Biomedical and Health Sciences
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Faculty Publications and Projects
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Student Projects
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Faculty Publications and Projects
Noah Barclay-Derman, M.P.H., health sciences lecturer, is participating in a new research project in collaboration with the non-profit Development in Gardening (DIG), University of Washington and the University Hospital of Senegal, funded by a NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases grant. The study seeks to evaluate the impact of a multisectoral agriculture intervention on HIV outcomes in the Casamance region of Senegal.
Seth E. Frietze, Ph.D., associate professor of medical laboratory science, was installed as the inaugural holder of the Dr. Ronald W. Pero International Research Green and Gold Professorship in the Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences. The professorship will support research related to the onset and spread of cancer and innovations in effective cancer treatment and prevention. Read more >>
Seth E. Frietze, Ph.D., associate professor of medical laboratory science, is a member of a collaborative team of scientists at the UVM Cancer Center that received a $9 million, five-year grant from the National Cancer Institute to investigate the underlying causes of breast cancer with the goal of identifying new cellular-level targets that could be treated with drugs to prevent the disease or halt its progression. Read more >>
Koela Ray, M.S., senior lecturer in medical laboratory science, is the faculty advisor for a new affinity group for students of color at CNHS. The group facilitiates friendships and discussions related to academic or personal concerns. Students interested in joining should contact Oumaima Sriji or Gabie Hebert.
Student Projects
For their capstone project, class of 2021 health sciences students Gabrielle Alexandrescu, Ella Bergin, Hannah Curtiss and Evelina Sutro worked with Vermont state representative Taylor Small on issues relevant to mental health and substance use disorder. The students tracked bills, took notes at legislative meetings and gathered data used to write recommendations and a policy proposal to address substance use disorder in Vermont. Their work helped Representative Small develop legislation to increase access to support services for individuals holding marginalized identities.
Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Faculty Publications and Projects
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Further Details
Faculty Publications and Projects
Emily L. Coderre, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, published the following with Emme O'Rourke '17:
- O’Rourke, E. & Coderre, E.L. (2021). Implicit semantic processing of linguistic and non-linguistic stimuli in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1-20.
Emily L. Coderre, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, presented the following:
- Curl, A. & Coderre, E.L. (2021). The Time-Locked Neurodynamics of Semantic Processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An EEG Study. Virtual Meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, March 2021.
Emily L. Coderre, Ph.D., Patricia A. Prelock, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, FNAP-SLP and Yu Han, Ph.D. candidate, published the following:
- Yu Han, Patricia A. Prelock, Emily L. Coderre, Joseph M. Orr (Pre-print 2021). A Pilot Study Using Two Novel fMRI Tasks: Understanding Theory of Mind and Emotion Recognition Among Children With ASD. bioRxiv 2021.03.24.436877; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.24.436877
Dean's Office
- New Staff
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New Staff
Marc Hartigan, psychology/sociology ’06, assumed the role of dean's office support senior position. Prior to joining the College, Marc was at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, as an administrative assistant, and the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development at Boston University, as facilities administrator, staff administrator, and administrative coordinator for events and finances. Marc also previously worked in the UVM Department of Student Life.
Interprofessional Education
- Interprofessional Student Challenge
- Student-Led Panel Discussion on Transgender Health
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Interprofessional Student Challenge
Ten students pursuing graduate degrees in nursing, communication sciences and disorders, pharmacology, dietetics, and medicine each received $250 and the opportunity to share their work with health care professionals and educators in a challenge hosted by the UVM Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program at the Larner College of Medicine. Working together on teams, the students studied a health problem specific to a population, collaborated on a solution, and produce informational materials to address the issue. Mary Val Palumbo, D.N.P., APRN, nursing professor and director of interprofessional education at CNHS, oversaw the students' work. Read more >>
Student-Led Discussion on Transgender Health
The Interprofessional Health Student Organization hosted an interprofessional panel discussion on transgender health. Panelists included: Natalia Holubec, MFT, Christine Hallquist, Leo Kline '16, M.S.N., AGNP, and Emily Sutton, Pharm.D.
Integrative Health
- Faculty Publications and Projects
- Faculty and Staff Updates
- Integrative Pain Management Conference
- Grant for Gardening Education
- Health Coaching Program Updates
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Further Details
Faculty Publications and Projects
David Låg Tomasi, Ph.D., Ed.D.-Ph.D., M.A., MCS, AAT, lecturer for integrative health, published the following:
- Tomasi, David & Ferris, Hannah & Booraem, Priscilla & Enman, Lindsay & Gates, Sheri & Reyns, Emily. (2021). Olfactory Virtual Reality (OVR) for Wellbeing and Reduction of Stress, Anxiety and Pain. Journal of Medical Research and Health Sciences. 4. 1212-1221. 10.15520/jmrhs.v4i3.322.
Faculty and Staff Updates
Janet L. Franz, M.S., M.S., ACE-CPT, NBC-HWC, joined the program as communications manager.
