connection magazine winter 2014

University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences

ConnectionWinter 2014

A magazine featuring news about our college, students, alumni and friends

The next generation of researchers: Enhancing the undergraduate experience — inside the lab and beyond0

Inside ...

Inside ...

ConnectionWinter 2014

UK College of Health Sciences

Connection is a publication of the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences.

Editor & Graphic DesignerMelanie J. Sparks

Contributing WritersAnn Blackford

Connect with Us

Email the Editor [email protected]

Archives www.issuu.com/ukchs

UK College of Health Sciences Charles T. Wethington Jr. Building900 South Limestone, Room 123Lexington, KY 40536-0200 (859) 323-1100www.mc.uky.edu/healthsciences

Copyright 2014, University of Kentucky. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the UK College of Health Sciences, (859) 323-1100.

Students Milestones........................................2 News & Notes..................................4

Outreach Spinal Cord Injury Congress.........6

Academic Healthcare Residential College......8 Faculty News....................................9

Research Undergraduate Research..............10Interdisciplinary Grants...............12

College News Staff News........................................14

Alumni CHAMP Camp...............................16MLS 80th Gala................................18Dinner with KATS.........................20Class Notes......................................21

Development Dwain Rice Scholarship.................22Scholarship Scramble.....................24

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On the cover: Top - Undergrad researcher Travis Green (center) and his faculty mentor Dr. Joe Stemple perform an expiratory power test on volunteer Kiley Madaleno in the Laryngeal & Speech Dynamics Lab. Bottom - Undergrad researcher Kaley Robertson (left) and her faculty mentor Dr. Brian Noehren perform strength tests on a research participant in the BioMotion Lab.

Dear Friends,

There are big things happening at the University of Kentucky. One only needs to walk across campus to see the obvious transformation in the landscape. If you haven’t been to campus in a few years, it’s worth a trip to take in the new sights, including the UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital, the Bio-Pharm Complex, and most recently Central Hall I and II, which are touted as high-tech living and learning spaces for students. The transformation extends well beyond our living, working and learning spaces. The University’s direction has evolved under the thoughtful leadership of Dr. Eli Capilouto, who is now in his third year as UK President. In addition, we recently welcomed our new provost, Dr. Christine Riordan, and the College of Health Sciences is well into its own dean search. These are only a few examples of the big changes taking place at UK. It’s easy to see that this is an exciting time to be at the University of Kentucky. It’s also easy to see how the big happenings across campus might overshadow our day-to-day work. We must be mindful of the importance of our daily work and celebrate both the big and small milestones along the way. Every day, we are part of something that might not make front-page news, yet somehow, it is much LARGER. I was reminded of this during a conversation with a Human Health Sciences student at Dinner with Kats, our annual student and alumni networking event. This student shared with me that she had come to us from a college where she felt lost in the crowd. She said coming to our college was like coming home. She knew that she belonged here. It’s an experience repeated time and time again, and it says so much more about our college than a big, flashy headline ever could. You see, we have a quality that is difficult to measure and impossible to package – we have heart. That is not simply a sentimental statement; that is a powerful fact. Our people – our incredible faculty, staff, students and alumni – are the heart of CHS. We are driven by the desire to help people. It is reflected in the work we do every day, whether it is teaching, research or service. For us, caring comes naturally. As you make your way through this issue of Connection, I encourage you to stop and see the sights: See our students giving back to the community through monetary donations and service. See our faculty reaching out to the spinal-cord-injury community to effect meaningful change. See our mentors developing the next generation of researchers. See our alumni reaching out to youth, using a football camp to teach crucial life skills. See the generosity of our donors through a scholarship fund to honor the memory of an alumnus. As we keep pace with the University’s transformation, we should take pride in our unique strengths. We are proud to be part of the college that our students call “home.”

