National Honors from the American Kinesiology Association

The Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science (RMS) is proud to celebrate several students who have earned prestigious national awards in 2026, reflecting the department’s strong culture of scholarship, mentorship, and student achievement. These honors, awarded by leading national organizations in kinesiology and physical therapy education, recognize outstanding undergraduate and professional student work from across the country.

Two RMS students were recognized by the American Kinesiology Association (AKA) through its competitive national student awards program, which highlights exceptional academic achievement and scholarly writing in kinesiology.

Shayenne Tomaski received an Honorable Mention for the 2026 AKA Undergraduate National Scholar Award. This award recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and promise for future contributions to the field of kinesiology. Shayenne’s recognition places her among a select group of undergraduate scholars nationwide whose work and accomplishments exemplify the mission of kinesiology as an integrative and impactful discipline.

Myeongjin Bae was named the recipient of the 2026 AKA Writing National Scholar Award, which honors outstanding student scholarship and excellence in written communication. This national award recognizes students whose writing advances understanding in kinesiology and reflects rigorous inquiry, clarity, and relevance. Myeongjin’s achievement underscores the importance of scholarly writing and critical thinking in RMS programs.

First-Place National Award in Physical Therapy Humanities

RMS also celebrates Hal Brown, who received First Place in the 2026 Physical Therapy Student Essay Contest sponsored by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) and the Journal of Humanities in Rehabilitation. This national competition highlights student voices that explore the human dimensions of rehabilitation, including ethics, identity, lived experience, and care.

Hal’s essay was selected as the top submission among entries from physical therapy students across the country, reflecting both strong scholarly insight and compelling narrative engagement. The award recognizes the growing role of humanities-based perspectives in health professions education and practice.

ACAPT announced the 2026 winners in February, celebrating student work that deepens understanding of rehabilitation beyond technical practice.