SHAPING THE FUTURE of Healthcare
Message from the Dean
Dear Hawk Family,
Welcome to the Spring 2024 edition of “The Pulse: Shaping the Future of Healthcare.” It is my pleasure to share with you the remarkable achievements of our departments within the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. This edition underscores our commitment to advancing the future of healthcare through education, research, and community engagement.
Our Kinesiology Department has been at the forefront of promoting health and wellness. This spring, they hosted the annual “Hawk Walk,” an event that engaged over a hundred participants in a 2.5-mile walk aimed at raising awareness about fitness and health. Additionally, the department has introduced new minors in Exercise Science and Sport Management, providing students with comprehensive education in these critical areas.
In Pharmacy Practice and Administration, our students and faculty have demonstrated exceptional community service and leadership. Through numerous health fairs and events such as the “Spring into Wellness” Health Fair and the 11th Annual 5k Strides for Epilepsy, they have offered vital health services and raised significant funds for epilepsy research. Their commitment to improving public health is truly inspiring.
The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences continues to break new ground in research. Notably, Dr. Peter Wang has been recognized for his innovative treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer, winning the Life Sciences Invention of the Year award at Innovate Maryland. Furthermore, Dr. Victor Hsia’s research on the Herpes Simplex Virus, funded by a $560,000 NIH grant, promises to deepen our understanding of this prevalent virus and its impact on brain neurons.
Our Physician Assistant program has celebrated numerous milestones, including the successful advocacy for the PA Modernization Act, which enhances the scope of practice for PAs in Maryland. The program has also been active in interprofessional education, collaborating with other departments to promote comprehensive healthcare education and community outreach.
The Physical Therapy Department continues to excel, with our students achieving a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination. Our faculty’s dedication to addressing healthcare disparities is evident in their research projects, such as the study on knee osteoarthritis management funded by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Novartis US Foundation.
Lastly, the Rehabilitation Services Department has secured significant grant funding to support positive behavioral interventions by Dr. Bryan Gere. This initiative exemplifies our dedication to enhancing behavioral health services and promoting inclusive environments.
As you read through this edition, I hope you feel as inspired and proud as I am of our students, faculty, and staff. Their relentless pursuit of excellence and their innovative contributions are indeed shaping the future of healthcare.
Warm Regards,
Dr. T. Sean Vasaitis Dean, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Table of Contents
List of Administrators
DR. HEIDI M. ANDERSON
PRESIDENT
DR. RONDALL E. ALLEN
PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
DR. T. SEAN VASAITIS
DEAN, SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS
DR. TIMOTHY GLADWELL
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND ASSESSMENT
DR. LANA SHERR
ASSISTANT DEAN FOR PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS
DR. KAWANDA WILLIAMS
ASSISTANT DEAN FOR EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
DR. FREDERICK TEJADA
ACTING ASSISTANT DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
PROFESSOR NICOLE WOOTEN
ACTING DEPARTMENT CHAIR, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
DR. MIKE RABEL
DEPARTMENT CHAIR, PHYSICAL THERAPY
DR. YEN DANG
DEPARTMENT CHAIR, KINESIOLOGY
DR. WILLIAM TALLEY
DEPARTMENT CHAIR, REHABILITATION SERVICES
DR. VICTOR HSIA
DEPARTMENT CHAIR, PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
DR. MIRIAM PURNELL
DEPARTMENT CHAIR, PHARMACY PRACTICE AND ADMINISTRATION
This magazine is a publication of the School of Pharmacy. To update your mailing information, send an email to pldouglas@umes.edu or call 410-651-8327. For more information about the School, visit our website www.umes.edu/shp.
THE KINESIOLOGY Hawk Walk
The annual departmental “Hawk Walk” occurred in April 2024 to increase awareness for health and fitness for the Princess Anne community. Over a hundred participants attended the 2.5 mile walk around Princess Anne. The walk featured health screenings, raffles and games, and food for the entire community.
Participants register for the Hawk Walk.
