Dr. Maruca is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Undergraduate Studies and Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. She is one of the eight co-founders of the American Correctional Nursing Association, the only association that represents nurses who work in the US justice system.

Dr. Maruca continues with leadership roles in several national and regional organizations. She is ANCC Board Certified in psychiatric mental health nursing, NLN certified in nursing education, and NCCHC certified as a correctional health professional. She provides leadership and oversight to the undergraduate programs, ensuring teaching-learning excellence, professional development, pursuit of scholarship, and fostering a culture of caring, community, and creativity.

Dr. Maruca’s scholarship focuses on developing a healthcare workforce prepared to address professional wellness and health equity for the underserved.