Recognition of the DOSA for Health & Exercise 

Natalie DeStefano

I am currently a senior exercise science major and will be graduating in May. Throughout my time at Rowan I have been involved in a few organizations including GetFIT, Tau Sigma NHS, and have worked as a swim instructor, lifeguard, CPR instructor, and aquatics supervisor at the Campus Rec Center. I have been working on a research project with Dr. U  for a year and have recently contributed to his manuscripts to be published, as well as began working on my own additional project. I will be attending the University of Delaware’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program this summer and look forward to working in the field. Thank you to all of my professors who have supported me throughout my college career, helped me to achieve this award, and get into my top PT school!

Sponsor: The Department of Health and Exercise Science 

Evelyn M. Read Health and Exercise Science Award

Melanie Hobbis

Melanie Hobbis is graduating with a B.S. in Exercise Science. In addition to excelling in the classroom, Melanie works as a Physical Therapy Aide at Romash and Crowell Physical Therapy and was a Learning Assistant for the Department of Health and Exercise Science. Upon graduation, she will be attending Georgian Court University’s nursing program.

Sponsor: The Department of Health and Exercise Science

Public Health and Wellness Medallion Award 

Justine Lopez

Justine Lopez is a first-generation Guatemalan-American, first-generation college graduate, and a Public Health & Wellness senior major at Rowan University. Justine is currently the Vice President of the Rowan Public Health club. With this title and responsibility, Ms. Lopez helps engage the Rowan Unversity student body in events and informational sessions to increase awareness around Public Health topics and issues. She has planned out Rowan's Public Health Club's celebration of Public Health Week this April by creating fun activities, presentations, guest speaker appearances, and prizes for students who participate. Justine is also a Student Government Association Class of 2022 senator. With this leadership role at Rowan University, Justine has participated in the Student Government Association democracy to help improve the college experience for her fellow classmates, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 Justine has faced adversity but utilizes her unique experiences to help her better serve marginalized groups in her community. Justine grew up in Cumberland County, NJ, and has lived there her entire life. Growing up Justine was only able to speak the Spanish language. As she continued to learn and improve in school she became bilingual and a very young interpreter for many others who were not English proficient. From this particular experience, Justine has been able to help serve others in her community by utilizing her bilingual skills. Ms. Lopez is currently a Public Service Worker. She is a certified Civil Investigator for Cumberland County, New Jersey's Adult Protective Services, and is the only Spanish-speaking investigator for this South Jersey Region. As an Adult Protective Service Investigator Justine Lopez saves the lives of the elderly, vulnerable adults, and adults living with disabilities who are subjected to abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. 

 Justine has had a passion and love for Public Health and her community ever since she was in elementary school. Her life experiences helped her become a better public health servant for her community. She strives to improve the lives and health of those around her. Justine will utilize her Public Health & Wellness Degree and Public Health & Wellness Medallion Award to serve her community, improve public health, and help make the world a better place. 

Sponsor: The Department of Health and Exercise Science

David R. Biren Award in Exercise Science

William Samalonis 

William Samalonis is graduating in May 2022 with a B.S. in Exercise Science. William served as president of the Exercise is Medicine student organization from Spring 2019 to Fall of 2021 and remains a member of the group. During this time the club achieved Gold Status through the American College of Sports Medicine and hosted a variety of community and campus activities both in-person and virtually throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He also served as a senator of Rowan University’s MEDLIFE group during late 2019 to May 2020.

Outside of the classroom, William has interned as an assistant coach at Appenzeller Training Systems in West Berlin, New Jersey. In addition, he has completed certification as certified Emergency Medical Technician, Nationally Certified EMT-B, is a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer. Previously, William served as a student health volunteer through Jefferson Health Systems in Washington Township, NJ. William looks forward to working with people to help them achieve their goals and create the best versions of themselves.

Sponsor: The Estate of David Biren 

Athletic Training Medallion Award

Samantha Santos

Samantha Santos is graduating from the Rowan University Athletic Training Education Program. She will be graduating with her Masters of Science in Athletic Training on May 9th. Samantha has spent most of her time completing clinical hours and studying with classmates. She has completed hours with Rowan University Women’s Basketball, Swim and Dive, Football, and Baseball teams. As well as completed hours at Woodstown High School and Delsea Regional High School.

