Lab news

Lab research takes the stage at the 2026 UCLA Nursing Science and Innovation Conference

The TenJ Lab was well represented at the 2026 UCLA Nursing Science and Innovation Conference. Michael presented an integrative review on patient-facing AI for diabetes self-management. Nicole and Alison shared qualitative results from the study on the intersection of culture and environment among Filipino healthcare workers during COVID-19. Ralph presented his DNP project on implementing a culturally tailored outpatient case management program for Filipino Americans with type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Lisa Diaz defends her dissertation on social media and diabetes education

Congratulations to Lisa Diaz, PhD, RN, who successfully defended her dissertation on social media and diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) among Hispanic populations. Lisa completed a three-manuscript dissertation and has already published the first paper, “Exploring the quality of TikTok-based diabetes self-management education in English and Spanish: A digital health study,” in The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care, with the remaining two manuscripts in preparation.

We could not be prouder of this accomplishment. Congratulations on a job well done, Dr. Diaz, and we cannot wait to see what is next for you!

Wearables and chronic conditions: the lab at AMIA Amplify in Denver

Dr. Tolentino and Paul Boy presented a poster, “Wearable device use and health outcomes among older adults with multiple chronic conditions: findings from HINTS 6,” at the AMIA Amplify Conference, held May 18 to 21, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Drawing on the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6), the study examines how wearable device use relates to health outcomes among older adults managing multiple chronic conditions. The project is supported by UCLA School of Nursing Intramural Funding, and a full manuscript is underway.

AMIA Amplify is the American Medical Informatics Association’s applied clinical informatics conference, bringing together informaticists, clinicians, and researchers focused on turning health data and technology into better care at the bedside and in the community.

Dr. Annika Bilog defends her dissertation on Filipino American nurses’ mental health

Congratulations to Annika Daphne Bilog, PhD, RN, PCCN, who successfully defended her dissertation, “Mental Health Help-Seeking Among Filipino American Nurses: A Mixed Methods Survey,” at Loma Linda University School of Nursing on May 6, 2026. Her mixed-methods study sheds light on the mental health needs of Filipino American nurses and the factors that help or hinder them from seeking support, a timely and important contribution to our community.

We are incredibly proud of Dr. Bilog. As she gets ready to begin her next chapter in New York, we could not be happier for her. Congratulations, Dr. Bilog!

A banner week at the 2026 Western Institute of Nursing Conference

The TenJ Lab had an outstanding showing at the 2026 Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) Conference, held April 21 to 24, 2026 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. Lab members presented across both poster and podium sessions, spanning the full breadth of our work.

Ralph presented a poster on his DNP project implementing a culturally tailored outpatient case management program for Filipino Americans with type 2 diabetes. Chunyu gave a podium presentation on gender differences in diabetes distress. Sorina shared our Racial and Social Justice study on colonialism in healthcare. Paul presented several posters, including one on loneliness. Michael presented an integrative review on patient-facing AI for diabetes self-management. Annika presented her dissertation on Filipino American nurses and mental health.

WIN is one of the leading nursing research conferences in the Western United States, bringing together nurse scientists, students, and leaders to share the latest in research, education, and practice. It was an exciting and proud moment to see our trainees and collaborators present such a wide range of work and to connect with the broader nursing science community. Congratulations to everyone who presented!

One team: celebrating together at WIN 2026

Beyond the posters and podiums, WIN 2026 was a chance to come together as a team. Lab members and friends gathered for dinner to celebrate one another and everything the group has accomplished. Around the table were Annika, Elizabeth, Chunyu, Sorina, Gianpiero, Paolo, Edmund (Dr. Tolentino’s husband), Dr. Tolentino, Ralph, Michael, and Paul.

We had a lot to celebrate: Gianpiero’s acceptance to UCSF Medical School, Elizabeth’s postdoctoral position at the University of British Columbia, and everyone’s successful showing at WIN. More than anything, the evening was a reminder that we are one team, and we could not be prouder of our colleagues and all they continue to achieve. Here is to many more milestones ahead!

Machine learning meets stress science at the SBSM Annual Meeting

On March 11, 2026, the lab presented at the Society of Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine (SBSM) Annual Meeting. Dr. Tolentino presented a poster from his Hellman Fellowship project on using machine learning to integrate social determinants of health (SDOH) and allostatic load to predict dysglycemia (abnormal blood sugar). Paolo presented a poster from his collaboration with Dr. Hodge, a faculty mentor outside the TenJ Lab.

SBSM brings together researchers who study how biological, psychological, and social factors shape health, a natural home for the lab’s work connecting stress, social context, and chronic disease.

Passing it on: Dr. Tolentino joins the MIWI Institute as a peer scholar

In September 2025, Dr. Tolentino took part in the Michigan Integrative Well-Being and Inequality (MIWI) Institute at the University of Michigan as a peer scholar. He joined a peer mentor panel, “What we don’t learn in school: Lab management,” sharing practical guidance with early-career scholars on how to start and run a research lab.

