The College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS) recognized outstanding student achievement this spring, honoring excellence in academics, clinical practice, leadership, and service across its departments. The annual awards celebrate students whose dedication and professional promise reflect the mission of both the college and the University.

College-Level Honors

The Dean’s Outstanding Undergraduate Award, presented to the student who has demonstrated exemplary professional growth and contributions during their time at UVM, was awarded to Shayenne Tomasik. The honor reflects sustained academic commitment, leadership, and meaningful engagement within CNHS.

Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences

Students in the Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences were recognized for scholastic excellence, clinical achievement, and impact:

  • F.W. Van Buskirk Award for the senior with the highest GPA in the Radiation Therapy program: Madeline “Linnie” Saldeen
  • Clinical Achievement in Radiation Therapy Award for outstanding professional attitude and cooperation in patient care: Eliza Merrill
  • Scholastic Achievement in Medical Laboratory Science Award, presented by UVM Medical Center’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, recognizing the senior with the highest GPA: Anthony Dou
  • BHSC Impact Award, honoring significant contributions to the department, college, or university and engagement beyond the classroom: Emma Murphy and Lindsay Arthurs
  • The Rene C. Lachapelle Award, named in honor of the late former chair Dr. Rene Lachapelle and recognizing excellence in scholarship, extracurricular involvement, and commitment to cultural diversity, was awarded to Mia Perez-Mejia, a third-year Medical Laboratory Science major.
Students and faculty attend annual Honors Day.
Students and faculty attend the annual Honors Day event. Photo by Meredith Grasso.

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Achievement in scholarship, clinical service, and professional promise was celebrated among Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) students:

  • Eleanor M. Luse Graduate Student Award for excellence in academic achievement, clinical service, and professionalism: Kristen Rousse
  • Margaret Kyte Memorial Award for outstanding academic performance by a graduating senior: Robin Brody
  • Vermont Speech-Language-Hearing Association Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Brendan Donahue and Alyssa Kennedy
  • CSD Award for Excellence for demonstrated scholarship, leadership, and professional promise: Isabella Denault
  • Promise Award, recognizing a junior with exceptional potential in research and/or clinical work: Rebekah Dalmer

Department of Nursing

The Department of Nursing honored students for excellence in clinical practice, scholarship, leadership, and service:

  • ANA Vermont Chapter Award for Clinical Excellence (Undergraduate): Steven Shi
  • ANA Vermont Clinical Excellence Graduate Award: Anna Nguyen
  • Clarissa Peters Allen Award, recognizing an outstanding graduating undergraduate: Sophie Holdridge
  • Faye Crabbe Award, honoring excellence in scholarship, nursing ability, and service: Margaret Almodovar
  • UVM Medical Center Award for Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice (Graduate): Shannon Lozito
  • Visiting Nurse Association Ann K. Twitchell Community Health Services Award: Olive Brown
  • UVM Medical Center Award for Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice (Undergraduate): Alex Benedict
  • Department of Nursing Chair’s Award: Emily Meyer

Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science

Students in Exercise Science, Physical Therapy, Integrative Health, and Occupational Therapy were recognized for leadership, academic and clinical excellence, and community impact:

  • Outstanding Student Achievement in Exercise Science Award: Erik Gressett
  • Outstanding Future Professional in Exercise Science Award: Clayton Thorpe
  • Integrative Health Practitioner Champion Award: Genevieve Bailly and Pavan (William) Yep
  • Helene M. Langevin Integrative Health Promoter of Change Award: Tegan Sherwood
  • Samuel B. Feitelberg Award (First-year DPT): Lolly Vasilion
  • Sangwook Ahn Award (Second-year DPT): Jacqueline Hanson
  • Isola Braun Award (Third-year DPT): Sara Scheibert
  • Margaret B. Corbin Award (Third-year DPT): Lance Bergmans
  • OTD Community Impact Award: Lucy Jennings-Gilbert
  • Occupational Therapy Student Leadership Award: Kristin Clark

Patrick Leahy Honors College Members

CNHS also acknowledged the following members of the Patrick Leahy Honors College for their outstanding undergraduate research contributions: 

  • Elena Blackburn (“Teaching Health, Teaching Change: Evaluating the Impacts of Critical Pedagogy in Undergraduate Public Health Education”)
  • Isabella F. DeNault (“The Contributions of Phonological Complexity to Individual Differences in Word Learning in Late-Talking Toddlers”)
  • Madeleine Fox (“Factors Supporting Continued Running in Older Adults”)
  • Molly Elizabeth Shi Hilliker (“The Effects of Anticipation on Landing Forces Following Mid-Flight External Perturbation”)
  • Katelynn Dianne Regula (“Yoga as a Balance Rehabilitation Method for Children Post-Concussion: A Position Paper”).

Together, these students exemplify the College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ commitment to advancing health through excellence in education, research, clinical practice, and service. CNHS congratulates all honorees and looks forward to the impact they will make in Vermont and beyond.