Kelly Tourville, M.Ed., ATC., joined the program faculty.
Integrative Pain Management Conference
Approximately 300 people from across the U.S. and throughout the world attended the Integrative Pain Management Conference, presented by UVM Integrative Health and hosted by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and UVM Medical Center. The May 7 event took place live online with enduring materials for health practitioners' continuing education. Experiential workshops will continue twice weekly through June 3. Topics included: therapeutic yoga for calming the nervous system; myofascial release for back, neck and hips; building balance with foods for chronic pain; and mindful interventions in clinical practice. Conference attendees have access to the conference session recordings and continuing education credits. Those who did not register for the May 7 event can purchase the recordings and earn continuing education credits.
Grant for Gardening Education
A new grant from the UVM Medical Center Auxiliary supports an introductory gardening, nutrition and health education program for cancer patients. The program connects concepts of physical activity, healthy eating and self-efficacy by engaging participants actively in a shared garden space on at the Rooftop Garden on UVMMC’s Main Hospital Campus.
Health Coaching Program Updates
The first cohort of students in the Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching certificate program achieved a 94% pass rate one the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches certification exam in February and has joined the workforce.
UVM Integrative Health is preparing to roll out a group lifestyle coaching program for employees of UVM and UVM Medical Center. Integrative health coaching faculty and staff will receive training in the Open Source Wellness model.
UVM Integrative Health formed a Vermont collaborative of health and wellness coaches to share best practices. If you are a NBHWC-eligible or certified health coach and would like to join, please contact Susan Whitman.
Nursing
- Faculty Honors
- Faculty Updates and Promotions
- Faculty Research and Projects
- Student Publications and Projects
- Alumni in the News
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Further Details
Faculty Honors
Mary Val Palumbo D.N.P., APRN, GNP-BC, professor of nursing and director of interprofessional education, received a 2021 Folta Deck Award Award from the Kappa Tau Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau for the journal submission, "Two Different Primary Care Approaches for Caring for People with Dementia and their Families." The findings, published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, suggest that nurse practitioners can play an important role in reducing the burden of care on patients’ families and improving health outcomes.
Faculty Updates and Promotions
Carol Buck-Rolland, Ed.D., APRN and Stuart L. Whitney, Ed.D., RN, CNL have been granted emeriti status for their service to the nursing department and UVM community. Read more >>
Faculty Research and Projects
Mary Val Palumbo D.N.P., APRN, GNP-BC, professor of nursing and director of interprofessional education, received a grant from Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living for $10,000 for the project, “Hub and Spoke for Alzheimer's/Map for Diagnosis and Referral – Educational Plan for Primary Care,” which addresses barriers in primary care to diagnosis, treatment and management for Vermonters living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, as well as caregiver gaps in services.
Doctor of Nursing Practice students in a class taught by clinical instructor Rebecca Nagle, D.N.P., PNP, RN, participated in an integrative health nutrition curriculum with Master of Science in Dietetics students to learn skills for bridging nutrition science with cooking knowledge for disease prevention and health promotion. The students used their new skills to introduce practical approaches to preparing Mediterranean cuisine to participants from UVM Employee Wellness. The project was funded by a Frymoyer Scholarship.
Nursing faculty and staff maintained a food shelf for nursing students dealing with food insecurity. Donations are welcome and encouraged throughout the summer.
Student Publications and Projects
Class of 2021 undergraduate students Alexa Cestrone, Emma Beaudoin, Hannah Scheibner, and Hannah Schirling presented a poster at the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting in May, and are in the final stages of co-authoring a manuscript on their qualitative study examining the childbirth experiences of women on the autism spectrum. The foursome worked with faculty advisor Laura Lewis, Ph.D., RN, assistant professor for nursing.
Class Notes
At a virtual ceremony on May 22, faculty presented doctoral hoods to 23 graduates of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The hooding of doctoral candidates is an honored and special tradition symbolizing the culmination of graduate studies. Each student completed a scholarly project as evidence of their mastery, utilization and expression of knowledge gained while working toward the D.N.P. degree. Read more >>
Alumni in the News
Class of 2020 graduates Anna Garbolski and Jessica Hartman were featured in a news story on ABC 22/FOX 44 entitled, “Salute to Heroes: Honoring Those Who Helped Out During the Pandemic.” The alumnae reflected on on their decision to jump into the workforce during a pandemic and their experience on the frontlines. Read more >>
Claire Geldhof '11 was featured by UVM for her work as a public health nurse in Alaska, where she commutes by seaplane to administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents of small fishing villages. Read more >>
Rehabilitation and Movement Science
- Faculty Publications and Projects
- Faculty Promotions
- New Occupational Therapy Program
- Zeigler-X Virtual 2021
- UVM Attains Exercise Is Medicine on Campus Gold Level Status
- DPT Students and Special Olympics Athletes Collaborate
- Physical Therapy Video Takes First Place in National Contest
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Further Details
Faculty Publications and Projects
Mathew Failla, PT, Ph.D., SCS, assistant professor, received a NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases grant for the project, Biomechanical Factors After Rehabilitation Following ACLR With Meniscal Resection (co-investigator)
Susan L. Kasser, Ph.D., associate professor and exercise science program director, published the following with student and faculty co-authors:
- Sierra Martin, B.S., Susan L. Kasser, Ph.D. The role of resilience: Physical activity continuation after falling in adults with multiple sclerosis. Disability and Health Journal, Volume 14, Issue 2, 2021, 101046, ISSN 1936-6574, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.101046.
