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Marci Lee Nilsen, PhD, MSN, RN, CHPN, FAAN

  • Director, UPMC Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Clinic
  • Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Dr. Nilsen is also affiliated with the University’s Center for Bioethics and Health Law and UPMC Hillman’s Biobehavioral Oncology program. She is actively involved in professional organizations, including the Oncology Nursing Society, Gerontological Society of America, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

    Education & Training

  • University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Postdoctoral Fellow, Gerontology, Oncology, Human Computer Interaction
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, PhD, Gerontology, Communication
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, MSN, Research
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, BSN, Nursing
Awards
Fellow, American Academy of Nursing, October 2023
Emerging Science Award for Population Science Cancer Research UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, September 2023
Supporting Our Scientist University of Pittsburgh, Institute for Clinical Research Education, June 2022
Distinguished Alumni for Practice University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, May 2021
Lucie Young Kelly Faculty Leadership Award University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, September 2019
Allen Humphrey Excellence in Mentoring Award University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, September 2018
Travel Award for Poster Presentation University of Pittsburgh Postdoctoral Association, May 2015
Emerging Nurse Scholar University of Toronto, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, October 2014
Ruth Perkins Keuhn Award University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, March 2013
Szeming Sze Scholarship University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, 2008, 2011
Outstanding Doctoral Student Poster, March 2007
Research Interests

Dr. Nilsen’s program of research focuses on identification, treatment, and development of interventions focused on the management of symptoms and treatment-related effects in head and neck cancer survivors. In addition to her work in cancer survivorship, she has established a program of research in communication with mechanically ventilated adults, for which she received support from the National Institute of Nursing Research and The John A. Hartford Foundation.

Publications