MIWI brings together scholars and faculty working at the intersection of well-being and health inequality. For Dr. Tolentino, it was also a meaningful chance to reconnect with his Michigan mentors and the community that shaped his training.

First-time presenters shine at the Sigma International Nursing Research Congress

In July 2025, the lab traveled to Seattle for the Sigma 36th International Nursing Research Congress. Gianpiero, presenting for the first time, shared the team’s work on understanding the impact of culture and environment on Filipino healthcare workers during COVID-19, a project begun about two years ago and carried largely by undergraduate students from Pilipino for Community Health (PCH).

Paul presented the lab’s qualitative work on the opportunities and barriers in diabetes self-management education, now published as “Navigating type 2 diabetes care: Asian American perspectives on self-management education and support” in The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care.

The Sigma International Nursing Research Congress is one of the largest global gatherings of nurse researchers, and it was a proud milestone to see our trainees share their work on an international stage.

Taking the podium at the 2025 AAPINA Conference

On July 10, 2025, Dr. Tolentino gave a podium presentation at the 2025 Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association (AAPINA) Conference at the University of Texas at Arlington. His talk, “Determinants of diabetes program engagement among Asian Americans: A socio-ecological lens,” examined the individual, social, and community factors that shape whether Asian Americans engage with diabetes education and support programs. This work is now published as “Navigating type 2 diabetes care: Asian American perspectives on self-management education and support” in The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care.

AAPINA brings together nurses and scholars dedicated to the health of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Can a sense of coherence protect the body? Dr. Tolentino at AIM-AHEAD

In July 2025, Dr. Tolentino, an AIM-AHEAD fellow, presented at the 2025 AIM-AHEAD Annual Meeting in Addison, Texas. His poster, “Can sense of coherence protect the body? Salutogenic pathways to physiological stress,” explores whether a person’s sense of coherence, the feeling that life is understandable, manageable, and meaningful, may help buffer the body’s physiological response to stress.

AIM-AHEAD (the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity) is an NIH initiative that builds AI and machine learning capacity among researchers from underrepresented communities, with a focus on health equity.

A week at Harvard: the Emotional Well-Being and Physical Health Summer Course

From June 15 to 21, 2025, Dr. Tolentino took part in the Emotional Well-Being and Physical Health Summer Short Course in Boston, a one-week intensive program offered jointly by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and University College London (UCL).

The course explores the relationship between positive emotional well-being and physical health, with a focus on how to measure well-being, the biological and social processes that link emotional and physical health, and the epidemiological methods used to study them. It was a valuable chance to learn alongside scholars from around the world and to bring new tools back to the lab’s work on stress, well-being, and chronic disease.

Congratulations to the UCLA School of Nursing Class of 2025

The TenJ Lab celebrated commencement at the UCLA School of Nursing on June 14, 2025 at Royce Hall, where three doctoral students Dr. Tolentino mentored on their committees crossed the stage.

Dr. Alex Kim, for whom Dr. Tolentino served as a committee member, completed a DNP project now published as “Enhancing dementia caregiver self-efficacy through culturally tailored, video-based education for Hispanic caregivers.” Dr. Nahid Karimi, whose committee Dr. Tolentino chaired, completed a DNP project now published as “Continuous glucose monitoring for glycemic control in non-insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes.” And Dr. Mayumi Saiki, for whom Dr. Tolentino served as a committee member, published “Associations of work-family conflict with changes in metabolic risk factors: A four-year longitudinal study.”

Congratulations to all three new doctors! Watching trainees grow into independent scholars and clinicians is one of the greatest joys of the lab, and we cannot wait to see all that they accomplish next.

Bea brings the PCH study to the UCLA Nursing Research Conference

In May 2025, the lab took part in the UCLA Nursing Research Conference. Bea presented a working poster from the Pilipino for Community Health (PCH) study on the experiences of Filipino healthcare workers during COVID-19, the same community-engaged project the team has carried to national conferences this year.

Spring get-together: celebrating milestones

On May 17, 2025, the lab gathered for our spring get-together to celebrate several milestones. We marked Sorina’s graduation from the Master’s Entry Clinical Nursing (MECN) program and Dr. Mayumi Saiki’s successful PhD defense and upcoming move to Vanderbilt University for her postdoctoral fellowship. The afternoon brought together Sorina, Jaden, Paul, Lisa, Annika, Mayumi, Taylor, and Haley for food, laughter, and celebration.

Gatherings like these are a reminder of how much we value one another beyond the work. Congratulations to Sorina and Dr. Saiki!

Two DNP milestones: Alex Kim and Nahid Karimi present their projects

In May 2025, two doctoral students whose committees Dr. Tolentino served on presented their DNP projects. Alex Kim presented his project on culturally tailored, video-based education to build dementia caregiver self-efficacy among Hispanic caregivers. Nahid Karimi presented her project on continuous glucose monitoring for glycemic control in non-insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Tolentino served on Alex’s committee and chaired Nahid’s. Congratulations to both on this major milestone toward their doctorates!

From AI to diabetes: the lab at the 2025 Western Institute of Nursing Conference

The TenJ Lab had a strong presence at the 2025 Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) Conference in Spokane, Washington, held April 8 to 11, 2025.

Lisa presented her study analyzing the quality of colorectal cancer content on TikTok. Dr. Tolentino presented “To chat or not to chat: A comparative analysis of ChatGPT and a statistical program,” comparing the data-analysis capability of ChatGPT-4o with SPSS on cross-sectional data, work that led to the lab’s forthcoming paper “Vibe coding for statistical analysis using large language models,” now in press at Nursing Research. Dr. Mayumi Saiki presented her PhD work on work-family conflict and metabolic risk. Paul presented a poster on cancer-related fatigue among American Indian men, conducted as part of Dr. Hodge’s lab, and a podium talk on autoethnography, “a nurse practitioner’s journey through the PhD experience.” Nahid presented a poster on her DNP project, continuous glucose monitoring for glycemic control in non-insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes.

It was a wonderful showcase of the lab’s range, spanning digital health and AI, cancer, well-being, and diabetes.

Serving the community: a health fair at Glory Church of Jesus Christ

On November 17, 2024, Dr. Tolentino served as nursing faculty at a community health fair at Glory Church of Jesus Christ in Los Angeles, organized by APAHC in partnership with the church. The fair offered free health screenings to the local community, including blood pressure, height and weight, body composition, vision, and dementia screening, along with general health guidance and referrals to free or low-cost care.

Dr. Tolentino worked alongside UCLA nursing students and undergraduate volunteers from APINSAA and the Coalition for Healthcare Improvement, bringing classroom learning into hands-on, community-centered care.

Giving thanks: a Thanksgiving gathering in West Hollywood

On November 17, 2024, a small group of the team came together in West Hollywood for a Thanksgiving get-together. Derek, Taylor, Haley, Sorina, Nahid, Mayumi, and Paul shared a meal and a chance to slow down at the end of a busy year. With much to be thankful for, what stood out most was gratitude for this community of scholar colleagues.

At the 2024 State of Diabetes in Southern California

On November 14, 2024, Dr. Tolentino took part in the American Diabetes Association’s 2024 State of Diabetes event in Southern California, connecting with advocates, clinicians, and community partners working to address the region’s diabetes burden.

Selected for the NIH Health Disparities Research Institute

In August 2024, Dr. Tolentino was selected as a fellow for the NIH National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Health Disparities Research Institute (HDRI), held August 5 to 9, 2024 on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. The weeklong program offers a unique opportunity to learn about current health disparities research, connect with experts in the field, and gain insight into the NIH grant review process.

Celebrating Matthew Peña at the 2024 UCLA School of Nursing commencement

At the UCLA School of Nursing 2024 commencement, the lab celebrated Matthew Peña’s graduation from the Master’s Entry Clinical Nursing (MECN) program. Congratulations, Matthew, on this wonderful milestone!

Community and recruitment at the Philippine Nurses Association celebration

On May 18, 2024, the lab attended the Philippine Nurses Association celebration in Glendale. Alongside celebrating the community, Paolo and Sorina staffed a table to recruit participants for our qualitative study on Asian Americans’ experiences navigating type 2 diabetes.

Grateful for our scholars: a spring 2024 get-together

In May 2024, several TenJ Lab members gathered for a spring get-together, including Paolo, Derek, Gianpiero, Matthew, and Sorina. As always, we are thankful for these scholars and the community we share.

Jaden completes the NP3 Nursing Professoriate Pathway Program

In May 2024, Jaden completed the Nursing Professoriate Pathway Program (NP3) at the UCLA School of Nursing. NP3 is a four-week residential summer program that aims to attract students from underrepresented backgrounds and guide them toward doctoral studies, helping to build the next generation of nursing faculty. Congratulations, Jaden!

Presenting in Brighton: financial toxicity and diabetes at the SBSM Annual Meeting

From March 20 to 24, 2024, Dr. Tolentino and Paolo traveled to Brighton, United Kingdom for the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Society of Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine (then known as the American Psychosomatic Society). They presented their work on financial toxicity and diabetes, examining how the financial burden of managing diabetes weighs on patients’ lives and well-being.

Presenting on an international stage was an exciting milestone for the lab, and a chance to connect with researchers from around the world who study the links between mind, body, and social context in health.

UCLA study links colonial mentality to diabetes self-management in Filipino Americans

A UCLA School of Nursing investigation explores connections between cultural factors and type 2 diabetes management in Filipino American populations. The research, directed by Dr. Dante Anthony Tolentino, highlights how community members leverage family connections as a resource despite systemic obstacles, and emphasizes the need for culturally tailored care approaches in healthcare delivery.