American Women. Accepted for Poster Presentation at Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) 37^th Annual Research Conference, Chicago, Ill.

Harris, M., & Pittiglio, L. (2012). Quantitative Evaluation of Acute Care Simulation Competencies. Abstract accepted for Poster Presentation at Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) 37^th Annual Research Conference, Chicago, Ill.

Penprase, B., Johnson, A., Pittiglio, L., Oakley, B., & Grant, T. (April, 2012). Understanding Relationship of Stress Reduction through Effects of MBSR Training for Health Care Providers. Abstract accepted for Poster Presentation at Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) 36^th Annual Research Conference, Dearborn, MI.

Harris, M. & Pittiglio, L. (2012, April). Medication Error Surveillance of Undergraduate Nursing Students in the Clinical Setting, Abstract accepted for Poster Presentation at Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) 36^th Annual Research Conference, Dearborn, MI.

Newton, S., Harris, M., Pittiglio, L., & Moore, G. (2011, March) Simulation technology, medication calculation, and theory development. Symposium at Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) 35^th Annual Research Conference, Columbus, Ohio.

Harris, M., & Pittiglio, L. (2010, June). Developing simulation to bolster student competency with medication administration. Poster presented at the Drexel University Nursing Education Institute, Myrtle Beach, SC.

Harris, M., Pittiglio, L., Newton, S., & Moore, G. (2010, May). Medication administration exam: Simulation as a new tool. Poster Presented at the Fourth Annual Conference on Teaching and Learning: Student Engagement at Oakland University, Rochester, MI.

Pittiglio, L., Harris, M. & Mili, F. (2009, November). Design and effectiveness of a 3-D virtual hospital unit: A pilot study. Paper presented at the 40^th Biennial Convention, Sigma Theta Tau International, Indianapolis, IN.

Harris, M. & Pittiglio, L. (2009). Technology enhanced presentation of diabetes across the lifespan. Paper presented at the Lilly Conference: College and University Teaching and Learning. Traverse City, MI.

Pittiglio, L., Harris, M., & Mili, Fatma. (2008, June). VI-MED: Virtual Hospital Environment with Implications for Nursing Education. Poster presented at the Drexel University Nursing Education Institute, Atlantic City, NJ.

Harris, M., Pittiglio, L., & Mili, F. (2008, May). Nursing education through gaming, VI-MED: Virtual hospital environment for nursing education. Poster presentation at the 2^nd Annual International Conference on Teaching and Learning: Creative & Critical Thinking at Oakland University, Rochester, MI.

Pittiglio, L., Moore, G., Francisco, N., Harris, M., Ketcham, P., & Baker, D. (2008, May). Bringing simulation to life: A creative approach to promote critical thinking. Paper presented at the 2^nd Annual International Conference on Teaching and Learning: Creative & Critical Thinking at Oakland University, Rochester, MI.

Pittiglio, L. (November, 2007). Coping with HIV/AIDS: Perspectives of Mothers, presented for Session Speaker at the Association for Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) 20^th Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.

SCHOLARLY PRESENTATIONS (Invited)

Pittiglio, L., & Lidtka, J. (2020, November 18^th). Enhancing LGBTQ Care Competencies of Nursing Students with Simulation. Lightening round presentation; Sigma Theta Tau, Theta Psi Chapter Annual Research Day, Rochester MI.

Pittiglio, L.  (2017, April 11^th). African American Women’s increased Vulnerability to the HIV Epidemic. Presented for Sigma Theta Tau, Theta Psi Chapter 14^th Annual Research Day, Rochester, MI.

Pittiglio, L. (2018, April 19^th). Partnering for Health Equity/ April 2018 Health Equity Symposium. One of the Health Equity Symposium Panelists, Oakland University, Rochester, MI.

Pittiglio, L.  (2018, March 1^st). The Evolution of Nursing and Other Players in the World of Health Care: from bedpans to barcodes and beyond! Presented for Oakland University’s Pre-Professional Association toward Careers in Health (PATCH), Rochester, MI.

