Dr. Heidi He is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Nursing at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). A nationally certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with over 30 years of clinical experience, she is a leader in nursing education in the California Central Valley. In 2014, Dr. He led the reopening of CSUB's FNP program, soon doubling its enrollment and elevating it into a highly regarded educational and healthcare resource for the region. She has been a driving force behind the establishment of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at CSUB, from its inception to its launch in 2025.  With her keen understanding of emerging national NP education standards, she strategically guided the program development, positioning the FNP program for the successful transition to the DNP program.

Dr. He has secured and led the implementation of numerous federal, state and locally funded projects, currently totaling more than $10 million, aimed at enhancing both undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula. Through these initiatives, she has helped provide millions in scholarships to FNP students, supporting their success and addressing regional healthcare needs.

As an expert in healthcare simulation, Dr. He spearheaded the creation of the graduate nursing simulation program and is now expanding simulation education within the undergraduate nursing program. She is a published author, contributing book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles, and has presented her work at local, regional, and national conferences.

Dr. He holds certifications as a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE). She serves on the Simulation Committee of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). Her leadership and contributions to nursing have earned her several prestigious awards, including RN of the Year in Academia from the California Association of Nurse Leaders (Kern County Chapter) in 2024, Nurse Practitioner of the Year by the California Association of Nurse Practitioners (Kern and Tulare Chapter) in 2021, and RN of the Year in Advanced Practice by the Association of Kern County Nurse Leaders in 2016.