Participants receive certificates of completion at the end of the walk.
Warm-up led by the Women’s Basketball team.
Harry the Hawk cheers walkers on.
The Department of Kinesiology cooks hot dogs and hamburgers for the participants.
Kinesiology students help faculty and staff organize the Hawk Walk.
New Kinesiology Minors Launch Kinesiology Research Showcase
Students from EXSC 265 (Contemporary Issues in Kinesiology) showcased their research projects under the supervision of Dr. Sungjae Hwang in May 2024. Their research project focused on issues in exercise science including youth sports, Olympism, chronic diseases, and doping.
The Department of Kinesiology will allow undergraduate students to take an 18-credit minor in Exercise Science or Sport Management starting in Fall 2024. Most classes will be offered in both in-person and online modalities.
MINOR IN EXERCISE SCIENCE
Through this minor, students will gain a deeper understanding of the principles of exercise science and gain awareness about physical health, movement, and the body. Students will also gain the opportunity to receive a CPR certification, a requirement in most fields, and present an exercise science research showcase for the department. Students will also learn about community outreach programs and be involved in methods that improve health disparities in different communities.
EXSC - 200 - Introduction to Exercise Science
EXSC - 202 - Personal and Community Health
EXSC - 252 - Sport Psychology
EXSC - 302 - Sport Medicine and First Aid
EXSC - 360 - Exercise and Sport Nutrition
EXSC - 445 - Health Aspects of Aging
MINOR IN SPORT MANAGEMENT
This minor equips students with specialized knowledge and skills to thrive in the sports industry. Students will gain a broadened skillset with the sport management minor that will complement many degrees and network with professionals in the sports field. Students will also gain hands-on experience to understand the dynamics of the sports industry that prepares them for diverse professional opportunities, including event or facility management, sports marketing, sports analytics, team administration, and more.
EXSC - 205 - Introduction to Sport Management
EXSC - 207 - Facility Management
EXSC - 285 - Leadership in Sport
EXSC - 350 - Sport Governance
EXSC - 375 - Sport Marketing
EXSC - 393 - Sport Business
Coach Nelson Receives the UMES Honors Program Award of Excellence
The pharmacy graduating class of 2024. Congratulations!
2024 Graduation
Keynote speaker Terri Smith Moore, PhD, MBA, RPh, CPH, addresses the audience.
Graduates take the “Oath of a Pharmacist”, a commitment to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy.
Class of 2024 pharmacy graduates sit on stage for the hooding ceremony.
Class of 2024 Highlights
DEMOGRAPHICS:
RECEIVED A JOB OFFER BEFORE GRADUATIONa
a. Based on exit survey
68% Black or African American
14% White
14% Asian
4% Two or More Races
Doctor of Pharmacy Candidates
Afework, Eyoseyas
Agho, Eugene ΦΛΣ *
Amir, Sophia
Behr, Alyssa Px **
Desta, Asmamaw Px *
Djuikem Tchio, Anique Luce Kathy ΦΛΣ
Freng, Tesher ΦΛΣ
Green, Jaelyn
Henry, Brittney ΦΛΣ
Jones, Kelsey
Joseph, Faith ΦΛΣ
Joseph, Anna Stacia Px
Keith, Jamyce
48% Community Pharmacy
22% PGY-1
17% Industry Fellowship
9% Hospital
POST-GRADUATE EDUCATION MATCHES: FIRST GENERATION FEMALE MARYLAND RESIDENTS
PGY-1 Residency
Kaylyn Sterling University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
Pamela Koga
Meritus Medical Center
PGY-2 Residency
Bensen Sanga
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Fellowships
Jaelyn Green
Sanofi
Joelle Odigie
UCB/IPhO
Mercedez Stone-Johnson
Medstar Washington Hospital Center
Eyoseyas Afework
Tidal Health Regional Center
Rebekah Torchon
Eskenazi Health/Purdue University
Sochima Oriaku
GlaxoSmithKline
Eugene Agho
AstraZeneca
Koga, Pamela Px ***
Martin, Taylor ΦΛΣ
Samuel, Wubeshet
Ndikum, Ngwe Adeline Px *
Nkum, Samuel
Nwandu, Nicole
Odigie, Joelle ΦΛΣ
Odunsi, Adebola
Oriaku, Sochima ΦΛΣ
Smith, Jennifer
Sterling, Kaylyn Px ΦΛΣ *
Stone-Johnson, Mercedez Px ΦΛΣ
Tigas, Kenneth
Wilberforce, Mumsy
Yoon, Hana
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Summa Cum Laude *** Magna Cum Laude ** Cum Laude *
ACADEMIC HONOR SOCIETY
Rho Chi Px
LEADERSHIP HONOR SOCIETY
Phi Lambda Sigma ΦΛΣ
Springing Into Action
UMES School of Pharmacy’s Season of Community Impact
by Jackeline Chavez, Student Pharmacist, Class of 2026
Through health fairs, fundraisers, environmental cleanups, and food distribution efforts, students and faculty made significant contributions to public health and community welfare, exemplifying their dedication to service and leadership.
