exterior shot of west entrance to Huff Hall

Kinesiology and Community Health 2022 Student Awards and Scholarships

AHS E-News Spring 2022

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS

Reginald J. Alston Award for Excellence in Community Health and Rehabilitation

head shot of Eve Rubovits

Eve Rubovits

Eve will complete her degree in Community Health in 2024. She plans to work in the field of public health and is particularly interested in issues related to healthcare access. Eve is a research assistant to Dr. Minakshi Raj in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health and to Dr. Kevin Tan in the School of Social Work. She is a Chancellor's Scholar and a James Scholar.

Jerry D. Burnam Student Scholarship

head shot of Hanna Drowns

Hanna Drowns

Hanna will complete her degree in Community Health in the fall. She hopes to apply her knowledge in a clinical setting in the Peoria area. She is an office support specialist for graduate medical education in the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Peoria's internal medicine residency program. A James Scholar and Dean's List honoree, Hanna is a member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society.

Joanne M. Carraway and Charles M. Carraway Scholarship

head shot of Aalishba Ahmad

Aalishba Ahmad

Aalishba is in the BS-MPH program and will complete an undergraduate degree in Community Health and a Master of Public Health degree in 2023. She hopes to pursue both a medical degree and Ph.D. Aalishba has been a clinic manager with Avicenna Community Health Center, and is president of the McKinley Health Center's Special Populations Wellness Peers. She is a YMCA Bailey Scholar and Dean's List honoree.

Joanne M. Carraway and Charles M. Carraway Scholarship

head shot of Gillian Gawenda

Gillian Gawenda

After completing her degree in Kinesiology in 2023, Gillian plans to pursue graduate studies in athletic training. She volunteers with the University of Illinois Women's Basketball Team and spent the 2021-2022 season shadowing the team's athletic trainer to gain hands-on experience working with athletes.

Joanne M. Carraway and Charles M. Carraway Scholarship

head shot of Alexandra Gonzalez

Alexandra Gonzalez

Alexandra graduates in May with a degree in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. She will pursue further education and a career in physical therapy. She has worked as a personal assistant to students with disabilities in the Beckwith Residential Support Services program. She was a research assistant to Dr. Ursula Ruiz Vera in the Institute for Genomic Biology.

Joanne M. Carraway and Charles M. Carraway Scholarship

head shot of Inaaz Mirza

Inaaz Mirza

After graduating in May with a degree in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Inaaz will begin studies toward a degree in dentistry at Tufts University. She volunteered as a dental assistant with the Champaign County Christian Health Center. She also served as a research assistant in the Department of Psychology's Infant Cognition Lab and the Body Composition and Nutritional Neuroscience Lab in KCH. She is a Dean's List honoree.

Joanne M. Carraway and Charles M. Carraway Scholarship

head shot of Monica Turchyn

Monica Turchyn

A student in the BS-MPH program, Monica will complete her degree in Community Health in 2023 and her Master of Public Health degree in 2024. She plans to become a physician assistant specializing in emergency medicine and women's health. She is a research assistant in Dr. Ken Wilund's Renal and Cardiovascular Disease Research Lab and a sexual health peer in McKinley Health Center's Wellness Peers program. Monica is a Dean's List honoree.

Carol L. Chittenden Scholarship

head shot of Lauren Cualoping

Lauren Cualoping

After graduating in May with a degree in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Lauren will begin studies in Marquette University's physician assistant program. She is a medical assistant with Carle Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and has worked as a certified nursing assistant in a psychiatric outpatient center. Lauren is a Dean's List honoree and James Scholar in the College of Applied Health Sciences.

Carol L. Chittenden Scholarship

head shot of Mathilde Hanchard

Mathilde Hanchard

Mathilde graduates in May with a degree in Community Health. She will pursue a master's degree in Health Administration. Mathilde has volunteered at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, and completed an internship with the nursing director at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center. A Dean's List honoree, Mathilde was a member of Dr. Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo's Laboratory for Emotion and Stress Assessment.

Carol L. Chittenden Scholarship

Head shot of Jamie Kahn

Jamie Kahn

After graduating in May with a degree in Kinesiology, Jamie will join the physician assistant program in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Jamie is a certified nursing assistant and served as a personal assistant to a student with disabilities in the Beckwith Residential Support Services program. She was a research assistant to Dr. Keven Richards in KCH's Pedagogical Qualitative Research Lab, and both a Chancellor's Scholar and James Scholar.

F. Patricia Cullen Scholarship

head shot of Lindsey Norman

Lindsey Norman

Lindsey plans to work as a healthcare administrator and consultant after completing her degree in Community Health in December. She assists with college functions as an Advancement Ambassador in AHS, and served as vice president of public relations for her sorority. A James Scholar and Dean's List honoree, Lindsey is active in the student organization Future Health Care Executives.