Warmest regards,

Sharon R. Stewart, Ed.D.Interim Dean

Welcome Home ...Message from the Interim Dean

Winter 2014 1

2 UK College of Health Sciences

Students

MilestonesGraduation, White Coat and Pinning

Above: The Physician Assistant Studies Program held its White Coat Ceremony at the UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital Pavilion A in February 2013. Fifty-eight students from the College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Class of 2015 received white coats during the ceremony that marks the transition from the classroom to the clinic.

Opposite page: The Medical Laboratory Science Program held its Pinning Ceremony at the UK Student Center in December 2013. Twenty students received pins during the ceremony, which is an opportunity for administrators and faculty members to recognize the MLS seniors for their commitment and dedication during the last 16 months. It is also an opportunity for families and friends to applaud the success of these graduates.

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Above: The Physical Therapy Program held its Graduation Ceremony in August 2013. Sixty students graduated, including 14 from the Hazard campus. Lori Payton sang a beautiful rendition of “Whenever You Remember.” Hannah Jefferson gave an inspirational and humorous speech, reminding her classmates of their responsibility to the profession and UK as PT practitioners. After the ceremony, a lovely reception was held on the lawn in front of Memorial Hall.


Students

News & NotesNational Allied Health Professions Week, Student Ambassadors and more

National Allied Health Professions Week is recognized annually in the first week of November. The purpose of the week

is to raise awareness of allied health careers and to recognize and celebrate the many allied health professionals making valuable contributions to patient care, research, education, and service.The celebration for 2013 included a week of fun, informative offerings for our students and the UK community. Students were treated to the usual fare of free food and prizes during the week. However, more service- and learning-oriented activities were offered as well. PA and PT students and faculty volunteered their time during the first ever Allied Health Professions Possibilities Health Fair, held on central campus. The fair included free blood pressure screenings, as well as balance, flexibility and grip strength tests. Students also attended two informative lunchtimepresentations. The first was presented by Brian Noehren, PT, PhD, and Tim Uhl, ATC, PT, PhD, and showcased student involvement in research. The second was presented by Virginia Valentin, MCMS, PA-C, and featured a discussion of the Affordable Care Act and its effect on physician assistants. We are grateful to our Student Ambassadors, who helped plan and coordinate the events, and to our sponsors Magee’s Bakery, Papa John’s and Wal-Mart.

(Top) PA students provided blood pressure screenings to UK students. (Middle) Dr. Tony English, PT Division Director conducted a balance test on UK students. (Bottom) Drs. Brian Noehren and Tim Uhl and student researchers discussed current research initiatives.

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Jennifer Werner, ATC and Julie Iannicelli, ATC Athletic Training Students Masters Grant from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research and Education Foundation Project: “Understanding Return to Sport Factors Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Mixed-Methods Study” Mentor: Jennifer Howard, PhD

Anna Porter, ATC Athletic Training Student Masters Grant from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research and Education Foundation Project: “Scapular Muscle Activities during Closed Chain Shoulder Exercises” Mentor: Tim Uhl, ATC, PT, PhD

Sarah Beth Marting, Kirby Mayer, and Avery Schroyer Physical Therapy Students Selected for the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association (in partnership with RehabCare) 2013 All-Academic Team

Samantha Kinchen Pre-Communication Sciences and Disorders Student Received the bronze medal at the Youth World Boxing Championships in Bulgaria

Maja Redzic, Evan Cassity, Cory Kohler, Maram Alhowaish, and Reem Basaqr Clinical Nutrition Students Solutions for Sustainability GrantUK College of AgricultureProject: “Promoting Healthy Lifestyles”

Our student body is led by a group of Student Ambassadors, who assist with activities such as facility tours, recruitment activities, and raising funds for the Ambassador Scholarship. Pictured are the 2013-14 Student Ambassadors Front row: Alysha Lewis, Kent Llanora, Lauren Estepp, Sharayah Jung, and Lauren Knasel. Back row: Sarah Dunn, Samantha Dunn, Taylor Koncelik, Lindsay Kroes, and Megan Jordan. Not pictured: Drew McCool-Solis, Steven Hunt, Emily Ralenkotter, Dominique Wade, Allie Stumbo, Haley Weber, Amanda Miller, and Sarah Langford.