This spring, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy (UMESSOP) blossomed with community service and events. Students and faculty participated in several health fairs, offering essential free healthcare services such as blood pressure screenings and blood glucose monitoring. Notable events included the ‘Spring into Wellness’ Health Fair in Cambridge, organized by Executive Director of Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center, Lisa Widmaier, and a health fair in Mitchellville with Holy Family Catholic Church. At these fairs, they provided valuable information on key health issues such as diabetes, immunization, nutrition, cancer, and heart health.
UMES-SOP also demonstrated its commitment to community service through successful fundraising efforts. One highlight was PSGA’s 11th Annual 5k Strides for Epilepsy, which raised approximately $3,000 to support epilepsy research. This impressive sum was made possible by generous donors and the dedicated efforts of students. The funds will be evenly split between CURE Epilepsy and United Needs and Abilities of Salisbury,
ensuring broad support for those affected by epilepsy. The event saw a fantastic turnout, featuring notable guests such as CURE CEO Beth Dean, who attended the UMES event for the first time, along with Dr. Belea and Mrs. Whitney Tilghman from UNA, and Mrs. Shanda Ward from the Eastern Shore of Maryland Sickle Cell Disease Association.
Students continued to inspire leadership and service through environmental cleanup and food distribution efforts. In honor of Earth Day, members of the professional pharmacy leadership society Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS), alongside physician assistant colleagues, participated in the annual “Restore the Shore Day.” They helped improve the Salisbury environment through trash collection efforts, reminding everyone of the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Additionally, students in UMES’s chapter of Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI) partnered with Emmanuel Church in Salisbury for the adopt-a-block initiative. They went door-to-door in Salisbury neighborhoods, distributing bags of food to low-income residents in Somerset County.
This spring semester was marked by impactful community service and engagement. Through health fairs, fundraisers, environmental cleanups, and food distribution efforts, students and faculty made significant contributions to public health and community welfare, exemplifying their dedication to service and leadership.
Photos on pages 8 & 9: UMES School of Pharmacy Student Government Association hosted the 11th Annual 5K Strides for Epilepsy. Above, CURE Epilepsy CEO Beth Dean is joined by Dr. Anderson and Dr. Vasaitis to kick off the event.
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT TWO PAGES
Season of Community Impact
Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Students Celebrate Earth Day through the ‘Restore the Shore’ Initiative.
UMES Pharmacy and Physician Assistant departments, alongside Eastern Shore AHEC at the ‘Spring into Wellness’ Health Fair at Cambridge Church of Christ.
UMES-SOP Students, Alicia (Class of ‘26), Bria (‘25), and Brittney (‘24), with Dr. Armelle, Dr. Rodolfo, and Dr. Oyalowo at the Mitchellville Health Fair.
CLASS OF 2025 PINNING CEREMONY
The Pinning Ceremony celebrates the culmination of the Class of 2025’s academic achievements in their first two years of pharmacy school and the beginning of their Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations.
