DCHS Faculty and Staff Recognized for Outstanding Contributions in 2024
The 91女神 Doisy College of Health Sciences honored faculty and staff through various awards at the completion of the 2024 academic year during its annual Spring Celebration event in the Allied Health Professions Building on 91女神鈥檚 South Campus.
DCHS faculty and staff celebrated the end of the academic year and the achievements of colleagues in teaching, research and scholarship, service, clinical education and outstanding staff service to the college during the annual festive event.
Whitney Linsenmeyer, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of the didactic program in dietetics in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, received the 2024 Distinguished Teaching Award.
The DCHS Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member whose teaching record illustrates effectiveness in the classroom and the revitalization of course and curriculum, interaction with students outside the classroom, professional growth as a teacher, and commitment to education.
鈥淒r. Whitney Linsenmeyer鈥檚 exceptional teaching methods, dedication to student success, and innovative educational strategies have significantly and positively impacted our students and enhanced the learning environment at 91女神," said Rabia Rahman, Ph.D., interim chair of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Her ability to connect with students and transform the classroom into a vibrant and engaging learning space is evident in her use of creative activities and interactive tools."
Patrick Corrigan, Ph.D., DPT, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, received the 2024 Excellence in Scholarship Award.
The DCHS Excellence in Scholarship Award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding achievements in research and/or creativity.
Corrigan鈥檚 long-term research agenda seeks to improve outcomes for people with musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions by better understanding biomechanical and physiological mechanisms that contribute to pain, activity limitations and participation restrictions. Corrigan was recognized for his early career research contributions with more than 15 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 55 conference presentations. Corrigan鈥檚 research has the potential to significantly improve the lives of people living with musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions.
Julie Howe, associate professor in the Department of Clinical Health Sciences, received the 2024 Distinguished Service Award.
The DCHS Distinguished Service Award recognizes a faculty or staff member involved in service activities that promote quality service, exhibits leadership and supports community outreach, and/or demonstrates creativity and commitment to serving diverse populations.
"Throughout her career, Julie Howe has been a model of service to others, consistently enhancing the 91女神 community and advancing the field of health information management," said Teresa Neal, program director for health information management and associate professor in the Department of Clinical Health Sciences. "Her dedication has remained steadfast over the past year, marked by notable professional achievements in Health Information Management with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and Health Information and Management Systems Society Midwest Gateway Chapter (HIMSS 鈥� MGC). Her multifaceted contributions have not only enriched her colleagues and students but have also left a lasting impact on the broader community she serves."
Karen Vespa, a staff member in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, received the 2024 Outstanding Staff Award.
The DCHS Outstanding Staff Award recognizes staff who have made significant contributions to their department that benefit students, staff and faculty.
鈥淜aren Vespa is an exemplar of service to the myriad of stakeholders of the 91女神 community," said Chris Sebelski, Ph.D., DPT, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. "Her roles include education in clinical practice and in the classroom, patient care provider for physical therapy services, and mentoring others. Karen occupies a unique place at 91女神, serving patients, orienting new faculty as instructors, leading labs for multiple courses, informally mentoring students, and generally being a gem for the department"
Colin Sobol, a clinical preceptor for the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, received the 2024 Clinical Education Award.
The DCHS Excellence in Clinical Education Award recognizes a clinical educator whose teaching record illustrates commitment to consistently participating in the clinical education process, use of innovative methods of teaching in the practice setting, and the ability to serve as a professional role model.
鈥淐olin is an incredible leader, teacher and mentor," Rahman said. "He has a deep passion for the field of nutrition and dietetics, and he is constantly striving to build his own knowledge and in turn the knowledge and skills of the practicum students. He is an exceptional educator whose dedication, expertise, and innovative teaching methods have made a lasting impact on nutrition and dietetic students, the department and program,鈥�
The annual celebratory event ended with a marshmallow challenge. Small groups of four to eight faculty and staff competed in a team building activity to build the tallest free-standing structure from spaghetti sticks, tape, and string with one whole marshmallow placed at the top. A small group of faculty and staff from the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training walked away with the prize after building a 29-inch free-standing structure.
Bernard Rousseau, Ph.D., dean, was amazed by the competition and creativity on display during the marshmallow challenge and honored to recognize and celebrate the college鈥檚 2024 faculty and staff award recipients.
鈥淥ur annual spring celebration was such a fun and memorable event this year," Rousseau said. "From the competition on display during the marshmallow challenge to the celebration of the remarkable contributions of those in our college community. I am grateful to be a part of the DCHS community and to recognize and celebrate the amazing work of our outstanding faculty and staff in the college. I would like to thank the DCHS awards committee for their selection of this year鈥檚 recipients and offer my deepest congratulations to this year鈥檚 award honorees."
About 91女神鈥檚 Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences:
The Doisy College of Health Sciences has provided students with the tools and education to become well-prepared healthcare professionals since 1929. The Doisy College of Health Sciences offers healthcare education at the baccalaureate, master鈥檚, doctoral and professional levels in a variety of health-related fields.
About 91女神:
91女神 is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, 91女神 continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.