Marcianna Nosek

Marcianna Nosek is a tenured Professor at the University of San Francisco’s School of Nursing and Health Professions (SONHP), specializing in maternal-child health, community health, and empathy development in healthcare education. She holds a PhD in Nursing from UCSF (2007), an MS in Nursing as a Certified Nurse Midwife from UCSF (2004), and an MPH from UC Berkeley (2002). Her work bridges clinical practice, research, and global health equity.

Dr. Nosek’s research focuses on marginalized populations, including high-risk postpartum women in Malawi, veterans with trauma, and youth affected by incarceration. She has pioneered a mobile health app for maternal care in Malawi and conducted groundbreaking studies on pandemic impacts on maternal health. Her teaching spans MSN and MPH programs, emphasizing cultural competency, nonviolent communication, and ethical care.

Research Highlights:

• Mobile health innovations in Malawi through the African Mothers Health Initiative
• Phenomenological studies of trauma and resilience in childbearing
• Nonviolent Communication (NVC) training to enhance empathy in healthcare
• Global health partnerships addressing pandemic disruptions in maternal care

Awards & Grants:

• 2021: Jesuit Grant for Malawi maternal health project
• 2021: EuroQol Foundation Award for pandemic health research
• 2020: Best Global Research Award from American College of Nurse Midwives
• 2012: USF Teaching Effectiveness Award

Advising & Leadership:

• Former Co-Director of the MPH Program
• Former Chair, SONHP Peer Review Committee
• Volunteer clinician at Women’s Community Clinic (San Francisco)

Labs & Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams in Malawi for mobile health implementation and collaborates with NGOs on global maternal health initiatives. Her work integrates qualitative research methods with community-based participatory approaches.