UMES Students participating in Adopt-a-Block Initiative with Emmanuel Church in Salisbury.
12 PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
Faculty News
UMES Researchers’ Treatment for Prostate Cancer Awarded Top Prize
Named Life
Sciences Invention of the Year at Innovate Maryland Competition
Therapy developed by University of Maryland Eastern Shore researchers for an advanced form of prostate cancer was recently named Life Sciences Invention of the Year.
The invention, “Combination Therapy and Diagnostic Tool for Aggressive Prostate Cancer” developed by UMES associate professor Dr. Peter Wang and senior research fellow Dr. Mohammad Waseem, captured first place in its division during the Innovate Maryland competition held April 29.
The researchers’ work, one of three nominees in the Life Sciences category and one of 12 overall finalists in the competition, is an effective treatment to castration resistant prostate cancer, a form of the disease that is difficult to treat.
“I think that the panel was very interested in our invention because they like this concept of a new combination cancer therapy,” said Wang, who has been at UMES since 2016. “It’s a very novel therapeutic approach to treat an aggressive form of prostate cancer without an effective cure.”
Innovate Maryland is an annual celebration of University System of Maryland researchers’ creativity in translating “cutting edge research into practical, impactful solutions to address global challenges”, according to the event’s website. The nominees are selected through patent applications submitted through the University System of Maryland’s Intellectual Property Office.
The researchers’ treatment method combines gene therapy that introduces a tumor-suppressing mimic gene with androgen receptor antagonists, which are drugs that stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
The basis for the invention was a result of the research Wang and Waseem published last year, which focuses on the study of prostate cancer disparities between white and African-American men. The statistics showed that AfricanAmerican men experience an incidence rate 1.7 times higher and a mortality rate 2.4 times higher than their white counterparts.
After receiving recognition for their invention, Wang said one of the next steps is to conduct additional research to detect early-stage cancer and predicting a clinical outcome. There is also a focus on commercializing the device with the help of grant applications.
“For our work to be selected means a lot because it means that this is an important study that has clinical value and significance,” said Wang, who has three patents currently in the application process. “It also means the experts on the panel think there’s a commercialization value that can potentially solve or help to resolve the current challenges for this aggressive type of prostate cancer.”
Dr. Bi-Dar (Peter) Wang (center) is honored with the Life Sciences Invention of the Year award at the Innovate Maryland award event on April 29, 2024. Picture from left: Vice President for Research Gregory F. Ball; Chief Innovation Officer Dean Chang; Postdoctoral fellow Mohammad Waseem; Professor Bi-Dar (Peter) Wang; UM Ventures Associate Director Felicia Metz; Senior Manager Hemi Chopra; Executive Director Ken Porter.
UMES Receives $560,000 Grant from NIH to Study HSV-1 Virus
‘An opportunity for research and education’
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore received a sizeable grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the effects of the Herpes Simplex Virus on brain neurons.
UMES’s funding, which is spread across a four-year period, came from the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ (NIAID) Support for Research Excellence (SuRE) grant. The NIAID’s mission is to conduct and support research to understand, treat, and prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases, according to its website.
“This NIAID funding is one of the most difficult institutes to get a grant from because it’s very competitive,” said Dr. Victor Hsia, of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, “So, I was very surprised that the reviewers appreciated the proposal and decided to fund the work.”
The SuRE program supports research capacity building at eligible higher education institutions through funding investigator-initiated research in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences that falls in the NIH mission areas.
“HSV is one of the most prevalent viruses that infect humans,” said Hsia, whose interest in HSV-1 research began as an undergraduate student nearly 35 years ago. “Usually, it has an acute infection through the mouth, nose, and eyes and will later establish that latent infection in the brain through the trigeminal nerve.”
Hsia said that while the virus remains dormant in most people, increased stress will cause the virus to manifest itself, often in milder forms.
