School of Nursing
Room No. 322
Victoria Building
3500 Victoria Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261

Phone: 412-624-4722   
Email: spierlin@pitt.edu

RESEARCH:
I am currently enrolled in the PhD program in Exercise Physiology with an interest in researching non-pharmacological ways to prevent hypertension in the post operative cancer patient, in hopes of reducing beta-blocker use.  I hope that my research will extend to health care professionals as well as the baby boomer population as they face obesity-related cardiac diseases.

TEACHING:
I am the clinical nursing instructor for Sophomore level students at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing at UPMC Shadyside Campus on a 40-bed surgical oncology unit.  I instruct both the traditional and second degree sophomore nursing students.  I assist with the Wiser Simulation lab exercises.

SERVICE:
I volunteer as the Parish Nurse and sit on the Pastoral Care Committee for Calvary Episcopal Church, Shadyside, PA. I participate in fund raising for ALS, diabetes, heart disease and cancer through walk-a-thon activities.

BACKGROUND:
I have over 20 years of oncological research experience in pancreatic, colorectal and breast cancer patient diagnostic, treatment and care options. I also have experience in home care nursing and administration, pediatrics and critical care. I developed a system-wide diabetic teaching tool for use in the acute care setting at UPMC. I am a member of Sigma Theta Tau and the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses and hold a certification in Gastrointestinal Nursing.