Skip to main content

2023 News Archive


Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba'are
UR Nursing’s Abu-Ba’are Leads $2.3M Study on Improving HIV Prevention, Care in Ghana

Monday, December 18, 2023 — A University of Rochester School of Nursing researcher has earned a $2.3 million National Institutes of Nursing Research grant to address stigma and discrimination related to HIV, sexual orientation, and gender expression and improve health outcomes among those who are most disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic in Ghana.


A student receives her pin and pink "nursing" sash on stage.
December Pinning Ceremony Celebrates Newest Bachelor's-Prepared Nurses

Monday, December 18, 2023 — The School of Nursing celebrated 60 of its newest bachelor's prepared nurses.


Renu Singh's headshot
Renu Singh, Leader in UR Nursing's Financial Success and Wellness Initiatives, Retires from Associate Dean Role

Thursday, December 14, 2023 — Singh, the dynamic force behind the School of Nursing's finances and operations for more than 20 years, will remain here as chief executive officer of the UR Medicine Employee Wellness Program.


Thaw Htoo '23N stands outside the Children's School wearing his white School of Nursing scrubs.
‘It was meant to be:’ Through nursing, Thaw Htoo sees a way to support Rochester refugees

Tuesday, November 21, 2023 — Htoo arrived at the Children's School as a refugee at age 11. By coincidence, he returned as a soon-to-be nurse for his final-semester community health clinicals.


Dillon Dzikowicz, Mary Carey and Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai stand in front of a research poster at the AHA conference.
UR Nursing Researchers Recognized at American Heart Association Scientific Sessions

Tuesday, November 21, 2023 — UR Nursing cardiovascular nurse scientists earned the Research Article of the Year Award and an early career travel grant.


Portrait oAmy Miller standing in the School of Nursing courtyard.
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Amy Miller

Saturday, November 18, 2023 — Having worked as a registered nurse in primary care and at Golisano Children's Hospital, Amy Miller is now expanding her role and impact through the Pediatric NP master's program.


Jose Perpignan stands in a patient room.
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Jose Perpignan Jr.

Friday, November 17, 2023 — An ICU nurse and co-founder of the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association, FNP student Jose Perpignan hopes to advance health equity and inspire future nurses.


Ann Quinn standing outside the School of Nursing
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Ann Quinn

Thursday, November 16, 2023 — Ann Quinn has empowered future NPS as a preceptor, but her educational journey isn't done either. Working in palliative care inspired her to pursue a psychiatric mental health NP degree.


Portrait of Julie Gottfried next to a window in the School of Nursing.
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Julie Gottfried

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 — Carrying the torch of UR Nursing's leadership in the nurse practitioner movement, Gottfried played a pivotal role in establishing New York's first Pediatric Acute Care NP certificate.


Loretta Ford at the Veteran's Day celebration at Arlington Cemetery.
Dr. Loretta Ford, UR Nursing's Founding Dean, Honored on Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 — Loretta C. Ford, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, FAANP, co-founder of the nurse practitioner role and founding dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing, was honored for her service at a Veterans Day ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C.


Photo of Kai Mbeke wearing a white sweater
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Kai Mbeke

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 — As a psychiatric NP and recent Patrick P. Lee Foundation Scholar from Buffalo, Kai Mbeke is part of the solution to mental health workforce shortages.


Nicholas Wodo stands in front of a bed in an emergency room.
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Nick Wodo

Monday, November 13, 2023 — Nick Wodo became a pediatric nurse practitioner to make a difference in kids' lives.


Celebrating NP Week 2023: Jenna Gonillo-Davis

Friday, November 10, 2023 — Becoming an NP helped UR Nursing alum Jenna Gonillo Davis discover numerous opportunities across patient care, research, and nursing education that she hadn't previously imagined.


Nursing students in scrubs gathered around an exam table.
UR Nursing Recognized by AACN as Leader in Educational Innovation

Friday, November 10, 2023 — The University of Rochester School of Nursing was named a recipient of the American Associate of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) 2023 Innovations in Professional Nursing Education award.


Portrait of Melissa Langworthy in a blue shirt and white coat.
Alumni Profile: From Public Safety to Pluta Cancer, Melissa Langworthy Finds Calling as Nurse, Educator

Monday, October 23, 2023 — A longtime oncology nurse at UR Medicine's Pluta Cancer Center, this recent MNE graduate is now sharing her knowledge with nursing students.


Portrait of Lauren Ghazal next to a window, wearing a black shirt and pink jacket.
A ‘Wunderkind’ in Nursing Research: Lauren Ghazal Recognized Among STAT’s Top Emerging Scientists

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 — Personal experiences as a cancer survivor led Ghazal, a family nurse practitioner, to discover a career path in adolescent and young adult cancer research.