Pittiglio, L. (2017, March 17^th). Learned Helplessness. Presented for National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Detroit, MI.

Pittiglio, L. (2012, November 15). Reducing HIV/AIDS in Michigan African American Young Adult Women [Audio podcast].

Jackson, F., Pittiglio, L., & Johnson, C. (August 22, 2012). Evaluation of Ryan White Part A Services. Presented for Southeastern Michigan HIV/AIDS Council (SEMHAC), Warren, MI.

Pittiglio, L. (March 23, 2011). Coping with HIV/AIDS: Perspectives of Mothers presented at Authors at Oakland: A Celebration of the Journal at Oakland University, Rochester, MI.

Harris, M., Pittiglio, L., & Mili, F. (2009, January). Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Gaming for an Online Learning Experience. Paper presented at the New Century Learning Consortium Online Faculty Brown-bag.

Pittiglio, L. (2008). Coping with HIV/AIDS: Perspectives of Mothers presented at HIV/AIDS: Impact on the African American Community Lecture at Oakland University, Rochester, MI.

GRANTS

Harris, M., Pittiglio, L., & McWhinnie, K. (2026) Community-Based Clinical Learning Experience(s) CBCLE program: Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention, Transition to Practice program (NEPQR-TPP), the Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Not funded.

Harris, M., Pittiglio, L., Piscotty, R., & Grobbel, C. (2025). Enhancing Mental Health Screening and Resources for University Athletes. Concept Paper:  Michigan Health Endowment Fund’s Behavioral Health Grant Program 2025 Behavioral Health Initiative, (402,000.00). Not funded.

Harris, M. & Pittiglio, L. Piscotty, R. & Grobbel , C. (2024). Enhancing Mental Health Screening of University Athletes. Concept Paper: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, (75,000). Not invited for application submission.

Cameron, P., Pittiglio, L., & Coleman, C. (2024). Advancing the science and education of social determinants of health research in Doctorally prepared nurses. National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), Short Courses in Social Determinants of Health for Research Education in Nursing Research (R25). (250,000). Not funded.

Pittiglio, L., & Cameron, P. (2024) Social Determinants of Health of Pontiac, MI. The University Research Committee, Faculty Research Grant FY24.  (2,000). Funded

Pittiglio, L., & Noack, D. (2023). Standardized Patient Simulations to Enhance Faculty Assessment of Nursing Student’s Clinical Competencies. Oberhauser Nursing Instruction Endowment Grant (10,000). Funded.

Pittiglio, L., Ehrlich, O. & Chahine, T. (2022). Faculty Development: Integrating LGBTQ+ Health into the Curriculum. Oberhauser Nursing Instruction Endowment Grant (10,000). Funded.

Pittiglio, L., Ehrlich, O., & Hurse, D. (2022). University Faculty LGBTQ+ Knowledge and Skills Capacity Program. LOI: The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation (600,000). Not accepted for application submission

Pittiglio, L., (2021). Improving LGBTQ Care Competencies. The Daisy Foundation. (7,000). Funded.

Pittiglio, L., Munyan, K., & Vallie, S. (2020). Enhancing Student Nurse Competencies for Working with LGBTQ Identifying Individuals Through Simulation. American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN) Faculty Scholars Grant Program. (25,000). Not funded.

Pittiglio, L. (2019) The Use of Simulation to Enhance LGBTQ Care Competencies of Oakland University Nursing Students. Sigma Theta Tau International. (1,000). Funded.

Pittiglio, L., (2019). The Use of Simulation to Enhance LGBTQ Care Competencies of Oakland University Nursing Students. Sigma Theta Tau International, Midwest Nursing Research Society Research (MNRSR) Grant. (2,000). Not funded.

Pittiglio, L., (2019). The Use of simulation to Enhance LGBTQ Care Competencies of Oakland University Nursing Students. Oakland University Faculty Research Grant. (2,000). Not funded.