Helga M. Deutsch Scholarship

Frances Balto

Frances will complete her degree in Kinesiology in 2024 and plans to pursue a degree and career in occupational therapy. She is a gymnastics coach at Champaign Gymnastics Academy and a member of Dr. Shannon Mejia's Adult Development, Adaptation, and Technology Lab. She spent the spring semester shadowing occupational therapists at Carle Foundation Hospital. Frances is a Dean's List honoree.

Helga M. Deutsch Scholarship

head shot of Emily Nguyen

Emily Nguyen

After completing her degree in Kinesiology in 2024, Emily plans to pursue further education and a career in physical therapy. She hopes to specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, and lumbar pain. She is an undergraduate research assistant in the Pedagogical Qualitative Research Lab and has worked as a rehabilitation technician at Athletico Physical Therapy. Emily is a Dean's List honoree.

Helga M. Deutsch Scholarship

head shot of Gracie Savino

Gracie Savino

Gracie will complete her degree in Kinesiology in 2023. She plans to pursue further studies and a career in physical therapy. A Dean's List honoree and James Scholar, Gracie is an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Laura Rice's Disability Participation and Quality of Life Research Lab. She volunteers with the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services as an assistant to the athletic trainer for the wheelchair basketball teams.

Beulah Drom Scholarship

head shot of Haihley Connors

Haihley Connors

Haihley will complete her degree in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences next year and plans to become an oncologist. She works in the health education unit and serves as vice president of the Special Populations Wellness Peers Program of the McKinley Health Center and is a member of Dr. Zeynep Madak Ordogan's Women's Health and Metabolism Lab in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. Haihley is a Dean's List honoree and James Scholar.

Beulah Drom Scholarship

head shot of Skyy Sumlin

Skyy Sumlin

After completing her degree in Community Health next year, Skyy plans to become a nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry. As a licensed emergency medical technician with Illini Emergency Medical Services, she staffs university sporting events, commencements, and 5k races. A Dean's List honoree and President's Award Scholar, Skyy and has been a teaching assistant for a class in food science and human nutrition.

Beulah Drom Scholarship

head shot of Enoch Wells

Enoch Wells

Enoch will complete his degree in Kinesiology in 2023 and plans to become a physical therapist. He assists therapists as a rehabilitation aide at Athletico Physical Therapy and is a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. As a course assistant for a personal training class offered by Parkland College, Enoch helped to train Parkland's 2021 national champion men's golf team. He is a Dean's List honoree.

Aurelio E. "Joe" Florio Scholarship

head shot of Otniel Fernandez

Otniel Fernandez

After graduating in 2024 with a degree in Community Health, Otniel plans to pursue a master's degree in either public health or health administration. A Dean's List honoree, Otniel conducted research on how environmental and technological factors support socioemotional and cognitive processes that facilitate the desire to seek out enriching experiences. He volunteers with Illini Fighting Hunger and works at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

Ralph Geeseman Scholarship for Veterans

head shot of Jonathan Briick

Jonathan Briick

Jonathan completed his degree in Kinesiology in December and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. His undergraduate degree focused on physical education teaching. He plans to pursue a master's degree in sports therapy. He worked with Dr. Kevin Richards on the Young Olympians program at the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club and was a volunteer youth sports coach for boys basketball and girls soccer.

Peter J. and Ella Montaleone Scholarship

head shot of Ore Ajifolokun

Ore Ajifolokun

After graduating next year with a degree in Kinesiology, Ore plans to attend dental school. She is an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Marni Boppart's Molecular Muscle Physiology Lab and serves on the social committee of Alpha Epsilon Delta, a national health pre-professional honor society. A Dean's List honoree, Ore is a teaching assistant for a general chemistry course and a desk clerk at Busey-Evans Halls.

Roger Winfield Morse Memorial Scholarship

head shot of Jose Garcia

Jose Garcia

Jose completes his degree in Kinesiology this year and plans to become a physical therapist. He has shadowed physical therapists at ATI Physical Therapy, Athletico Physical Therapy, and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. He also volunteered with the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services, where he assisted the track team with strengthening and conditioning programs. Jose is a Dean's List honoree.

Ronald G. and Patricia L. Stopka Scholarship

head shot of Eve Rubovits

Eve Rubovits

Eve will complete her degree in Community Health in 2024. She plans to work in the field of public health and is particularly interested in issues related to healthcare access. Eve is a research assistant to Dr. Minakshi Raj in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health and to Dr. Kevin Tan in the School of Social Work. She is a Chancellor's Scholar and a James Scholar.