In June, the UK PA Class of 2014 presented their donation of $2,000 to Professor Bill Grimes, PA-C, who leads a team of volunteers to run the New Hope Clinic in Owingsville, KY. Professor Grimes was thrilled to receive the donation and said that it was the largest donation from individuals ever received for the free clinic that treats the uninsured.

Student Highlights

Outreach

“We are more powerful together than apart.” This might be a fitting slogan for a group of about 40 individuals with spinal cord injury

from around the Commonwealth who came together in May 2013 at the Inaugural Kentucky Congress on Spinal Cord Injury (KCSCI). Traditionally, outreach programs for individuals with SCI have worked as separate entities – scattered efforts without a common mission. In addition, existing outreach programs seem to have less impact on individuals in rural areas of Kentucky. KCSCI, an offshoot of the Kentucky Appalachian Rural Rehabilitation Network (KARRN), was created to address the need for a cohesive effort, as well as to pinpoint issues most critical to the SCI community, and to draft an agenda for legislative change. Tapping into a collective power source is a proven formula for success, according to Patrick Kitzman, PT, PhD, Director of KARRN and Associate Professor, CHS Division of Physical Therapy and the Rehabilitation Sciences Doctoral Program. “The hardest part is getting the rock rolling,” Kitzman said. “Once it gets rolling, and you get enough hands on it, you can move it in any direction you like.” Kitzman said the group may not be large in number, but it is made up of the most engaged, fired-up individuals. This group of 40 has started the process of change, and it is building momentum. “The breadth of experience in the group is extraordinary – bringing together a world-renowned spinal cord injury researcher with a retired farmer, who was really the most practical of the group and has an understanding of how to build things,” Kitzman said. “If you bring enough people together, you can accomplish something. Success breeds success.”

Health Care, Accessibility, Equipment, and Employment Participants were surveyed before the KCSCI meeting and identified four topics of greatest concern: Health care, accessibility, equipment, and employment. KCSCI


Setting the Agenda for ChangeInaugural Kentucky Congress on Spinal Cord Injuryby Melanie J. Sparks

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participants worked in teams to develop an agenda to legislate change around each of the main topics, and each participant was asked to sign up for at least one work group. Participants Jason Jones and Alexander “Sasha” Rabchevsky, PhD, took unofficial, yet vital, leadership roles within KCSCI. Both expect the group to help increase awareness of issues facing the SCI community and, beyond that, to help find solutions and initiate change. “The community of individuals with SCI and their support systems can be a strong advocacy group given the right organizational structure,” said Rabchevsky, who is a Professor of Physiology at the UK Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Research Center. “It is time we brought our issues to the forefront to make all of Kentucky aware of the needs of this group.” Jones believes a focused, action-oriented group such as KCSCI can have a lasting impact. However, he sees the need for the group to grow. “The congress gives us an opportunity to analyze issues that can be detrimental to living inclusive lives and to search for real solutions to combat those problems,” said Jones, who is Director of Community Relations for the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. “A large group can shape legislation and educate on a much broader spectrum than a few motivated individuals can. Power in numbers may be cliché, but try ignoring 150 or more wheelchair users rolling up on the State Capital.” What’s next? A dozen KCSCI participants formed a steering committee, which met in October 2013. The committee chose to focus KCSCI’s efforts on two key issues: Requiring

doctor’s offices with eight or more exam rooms to provide a lowering or lowered exam table; and recruiting other spinal cord injury survivors to join the congress, particularly individuals in underrepresented counties in Kentucky. In addition, the committee will be engaging in activities, such as contacting County Clerk Association members to voice parking concerns and creating a Facebook page.

