Denise M. Korniewicz PhD., RN, FAAN—Dr. Korniewicz is an adjunct faculty member and a dissertation chairperson at the Passan School of Nursing, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Her current position requires that she mentors nursing dissertation students and support them as they transition into the role of a new faculty member and young research investigator. As a result of her experience as a academic and corporate leader, she has been able to guide graduate students, faculty members and researchers to contribute innovative ideas that continue to advance the science of nursing.

As a pioneer in the ares of protective gear for healthcare personnel and infectious disease research, Dr. Korniewicz has played a key role in the development of national and international policies associated with infection control standards. After earning nursing degrees at Madonna University (BS), Texas Woman’s University (MS), and the Catholic University of America (PhD.), Korniewicz did postdoctoral work in infection prevention at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and School of Medicine in the Department of Infectious Disease. She holds certificates in executive management in higher education from the Wharton School of Business and Carnegie- Mellon University and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). She gained her clinical experience in the management of critical patients as a trauma and critical care nurse prior to undertaking an academic career. She has held a variety of professorships at the schools of nursing and medicine at Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University, University of Maryland, University of Miami and the University of North Dakota.

Dr. Korniewicz has had over 100 publications in peer-reviewed health journals and has authored 4 books related to her area of expertise. Most recently she was awarded the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to nursing and other interprofessional disciplines. Additionally, Dr. Korniewicz has been awarded faculty and student mentor awards, recognized in clinical engineering for her contributions to design medical equipment and has been awarded multiple research and education grants of over 22 million dollars. Dr. Korniewicz is a scholar and innovative health professional who fosters interprofessional collaboration that promotes the development of the future healthcare teams.