- Narissa McCarthy, B.S., Samantha Sayer, B.S., Susan Kasser, Ph.D., Motivation for Physical Activity in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: A Self-Determination Theory-Based Approach (in review), International Journal of MS Care.
- Casey Little, B.S., Connor Moore, B.S., Emily Bean, B.S., Denise Peters, Ph.D., Ryan McGinnis, Ph.D., Susan L Kasser, Ph.D. Acute Effects of Axial Loading on Postural Control during Walking and Turning in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study. (in review) Disability and Rehabilitation.
- Michael VanNostrand, M.S., Brittany Belanger, B.S., Gabriel Purin, B.S., Susan L. Kasser, Ph.D., Michael Cannizzaro, Ph.D., Cognitive-Motor Interference and Cortical Activation during Walking and Turning in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (in review) Motor Control.
Denise Peters, Ph.D., assistant professor, received a grant from Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE): Vermont Center for Cardiovascular and Brain Health, for the project, “Investigation of Clinical, Blood, and Neuroimaging Biomarkers as Predictors of Independent Walking Post Stroke. Sambit Mohapatra, PT, Ph.D., is a co-investigator.
Victoria Priganc, Ph.D., OTR, CHT, CLT, occupational therapy program director, published the following:
- Ivy CC, Doerrer S, Naughton N, Priganc V. The impact of COVID-19 on hand therapy practice. J Hand Ther. 2021 Feb 1: S0894-1130(21)00026-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2021.01.007. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33820708; PMCID: PMC7849501.
Connie Tompkins, Ph.D., associate professor of exercise science, published the following:
- Tompkins CL, Shoulberg EK, Meyer LE, Martin CP, Dennis M, Krasner A, Cook H, Hoza B. Variations in Preschoolers’ Physical Activity across the School Year. Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, in press.
Faculty Promotions
Karen Westervelt PT, ATC, Ph.D., OCS, FAAOMPT, NBC-HWC, received a promotion to clinical associate professor.
New Occupational Therapy Program
A new entry-level occupational therapy doctorate degree program, the first in the state of Vermont, has been approved. Victoria Priganc, Ph.D., OTR, CHT, CLT, serves as program director. The eight-semester, full-time program begins in August 2022 and will confer an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD). Upon completion of the degree, students will be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Learn more >>
Zeigler-X Virtual 2021
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2022 presented their research at the fifth annual Zeigler-X Event on May 12. The live, online event also featured awards for student achievement.
UVM Attains Exercise Is Medicine on Campus Gold Level Status
Creating a culture of wellness and promoting physical activity among students, faculty and staff earned UVM gold-level recognition as an Exercise is Medicine Campus for the fourth year in a row. Students in UVM's Exercise Science club, led by academic advisor Connie Tompkins, Ph.D., earned this honor from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Staying Strong: DPT Students and Special Olympics Athletes Collaborate
Doctor of Physical Therapy students and athletes from Special Olympics Vermont joined forces this semester on activities that gave the students practice in clinical skills while engaging the Olympians, physically and socially. The students worked with Paula Smith, PT MAS D.P.T., clinical assistant professor and director of clinical education for the doctor of physical therapy program, and Rebecca Ouellette Morton, PT, M.S., D.P.T., clinical assistant professor. Vermont Business Magazine and WCAX channel 3 in Vermont covered the story. Read more >>
Physical Therapy Video Takes First Place in National Contest
Class of 2021 Doctor of Physical Therapy students earned top hoors in a video contest hosted by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Geriatrics Academy in February. The students’ video introduces the role of physical therapy in mitigating fall risk for depressed older individuals. The winners receive a one year APTA Geriatrics membership and the video has been added to APTA’s clinical library. Read more >>
Student Services
- Celebrating the Class of 2021
- Staff Updates
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Celebrating the Class of 2021
On May 21, 2021, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences awarded degrees to 233 undergraduate and 42 graduate students in a ceremony on UVM’s Virtue Field. A salute to the accomplishments of the Class of 2021 >>
Staff Updates
Erica Caloiero, formerly assistant dean for student affairs in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, was appointed interim vice provost for student affairs for UVM.
Juan Florencia, formerly an academic advisor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, assumed the role of special advisor to the interim vice provost for student affairs.
Kathleen Williams, former academic advisor, accepted a position at Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida.
Kelly Tourville, M.Ed., ATC, will teach NH 50: Applications to Health, beginning in fall 2021.