Marilyn Hammer MN, PhD, RN, DC

Dr. Marilyn J. Hammer’s primary program of research focuses on associations between glycemic status and immune function in patients with cancer. Her expanded research is focused on optimizing glycemic control in patients with cancer for better infection control, symptom management, and overall survival. Beginning with her first research study as a graduate student at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, she investigated associations between glycemic status and the outcomes of infection and mortality rates among allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients. In 2009, she became an assistant professor at New York University (NYU) College of Nursing and, in 2010, was awarded a K23-level grant. Through the K23 award, the study evaluated glycemic status, cytokine expression, and infection rates in autologous HCT recipients. A current study is investigating a walking program for glycemic control in patients undergoing chemotherapy for solid tumors.

In addition, she also investigated the healthcare needs of patients with cancer and comorbidities and conducted a small mixed-methods study to evaluate the healthcare challenges of patients undergoing treatment for cancer while also having cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes. In addition to research/scholarship, she has taught courses in genetics and research design and methods to NYU nursing students, mentors doctoral students, and serves on multiple committees. Dr. Hammer is assuming a new position as the director of research and evidence-based practice in the Department of Nursing at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.