Recognition of the DOSA for School of Health Professions
Mayda Hernandez
Science has always been my passion, but finding my true calling was not so straightforward. After several years in research jobs, I came to Rowan to pursue a career in health and wellness. I am now completing my double major in Nutrition, one with specialization in Dietetics and another with specialization in Exercise Science. I will also be starting my second MS degree in Dietetics this summer. My career goal is to become a Registered Dietitian and hopefully someday be a Certified Diabetes Educator for the Hispanic community. During my time at Rowan, I have had the privilege to interact with amazing faculty that have not only supported my learning process, but also inspired me to be a better future professional. As a student, I have been part of Get FIT, the Nutrition Care Club, and several research projects within the HES department. I very much look forward to this new phase of my career in the field that I love!
Recognition of the DOSA for Health & Exercise Science
Michael Onu
As a human performance and clinical setting major and psychology minor, I have had the opportunity to get involved in a variety of activities on campus. I am an athlete on the cross country and track and field teams. I served as the vice president of the exercise is medicine club. I also got the chance to perform biomechanics and human factors research. Lastly, I had the pleasure of volunteering for the Get Fit program.
Sponsor: The Department of Health and Exercise Science
Evelyn M. Reade Health and Exercise Science Award
Georgia Proffitt
Georgia is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. During her first two years of college, she was a part of the Exercise Science Honors Fraternity, Autism Speaks, and held a leadership position in a women’s health group. During her two years at Rowan University, she has participated in concussion research with Dr. Uygur and she was the exercise science tutor. Outside of school, she has worked over 600 hours in various physical therapy clinics. After graduation, she will begin her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University. She is incredibly honored to receive this award.
Sponsor: The Department of Health and Exercise Science
Health Promotion and Wellness Management Medallion Award
Francis Robert Ramirez
I will be graduating with a degree Public Health and Wellness Major. During my time at Rowan University, I have had the privilege of participating in various student organizations. Upon transferring to Rowan University, I was proud to represent Rowan as a member of the Club Rugby and Club Powerlifting teams. I was also involved with various culture organizations, such as the Pilipino American Coalition and Vietnamese Student Association. Entering into my senior year, I had the honor of serving as the President of the Public Health Club, as well as being selected as a Preparedness Committee Lead for the Red Cross Club.
Sponsor: The Department of Health and Exercise Science
David R. Biren Award in Exercise Science
Tim Martini
As an Exercise Science major at Rowan, I had plenty of opportunities to grow and gain valuable experience to help prepare for my goal of continuing my education and earn a DPT. I was involved in the Get Fit program at Rowan for 2 years and had the opportunity to spend a semester interning at Trifecta Therapeutics in Glassboro. I have also had the opportunity to coach at a CrossFit gym, working with a wide population from adaptive athletes to high school athletes looking to get better at their sport.
Sponsor: The Estate of David Biren
Athletic Training Medallion Award
Phil Brenner
I am currently a 5th year graduate student of the Rowan athletic training program. I have been a part of the Rowan Athletic training club for 5 years and was a senator for one of those years. In addition, I am an educational mentor for undergraduate athletic training students to help them transition to college and the major. I have also been the Rowan representative for the Athletic Trainer's Society of New Jersey for 2 years where I helped coordinate the student portion of the ATSNJ conference. I was also an academic tutor for undergraduate students in the health and exercise science department for 4 years. I am currently working on a grant funded research project on the effects of mindfulness interventions in the athletic training facility. Lastly, I have had the pleasure of being a partner for the Rowan University Unified Sports basketball and soccer programs for 4 years.
Sponsor: The Department of Health and Exercise Science
Outstanding Nutrition Student of the Year
Briana De La Cruz
This award is given to an outstanding graduating student in the Nutrition and Dietetics Program.
I am a senior in Rowan's 5 year coordinated Nutrition and Dietetics program. I am also a distance runner on Rowan's Cross Country and Track team. I am a member of the Honors program and involved in research. I am currently working with Dr. Vaughn on the SHOP Fresh Food RX program. I have been working with her for 3 years now on community based nutrition research. I am also starting my own research project with a peer of mine about social media's alteration of nutrition knowledge.
Sponsor: Gourmet Dining
Chuck Whedon Scholarship
Patrick McClain
The Chuck Whedon Scholarship recognizes the achievements, leadership, and service contributions of an outstanding student from the Rowan University Athletic Training Program.