She has been a member of the RUAT Club and served on the elective board as a Mentor and Public Relations. With these two roles Samantha has been able to mentor and tutor younger students who are enrolling into the RUAT program. She ran all social media accounts and helped advertise the RUAT program through those mediums. Samantha has aspirations to work with professional baseball and enjoys working with the collegiate population. After graduation she plans to enjoy time with her family, who has been very supportive and who she is very grateful for, because without them she would not have been able to attain everything she has. Down the road she can see herself teaching, whether it be becoming a preceptor or continuing her education to become a professor in an AT education program. Samantha has a lot of passion for this profession and is looking forward to what the future holds for her.

Sponsor: The Department of Health and Exercise Science

Outstanding Nutrition Student of the Year

Hannah Holzhauer

My name is Hannah Holzhauer and I am a senior Dietetics student originally from Sussex County, NJ. I am a member of Rowan University’s Coordinated Masters Program in Dietetics, Cohort 4. I am also enrolled in the Wellness Coaching COG and will be getting certified as a wellness coach once I graduate with my MS. 

On-campus, I hold the position of Co-Brother at Large for the National Honors Fraternity Phi Sigma Pi. Off-campus, I like to spend my time exploring the outdoors, cooking great vegan food, and working on expanding my small crystal jewelry business. I am also an active member of the Walk To End Lupus Now SJ Committee and dedicate a portion of my time to advocating for chronic illnesses. 

Once I get my MS in Dietetics, I plan to take my RD exam and pursue a career in the healthcare field. As far as where my path will specifically lead me, I am not sure yet. My mind is open and my heart is full, and I am eager to see where my education guides me!

Sponsor: Gourmet Dining

Dr. John Giannini Scholarship

Nicole Fallon

I am a fourth year athletic training student and am currently in the graduate phase within the AT program. As an undergrad, I was part of the Bantivoglio Honors Concentration in the Honors College. As a member, I participated in many volunteering events such as Back to the Boro and the Out of the Darkness and Into the Light Walk. I also earned my certificates of undergraduate studies in Spanish and Psychology of Sport and Exercise.

It was during the undergraduate phase where I became more involved with the AT program and athletics. I have been a member of the Athletic Training Club since transferring and currently serve as the president. In previous years, I served as a senator. As president, I organized and managed fundraisers that have promoted the club and also benefited the community. In the last two years alone, I oversaw the collection of over 2,000 pounds of non-perishable items that were donated to a local food pantry. I am also a member and treasurer of the Women’s Club Soccer team here on campus. 

My passion for helping others and admiration for sports from a young age drove me to pursue athletic training. I plan on furthering my education in the future by pursuing a DAT.

Dr. Paul C. Davidson Scholarship

McRae NkelleFack

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. 

Currently I am a junior Exercise Science major with aspirations of becoming a Physical Therapist. At Rowan, I am part of the Rowan Honors college, I work at the Rowan Student center as part of the tech team for the Rowan After Hours and I recently just began my new position as a Building Manager for the Rowan Student Center. I recently completed a research project with Dr.  Mehmet Uygur and I spend most of my time shadowing at Trifecta Physical Therapy clinic and volunteering at the various clubs I am involved in on and off campus. I am very much grateful to the Department of Health and Exercise Science for granting me this opportunity to obtain this scholarship.

Dr. Michael Briglia Scholarship

Molly Green 

My name is Molly Green and I am an athletic training major with a minor in sports psychology. I will be entering my sophomore year this fall. I chose athletic training because I could not picture my everyday life without sports. I've always been fascinated by sports injuries and the process of getting an athlete back to full strength, so choosing my career path was a no-brainer. The athletic training program provides its students with immense knowledge, experience and opportunity. I would love to work with professional or collegiate athletes upon graduating from the program, specifically baseball or hockey. I admire the work and commitment that is put into mastering their craft and would love to be in that kind of environment. 

Along with being an athletic training major, I am also on the women's lacrosse team. I have been welcomed into the program with open arms and couldn't be more appreciative of the friends and opportunities it has brought me. I look forward to my next three years with the team and can't wait to see what we accomplish in the future.