Doris Strickland-Collins and Edward W. Collins Award

head shot of Ellyce Wong

Ellyce Wong

After completing her Kinesiology degree in May, Ellyce will pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Northwestern University. She has worked with physical and occupational therapists as a rehabilitation technician at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute. A Dean's List honoree, James Scholar, and Chancellor's Scholar, Ellyce was a research assistant in Dr. Laura Rice's Disability Participation and Quality of Life Research Lab.

Marianna Trekell Scholarship

head shot of Kaiya Bernard

Kaiya Bernard

Kaiya will complete her degree in Kinesiology next year and plans to pursue Master of Public Health and medical degrees. She is a member of McKinley Health Center's health education unit and a research assistant in Dr. Manuel Hernandez's Mobility and Fall Prevention Research Lab. Kaiya serves as a recruitment coordinator for the Chronic Kidney Disease Prescreening Research Study and volunteers with the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club.

Marianna Trekell Scholarship

head shot of Jonathan Cho

Jonathan Cho

Jonathan will complete his degree in Kinesiology in 2024. He plans to go into optometry. He is an active volunteer with his church, playing the drums with the worship team before and during service and assisting with the youth ministry. He also volunteers in the community through his church, helping with activities for low-income families.

Agnes Radich Vidovic Award

head shot of Cierra Moore

Cierra Moore

Cierra will pursue further studies and a career in occupational therapy after completing her degree in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences in May. A Dean's List honoree and James Scholar, Cierra worked as a personal assistant to students with disabilities in the Beckwith Residential Support Services program. She has been a summer counselor at a camp for children with disabilities and a pre-health ambassador for the University of Illinois Career Center.

GRADUATE AWARDS

Reginald J. Alston Award for Excellence in Community Health and Rehabilitation

head shot of Rifat Alam

Rifat Binte Alam

After completing her Ph.D. in Community Health in May, Rifat hopes to continue doing research on older adults with dementia as a behavioral science researcher. She is mentored by Dr. Andiara Schwingel in the Aging and Diversity Lab, where she investigates the socio-demographic, cultural, and health-related risk factors of dementia. She also serves as a mentor to undergraduate students in the Student Aging Researchers in Training, or START, program.

Joanne M. Carraway and Charles M. Carraway Scholarship

head shot of Mikaela Frechette

Mikaela Frechette

Mikaela will complete her Ph.D. in Kinesiology in August. She plans to pursue a career in developing and testing upper- and lower-limb prosthetics. Mentored by Dr. Laura Rice in the Disability Participation and Quality of Life Research Lab, Mikaela brings expertise in biomechanics, motor control, and human-centered design to bear on studies of postural control, fall detection, and collision avoidance for people using wheeled mobility devices.

Joanne M. Carraway and Charles M. Carraway Scholarship

head shot of Madina Khamzina

Madina Khamzina

Madina will pursue a research career in academia or industry after completing her Ph.D. in Community Health this summer. Mentored by Dr. Wendy Rogers in the Human Factors and Aging Lab, Madina has investigated social engagement among older adults and physical activity among older adults with and without disabilities. She previously was a junior researcher in the National Laboratory of Epidemiology and Public Health at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan.

William H. Creswell Jr. Graduate Student Award

head shot of Kaustubh Parab

Kaustubh Parab

After completing his Ph.D. in Community Health in December, Kaustubh plans to seek a research position within a university or institute setting. He is a graduate research assistant in the Food Accessibility Research Lab, where he pursues studies related to clinical epidemiology and the epidemiology of chronic diseases. He has served as a teaching assistant for Community Health courses on contemporary health, health statistics, and epidemiology.

T.K. Cureton Physical Fitness Research Award

head shot of Jeongwoon Kim

Jeongwoon Kim

After completing his Ph.D. in Kinesiology in 2024, Jeongwoon hopes to continue his career in research in either an academic or industry setting. Mentored by Dr. Naiman Khan in the Body Composition and Nutritional Neuroscience Lab, he has been involved in studies examining the effects of lutein supplementation on macular and neurocognitive outcomes in individuals with multiple sclerosis, and properties of the liver related to cognitive outcomes in children.

Laura J. Huelster Award

head shot of Libak Abou

Libak Abou

Libak hopes to continue his academic career after completing his Ph.D. in Kinesiology in May. He wants to use his background in biomechanics to advance evidence-based practice in physical therapy. Mentored by Dr. Laura Rice in the Disability Participation and Quality of Life Research Lab, his research examines fall prediction among people with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. Libak was the 2021-2022 Carol L. Chittenden Fellow.

Laura J. Huelster Award

head shot of Allyson Box

Allyson Box

Allyson will complete her Ph.D. in Kinesiology next year. She plans to remain in the field of research within the health field. Mentored by Dr. Steve Petruzzello in the Exercise Psychophysiology Lab, she pursues research on determinants of exercise behavior, stress and emotion regulation, and "green exercise," or exercise done in nature. She also is a teaching assistant for a class on the sociology and psychology of physical activity.