Pittiglio, L., (2018). Learned Helplessness and Sexual Risk Taking in Young Adult African American Females. Oakland University Faculty Fellowship. (10,000). Not funded.

Pittiglio, L., (2016). Learned Helplessness and Sexual Risk Taking in Young African American Females. Whitehill Foundation Grant. (8,500). Not Funded.

Pittiglio. L., (2016). Learned Helplessness and Sexual Risk Taking in Young African American Females. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation Grant. (55,161.09). Not funded.

Pittiglio, L. (2014). Learned Helplessness & Sexual Risk Taking in Adolescent African American females. Oakland University, School of Nursing Faculty Development Funds. $4,300.00. Funded

Pittiglio, L. (2012). Young Adults Sexual Risk Taking Behaviors-Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Michigan Foundation Investigator Initiated Program Application Request for Support. (28,758). Not funded.

Pittiglio, L., Harris, M., Mili, F., Wagner, C. & McEneaney. (2011). Optimizing Nursing Faculty Resources through Implementation of Virtual Reality Simulation (VI-MED)-Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Evaluating Innovations in Nursing Education. $276,600. Not Funded.

Penprase, B., Johnson, A., Pittiglio, L., Oakley, B., & Grant, T. (2011).  Understanding Stress Reduction through Effects of Mindfulness-Based Training-DMC Foundation ($5000). Funded.

Harris, M. & Pittiglio, L. (2011). Development of Simulation-based Clinical Competencies. Health Information Technology Scholar (HITS) Program. Funded.

Mili, F., Pittiglio, L., Harris, M., McEneaney, J., Wagner, C., & Qu, Q. (2011). Nursing Training through Simulation for Reducing Medication Errors-Advances in Patient Safety through Simulation Research (R18), Department of Health and Human Services, NIH. $1,044,219, (Not funded).

Harris, M., & Pittiglio, L. (2011). From Simulation in Nursing Education to Student’s Performance at the Bedside.-The National League Educational Grant Program. (Not funded).

Wagner, C., Mili, F., McEneaney, J., Harris, M., Pittiglio, L. & Campbell. (2010). Health Education Research, Simulation and Training for Improving Patient Safety-Advances in Patient Safety through Simulation Research (R18), Department of Health and Human Services, NIH. $954,123, (Not funded).

Harris, M. & Pittiglio, L. (2009). Development of Simulation-based Clinical Competencies and Electronic health Record-Health Information Technology Scholar (HITS) Program. (Not funded).

Harris, M., Pittiglio, L., Newton, S. & Moore, G. (2009). Simulation: A Medication Administration Teaching Innovation-Faculty Research Award, University Research Committee, Oakland University. (Funded $1,200).

Jackson, F., & Pittiglio, L. (2008). Reducing HIV/AIDS in Michigan African American Young Adult Women. -Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBS). (Previously funded).

Harris, M. & Pittiglio, L. (2008). Development of Simulation-based Clinical Competencies. Health Information Technology Scholar (HITS) Program. (Not funded).

Harris, M., Pittiglio, L., & Baker, D. (2008). Endocrine Simulation Experience Across the Life-span-Course Enhancement Funding, Senior Associate Provost Office for Undergraduate Education, Oakland University, (Funded $1,250).

Pittiglio, L. & Harris, M. (2007). VI-MED: Virtual hospital environment for nursing education-Board of Visitors, School of Nursing, Oakland University. (Funded, $6,000).

Pittiglio, L. (2004). Coping with HIV/AIDS:  Perspectives of Mothers-The Woodrow Wilson-Johnson & Johnson Dissertation Fellowships in Women’s Health. (Not funded).

Pittiglio, L. (2002). Reminiscence Therapy in Alzheimer’s disease-Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Individual National Research Award, (Not Funded).

Professional Affiliations

• Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing
• Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
• Midwest Nursing Research Society
• National League for Nursing