Graphic shows the HEED Health Professions Award logo over an autumn photo of the UR School of Nursing with orange and red flowers planted outside the front entrance.
UR Nursing Receives 7th Consecutive Excellence in Diversity Award

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 — UR Nursing was one of 15 nursing schools across the U.S. to be recognized as a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion.


Ann Leonhardt-Caprio holding her award, standing next to Jason Stulb, AHA's Buffalo & Rochester executive director.
Ann Leonhardt-Caprio Recognized for American Heart Association Leadership

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 — The UR Nursing alumna and assistant professor earned the AHA Leadership Legacy Award in recognition of her years of local and national volunteer work.


Mitchell Wharton
Mitchell Wharton Inducted as Fellow of American Academy of Nursing

Saturday, October 07, 2023 — Mitchell Wharton, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, CNS, ACRN, AAHIVE, an accomplished educator, researcher, and clinician at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing’s 2023 class of fellows at the academy’s annual Health Policy Conference on Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C. 


UR Nursing Researchers Earn AACN “All of Us” Grant For Postpartum Depression Study

Monday, October 02, 2023 — University of Rochester scientists will assess whether heart rate during pregnancy can predict postpartum depression.


Evelyn Santos receives her diploma at the May 2023 graduation ceremony.
Alumni Spotlight: Evelyn Santos is Breaking Barriers in Mental Health Care

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 — As lead nurse at the Lazos Fuertes Clinic and a UR Nursing alumna, Santos is a champion of health equity for Rochester's Hispanic and Latino community.


Two ABSN students in simulation.
US News & World Report Ranks UR Nursing Undergraduate Programs # 23 in the Nation

Monday, September 18, 2023 — The University of Rochester School of Nursing’s bachelor’s-level programs are number 23 in the nation according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.


Stock photo shows a nurse talking to an older adult woman about her medication
Antipsychotics Are Likely Overprescribed Among Home Health Care Patients with Dementia, UR Nursing Study Says

Friday, September 15, 2023 — A School of Nursing-led study finds that antipsychotics are likely overprescribed for seniors with dementia in home health care. The side effects can be dangerous.


Headshot of Chen Zhang in the UR School of Nursing fourth floor lounge.
Chen Zhang Recognized as ANAC's Researcher of the Year

Thursday, September 07, 2023 — Zhang's latest work, which she will present at the 2023 ANAC conference, focuses on the impacts of structural racism on Black/African Americans affected by HIV/AIDS.


NIH Fogarty-Funded Study Seeks to Boost HIV Self-Testing, Reduce Stigma for Men in Ghana

Thursday, September 07, 2023 — The three-year study will focus on the feasibility of the "Many Men, Many Voices" intervention to improve HIV outcomes among young men in Ghana.


Photo of Zhihong Zhang holding her award certificate and a bouquet of flowers.
Convocation Welcomes New Students, Celebrates Award Winners

Wednesday, September 06, 2023 — The annual ceremony celebrated new and returning students, and marked major milestones for the School of Nursing.


Headshot of Meredith Kells in the UR School of Nursing fourth floor lounge.
Meredith Kells Honored As Fellow of Society for Adolescent Health & Medicine

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 — Kells has been helping adolescents with eating disorders for more than a decade through her clinical practice and research.


Erin Sabo sits in front of a window overlooking the University of Rochester Medical Center campus, wearing navy blue scrubs.
Student Spotlight: Erin Sabo Educates, Empowers Future Nurses

Monday, August 21, 2023 — Teaching undergraduate nursing clinicals helped Erin Sabo uncover a passion for teaching. Now, she's pursuing a master's in nursing education.


Sukardi Suba's faculty headshot
Meet Our New Faculty: Sukardi Suba Looks to Data Science to Advance Cardiac Care Delivery

Thursday, August 17, 2023 — As an expert in electrocardiography, Suba looks forward to utilizing his nursing and data science skills to innovate cardiac care delivery.


Portrait of Dillon Dzikowicz standing in a School of Nursing lounge.
Meet Our New Faculty: Dillon Dzikowicz Is Advancing ECG Research, Education

Thursday, August 17, 2023 — Dzikowicz, who also holds a master's in nursing education, is also passionate about generating interest in nursing research and informatics among undergraduates.


Photos of four of the guest speakers: Susan Weber Buchholz (left), Meghan Underhill-Blazey, Ann Leonhardt-Caprio, Karen Hande
School of Nursing to Host 8th Annual DNP Summit

Wednesday, August 16, 2023 — As DNP-prepared nurses are increasingly integrated into health care systems, the annual DNP Summit plays a critical role in fostering meaningful conversations about DNP education, practice and leadership.


