PhD Student Dillon Dzikowicz Honored with Edward Peck Curtis Award

Dillon J. Dzikowicz, ’17N, ’21N (MS), a teaching associate and PhD student at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, has been named a recipient of the University of Rochester 2022 Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Graduate Student. The award, established in 1984, recognizes graduate students who excel in advancing the teaching mission of the University by providing highly skilled and innovative instruction to undergraduate students. Recipients have assisted in undergraduate instruction and have had significant face-to-face interaction with undergraduates in the classroom or laboratory.

“I am really excited to receive this award. It reflects my commitment to educating our students ranging from our undergraduate programs to the doctoral level. I would not be able to receive this award myself if it was not for the fantastic education and mentorship I have received at the UR School of Nursing,” said Dzikowicz, citing the specific influence of professors Mary Carey, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN; Maria Marconi, EdD, RN, CNE; and Tara Serwetnyk, EdD, RN, NPD-BC.

“This award also excites me because it reflects our School of Nursing’s commitment to high-quality online learning--specifically the Apple distinction--so all UR nurses can receive a high-quality education even when balancing other work and family obligations.”

Dzikowicz’s dissertation research aims to utilize machine learning and novel electrocardiographic features to improve the treatment stratification of patients suffering from heart attacks. His research is supported by foundational grants including Sigma Theta Tau and the Emergency Nurses Association. In addition to his own research, Dzikowicz is an active member of the University of Rochester Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center working with cardiology scientists to conduct clinical trials for multiple sponsors. He continues to practice as a certified nurse on the Cardiac Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, and is also a teaching associate in the RN-BS and DNP programs in the School of Nursing.