“The typical manifestation is a cold sore, but sometimes it can be severe, like herpetic keratitis or encephalitis, and sometimes, it can be lethal,” he said. “People are puzzled about how a virus so strong and so robust can establish this kind of dormant infection in neurons for life.”
Key to the funding was work done by former PhD student Dr. Qiaojuan Zhang. His research found that latent neurons have “extremely high excitability comparing to the normal neurons”, which surprised the virologists. The research was performed in collaboration with Dr. Miguel Martin and the discovery was published in the Journal of Virology.
In addition to gaining a greater understanding of the effects of HSV-1 on the brain, Hsia also wants to dispel common misconceptions surrounding the virus and how it spreads.
“People believe that HSV-1 can only infect people with a lower socioeconomic status or who don’t take care of themselves, and
that’s not true,” he said. “The virus can affect anybody. People can get this infection at home, in school, or in movie theaters. This funding allows for an opportunity for research and for education to the community as well.”
“The reviewers look at the significance of it scientifically, then look at the investigators, environment, innovation, and research strategy and approach,” Hsia said. “Our move from Somerset Hall to the Pharmacy Building helped strengthen our research infrastructure and environment, which they called ‘state of the art’.”
Dr. Victor Hsia (center) works on laboratory research studying the HSV-1 virus.
Graduate Student Accomplishments
Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Students Win at Research Day
Congratulations to our Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Students for their outstanding achievements in winning the Graduate Platform Presentation Awards at the 13th UMES Annual Research Symposium!
IRAM ELAMIN - 1ST PLACE
(“Trb3-Directed Therapy Promotes Bone Regeneration in Osteoporosis”)
MARY TWUMASI - 3RD PLACE
(“In-vitro characterization of beta-carboline biosynthetic gene KslB”)
GRADUATE STUDENTS WIN TRAVEL GRANT
PharmSci Graduate Students (left to right) Mercy Amofa (2nd year), Mary Twumasi (2nd year) and Amna Baig (1st year), received a Green Chemistry and Engineering (GC&E) Bridge Scholar Grant through the American Chemical Society Bridge Program. This grant provides funding to students from HBCUs to attend the annual ACS Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference, held June 2nd-5th in Atlanta GA.
Induction in Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society
Congratulations to Pharmaceutical Sciences Grad Students Iram and Mary for their induction to the Phi Kappa Phi UMES Chapter! Phi Kappa Phi is an honors society by invitation only and selects the top 10% of graduate students and the top 7.5% of undergrad juniors.
I am from Karachi, Pakistan. I did my Bachelor in Chemistry and Master in Organic Chemistry from University of Karachi. Now I am in my first year of PhD in Pharmaceutical Science. My career track is drug design and discovery. I received a HBCU Travel Grant to attend the 28th Annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference in June 2024. My hobbies are quite simple. I really like to watch movies. I like to travel all around the world. I love to spend time in nature and flowers.
My journey began in Khartoum, Sudan, where I was born and raised. I earned my undergraduate degree in Sudan and continued to fuel my education with postgraduate degrees from esteemed institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States, a testament to my devotion to continuous learning and growth in pharmaceutical sciences. My research interests encompass a broad spectrum of subjects, including Molecular Pharmacology, Cancer Biology, Drug delivery, Phytochemistry, Medicinal chemistry, and Clinical Oncology. However, my recent focus has been on the field of nanomedicine. My past hobbies have included reading, playing British football, and table tennis.
White Coat Ceremony Cohort 2025
Class of 2023 Long White Coat Ceremony
Class of 2023 Graduation
Program Achievements
UMES Health & Wellness Festival
The Health and Wellness festival held on March 27 provided an excellent opportunity for graduate students from three distinct disciplinesphysician assistant, pharmacy, and physical therapy - to come together. We extend our gratitude to the Interprofessional Central Committee for their organization, execution, and oversight of this event. We also express sincere appreciation to Dr. Lana Sherr, Dr. Khaled Hasan, Professor Nicole Wooten, Dr. Hoai-an Truong, Dr. Marietherese Oyalowo, and Dr. Vandana Kanakamedala for supervising the event. A heartfelt thank you to our physician assistant, pharmacy, and physical therapy students for their involvement in this interprofessional collaboration and for their contributions. In addition, there were several vendors such as Apple Discount Drugs, Walgreens, and Somerset Department of Health. Students were raising awareness about eight common health problems within the campus and local community. Their goal was to educate and inform, fostering a healthier environment for everyone.
