Q&A: Barbara Pinekenstein ’73 and Laura Block ’20, PhD candidate
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Nurses Alumni Organization (UW NAO) proudly announces the 2025 NAO Award Winners. Barbara Pinekenstein ’73 has been selected as the 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award recipient, and Laura Block ’20, PhD candidate, received the 2025 Outstanding Badger Nurse Award.
Dr. Pinekenstein built a distinguished career in nursing, marked by a deep commitment to developing leaders in the profession and advocating for nurses’ voices in health care decision-making. She has decades of experience, from clinical practice to executive leadership roles, including staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist, chief nursing officer, and vice president for clinical informatics. Later in her career, Dr. Pinekenstein transitioned into academia as a clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing from 2014 until her retirement in 2022. During that time, she served as an exemplary model of developing leadership in health care through nursing. She was named the School’s inaugural Richard E. Sinaiko Professor in Health Care Leadership and served as interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from March 2020 until her retirement. Throughout her career, Dr. Pinekenstein built her legacy by mentoring future leaders, establishing formal programs, and promoting nurse participation on organizational and community boards. She served on the board of the Wisconsin Center for Nursing — the state’s first nursing workforce center — and was recognized nationally for her work, including her induction as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Pinekenstein has significantly influenced nursing workforce development, health system leadership, and the integration of nursing perspectives into broader health care and community initiatives.
Block is a dedicated nurse and emerging leader in older adult and dementia care whose career combines clinical practice, impactful research, and community advocacy. She has a strong foundation in long-term care nursing practice and a passion for improving outcomes for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) who have complex biopsychosocial needs, particularly those with serious mental illness (SMI). Block earned her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from the School of Nursing in 2020 and immediately began pursuing her doctoral degree there. As a PhD candidate, Block’s dissertation research focuses on understanding how the intersection of ADRD and SMI drives unique symptoms, care needs, and outcomes among nursing home residents. A prestigious NIH fellowship has supported her research, and her work has led to innovative brain health programs, like “Brain and Body Fitness,” which has reached over 300 older adults to promote wellness. In addition, she has played a pivotal role in developing clinical placements in long-term care settings, and she has advanced understanding of the aging experience. She has served as the PhD student representative on the School of Nursing’s Board of Visitors (BOV), worked on the BOV Alumni Engagement (AE) committee, and has dedicated time to the merger of the AE Recent Grad Committee and NAO Student Engagement Committee. In addition to maintaining hours in clinical practice, she has supported the work of multiple nurse scientists while remaining committed to her own research efforts. Block’s honors include the Wisconsin Idea Undergraduate Fellowship for her project on brain aging resources, the Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31) from the National Institute on Aging, the Signe Skott Cooper Writing Award, and more. She has partnered with local organizations to develop health promotion programming, collaborated with national data partners, mentored peers, and volunteered extensively. Her young career reflects a deep commitment to advancing older adult nursing science while directly supporting patients, students, vulnerable populations, and communities, embodying the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea.
Get to know the 2025 NAO Award Winners:
Why did you choose UW–Madison?
Pinekenstein: The UW–Madison School of Nursing was a clear choice for me. As one of the top academic research universities in the nation, UW–Madison offers unparalleled opportunities. Two of my older brothers graduated from UW–Madison, further solidifying my connection to the university. The UW–Madison School of Nursing is renowned for its pediatric program and provides comprehensive clinical rotations in major areas, including women’s health, oncology, and obstetrics. Growing up in a rural area, the resources and opportunities at UW–Madison were significant and truly transformative.
Block: In 2012, I began my higher education journey at UW–Madison because of its reputation for excellence and the endless opportunities to explore a wide range of interests. When I made the decision to pursue a PhD in nursing in 2020, I again selected to apply to UW–Madison’s program knowing it would be the best place to gain strong methodological training while having the opportunity to work with some of the most dedicated and groundbreaking researchers in the field of dementia care and health services.
How has your nursing education influenced your career or life path?
Pinekenstein: Graduating from UW–Madison in 1973 with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree provided a solid foundation for my nursing career. As I look at nursing leaders across the state, many have either an undergraduate or graduate degree from the UW–Madison School of Nursing. The mission, “to develop nurse leaders, innovators, and advocates for the profession and society through research, education, practice, policy, and outreach,” truly resonates with me. The program prepared me to transition into practice and embrace opportunities to lead and transform care. Applying the Wisconsin Idea and being flexible and open to addressing the critical issues of our time, through collaboration, dialogue, active listening, and an ethical approach, is essential. Badger nurses change lives and make a difference each day.
