Rita Pickler is the FloAnn Sours Easton Endowed Professor of Child and Adolescent Health with Ohio State’s College of Nursing. Known nationally and internationally for her work, Pickler’s research career has been focused on improving outcomes for preterm infants and her work has radically improved the care provided to preterm infants in NICU’s around the country, particularly in feeding care. Today, her research focuses on developing strategies for short- and long-term care to preterm infants that face neurodevelopmental difficulties.
In 2017, Pickler was inducted into the Nurse Research Hall of Fame. Created in 2010, this award recognizes nurse researchers who have achieved significant national or international recognition and have improve the lives of the people they serve.