ROBERT M SWEET, MD, FACS
Professor of Urology, Surgery and Bioengineering
Medical Director UW Medicine Kidney Stone Center
Chief, Division of Healthcare Simulation Sciences
Executive Director of WISH and CREST
Principal Investigator
Dr. Sweet is a Joint Professor of Urology and Surgery and Adjunct Professor in Bioengineering at the University of Washington. He is the Inaugural Chief of the Division for Healthcare Simulation Science and the Founding Medical Director of the UW Medicine Kidney Stone Center.
206-616-4370 Scheduling Assistant
AUSTIN BAIRD, PhD
Research Assistant Professor
Dr. Baird’s research focuses on mathematical modeling of biological systems, specifically mathematical models in physiology in the context of whole-body patient responses. He aims to connect multiple spatial and time scales which determine dynamics of biological systems at the molecular and system levels to create a picture of the larger patient response to injury. His work also focuses on careful validation of biological systems, specifically their response to perturbations such as trauma and the problem of connecting experimental data to computational models. He believes in cross disciplinary collaborations and aims to nurture those groups at UW.
206-658-4678
DANIEL BURKE
Simulation Scientist / 3D Animator
Daniel is CREST’s 3D Animator and Designer. He uses MRI/CT DICOM datasets to create highly detailed, anatomically accurate human anatomy. These are developed using popular film and videogame software apps, for the purpose of VR models, training videos, 3D-printed models and mold fabrication.
Daniel received an associate degree in Computer Animation before employment at Electronic Arts(Tiburon) and the University of Minnesota(CREST)
A display of his anatomic holograms can be found at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
206-221-4752
KRISTINA CIZAS
Project Manager
Kristina keeps tracks of timelines, budgets and deliverables for all CREST projects, and helps with both pre-award proposal and post-award financial management. She has also been known to provide snacks and general team encouragement.
Kristina earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology from the University of Michigan, and has had her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification since 2013.
206-221-7046
ALEX GONG
Lab Manager / Research Scientist
Alex leads the human tissue lab focused on characterizing the material properties of human tissue using traditional and novel technologies.
Alex has a M.S. Materials Science Engineering, B.S. Material Science Engineering.
206-221-6850
DAVID HANANEL
Assistant Teaching Professor, Division of Healthcare Simulation Science
Director, Center for Research in Education and Simulation Technologies (CREST)
Principal Investigator
David is the Director for the CREST lab and PI for some of the projects at the lab. He has degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He has been focused on Health Care Simulation for over 25 years, the first 15 of those leading start-ups and significant projects working on the industry side, before joining CREST ten years ago.
He is currently Co-Chair of the Technologies and Simulation Committee of the American College of Surgeons Program for the Accreditation of Education Institutes, and has been inducted as an affiliate Member of the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators™.
David has been the PI at UW for the Advanced Modular Manikin (AMM) program and its overall architect. He is currently overseeing it’s transition into follow on projects both at UW as well as with many industry partners, growing the significance of the open source, open standards AMM platform and its significance in Surgical Education.
206-221-3173 (office)
612-876-7566 (direct)
FARRAH LELAND
Associate Director, Finance & Compliance - WISH
For the past twelve years, she has been working in administrative and financial management for the University of Washington simulation efforts including extensive experience in grant pre and post award management. She served as Co-Chair and Vice Chair of the Administration and Management Committee for the American College of Surgery Accredited Education Institutes from 2014-2018, she currently serves as a consultant on the committee.
Farrah is also a site reviewer for the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. She earned a Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University, and was admitted to the Washington State Bar Association in 2007 and is a current active member. Additionally, she has an undergraduate degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Washington. Farrah was trained as a TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer in 2009, and currently serves as non-clinical faculty for the University of Washington’s Regional Training Center for the National Implementation of TeamSTEPPS and on-demand national training program.
206-598-3651
RAINER LEUSCHKE, PhD
Research Scientist / Engineer
Rainer has been working as chief engineer for the manikin trainers developed under the AMM, AFTTS and AJAMS projects. Rainer develops the control systems and software and coordinates system integration with the CREST team and external partners.
Rainer attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
University of Washington, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
University of Washington, Biorobotics Lab, Postdoctorale Research Scientist
He has previously worked at Genie Industries/Terex Inc., as Principal Engineer
206-616-1117
VICTORIA ROACH, PHD
Research Assistant Professor, Division of Healthcare Simulation Science
Dr. Roach joined the Division of Healthcare Simulation Science at The University of Washington as a Research Assistant Professor in 2021. Dr. Roach is a medical education researcher, with a focus on the Human Factors that govern learning and performance in simulation.
Dr. Roach received her Ph.D. in Anatomy and Cell Biology from The University of Western Ontario. Her dissertation sought to determine if eye movements could serve as an indicator of success in spatial reasoning, and if eye movements associated with successful completion could be applied to strategically train spatial reasoning.
206-616-4370
JASON SPEICH
Simulation Scientist / Artificial Tissue Lab Director
Jason is responsible for design and fabrication of surgical task-trainers and manikins, sculpting, mold-making and casting
He has a BFA in Sculpture, and worked as Sculpture Studio Coordinator for Anderson Ranch Arts Center
Jason is a WISH Innovation in Simulation Award recipient.
206-221-1354
DAVID (DJ) TRAINA, E.I.T.
Simulation Scientist / Mechanical Design Engineer
DJ is CREST's lead mechanical design engineer and shop supervisor. He translates digital anatomy into functional prototypes, models, and simulators through the use of CAD programs, traditional machining, and additive manufacturing. Prior to engineering, DJ's background is in scenic design, stagecraft, and aerospace manufacturing.
He has a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), Minor in Mathematics- Seattle University, 2018
NCEES Licensed Mechanical Engineer (E.I.T.) - Washington State Board, 2018
206-543-4139
KONSTANTINOS GEORGIOU MD, MSc, PhD
WISH and CREST Simulation Fellow
Konstantinos Georgiou is a Physician - General Surgeon from Athens, Greece.
Konstantinos holds a PhD and two Master’s Degree’s (Surgical Oncology, Advanced Laparoscopic, MIS and Bariatric Surgery) from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
He currently holds a position as Acting Instructor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Healthcare Simulation Science, and is the current Pellegrini-Oelschlager Endowed Fellow, at the University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Konstantinos has rich educational and research activities, in Surgery and on Simulators, and has also been a trainer for numerous Train-the-Trainers courses on Simulators.
He has an interest in utilizing state-of-art technologies to enhance surgical and medical education and training. He has directed and co-authored innovative projects in technology-enabled simulation and virtual reality clinical training. Konstantinos is passionate about technology, innovation in education, training, and innovative learning experience. He also holds membership in esteemed societies such as the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons (SLS), the Hellenic Surgical Society, and the Athens Medical Society. Konstantinos is a reviewer for numerous Journals both at a National and International level. In his free time, you may find him pursing other passions of his, such as sailing, aviation, scuba diving, mountain biking and snowboarding.
206-221-4752
BRIAN KIM, MD
WISH and CREST Simulation Fellow
Dr. Kim graduated from University of Washington with a BS in biochemistry before going to Washington State University for his medical degree. He is currently a third-year general surgery resident at Virginia Mason Medical Center. For his research year, he decided to combine his interest in surgery, education, and technology and applied to become UW surgical simulation fellow. In his time with CREST/WISH, he is interested in exploring human tissue properties and utilizing it to develop realistic simulation curriculum and equipment.
206-543-4139