Cancer Prevention Awareness
The UMES School of Pharmacy and Health Professionals (UMES-SOPHPs) organized an Interprofessional Education (IPE) event focused on cancer prevention, bringing together faculty and students from the pharmacy and physician assistant programs. The collaborative effort between these two professional disciplines resulted in the creation of informative flyers aimed at raising awareness about cancer and its prevention.
Faculty News
Professor Nicole Wooten is currently serving as the Interim Program Director and Department Chair of the Physician Assistant Department. A significant highlight of her new role was the honor of representing UMES in Annapolis in February while promoting Physician Assistant advocacy. Alongside the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants (MdAPA) legislative team, the University of Maryland Baltimore Program Director, and Senator Carozza, she addressed the Senate Finance Committee in support of the PA Modernization Act. This crucial bill, aimed at enhancing the scope of practice for Physician Assistants in Maryland, was successfully signed into law on May 16, 2024.
Dr. Hasan is an author for a new textbook titled Drug Allergy, revised by the Arab Center for Authorship and Translation of Health Science (ACMLS) - Kuwait, 2024.
PROFESSOR NICOLE WOOTEN (left, with Senator Carozza)
DR. KHALED M. HASAN
18 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
UMES Research Symposium 2024
The Department of Physician Assistant actively engaged in the UMES Research Symposium 2024, contributing 13 posters, delivering an oral presentation, and fulfilling a judging role at the event.
The UMES Research Symposium held on April 18 featured an oral presentation by Dr. Khaled Hasan, Professor Nicole Wooten, and Dr. Tamarah Thompson. Their presentation delved into the topic of Understanding Success and Challenges in the UMES PA Program. Twenty-four second-year Physician Assistant students showcased their research through posters. This symposium provided an excellent platform for PA students to share their medical and clinical research endeavors with both the UMES campus and the wider community.
IPE Cardio Event
On March 8, the UMES School of Pharmacy and Health Professions organized an interprofessional education activity under the supervision of the UMES Interprofessional Central Committee (ICC). This initiative brought together four departments to enhance communication skills, teamwork, knowledge, and patient outcomes. A total of 30 physician assistant students, 30 physical therapist students, 29 student pharmacists, and 11 rehabilitation students collaborated to address patient-centered care and problem-solving. Dr. Khaled Hasan initiated this event, fostering teamwork among faculty members from various departments. This occasion provided a valuable opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and perspectives on approaching cardiovascular patients. The discussions covered various aspects, ranging from history-taking, physical examinations, and diagnosis to medical management, clinical drug therapy (pharmacotherapeutics, drug information), and concluded with cardiovascular rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Department Happenings
During this academic semester, the UMES Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program continues to expand our commitment to interprofessional collaboration, community-based endeavors, and student focused opportunities for growth and enrichment. We are fortunate to have dedicated and passionate faculty members with diverse areas of expertise who effectively guide students in community outreach activities and integrate active learning opportunities throughout all areas of the curriculum, including research.
The UMES DPT students consistently model the core values of the profession and represent the program and university by engaging holistically and ethically both within the academic as well as the clinical setting. We are very proud of the 2023 DPT graduating class as they earned a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination. In addition, according to the 2022-2023 Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, the UMES DPT program is ranked number 7 out of 265 programs with respect to first-time pass rate scores during this review period.
Our exceptional students, as well as our dedicated faculty and staff, make the UMES DPT program an enriching, empowering, and community-centered educational experience.
