Faculty Awards
Winter 2026
Excellence in Geriatric Research Award (2026) from the American Physical Therapy Association
Jennifer Blackwood, PT, Ph.D. | Professor and Director of the Physical Therapy Department at CHS.
Staff Awards
Sterling Staff Award
Kerstin Flynn, office manager in the Public Health and Health Sciences
This award is designed to acknowledge staff members for their contributions to the UM-Flint community.
Student Awards
Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Health Care Management
Zeinab Bazzi, Master of Science in Healthcare Management
This award is given to those who demonstrate leadership and a sustained commitment to advancing public health and health sciences through research, service and practice.
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Leadership
Adriane Harris, Bachelor of Health Care Management
Adriane Harris is recognized for her impactful leadership in healthcare settings, advancing access to care for underserved populations while serving in key operational roles. Her ability to combine clinical expertise, strategic thinking, and community collaboration reflects a strong commitment to improving health outcomes.
Madison Hall, Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Madison Hall is recognized for her visionary and service-driven leadership, including her role as Director of HEART and her efforts to build and sustain student organizations. She consistently fosters collaboration, mentorship, and community impact across both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Danielle VanAcker, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Danielle VanAcker is honored for her dynamic and multi-level leadership, demonstrated through her roles in student organizations, research, and community service initiatives. She leads with empathy, organization, and innovation, creating meaningful opportunities that support both peers and the broader community.
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Professional Integrity
Dae’Lyn Horton, Bachelor of Science, Social Work
Dae’Lyn Horton is recognized for her dedication to ethical growth and professional accountability, demonstrating resilience and integrity throughout her practicum experience. Her willingness to reflect, adapt, and build trust highlights a strong moral character and commitment to responsible practice.
Muriel Ngambo, Bachelor of Science, Health Care Management
Muriel Ngambo is honored for her commitment to honesty, accountability, and ethical practice, demonstrated through her work in healthcare settings and academic pursuits. She consistently models professionalism while contributing to patient safety and supporting her community through service and leadership initiatives.
Nolan Fraaza, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Nolan Fraaza is recognized for his professionalism and strong ethical foundation, consistently demonstrating accountability, respect, and integrity in both academic and clinical environments. He has earned the trust of faculty, peers, and patients through his reliable and principled approach to his work.
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Cultural Humility & Equity Advocacy
Rebekah Smith, Bachelor of Science, Health Care Administration
Rebekah Smith is honored for her sustained commitment to equity through research, community engagement, and youth mentorship. She integrates cultural humility into both academic and service work, advancing inclusive practices and supporting diverse populations.
Kathleen Thernize, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Kathleen Thernize is recognized for her leadership in advancing equity in healthcare, including her role as President of the Wolverine BIPOC Healthcare Collective and her advocacy on a national stage. She consistently delivers patient-centered, inclusive care while promoting representation and belonging within the profession.
Emily Chung, Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Emily Chung is honored for her extensive leadership and service in advancing culturally responsive care and community engagement. Through her work with HEART, student organizations, and local initiatives, she demonstrates a deep, ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and meaningful community impact.
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Monica Hnatiuk, Bachelor of Science, Social Work
Monica Hnatiuk is honored for her innovative problem-solving and systems-level thinking, including founding a nonprofit to address barriers faced by individuals experiencing housing instability. Her work reflects a compassionate, evidence-informed approach to developing community-centered solutions.
Maxwell Camara, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Maxwell Camara is recognized for his ability to identify complex clinical challenges and implement structured, evidence-based solutions that improve patient care and program effectiveness. His work in developing innovative initiatives and enhancing clinical systems demonstrates strong analytical and translational thinking.
Suzanne Selig Award
Emily Chung, Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Emily Chung is recognized for her exceptional academic achievement and impactful community engagement, demonstrating leadership and a deep commitment to service. Her sustained efforts across clinical, academic, and community settings exemplify excellence in the health sciences.
Faculty 2025
Fall 2025
Ryan Bean, clinical associate professor of physical therapy, is the 2025 APTA Michigan Institute for Education and Research Honors and Awards Recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award.
Shan Parker, professor of Public Health and Health Sciences and director of academic programs, received the 2025 Professional Honor Award from the Great Lakes Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education. This award recognizes significant contributions to health education and the advancement of the profession.
Suzanne Trojanowski, clinical associate professor of physical therapy, who received the Mabel E. Holton Award.
Fall 2025
Todd Womack, program manager and adjunct lecturer in social work, was honored as Peace Maker of the Year at the Peace and Unity Day Celebration. Womack was invited to speak and was surprised with the award in recognition of his community leadership.
“It was an honor and humbling experience to be recognized by my friends and colleagues. Totally a surprise and I just hope that I can live into the spirit of this award and recognition. Ubuntu!”
Student Awards
Fall 2025
Outstanding Student Award in Health Sciences
Madelynn DeJarlais
Outstanding Student Award in Health Care Management
Jewel Delonis
Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Health Care Management
Cameron Dusenbery
Outstanding Student Award in Health Care Administration
Shyronda Green
Nolan Lawrence, doctor of physical therapy student, (Class of 2025), is the 2025 APTA Michigan Institute for Education and Research Honors and Awards Recipient of the Outstanding Physical Therapist Student Award.
“It was an honor to be recognized by the faculty of the physical therapy department. It means a lot to me to have been chosen amongst my classmates that are so accomplished and that I respect so much. It has been a privilege being a doctoral student at the University of Michigan-Flint.”
Angela Myers, health care administration major, received the Maize and Blue Distinguished Scholar Award. The Maize and Blue Distinguished Scholar Award is a longstanding tradition at the University of Michigan-Flint. It honors undergraduate students for their considerable achievements and is the highest academic award bestowed upon graduates of the university.
Outstanding Graduate Student in Public Health
Esther Onyeche
Logan Patterson, master of physician assistant student, class of 2027, was elected by his peers as the Student Representative to the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates.
“My role as a student voting member for the MAPA board of directors will be to serve as a student voice for PA leadership. I will be listening to the interests and concerns of PA students in every program across the state, ensuring these thoughts are well represented in leadership discussions. Beyond this, I will be working with the board in its efforts to advocate for the interests of PAs across the state. Of course as the student board member, I will also be voting on decisions made by the board, allowing me a level of influence few students ever get to appreciate.”