Oakland University’s School of Nursing hosts two conferences this fall. The conferences will explore topics related to demographics and technology and are open to nurses from around the world who are interested in learning more about cutting edge research in the field of nursing.

The first conference, held in partnership with Northern Michigan University’s School of Nursing, is “Health Disparities Related to Race and Ethnicity-Bridging Research and Practice,” on Sept. 7 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Troy Marriott.

This conference will focus on completed research or implemented projects that have investigated issues of health disparities for communities of color. Speakers include Thomas LaVeist, professor and director for the Center for Health Disparities Solutions at The Johns Hopkins University and Loretta Davis-Satterla, director of Division of Health Wellness and Disease Control for the Wayne County Health Department.

For more information on the conference, visit the “Health Disparities Related to Race and Ethnicity-Bridging Research and Practice” Web site or contact Frances Jackson, conference director, at (248) 370-4080 or fcjackso@oakland.edu.

On Oct. 18 and 19, the School of Nursing will host “Envision: Health Care Technology in the 21^st Century,” at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Troy, Mich. The event is part of the Meadow Brook Research Conference Series.

This health care symposium is designed to share revolutionary ideas on how advanced technology, interdisciplinary partnerships and entrepreneurship are transforming nursing education and improving health care for all. The conference will feature prominent leaders and expert panelists in these critical and rapidly changing areas. Those attending this conference include nurses, doctors, medical researchers and other health care professionals. Participants will be able to hone skills necessary to be on the forefront of futuristic health care delivery, build interdisciplinary leadership skills and take ideas and ambition to the entrepreneurial level. Envision will explore ideas for the future as well as present research dedicated to advancing the delivery of health care. Experts in areas of informatics and telehealth, genomics and health predictors, and entrepreneurship and leadership will come together and share innovative ideas to enhance the future of nursing.

Dr. Kenneth L. Brigham of Emory University and Dr. Edward H. O’Neil from the University of California – San Francisco will be keynote speakers. Both will focus on educating health care professionals, schools and organizations on health, technology and entrepreneurship. Chief Nursing Executive Jeanette Klemczak and United States Representative Mike Rogers (Michigan’s 8th District) will speak on their work and how it impacts nursing’s future.

For more information on the conference or to register, visit the “Envision” symposium Web site or contact the Oakland University School of Nursing at (248) 370-4253. Seats are limited, so please register early. Registration is $149 and runs though Sept. 28. Poster presentation proposals may be submitted to Amy Holloway at hollowa2@oakland.edu or mailed to Oakland University, School of Nursing, Envision Conference, Attention: Amy Holloway, 428 O’Dowd Hall, Rochester, MI 48309.