Dennis Klima Recognized UMES DPT Faculty Awarded Research Grant
Dr. Dennis Klima was recognized for his continuous work in the field of physical therapy. This year he became a Distinguished Scholar Fellow in the National Academy of Practice for his significant and enduring educational and research contributions to practice. He also received the Excellence in Geriatrics Research Award from the Geriatrics Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Department of Physical Therapy faculty members Dr. Masoud Moghaddam, Dr. Thomas Pellinger, and Dr. Michael Rabel have been awarded a 20242025 Faculty Research Initiative Grant from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) & the Novartis US Foundation for their research project “Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Knee Osteoarthritis Management and Health Equity in Rural African American Communities.” This comprehensive research initiative is dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities prevalent among African American communities in medically underserved rural areas across Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with a specific focus on knee osteoarthritis.
The Department of Physical Therapy Class of 2024
Interprofessional Education
On April 2nd, the Department of Physical Therapy sponsored the Annual Medical-Surgical Simulation Day with the Departments of Nursing and Respiratory Therapy at Salisbury University. Advanced clinical management and team decisionmaking activities were embedded in the Spring program.
Lenny Burton, assistive technology professional from Austin Medical Supplies, came to educate the thirdyear students on complex power wheelchairs and seating systems.
Our second-year students participated in this year’s Health and Wellness Festival. With the leadership of Dr. Vandana Kanakamedala, students provided evidence-based education and demonstrated interventions for Suicide Prevention, Hypertension, Diabetes Management, Smoking/Vaping Cessation and more.
UMES DPT HOLDS DONOR MEMORIAL CEREMONY
Dr. Molly Selba, Assistant Professor (Gross Anatomy & Neuroanatomy) and Gross Anatomy Laboratory Director, and first-year DPT students paid homage to the individuals who donated their bodies to ensure the continued excellence in health profession education and the advancement of research at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
THE IMPACT OF THE DONORS INCLUDE:
• 33 first-year students
• 8 second-year student TAs/GAs and prosection independent study students
• 27 third-year students
• 31 first-year PA students
• 168 visiting students (HS, undergraduate, and graduate) from UMES, SU, Worchester Technical High School, WOR-WIC, Rowan University, and Riverside College
• Over 30 faculty, visiting faculty, course instructors, and other individuals
• 16 prosections were created using these donors (for Kinesiology and the Prosection Independent Study Course). 4 will be retained to start our very own prosection collection here at UMES. They will be used to teach students for years to come.
• Research on one of our donors was presented internationally at the American Association for Anatomy 2024 Conference and at the university-wide 13th Annual Research Symposium
Student & Faculty Presentations
Hefta, J., Luo, P., Suarez, C., Varlas, E., Novel Non-Invasive Interventions in the Management of Peripheral Artery Disease (2nd Place, Graduate Poster)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tom Pellinger
Hammett, V., Skolnitsky, A., Wilde, P., Irwin, A., Cord, E., Effects of Consistent, Self-Selected Physical Activity on Physical Performance and Quality of Life for Employees in an Office Setting: A Pilot Study (3rd Place, Graduate Poster)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie McAllister
Born, B., Rabat, N., Thomas, J., Lawal, B., Mannick, M., The Effect of Pelvic Positioning and Shoewear on Gluteus Medius Activation
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Michael Rabel
Selba, M. C., Vilaplana Grosso, F. R., DeLeon, V. D. (2024, March) Modularity and the Chondrocranium in Mammals.
McBeth, S. D., Collins, J., Mosmiller, L. E., Drummond, B., Swamy, M., Ayoku, O., Selba, M. C. (2024, March) Case Study on a Combination of Brachial Plexus Variations: Analysis and Visualization.
Vitek, N., Hoeflich, J. C., Magallanes, I., Moran, S. W., Narducci, R. E., Perez, V.J., Pirlo, J., Riegler, M. S., Selba, M. C., Vallejo-Pareja, M. C., Ziegler, M. J., Granatosky, M. C., Hulbert, R. C., & Bloch, J. I. (2024). An Extinct North American Porcupine with a South American Tail. Current Biology.