Meet Our New Faculty: Lauren Ghazal Speaks Up for Adolescent, Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Tuesday, August 15, 2023 — Ghazal's research interests sit at the intersection of both her personal and professional experiences in cancer care, nursing and economics.


Recovery Houses, UR Nursing and CCHP team members gather outside a historic red brick house on Alphonse St. in Rochester.
Recovery Houses Partnership Aims to Advance Addiction Research, Health Outcomes

Tuesday, August 01, 2023 — Nursing and public health researchers are aiming to improve recovery, sexual health, and mental health outcomes through research on sober living facilities.


Guest Essay: Celebrating the Right to Feel Joy in My Identity

Thursday, July 27, 2023 — Peter Bertoldo, staff diversity officer, reflects on all the wonderful things that happened when he found a sense of belonging in the LGBTQ+ community.


Jonathan Wetherbee waves a rainbow progress flag at the Rochester Pride Parade.
Guest Essay: This Pride Feels Different

Thursday, July 27, 2023 — Staff diversity officer Jonathan Wetherbee reflects on his first Pride Month as a father, and how growing political division has made this year's Pride feel different.


School of Nursing Logo
In the Name of Pride

Thursday, July 27, 2023 — The UR Nursing Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion talks about the origins and significance of Pride Month for its summer newsletter.


Assistant Professor Dee Dee Rutigliano leads an exercise with East High scholars in one of the School of Nursing's simulation suites.
From High School to Health Care: East High Partnership Creates Pathway for Teens

Tuesday, July 25, 2023 — A collaboration with East High is introducing Rochester teens to the possibilities within a nursing career and expanding diversity in the health care workforce.


Bachelor's student Daniel Lee practices a patient scenario with VR goggles.
From Classroom to Clinical: Embracing Technology to Prepare Tomorrow’s Nurses

Friday, July 21, 2023 — The School of Nursing has revamped its education approach to prepare nurses for a future marked by disruption.


Cutting-Edge Course: Inclusive, High-Tech Learning Sets UR's Obstetric Nursing Class Apart

Friday, July 21, 2023 — NURSING Magazine's "Cutting-Edge Course" series takes readers inside UR Nursing’s classrooms to highlight interesting, innovative courses that make an impact.


Mel Ploutz and two summer camp participants wear matching pink shirts with the quote "Let your smile change the world" in yellow letters.
Alumni Profile: Melisande Ploutz Finds Her Niche as National Advocate in Cleft & Craniofacial Care

Friday, July 21, 2023 — Ploutz's election to the American Cleft-Craniofacial Association's board of directors marks a decade of leadership and innovation in her specialty area.


Helping Women Move Forward: Sue Groth Promoted to Professor

Friday, July 14, 2023 — Groth is an accomplished nurse scientist and women’s health nurse practitioner whose research focuses on weight gain among pregnant women and its long-term effects.


Student Spotlight: Natalie Lewis is Making an Impact in Mental Health

Tuesday, July 11, 2023 — Natalie Lewis is using her UR Nursing education to improve access to mental health services in Rochester.


A Decade of Inspiration and Impact: Patrick Hopkins Steps Down as APNN Co-Director

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 — Patrick Hopkins reflects on his journey after a decade of leading the accelerated bachelor's program at UR Nursing.


Portrait of Margaret Carno in front of a rainbow glass sculpture at Wilmot Cancer Institute.
Professor Margaret-Ann Carno to Lead American Thoracic Society's Nursing Assembly

Thursday, June 15, 2023 — Professor Margaret-Ann Carno looks forward to lifting up future nursing leaders as she begins her term as chair-elect of the ATS Nursing Assembly.


Lisa Kitko, Jennifer Truax and Lydia Rotondo pose for a photo in Evarts' Lounge with Truax's award
School of Nursing Celebrates Staff, Faculty at 2023 Award Ceremony

Wednesday, June 14, 2023 — Staff and faculty were recognized for their contributions to the University of Rochester School of Nursing's missions.


Kristina Santory, an instructor in the ABSN program
UR Medicine Admits First Cohort, Expands Tuition-Free Nursing Scholars Program

Tuesday, June 06, 2023 — To combat the rising nursing shortage in the region, the University of Rochester Medical Center and School of Nursing have announced an expansion of their pioneering UR Nursing Scholars Program.


Natalie Leblanc, PhD, MPH, RN, BSN
UR Nursing Research to Explore Sexual Health, HIV Prevention for Women of Color

Friday, May 26, 2023 — A new UR Nursing study will explore the optimization and uptake of HIV biomedical interventions among communities who are most disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.


