In his role as Research Director for the USU Nurse Anesthesia clinical site at NMRTC Portsmouth, LCDR Rucker has mentored five USU doctoral groups in their evidence-based process improvement projects, with an emphasis on clinical triggers at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth that supports the Military Health System's Quadruple Aims: Better Care, Better Health, Readiness, and Lower Cost.

LCDR Rucker is currently the senior Emerging Leader Fellow (ELF) for the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), the national certifying body for all CRNAs. During his tenure with the NBCRNA, LCDR Rucker has served on the Leadership Development and Nomination Committee and is currently a member of the Communications, Finance and Bylaws, Policies & Procedures committees. LCDR Rucker also mentors the junior ELF. LCDR Rucker also serves as a member of the Evidence-Based Practice and Research Committee and the Healthcare Simulation & Bioskills Training Center Advisory Council at NMRTC Portsmouth.

Over the past 3 years, LCDR Rucker has successfully completed the Intermediate Leadership Course (ILC), Advanced Medical Division Officers Course (AMDOC), MedXellence Course, and Surface Warfare Medical Department Officers Course (SWMDOIC). In addition, LCDR Rucker successfully completed all necessary training requirements for the Executive Medicine Additional Qualification Designator (AQD). LCDR Rucker is currently enrolled in the Joint Maritime Operations course for the phase one Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Program and is scheduled to attend the Basic and Advanced Joint Medical Operations Courses (JMOC) in May 2021.