Top concerns identified in the breakout sessions:

1. Health care: Training for medical personnel to best meet the needs of patients with SCI; health insurance barriers to receiving sufficient rehabilitation services; and the need for better self-advocacy.

2. Accessibility: Lack of American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance; parking and transportation.

3. Equipment: Affordability of equipment; education of health care providers and the SCI community on best practices for available equipment/technology; and the barriers created by bureaucracy.

4. Employment: Employee barriers, such as lack of available training on job seeking and employment for those with SCI; accessibility/workplace accommodations; and employer barriers to hiring those with SCI, such as the perception that a person with SCI is somehow less qualified, and the lack of employer education about accommodation and job adaptation.

For more information, visit www.karrn.org

Academic

UK students interested in a career in health care have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in their chosen field

both inside the classroom and out when they become part of the UK Living Learning Program’s (LLP) Healthcare Residential College. The Healthcare Residential College is not just a place to live with other health care students, but an experience designed specifically to encourage and foster community and interprofessionalism in health care along with blended opportunities to gain insight into all health-related professions. The LLP partners with the Office of Residence Life and the James W. Stuckert Career Center to help students define what they are looking for in a career and guide them as they make that decision. “The Living Learning Program is about building relationships and networks where students are embedded in the health care community,” said

Tony Grace, LLP Healthcare Residential College advisor and academic advisor at the UK College of Nursing. “Admission is offered to students who apply in their senior year of high school for their freshman year at the university. There are currently about 50 students, and that number is expected to grow to 100 to 150 students in the next two to three years.” The Healthcare Residential College, made up of Colleges of Nursing and Health Sciences students, currently is located in Holmes Hall, but will move to the new Haggin Hall in Fall 2014. Plans are underway to include students from the Colleges of Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health, Agriculture, Food and Environment, Communication and Information, and Social Work in Fall 2015. Bryan Adams, a freshman Human Health Sciences major, says his passion has always been Physical Therapy. He learned about the LLP when he was searching UK’s website for housing options in preparation for college life at UK. “It’s amazing to meet other people on the same track who have the same interests as me,” Adams said. “The Healthcare Living Learning Program helps you learn about other health care tracks as well as the one you are interested in, which I would say is beneficial to everyone.” Wayne Centers, CHS Student Affairs Advisor, says the LLP Healthcare Residential College focuses on interprofessionalism in health care and blended opportunities to gain insight into all health professions. Examples of program offerings have included: Tea with Royalty featuring Drs. Eli and Mary Lou Capilouto speaking about their respective careers in health care; and Dinner with the Deans, during which students had dinner with some of the deans of health care colleges who spoke about their career paths and experiences. “The key is insider understanding of the health care professions,” said Randa Remer, CHS Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. “The Living Learning Program allows students insider information into professions that they wouldn’t otherwise have.”

Spotlight: Healthcare Residential College College of Health Sciences continues to take a leading role by Ann Blackford, UK Public Relations


Drs. Eli and Mary Lynne Capilouto spoke to LLP residents about their respective careers in health care.

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Shea Poynter Lambirth, MDPart-Time Assistant ProfessorPhysician Assistant Studies

Welcome new faculty

Faculty Achievements Timothy Butterfield, PhD, ATC Associate Professor, Athletic Training New Investigator Award National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research & Education Foundation

Anne Harrison, PhD, PT Director of Professional Studies, Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Dorothy E. Baethke-Eleanor J Carlin Award American Physical Therapy Association

Anthony Isaacs, MS Deaf Ed American Sign Language Instructor Advanced to the American Sign Language Teachers Association professional certification level

Jane O. Kleinert, PhD Associate Professor, Communication Sciences and DisordersLouis M. DiCarlo Award for Recent Clinical Achievement American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation

Kevin Schuer, MSPAS, MPH, PA‑CAssistant Professor, Physician Assistant StudiesRising Star Award Physician Assistant Education Association