Currently, I am a 4th year Athletic Training student working towards a masters degree. I have been a part of the Rowan AT club for the past four years as a member, and two years as a treasurer. Other extracurricular activities that I am a part of include the Catholic Campus Ministry and Chi Alpha Fellowship.
Sponsor: Rowan University Athletic Training Program
Dr. John Giannini Scholarship
LaNiece Brown
The Dr. John Giannini award is presented to a student who demonstrates leadership within the Department of Health & Exercise Science - Athletic Training Program
I am a fourth year athletic training student in Rowan University's Athletic Training Program. I was on RU's Women's Track & Field team for two years. While I have been a part of the Athletic Training Club for the last four years, I have been a mentor to freshman students for two years and help them with the transition to college as well as the athletic training program. I am also the current Vice President of the Atomik Legacy Dance Crew on campus.
Sponsor: Dr. John Giannini
Dr. Paul C. Davidson Scholarship
Lauren Ferriola
The Paul C. Davidson Scholarship is awarded annually to recognize the academic achievement, leadership, and service contributions of an outstanding student from the Health and Exercise Science Department who aspires to enter the field of Chiropractic or Physical Therapy.
My major is Health and Exercise Science with the goal to pursue Radiography school once I graduate next May. I am a part of the Women's Lacrosse team here at Rowan, as well as a member of the Exercise is Medicine Club and the Rowan Homeless Outreach program.
Sponsor: Christina Davidson-Tucci
Dr. Michael Briglia Scholarship
Yvonne Udam
I am a public health and wellness major, and my goal is to make use of my resources granted by the health and exercise science department. As a transfer student, my aspirations of coming to Rowan university were to be involved heavily in extracurricular activities and gain professional experience in my field of studies, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my plans were limited to what was made available. In spite of the numerous challenges as a result of the austereness of the pandemic, I have been able to get involved in the community to promote wellness by volunteering with the asymptomatic testing clinic, and flu vaccine clinic here at Rowan University, helping out students, employees, and residents in the community. I have also had the opportunity to be a member of the public health and nutrition club, helping to spread awareness on general health maintenance and disease prevention. I am looking forward to a more settled and stable state of affairs where normalcy is returned in order for me to fully commerce in my major
Sponsor: The Estate of Dr. Michael Birglia
Joy Solomon Scholarship (Fall)
McRae Nkellefack
The Joy Solomon Scholarhip award recognizes student's dedication to Rowan University and the importance of leading a balanced academic and active lifestyle.
I am a sophomore majoring in Exercise Science. As an Exercise Science major, I am part of the Exercise is Medicine Club and I currently serve as a research assistant for Professor Mehmet Uygur Multiple Sclerosis research lab. I plan to further my education in order to pursue a career as a physical therapist and I am very much grateful to the Department of Health and Exercise Science for granting me this opportunity to obtain this scholarship.
Sponsor: Dr. Joy Solomon
Joy Soloman Scholarship (Spring)
Natalie DeStefano
The Joy Solomon Scholarhip award recognizes student's dedication to Rowan University and the importance of leading a balanced academic and active lifestyle.
I am a junior Exercise Science major pursuing graduate school and a future career as a physical therapist. At Rowan, I work at the Rec Center as a lifeguard and swim instructor, serve as the treasurer of Tau Sigma National Honor Society, and have recently begun working on a research study with Dr. Uygur. I have also volunteered with Get FIT and the Exercise is Medicine Club. I am very grateful for all of the opportunities I have had so far at Rowan and for the dedicated professors and staff within the HES department.
Sponsor: Dr. Joy Soloman
Roland Esbjornson Scholarship
Hannah Fyfe
The Roland Esbjornson Scholarship is presented to a student who demonstrates leadership.
I am a junior Exercise Science major with a minor in Community Health. My involvement at Rowan includes being a student employee at Rowan University's Recreation and Fitness Center and the Get FIT program. I am also a member of the Rowan Vietnamese Association, and the sorority Sigma Delta Tau here on campus. I believe that my experiences in the HES Department and at my campus job have taught me so much and made me more confident in being a health professional in the future. I am eternally grateful for all of these opportunities and all that Rowan has had to offer me.
Sponsor: The Estate of Leone E. Esbjornson