Catalysts of Change: Celebrating UR Nursing's Class of 2023

Monday, May 15, 2023 — The University of Rochester School of Nursing celebrated more than 240 new health care leaders at its Spring 2023 graduation ceremony.


US News Rankings
UR Nursing Ranks in Top 25 for Best Graduate Schools

Tuesday, April 25, 2023 — The University of Rochester School of Nursing has been ranked No. 22 among U.S. nursing schools for its master’s programs, according to the 2023-24 Best Graduate Schools guide produced by U.S. News and World Report. 


Photo of Michael Hasselberg in the School of Nursing 4th Floor Lounge
Alumnus Michael Hasselberg to Deliver UR Nursing 2023 Graduation Speech

Monday, April 17, 2023 — Michael Hasselberg ’07N (MS) ’13N (PhD), UR Medicine's chief digital health officer and a psychiatric nurse practitioner, will deliver the 2023 School of Nursing Graduation Ceremony speech on May 12.


Pilot Funding Supports UR Nursing Studies on Heart Attack Treatment, Rural Health Literacy

Thursday, March 30, 2023 — Two UR Nursing researchers have received seed funding from the UR Clinical & Translational Science Institute for new projects.


Group at ENRS Conference
PhD Students, Faculty Represent UR Nursing at ENRS Scientific Sessions

Thursday, March 23, 2023 — A team of PhD students and faculty represented the University of Rochester School of Nursing at the Eastern Nursing Research Society's (ENRS) 2023 Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia on March 23 and 24. 


Martez Smith
PhD Candidate Martez Smith Receives UR Presidential Diversity Award

Friday, March 17, 2023 — Martez Smith, a sexual health researcher and social worker who has dedicated his life to HIV care and prevention, is a recipient of the Change Maker Award


Portrait of Dr. Desiree' Branson
Alumna Desiree' Branson to Lead Nurse Practitioner Association

Friday, February 17, 2023 — A University of Rochester alumna will lead New York's only statewide association of nurse practitioners. She hopes to encourage other NPs to pursue leadership roles.


Photo of Professor Jinjiao Wang next to a window, wearing a dark blue and white striped dress.
Professor Jinjiao Wang Named Co-Editor in Chief of JMIR Aging

Monday, February 13, 2023 — University of Rochester nurse-scientist Jinjiao Wang looks forward to serving a broader community as JMIR Aging's new co-editor-in-chief.


Students and faculty at a mock grocery store during the School of Nursing's poverty simulation in Fall 2022.
Reflections on UR Nursing's Poverty Simulation

Monday, January 30, 2023 — Students and faculty reflect on the UR School of Nursing's poverty simulation.


Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (center) interlocks arms and hands with leaders at the 1963 March on Washington, where he gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at Lincoln Memorial. (Getty Images)
Poverty Awareness and its Connection to Dr. Martin Luther King's Legacy

Monday, January 30, 2023 — While poverty awareness and the celebration of Dr. King’s legacy may appear to be two disparate topics, they have a significant correlation.


Lisa Kitko sitting in a UR Nursing conference room
Nursing's Frontier: Rising to the Profession's Challenges, Lisa Kitko Glimpses the Future

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 — UR Nursing's new dean, Lisa Kitko, discusses nursing's future, her research, and her passion for fixing things.


Cheryl Lustik
Alumni Profile: Cheryl Lustik Aims to Support Growth for Advanced Practice Providers in Leadership Role

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 — One of UR Nursing's first DNP Fellows, Cheryl Lustik is now creating professional development opportunities for others at UR Medicine.


John Lovett, John Zarola and Jay Jones with his brother and sister.
Meet the First Men to Graduate from the UR School of Nursing

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 — Meet some of the first men to attend the UR School of Nursing.


4 photos of students working with mannequins in the UR Nursing simulation suites and skills lab; INACSL Endorsement logo in the center of the photo.
UR Nursing Earns International Endorsement for Simulation Education

Monday, January 23, 2023 — UR Nursing is the first New York nursing school to earn INACSL's endorsement in simulation education.


Student in the ABSN program
UR Medicine Launches Tuition-Free Nursing Education Program

Thursday, January 12, 2023 — To combat the region’s nursing shortage, the University of Rochester Medical Center and School of Nursing today announced an innovative program to provide a tuition-free nursing education for 33 students per year, with the first cohort expected to enroll in Fall 2023.


Nursing Magazine

Nursing magazine cover featuring our new Dean Lisa Kitko
Bright Minds. Bold Solutions.
2023 Volume 2
Read Magazine

Photo Galleries

News Archives

2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

Contact Us

Scroll to top of page