Selba, M. C., Ziegler, M. J., Townley, A. L., & Antonenko, P. D. (2024). Exploring Teacher Self-Efficacy in Human Evolution Instruction Following a Dynamic Hands-on Professional Development Workshop. Evolution: Education and Outreach
Klima, D.W., Schmitz, T.J., & O’Sullivan, S.B. (2024). Examination of coordination and balance. In O’Sullivan and Schmitz (eds). Physical Rehabilitation, 7th Edition. PA: FA Davis.
Student Life
On March 28th, third year students organized their annual Wellness and Falls Screening event for the participants of the Westover Senior Services Center in conjunction with the Somerset County Commission on Aging. The annual event is part of the third-year Geriatrics course with Dr. Dennis Klima.
3rd year students show off their medals from the 2024 Salisbury Marathon.
2nd year students gave presentations to the UMES Physical Plant department. The interactive presentations addressed various topics relevant to the hardworking crew that care for our beautiful campus.
3rd year students traveled to Annapolis for APTA Maryland Advocacy Day.
UMES DPT represented our program at the 2024 APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Boston, MA.
UMES DPT students competed against Salisbury University’s Nursing Program students in the 4th Annual Nutty Bowling Challenge to benefit MAC Inc., Area Agency on Aging.
Mental Health Forum
I recently attended a deeply moving presentation by Matt Runnalls, a survivor of suicidal ideation. He was invited to UMES as part of a Mental Health Forum through the Propel Center to bring culturally appropriate mental health resources and technology to UMES. Listening to Matt’s story was both heartbreaking and inspiring. His journey through the darkest moments of his life, filled with overwhelming despair and a profound sense of hopelessness, brought tears to my eyes. However, Matt’s story didn’t end in despair, it was a testament to resilience and the power of support. He highlighted the crucial moments where connection and understanding from friends, family, and mental health professionals made a life-saving difference.His journey underscored the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. It confirmed to me that open conversations about our mental wellbeing are not only necessary but can be life-saving.
One of the most crucial takeaways from Matt’s presentation was the emphasis on how we treat ourselves and the language we use when speaking to ourselves. It is vital to cultivate a kind and understanding inner dialogue. Self-compassion can play a pivotal role in mental health, helping individuals navigate through their darkest times. This presentation was a powerful reminder that even in the depths of despair, there is hope and a path to healing. It reinforced my commitment to being vigilant and supportive to those around me, and to continue advocating for mental health resources and awareness.
Faculty News
DR. BRYAN GERE
Dr. Bryan Gere recently secured grant funding in collaboration with Dr. Lakeisha Harris, the Dean of the Graduate School, through the Maryland Department of Health. This grant, which is the expansion of an existing project, is focused on providing Statewide Technical Assistance on Organization-wide Positive Behavioral Support. This project aims to enhance and expand existing efforts in positive behavioral support within the state of Maryland. With a focus on organization-wide strategies, the project seeks to provide technical assistance to various institutions and agencies, promoting a positive and inclusive environment for all individuals.The grant is valued at $323,094.
Dr. Gere recently became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland to further enhance his ability to provide comprehensive counseling services and support to individuals in need. With his new licensure, Dr. Gere is equipped to offer a wider range of therapeutic interventions, including clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Additionally, his licensure enables him to collaborate more effectively with multidisciplinary teams and other healthcare providers to coordinate care and promote holistic well-being for his clients.
Graduate students from the Department of Rehabilitation present posters at the UMES Research Symposium.
By Carmen Ramos Graduate Student
Matt Runnalls (third from left) with the UMES mental health team.
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Pharmacy: Become a leader in medication therapy management and patient care.
Pharmaceutical Sciences: Dive into cutting-edge research and development in drug discovery and design.
Rehabilitation: Learn to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life through effective counseling.
Physical Therapy: Master the skills to rehabilitate and restore movement in patients of all ages.
Kinesiology: Study the science of human movement to enhance performance and health.
Physician Assistant: Train to provide high-quality medical care as a trusted healthcare provider.