Marliese Nist

Dr. Marliese Nist's research focuses on improving the neurodevelopment of preterm infants with an emphasis on decreasing the negative effects of stress exposure in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Dr. Nist's work incorporates laboratory science with clinical research methods to understand the biological and physiological effects of stress on immature infants and to develop and test interventions to improve long-term outcomes.
After graduating with her undergraduate degree in biology, Dr. Nist worked for several years as a laboratory technician before shifting her career to nursing. Following a decade of clinical nursing caring for the smallest and most critically ill infants in the NICU, Dr. Nist returned to The Ohio State University, where she completed her coursework to become a registered nurse, to earn her Master's and Doctoral degrees and to conduct rigorous research to improve outcomes for all preterm infants.
News
College of Nursing home is first building at Ohio State to earn designation
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has awarded The Ohio State University College of Nursing’s Jane E. Heminger Hall WELL Gold Certification for its construction and design features that promote and support health and well-being. It is the first building at Ohio State to earn this designation.
Joni Tornwall, clinical professor, College of Nursing, has been awarded a 2025-2026 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to teach student-centered nursing practices at Kyrgyz State Medical Academy.