Laura J. Huelster Award

head shot of Emily Erlenbach

Emily Erlenbach

Emily will complete her Ph.D. in Kinesiology next year. She plans to pursue a career in either public health or industry. Mentored by Dr. Neha Gothe in the Exercise Psychology Lab, Emily assists with the S.A.Y. Exercise study of the effects of strength training, aerobic exercise, and yoga on brain structure and function among older adults. Her dissertation will examine the efficacy of a theory-based intervention to increase middle-aged office workers' physical activity.

Laura J. Huelster Award

head shot of Yang Hu

Yang Hu

Yang will pursue an academic career after completing her Ph.D. in Kinesiology in May. She is mentored by Dr. Manuel Hernandez in the Mobility and Fall Prevention Research Lab, where her work focuses on improving health outcomes for older adults by increasing understanding of the mechanism behind aging-related changes in balance and mobility. Yang also is a graduate assistant in the Health Technology Education Program.

Laura J. Huelster Award

head shot of Kevin Paulussen

Kevin Paulussen

Kevin completes his Ph.D. in Kinesiology in May. He plans to continue his career as a research scientist. Mentored by Dr. Nicholas Burd in the Nutrition and Exercise Performance Research Group, Kevin has studied the effects of protein supplementation and exercise on muscle mass loss in older adults. He also compared the effects of whole foods and isolated nutrients on whole body and muscle health.

Laura J. Huelster Award

head shot of Joseph Peters

Joseph Peters

Joseph will complete his Ph.D. in Kinesiology in August. His research aims to maximize rehabilitation outcomes for people with disabilities through the use of assistive technology and physical activity. Mentored by Dr. Ian Rice in the Wheelchair Biomechanics and Performance Lab, he is working to develop upper-body, high-intensity interval training protocols for individuals with spinal cord injury. Joseph served on the coaching staff for Team USA at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

H.E. "Hek" Kenney Memorial Award

head shot of Jeongkyu Kim

Jeongkyu Kim

After completing his Ph.D. in Kinesiology next year, Jeongkyu will pursue an academic career. Mentored by Dr. Amy Woods in the Pedagogical Qualitative Research Lab, his research examines the application of exercise and health science principles in the teaching of physical education and the coaching of sports. Jeongkyu received a Research Poster Presentation Award during the World Congress of the International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education.

Benjamin H. Massey Memorial Award

head shot of Andrew Askow

Andrew Askow

Andrew plans to pursue a faculty position at a research university after completing his Ph.D. in Kinesiology next year. His research focuses on identifying the role of dietary protein source and distribution throughout the day on the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis. He is mentored by Dr. Nicholas Burd in the Nutrition and Exercise Performance Research Group. Andrew has won six national championships in powerlifting.

Benjamin H. Massey Memorial Award

head shot of Veronica Garcia

Veronica Garcia

Veronica plans to pursue an academic career and mentor underrepresented students after completing master's and doctoral degrees in Kinesiology in 2025. Her research examines psychological reasons for engaging or not engaging in physical activity among individuals with cardiovascular disease. She is mentored by Dr. Neha Gothe in the Exercise Psychology Lab. Veronica received a Master's Student Award from the American Kinesiology Association.

Roger Winfield Morse Memorial Scholarship

head shot of Imani Canton

Imani Canton

Imani will complete her Ph.D. in Kinesiology in May. She plans to continue her research at either a research institution or a government public health institution. Her research focuses on the design of community-based physical activity interventions for African American women. She is mentored by Dr. Susan Aguinaga in the Health Equity and Aging Lab. Imani received an Outstanding Student Award from the Society of Behavioral Medicine Student Special Interest Group.

Roger Winfield Morse Memorial Scholarship

head shot of Aisha Tepede

Aisha Tepede

Aisha will complete her Master of Public Health degree in December. She hopes to become a physician. Aisha was a clinical postbaccalaureate intramural research fellow with the National Institutes of Health-affiliated National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. She also worked with the Illinois and Cook County Departments of Public Health. Aisha received a National Cancer Institute Summer Research Experience Competitive Award.

Robert L. Sprague Graduate Student Award

head shot of Shelby Keye

Shelby Keye

Shelby will pursue an academic career after completing her Ph.D. in Kinesiology next year. Her research examines the impact of obesity and physical activity on children's cognitive and motor function development. She is mentored by Dr. Naiman Khan in the Body Composition and Nutritional Neuroscience Lab, where she has assisted with the iPALS Wellness Program for children in low-income communities. Shelby received a Graduate College Fellowship.