August 2026 Honoree
Jessica Zemlak, PhD, MSN, RN
Dr. Jessica Zemlak exemplifies excellence as a nurse scientist, educator, and leader. Her leadership in developing the Public Health Minor at Marquette and creating the Introduction to Epidemiology course has been instrumental in advancing the College of Nursing's mission and academic excellence.
Dr. Zemlak demonstrates a strong and sustained commitment to social justice through both her scholarly work and service to the University. As a highly regarded researcher focused on improving the physical and mental health of structurally vulnerable populations, she has led the development and implementation of harm-reduction and health-promoting interventions in some of the most underserved communities in the Milwaukee area. In addition, Dr. Zemlak serves on Marquette University’s Poverty Research Initiative, where she collaborates with faculty across the University to build networks of researchers and community partners dedicated to reducing structural inequities related to poverty.
Beyond her contributions as a collaborative team member on numerous initiatives, Dr. Zemlak consistently demonstrates outstanding individual accomplishments that have significantly impacted the College of Nursing. She serves as both a formal and informal mentor to many faculty colleagues and, through her strategic networking, has helped launch the scholarly careers of others. She intentionally fosters multidisciplinary collaborations that amplify collective impact and support her peers' success.
Dr. Zemlak is also a highly respected educator whom both undergraduate and graduate students actively seek out for mentorship and collaboration. She creates supportive, inclusive learning environments and is deeply committed to helping students achieve and exceed their professional potential.
In every respect, Dr. Zemlak embodies the core values and ideals of the “Marquette Nurse.” Her dedication to the nursing profession through teaching, research, and clinical practice is exemplary and deserving of the highest recognition.
Dr. Zemlak demonstrates a strong and sustained commitment to social justice through both her scholarly work and service to the University. As a highly regarded researcher focused on improving the physical and mental health of structurally vulnerable populations, she has led the development and implementation of harm-reduction and health-promoting interventions in some of the most underserved communities in the Milwaukee area. In addition, Dr. Zemlak serves on Marquette University’s Poverty Research Initiative, where she collaborates with faculty across the University to build networks of researchers and community partners dedicated to reducing structural inequities related to poverty.
Beyond her contributions as a collaborative team member on numerous initiatives, Dr. Zemlak consistently demonstrates outstanding individual accomplishments that have significantly impacted the College of Nursing. She serves as both a formal and informal mentor to many faculty colleagues and, through her strategic networking, has helped launch the scholarly careers of others. She intentionally fosters multidisciplinary collaborations that amplify collective impact and support her peers' success.
Dr. Zemlak is also a highly respected educator whom both undergraduate and graduate students actively seek out for mentorship and collaboration. She creates supportive, inclusive learning environments and is deeply committed to helping students achieve and exceed their professional potential.
In every respect, Dr. Zemlak embodies the core values and ideals of the “Marquette Nurse.” Her dedication to the nursing profession through teaching, research, and clinical practice is exemplary and deserving of the highest recognition.
Thank you, Jessica, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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