Block: Receiving education in nursing while working alongside other nurses and patients has completely transformed my understanding of ways we can support health among individuals, and the role resources, support, and community play in fostering health. Through these experiences, I am deeply committed to advancing the science of nursing and preparing the next generations of nurses. Being a nurse permeates every area of my life, as I also can be a resource for my family and community, in helping people navigate the health care system, encouraging questions, and helping filter information. It is a privilege.
Why did you choose nursing? Did you always know you wanted to be a nurse, or did you explore other options first?
Pinekenstein: I have always wanted to be a nurse. As a child, I spent countless hours in the hospital, clutching my inhaler and feeling the familiar tightness in my chest, including a pediatric surgical experience at University Hospital. During those challenging times, I will always remember the compassionate and caring nurses who made a difference in my life. I was, and continue to be, inspired by front-line nurses who go the extra mile to provide exceptional care for patients and their families. As nurses, providing great care often results in recruiting our future nursing workforce.
Block: I am the first in my family to pursue a career in health care. My family moved every couple of years during middle and high school, resulting in few opportunities for early health care experiences. However, I was always drawn to science, broadly speaking, and the art of caring. During college, I had the opportunity to tap into a variety of opportunities, from bench research to working as a nursing assistant. I most enjoyed working with older adult patients. This triggered an interest in geriatrics and led me to a position working as a research specialist in a dementia care research lab led by Dr. Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi ’09, MS’10, PhD’14. Working in this lab motivated a series of decisions and steps that led me back to school for my BSN and then into the PhD program. Once I understood nursing as a lens that promotes wellbeing from individuals to communities, and as a science that contributes to knowledge development around elements that most often matter in our daily lives, there was no turning back!
Which role, position, or experience has been the most significant to your nursing career? Why?
Pinekenstein: With over 50 years of nursing experience, I have had many significant roles and experiences that have shaped my career and impact. Working for organizations that have missions, visions, and values aligned with my personal beliefs and are committed to ethical practices, and investing in personal and professional development, has been critical. My personal goals evolved over time from providing exceptional care to supporting high-performance teams and ensuring resources to provide great care. Growing and mentoring future nurse leaders, ensuring an adequate nursing workforce, and supporting the integration of technology to promote outcome-driven change are important now.
Serving as the inaugural Richard E. Sinaiko Professor in Health Care Leadership at the UW–Madison School of Nursing provided me the opportunity to teach across both the undergraduate and graduate programs, and work with faculty and students on leadership, innovation, informatics, and health policy. I want to thank Richard and Patty Sinaiko for their generous commitment to this endowed position.
Block: I cannot choose one! My role as a long-term care registered nurse and my time working with Drs. Tonya Roberts and Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi—two phenomenal nurse scientists—are so intertwined in the formation of my identity as a nurse, my understanding of nursing science, and my commitment to improving care for older adults. I am forever grateful to the residents who have invited me into their lives, my long-term care coworkers who persevere out of sheer will and commitment to residents, and my colleagues and mentors at the University who tirelessly advocate to improve care for all individuals.
Which School of Nursing member (faculty, leadership, or staff) had (or has) the biggest impact on your experience?
Pinekenstein: In health care, we work in teams, and I have always liked the phrase “it takes a village.” There are so many people who mentor and share their wisdom, so it’s difficult to name just one. Dean Emerita Katharyn May worked with Richard and Patty Sinaiko to support and launch the inaugural Richard E. Sinaiko Professor in Health Care Leadership. This important position brings an experienced nurse executive to the faculty. In addition, Dean May championed Signe Skott Cooper Hall, one of the most technically advanced nursing schools in the country. It provides a healing space to teach and learn. I’d also like to recognize Dean Linda Scott, a visionary leader who works tirelessly to balance the needs of students, faculty, and the School while always doing the right thing. It has been an honor to work with the students, staff, faculty, and the Board of Visitors to enhance programs and promote the mission and vision of the School. As a team, we make a difference with respect and care, leading through challenging times.
Block: Drs. Roberts and Gilmore-Bykovskyi have supported my academic journey from day one, being constant sources of encouragement while I balanced school, work, and family life. They never failed to encourage me to ask critical questions, write the competitive grant application, or dive headfirst into a new method, often leading by example!
What advice would you give to recent graduates and individuals considering earning an advanced degree?
Pinekenstein: As a Badger nurse, there are countless opportunities to lead, transform, and improve systems of care. Lifelong learning is imperative in the evolving field of health care, ensuring that we, as nurses, remain at the forefront of patient care, innovation, and system improvements. Pursuing an advanced degree is important. Start early to identify your focus area and future roles. Connect with mentors to expand your professional network. Explore program options and be sure to check out the UW–Madison School of Nursing doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and PhD options. Focus, connect, explore, and educate for ongoing success. Always remember to enjoy the journey and take time for self-care.
Block: Hold on to your “why” and find your community within the academic space. Work with others who share your commitment to individuals and communities.