Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children and Youth
We lead a 21st-century model that advances fundamental science and translational research while engaging community and industry partners. Our work turns inquiry into practical solutions that improve health outcomes and strengthen communities.
Mission
Advance collaboration, research, education and outreach that promotes health and wellness through innovative, translational and transdisciplinary research and education.
Vision
To translate research into real-world impact that improves health outcomes for infants, children, adolescents and women through health promotion and risk reduction.
From Lab to Life
Stay connected with us and watch our YouTube series, From Lab to Life, to learn how faculty research moves discovery into real-world impact.
Journal supplements and resources
Faculty and partners
- Angela Alston, DNP, MPH, APRN-CNP, FNAP
- Cindy Anderson, PhD, APRN-CNP, ANEF, FAHA, FNAP, FAAN
- Susie Breitenstein, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Mei-Wei Chang, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Jodi Ford, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Chris Fortney, PhD, RN, FPCN, FAAN
- Shannon Gillespie, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Carolyn Gunther, PhD, RDN, LD, FASN
- Kayla Herbell, PhD, RN
- Stephanie Hosley, DNP, APRN-CNP, CNE, FNAP
- McKenzie Jancsura, PhD, RN
- Holly Jones, PhD, RN, APRN-CNP, RNFA
- Chyongchiou J. Lin, PhD, MS
- Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, RN, CGNC, FFNMRCSI, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN
- Aaron Murnan, PhD, MS
- Marliese Nist, PhD, RNC-NIC
- Rita Pickler, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Jessica Sherman, PhD, RN, MSN, FNP-BC
- Laureen Smith, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Shaunta Stanford, EdD, APRN-CNP, CCRN
- Heather Tubbs Cooley, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Karen Patricia Williams, PhD
- Deena Chisolm, PhD
- Laura Beth Kalvas, PhD
About Martha S. Pitzer

Professor Martha S. Pitzer, PhD, RN (’74 BS, ’76 MS, ’84 PhD), was born in 1938 in Pasadena, California. She earned her registered nurse credential in 1959 and later pursued her academic career at The Ohio State University, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1974. She completed a Master of Science in Nursing in 1976 and earned a PhD in family relations and human development in 1984.
Dr. Pitzer served as an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Nursing from 1985 to 1990 and previously taught at Otterbein College. She held several clinical roles, including perinatal clinical nurse specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Our college community honors her as a dedicated nurse, educator and mentor whose compassion, leadership and commitment to women’s and family health continue to inspire future generations.