Each year, IUPUI honors 50 graduate and professional students who demonstrate excellence beyond the classroom—in areas such as campus leadership, scholarly work, and community engagement. These IUPUI Elite 50 represent the best of the best among IUPUI’s graduate and professional students and capture everything that makes IUPUI exceptional.
Stephanie Zidek, a PhD student who graduated in January 2024 and plans to attend commencement in May, was selected as one of IUPUI's Elite 50 for 2024 and also honored as one of the Premier 10 for 2024. Below, learn more about Stephanie's journey at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI and the organizations and groups she's chosen to volunteer with during her time as an IUPUI student.
Why did you choose to pursue your doctoral degree at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI?
I was looking for a program that was open to distance learners, while still maintaining high academic standards. Additionally, I was drawn to their research tracks, which included nursing education and health systems – my two passions.
Who has inspired you during your educational journey?
Throughout my educational journey, several individuals and groups have inspired and supported me immensely. Firstly, my dissertation chair, Dr. Amy Wonder, stands out as a significant source of inspiration. Her guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support propelled me forward. I am also deeply grateful for the invaluable insights and expertise provided by my dissertation committee members: Dr. Deanna Reising, Dr. Angela Opsahl, and Dr. Natalia Rybas. Their contributions were instrumental in shaping my academic path. Additionally, I must acknowledge the incredible camaraderie and encouragement I received from my fellow classmates, fondly referred to as the "COVID Cohort." Our journey began on May 12, 2020, coinciding with Florence Nightingale's 200th birthday. The support, guidance, and connection fostered within this cohort were invaluable to me. Lastly, I am indebted to my leadership team at work, whose understanding and encouragement were instrumental in enabling me to successfully navigate and complete my doctoral journey.
What has been your favorite or most memorable class or educational opportunity while studying at IUPUI, and why?
Reflecting on my time at IUPUI, there have been several remarkable educational experiences that have left a lasting impression on me. While I valued all my classes, there are a few that truly stand out. One such standout was the Foundations of Qualitative Research course taught by Dr. Joan Hasse. This class provided me with a solid framework for understanding qualitative research methodologies, which has been invaluable in both my academic and professional pursuits. Another memorable course was Writing for Professional Nursing Publication, instructed by Dr. Janet Fulton. This class equipped me with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for effective scholarly writing in the nursing field, significantly shaping my approach to professional writing and serving as a routine reference. Furthermore, I found great enrichment in my minor classes, particularly thanks to Dr. Natalia Rybas, who introduced me to the field of communication studies. Her course, Identity and Difference, offered in Spring 2022, profoundly impacted me on both a personal and professional level.
What was your dissertation, and why did you choose the topic?
My dissertation focused on a case study examining the well-being of new graduate registered nurses during their initial three months of practice. This topic held significant personal interest for me even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic due to my involvement with my health system’s nurse residency program. However, the unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic further underscored the importance of this research area, highlighting the critical need to address the well-being of nurses entering the profession amidst such turbulent times.
What organizations are you involved in, and why did you choose to become involved or volunteer with these groups?
I am actively involved in several professional organizations, with a strong commitment to the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD). Within ANPD, I hold a position on the Board of Directors and contribute to various committees. Additionally, I co-host the monthly podcast, NPD Forecast, where we engage in insightful discussions with nursing experts from across the country. Furthermore, I have partnered with volunteer organizations across Illinois and Wisconsin to facilitate opportunities for nurses to give back to their communities using service learning principles. These partnerships include initiatives with the Shalom Center (Kenosha, WI), Northern Illinois Food Bank (Greater Chicagoland), Sheboygan County Food Bank (Sheboygan, WI), and BStrong Together (Barrington, IL). These partnerships have allowed for nurses to serve in variety of ways, including food preparation, meal serving, food pantry maintenance, care kit assembly, patient and youth education, and more. Witnessing nurses become enthused about volunteering in their communities in ways that resonate with their personal and professional interests has been immensely rewarding. Locally, I serve on the Board of the Elmhurst Area Moms and their Philanthropy Committee, which coordinates diverse opportunities throughout the year to support local charities and provide support and resources to young families in need.
Why was it important to you to take on extra activities or leadership roles while obtaining your doctoral degree at IUPUI?
Engaging in extra activities during my doctoral studies at IUPUI was essential for several reasons. Firstly, my time at IU served as a springboard for numerous additional opportunities, including advanced service, dissemination of knowledge, and community outreach. Through these endeavors, I forged meaningful connections that sparked new ideas and avenues for giving back and sharing my learnings with others. Moreover, these activities served as a natural extension of my scholarly and professional pursuits. It allowed me to integrate my academic endeavors with service initiatives and seek out opportunities to connect the two whenever possible
What does the recognition of being an Elite 50 honoree mean to you?
Being recognized as an Elite 50 honoree holds profound significance for me. Embarking on this journey amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the anticipation of expecting my first child with my husband, made this achievement both incredibly rewarding and challenging. Completing my program this semester has been a testament to perseverance and dedication, and to be acknowledged with such a prestigious recognition adds an extra layer of validation and gratitude to the journey I've undertaken.
