Quinnipiac University
Nicole A. Fidanza

Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy

Nicole Fidanza graduated from Quinnipiac University in 2007 with a MS in Occupational Therapy and in 2017 with a post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate. She has focused her practice on working with older adult clients across the continuum of rehabilitative care. Nicole is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy whose teaching focuses on gerontology, neurorehabilitation, occupation and health, and professionalism. She is also a Fieldwork Educator credentialed through the American Occupational Therapy Association who leads students through Fieldwork II experiences to support the psychosocial needs of older adults. Her current research is focused on the connection between social participation and well being amongst older adults.

Education

  • BS, Quinnipiac University
  • MOT, Quinnipiac University
  • OTD, Quinnipiac University

Areas of Expertise

  • Public Health & Global Public Health
  • Neurology/Neuroscience
  • Health & Wellness
  • Neurorehabilitation/Neurosurgery
  • Geriatrics/Gerontology/Ageing

Organization

  • Occupational Therapy

Office Location

  • Medicine, Nursing, Health Sci 362M

Mail Drop

  • NH-HSC

Experience

Quinnipiac University

BS/MOT Program Coordinator, Upper Division

Hamden, CT

2021 - Present

Quinnipiac University

Clinical Assistant Professor

Hamden, CT

2018 - Present

Quinnipiac University

Visiting Faculty

Quinnipiac University

2018 - 2018

Quinnipiac University

Adjunct Faculty

Quinnipiac University

2011 - 2017

Selected Publications

Peer Reviewed Poster

Promoting Nutrition Management to Address Frailty in a Senior Housing Complex

Fidanza, N., Bruno, M., Caron, M., Mobilia, M., & Weinstein, J.

AOTA Inspire 2023, Kansas City, MO, Quinnipiac University (2023)

Invited Speaker

Opening Remarks

Fidanza, N.

Livability 2023: Our Aging Landscape, Virtual, Quinnipiac University (2023)

Invited Speaker

Opening Remarks

Fidanza, N.

The Journey to Livable Communities: Inclusive, Innovative, Intergenerational , Virtual, Quinnipiac University (2022)

Peer Reviewed Presentations

We Didn't Expect It to Be So Different: Two Educators Discuss Their Transition From Adjuncts to Full-Time Professors

Akselrud, R. & Fidanza, N

AOTA Inspire 2022, San Antonio, Texas, Quinnipiac University (2022)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Secondary Prevention of Frailty in a Senior Housing Complex: How to Create Health Literate Educational Handouts for Older Adults

Fidanza, N., Baker, A., Bastos, S., DiGiacinto, J. & Scotto, M.

AOTA Inspire 2022, San Antonio, Texas, Quinnipiac University (2022)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Age-friendly University Initiative: Advancing Age Inclusivity within Higher Education

Fidanza, N., Oakes, C.E., & Zakrajsek, A.G.

AOTA Inspire 2022, San Antonio, Texas, Quinnipiac University (2022)

Invited Speaker

Panel Discussion: Age-friendly Universities in Connecticut

Fidanza, N., Fannelli, L., Andreoletti, C., & Oakes, C.

AARP Connecticut's Virtual U: Pathways to Living in an Age-Inclusive Society, Quinnipiac University (2021)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Addressing New Resident Frailty Through Pathways and Education

Fidanza, N., Kowal, J., McLoone, M., Nelson, H., & Vendetti, A.

AOTA Inspire 2021 Annual Conference , Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac University (2021)

Peer Reviewed Poster

An Exploration of Social Participation Amongst Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities

Fidanza, N., Kowal, J., & Bondoc, S.

AOTA Inspire 2021 Annual Conference , Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac University (2021)

Invited Speaker

Social Participation, Frailty, and Aging: Current Research & Implications for Occupational Therapy

Fianza, N.

University of Connecticut Department of Public Health, Course PUBH 5497-F44: Critical Health Issues Facing the U.S., Farmington, CT (2020)

Peer Reviewed Presentations

Determining the Needs of Newly Transitioned Residents in an Assisted-Living Facility: A Mixed-Methods Assessment

Fidanza, N., Baker, N., Brown, R., Gallagher, H., & Godusky, K.

2020 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo, Boston, MA (cancelled), Quinnipiac University (2020)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Determining the Needs of Newly Transitioned Residents in a Senior Living Facility: A Mixed-Methods Assessment

Fidanza, N., Baker, N., Brown, R., Gallagher, H., & Godusky, K.

ConnOTA 2020 Spring Conference, Hartford, CT, Quinnipiac University (2020)

Peer Reviewed Poster

Social Participation Amongst Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: Short, Spontaneous, Superficial

Fidanza, N., Kowal, J., & Bondoc, S.

2020 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo, Boston, MA (cancelled), Quinnipiac University (2020)

Peer Reviewed Presentations

From Sink or Swim to Smooth Sailing: How to Best Support Newly-Graduated OTs Working in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Fidanza, N. & Bondoc, S.

2020 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo, Boston, MA (cancelled), Quinnipiac University (2020)

Invited Speaker

Welcome Remarks

Fidanza, N.

AARP Connecticut's Fraud Watch Network presents ‘When Trust is Betrayed: A Cautionary Tale To Combat Elder Abuse’, Quinnipiac University (2020)

Peer Reviewed Poster

"Expectation versus Reality: The Lived Experience of Newly Graduated OTs in Skilled Nursing Facilities"

Fidanza, N., Bondoc, S.

2019 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo, New Orleans, LA, Quinnipiac University (2019)

Non-Peer Reviewed Presentation

"Determining the Needs of Newly-Transitioned Residents: A Mixed-Methods Assessment at The Towers"

Fidanza, N., Baker, N., Brown, R., Gallagher, H., Godusky, K.

Quinnipiac University Interprofessional Poster Day 2019 (2019)

Peer Reviewed Presentations

Determining the Needs of Newly Transitioned Residents in a Senior Living Facility: A Mixed-Methods Assessment

Fidanza, N., Baker, N., Brown, R., Gallagher, H., & Godusky, K.

Connecticut Public Health Association 2019 Annual Conference , Plantsville, CT, Quinnipiac University (2019)

Peer Reviewed Presentations

"Social Participation Amongst Older Adults: An Exploration of Living in Assited Living Facilities"

Fidanza, N., Kowal, J., Bondoc, S.

ConnOTA 2018 Fall SIS Conference , Wallingford, CT (2018)

Non-Peer Reviewed Presentation

"Short, Spontaneous, and Superficial: An Exploration of Social Participation Amongst Older Adults in Assited Living Facilities"

Fidanza, N., Kowal, J., Bondoc, S.

Quinnipiac University QUIP Symposium October 2018 (2018)

Professional Designation