vlog

Jessica Zemlak, PhD, MSN, RN

Jessica Zemlak
Jessica Zemlak, PhD, MSN, RNvlog

Straz Hall, 520T

MilwaukeeWI53201United States of America
(414) 288-6642

Associate Professor

Education

  • BSN, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • Post-Master's Certificate, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Rush University
  • PhD, Johns Hopkins University 

Courses Taught

  • NURS 6005: Concepts and Interventions for the Promotion of Mental Health
  • HEAL 2100: Introduction to Global Health
  • HEAL 4931: Introduction to Epidemiology
  • HEAL 8003: Quantitative, Mixed, and Multi-Methods Research
  • HEALI 4931: Topics in Health International- South Africa and Peru

Research Interests

Dr. Zemlak is a community engaged scholar whose program of research prioritizes the physical and mental well-being of marginalized women. Using qualitative and mixed methods approaches, her research examines women’s health through a trauma-informed and harm reduction framework. Dr. Zemlak’s research interests include intimate partner violence, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, health disparities, technology and equity in healthcare, and social determinants of health.

Professional Affiliations

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
  • American Public Health Association
  • Sigma Theta Tau International

Specialization

  • Public Health
  • Advanced Practice Nursing

Certifications

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)

Publications

Link to Marquette epublications -

Honors and Awards

2023 (Fall) Institute for Women’s Leadership Faculty Fellow

2021 Nov/Dec Women’s Health Issues Editor’s Choice article

2020-2021 Nurse Faculty for the Future Scholar, Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing

2020 Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship recipient, Nurses Educational Funds

2018-2021 Conway Scholar, Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing

Funding

2026-2028: (PI: Keegan, J; CO-I Zemlak, J., Gagnon, K., Walsh, J.) “Refining a community-based strategy to engage historically difficult to reach populations in PrEP care,” Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Momentum Grant.

2026-2027: (Co-PI: Malin, K., Moore, K., Zemlak, J.; Co-I, Luff, A., Malloy, E.) "Intimate partner violence and adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes: A retrospective cohort study." Regner Research Award, vlog College of Nursing.

2025-2026: (Co-PI: Mattson, N. & Zemlak, J.) "Enhancing peer support: Identifying determinants for a sexual and reproductive health training intervention for women in recovery from substance use disorder." vlog College of Nursing Community Engaged Project Award.

2025-2026: (PI: Mattson, N. Co-I: Zemlak, J.) "Examining intimate partner violence among women with substance use: Findings from the National Violent Death Reporting System." American Public Health Association Grant.

2024-2025: (Co-PI: Mattson, N. & Zemlak, J.) "Healthcare provider experiences and perspectives: Supporting sexual health of women during opioid recovery." vlog Regular Research Grant and Summer Faculty Fellowship.

2023-2025: (PI: Zemlak, J.; Co-I: Keegan, J., Singer, R.). "Tele-PrEP: Telehealth for enhanced access to PrEP among women sex workers." Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant.

2023-2024: (Co-PI Mattson, N. & Zemlak, J.) "Social determinants of unmet sexual and reproductive health needs among women in treatment for opioid use disorder: A social ecological exploration." Greater Milwaukee Foundation Award.

2021-2022: (PI: Zemlak, J.) "Unmet health needs of women sex workers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: A pilot study." vlog Regular Research Award and Summer Faculty Fellowship.