WEBINAR

The Real Sim Center, Tucson

Inside ASTEC at the University of Arizona Health Sciences.

Explore how ASTEC transformed healthcare education through innovation, flexibility, and LearningSpace integration.

In the debut episode of The Real Sim Center webinar series, we go behind the scenes at the Arizona Simulation Technology and Education Center (ASTEC) at the University of Arizona Health Sciences. Dr. David Biffar and Lucas Grijalva share ASTEC’s journey from a one-room lab to a 33,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art simulation center supporting more than 80 unique learner groups.

This webinar offers practical insights into how ASTEC designed a flexible, future-ready facility—centered on centralized control room architecture, data-informed growth strategies, and hands-off simulation experiences that improve learner outcomes. From overcoming AV challenges to expanding community outreach, the discussion dives into the real-world decisions that shape successful sim center operations.

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Speakers

Melissa Lowther • Solution Sales Consultant

Melissa is a dedicated Solution Sales Consultant at Elevate Healthcare, specializing in the design and implementation of AV and center management system software. With over 12 years of experience in the simulation field, Melissa is also a passionate Simulation Operations Specialist. She has expertly managed operations for pre-licensure nursing and medical students, in-situ programs, and continuing education for licensed hospital staff.

Melissa is committed to hands-on operations specialist activities, continually seeking opportunities to apply her expertise. She earned the Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) designation in 2017, advanced to CHSOS – Advanced in 2022, was inducted into the SSH Academy of Fellows at IMSH 2023, and was honored as the first-ever Industry Person of the Year at IMSH 2025.