Sponsor: The Estate of Dr. Michael Birglia

Joy Soloman Scholarship (Fall)

Rachael Owens

The Joy Solomon Scholarhip award recognizes student's dedication to Rowan University and the importance of leading a balanced academic and active lifestyle. 

Rachael Owen (she/her) is a junior Public Health & Wellness major with a minor in Psychology. Throughout her time at Rowan, she has sought numerous opportunities to be involved on-campus, such as the Public Health Club and her almost three-year involvement with Healthy Campus Initiatives as a well-being peer educator and intern. Rachael holds several leadership positions on-campus including serving as the Director of Charitable Events for the Student University Programmers (SUP), the President of The Episcopal Church at Rowan University (TEC@RU), and as an executive committee member for the Student Alumni Association (SAA). She also was one of the first students to complete all three levels of the Leadership Rowan certificate program in two years. 

             After graduating from Rowan University in May 2023, she hopes to go to graduate school and eventually work in the college health or non-profit field. She would like to thank the Health & Exercise Science Awards Committee for this scholarship. She is so grateful to the faculty and staff who have helped guide her way through the university as well as her friends and family.

Sponsor: Dr. Joy Solomon

Joy Soloman Scholarship (Spring)

Phuong Pommier 

Roland Esbjornson Scholarship

Megan Bischoff

My name is Megan Bischoff, and I am currently a junior here at Rowan. My major is Health Promotion and Wellness Management with a minor in Psychology. I started my undergraduate degree at Ocean County College in Toms River and transferred to Rowan in spring 2021 with my Associates degree. I attended virtually last spring so the real journey of my undergrad experience began this past fall semester when we were finally back in person. I was able to make so many new friends within the HES department, and I enjoyed my coursework far more than I expected. My favorite class, by far, definitely is exercise physiology with Dr. Dankel as well as exercise prescription which I am currently enrolled in with Professor Gibb. I came to Rowan expecting to just get my degree, but it has become so much more than that. I actually think I may stay and continue on to graduate school here in the Wellness and Lifestyle Management (M.A.) program after I graduate next spring. 

At first, I was worried that I would not have the same opportunities as four-year students here at Rowan. However, it turned out to be quite the opposite. In the past three semesters, I have become quite a busy student. In addition, I am an NJ Stars II recipient as well as I am on the Undergraduate Dean’s list. I was also just elected President of Rowan’s chapter of the National Wellness Institute at the start of the month after being an eboard member and member at large since I transferred. By the night of this virtual award ceremony, I will have actually just gotten back from the 2022 Art of Health Promotion conference happening in San Diego (I am one of the nine NWI interns). NWI has introduced me to the wonderful Dr. Spencer as well as provided me with ample opportunities to grow as a Rowan student, and I am so happy I joined. Other extracurriculars I participate in on campus include peer tutoring for exercise physiology as well as spending my free time at the Rowan rec center taking group classes as well as attempting to play racquetball. 

My career goal used to be Occupational Therapy which I have not completely ruled out. Yet, now as a student in Rowan’s HES department, I am seeing that there are so many other opportunities I can pursue. After I graduate next spring, I am planning on receiving my Wellness Coaching certificate of Graduate Study (which I would not have even considered if it were not for Dr. Spencer), and I will hopefully be pursuing a graduate degree in Wellness and Lifestyle Management (M.A.) in fall of 2023. 

Chuck Whedon Scholarship

Taylor Garron 

The Chuck Whedon Scholarship recognizes the achievements, leadership, and service contributions of an outstanding student from the Rowan University Athletic Training Program. 

I am currently a 4th-year student in the Rowan University Athletic Training Program and serve as the Athletic Training Club’s Social Events Chair. I am also a mentor to the underclassmen in the program and participate in our tutoring sessions held every week. My Residency II clinical site is at Eastern High School with my preceptors, Ms. Breymeier and Dr. Christy. I look forward to going to clinical every day because of how enjoyable my preceptors make it. In the future, I would like to work as an athletic trainer in the high school setting and work towards earning my Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) degree.

Outside of Rowan, I serve on the Eastern Athletic Training Association (EATA) Student Delegation as the New Jersey Representative. It has been an amazing opportunity to serve on the EATA Student Delegation. This past year I helped plan the student program at the 74th annual EATA convention and volunteered for many different tasks while at the convention. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym and gardening.

Sponsor:Rowan University Athletic Training Program