Dr. Mary Dirks has been a faculty member at the University of Iowa, College of Nursing since 2000 teaching and directing the pediatric nurse practitioner and doctorate of nursing practice graduate programs and is currently the assistant dean for graduate practice programs. She completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Masters of Science in Nursing and Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Iowa. She has been a pediatric nurse practitioner since 1997 practicing in pediatric primary care, newborn and NICU nurseries, and at the Healthy Kids School-Based Clinic. Dr. Dirks is a past president for the Association of Faculties of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, past president for the Iowa NAPNAP chapter, NAPNAP Conf Planning Committee, and NAPNAP treasurer and executive board member.