Assistant Professor • Researcher • Innovator

Dr. Amina Silva BsN, RN, MsN, PhD

Transforming Nursing Education & Patient Care with Innovation

Leading cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, simulation-based learning, and innovative healthcare solutions at Brock University

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50+ Publications
$600K+ Funds Received
AI Innovation Focus
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Who I Am

About Dr. Silva

International healthcare innovator bridging technology and patient care

Dr. Amina Silva

Amina Regina Silva, PhD, RN, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nursing at Brock University and the co-founder of VANAMI, a company focused on healthcare research and training. Her background spans clinical practice, teaching, and research, with experience in oncology, emergency care, and organ and tissue donation and transplantation, alongside more than a decade of teaching and extensive research experience.

Dr. Silva's research program focuses on advancing nursing education and complex patient care through simulation-based learning, digital health, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Her work explores the safe, ethical, and equitable integration of technology-enhanced educational strategies—such as virtual simulation and AI-supported tools—to strengthen clinical competence and professional judgment. Her broader scholarship also addresses education and practice in complex and sensitive care contexts, including cancer survivorship, end-of-life care, and organ donation. Through interdisciplinary and national collaborations, Dr. Silva contributes to curriculum development, faculty development, and policy-relevant discussions shaping the future of nursing education.

Education

  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • Specialist in Nephrology
  • Masters in Nursing
  • Certificate in Strategic Management
  • PhD in Nursing

Clinical Focus

  • Critical & Acute Care
  • Organ Donation
  • Oncology
  • Healthcare Simulation

Impact

Multiple awards & grants for innovative healthcare research

Research Program

Innovation in Nursing Education and Complex Patient Care

A comprehensive research program integrating innovative educational strategies, advanced technologies, and evidence-based approaches to transform nursing practice and patient outcomes

Dr. Amina Silva - Research Program Framework

This research program is anchored in Innovation in Nursing Education and Complex Patient Care, encompassing two core pillars: innovative educational strategies to advance nursing education and patient care, and advancing knowledge in end-of-life care and critical care.

Educational Innovation

  • Simulation-based Learning
  • Health Technologies
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Experiential Learning

Clinical Excellence

  • Cancer Survivorship Care
  • Organ Donation
  • Medical Assistance in Dying
  • Professional Well-being

Methodologies and Frameworks: Qualitative, Quantitative, Mixed-Methods, Literature Reviews, Integrated Knowledge Translation, and Participatory Approach

Research Areas

Pioneering Healthcare Innovation

Interdisciplinary research at the forefront of AI and nursing science

Featured

AI-Driven Simulation

Developing and evaluating artificial intelligence applications in nursing education and simulation-based learning to enhance clinical competencies and learning outcomes.

Machine Learning Education Tech

Nursing Education

Investigating innovative educational methodologies and simulation technologies that address barriers and advance healthcare training for nursing students and professionals.

Pedagogy Training Simulation

Cancer Survivorship Care

Leading groundbreaking research on AI companions to support breast cancer patients and their families, funded by the Canadian Cancer Society's Disruptive Innovation Grant.

AI Companions Patient Support

Organ Donation & Transplantation

Examining critical issues in deceased organ donation and developing evidence-based interventions to improve donation and transplantation practices.

Clinical Practice Ethics
Current Work

Featured Project

In collaboration with Ellyn Winters-Robinson (CEO of The Lyndall Project and AskEllyn), Dr. Silva is leading a national research project exploring how AI companions can support breast cancer patients and their families throughout their care journey.

Patient-Centered Innovation

Leveraging AI to provide personalized support for cancer patients and caregivers

National Scope

Research conducted across Canada to benefit diverse patient populations

Published Work

Recent Publications

Peer-reviewed research advancing nursing science and AI integration

2024

Resilience among organ donation coordinators: a Canadian mixed-methods study

Frontiers in Public Health

A comprehensive mixed-methods study examining resilience factors among organ donation coordinators in Canada, exploring the challenges and coping strategies in this critical healthcare role.

Mixed Methods Organ Donation
2023

Using simulation to enhance primary care sexual health services for breast cancer survivors: a feasibility study

Supportive Care in Cancer, 31(10), 576

A feasibility study evaluating the impact of a virtual simulation game to improve primary care sexual health services for breast cancer survivors. Published by Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

Simulation Cancer Survivorship Sexual Health
2022

Reviews of Literature in Nursing Research: Methodological Considerations and Defining Characteristics

Advances in Nursing Science, 45(3), 197-208

A comprehensive guide for healthcare and nursing scholars on choosing among popular review types (narrative, integrative, scoping, and systematic reviews), addressing methodological considerations and defining characteristics.

Methodology Research Methods

50+ Peer-Reviewed Publications

Explore the complete body of work in leading nursing and healthcare journals

Google Scholar ResearchGate
Highlights

Work Dissemination Highlights

Sharing research insights through conferences, workshops, and community engagement

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CO-FOUNDER

VANAMI Research and Training

At VANAMI, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the healthcare industry through our exceptional research and training services. We empower healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge and innovative solutions to enhance patient care, improve outcomes, and drive excellence in the field. With a team of renowned experts and state-of-the-art resources, we bridge the gap between research and practice through the investigation of clinical issues and innovative strategies to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and insights needed to navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare.

Visit VANAMI on LinkedIn
Credentials

Academic Background

PhD in Nursing, Queen's University

MSc and BSc in Nursing

15+ years of health and nursing research

10+ years teaching in academic and clinical settings

7 years clinical nursing practice

Expertise in simulation, digital health, and AI in education

Background in oncology, emergency, and transplant nursing

Get in Touch

Let's Connect

Interested in collaboration, research partnerships, or learning more about my work?

University Profile

Official faculty page at Brock University

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Google Scholar

Complete publication list and citations

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ResearchGate

Research projects and collaborations

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LinkedIn

Professional network and updates

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Academic Affiliation

Department of Nursing

Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

Brock University

St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada