Below are the dedicated faculty and staff that manage the St. David's School of Nursing simulation center. Each member of our team brings a wealth of career experience and a unique perspective to sim center operations.
Brian Alas, Director of Simulation Laboratory and Clinical Assistant Professor
Brian Alas MSN-Ed, RN
Growing up in Los Angeles, California, Mr. Alas was inspired early on by the diverse communities he served to pursue a career in nursing. He began his journey as a critical care nurse, providing direct, high-acuity patient care where teamwork, vigilance, and compassion were essential. His path later expanded into clinical research, where he collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to advance evidence-based practices and improve patient outcomes.
With a strong passion for education, he transitioned into academic nursing, serving as both a faculty member and a leader in simulation and skills labs. In these roles, he has supported students by fostering clinical judgment, mentoring them through complex scenarios, and creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments. His work in the simulation lab has included developing innovative teaching strategies, integrating standardized patients, and designing engaging activities that mirror real-world practice.
At St. David School of Nursing, he is committed to advancing simulation as a powerful tool for preparing future nurses. His vision includes expanding the use of high-fidelity simulation, incorporating diversity and equity into case design, and creating opportunities for students to apply knowledge in safe, immersive environments. Most importantly, he strives to ensure every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow into a confident and compassionate nurse leader.
Email: brian.alas@txstate.edu
Phone: 512-408-7587
Office: Nursing 228
TBD - Clinical Assistant Professor and Standardized Patient Coordinator
Ricardo (Rick) Sotomayor - SimLab Information Specialist
Ricardo (Rick) Sotomayor
Mr. Sotomayor is a Medical Simulation Technician, who helps to coordinate simulations, maintain lab equipment, and facilitate learning activities in real-time to assist medical professionals with training and readiness. Rick brings a wide range of experiences from hospital and clinic simulation settings to Hollywood-style make-up and special effects artistry for medical realism, as well as simulator repair and services. He has experience with creating new task trainers to facilitate the needs of educators' lesson plans and has assisted with creating medical prototypes to be presented for field testing. Rick also has 10 years of Military experience, 13 years of Aviation maintenance experience, and a background in Industrial Mechanical Repairs.
Email: yjc21@txstate.edu
Phone: 512-716-2954
Office: Nursing 226
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