Karen O. Skaff, RDH, PhD Department Chair, Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences Appointed by Gov. Steve Beshear to the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Long-Term Care Administrators

Tim Uhl, PhD, ATC, PT Co-Director of Musculoskeletal Laboratory, Associate Professor, Athletic Training Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer National Athletic Trainers’ Association

Carl Mattacola, PhD, ATC Division Director, Associate Professor, Athletic Training and Rehabilitation Sciences Doctoral Program Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer National Athletic Trainers’ Association

Judith L. Page, PhDAssociate Professor, Communication Sciences and DisordersElected President of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Robert C. Marshall, PhD, FASHA, CCC‑SLP, BC‑ANCDSProfessor, Rehabilitation Sciences and Communication Sciences and Disorders Honored by the Kentucky and Southern Indiana Stroke Association

Virginia Valentin, MCMS, PA‑C Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Studies Elected President of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants

DeShana Collett, MSPAS, PA‑C, PhDAssistant Professor, Physician Assistant StudiesEarned PhD, Higher Education in Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation, UK College of Education. Selected as a member of the Physician Assistant Education Association’s Diversity & Inclusion Council

Karen O. Skaff, RDH, PhD, Department Chair, Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, received a UK Academic Planning Analytics and Technologies (APAT) Grant. She also received an Oral Health Nursing Education and Practice Program Grant.

New academic grants


Research

When thinking of the undergraduate experience, research may not be the first word that comes to mind. However, the

undergraduate environment is shifting, as research opportunities expand, and as students and mentors become aware of the many benefits. That shift is demonstrated by the thriving Undergraduate Research Program (UGR) at the UK College of Health Sciences. The program was launched in January 2011 and closed out its first year with six mentors and 11 students. As of spring 2013, the number of mentors had more than doubled, and the number of students involved had more than quadrupled, reaching 50 students. “It’s a win-win. Faculty are able to achieve goals they might not otherwise achieve, and students gain experience in research,” said Gilson Capilouto, PhD, Director of Undergraduate Research at CHS and Associate Professor in the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students are beginning to realize the potential rewards of participating in undergraduate research much earlier. According to Capilouto, college freshmen and even high school students are being drawn to the program in increasing numbers. UGR benefits students in many unique ways, during their undergraduate years and beyond. The benefits include: • Increased creativity, critical thinking, and problem- solving skills• Enhanced ability to apply classroom knowledge • Broader understanding of academic and career interests • Higher retention and graduation rates• Higher acceptance and enrollment rates in graduate and professional schools The UGR experience can be transformational in other ways as well – changing the student’s academic or career path or changing the student’s perception of the very nature of research. Kaley Robertson, a UK kinesiology senior, experienced such a transformation. She learned

Mentoring the Next Generation of ResearchersUndergraduate Research Program enhances the undergrad experienceby Melanie J. Sparks

Top: Undergrad researcher Marin Lehman (UK biology junior) and her faculty mentor Dr. Esther Dupont- Versteegden in the Frailty Prevention Lab. Bottom: (left to right) Sanjana Pampati (UK biology junior), Evan Cassity (Clinical Nutrition graduate student), faculty mentor Dr. Travis Thomas, Nadine-Stella Achenjang (UK biology junior), and Maja Redzic (Clinical Nutrition graduate student) in the Clinical Nutrition Lab.

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The University of Kentucky will host the National Conference on Undergraduate Research April 3-5.

about the UGR program from a pre-physical therapy student group and pursued an opportunity in Dr. Brian Noehren’s BioMotion Lab. “I had the perspective that research may be boring, and I wanted to see if it could be not only interesting but applied to my life and future work,” said Robertson, who is engaged in Noehren’s research involving anterior cruciate ligament injuries, patellofemoral pain and patellar instability, trunk control, and hip/trunk/core stability. Fortunately, Robertson’s research experience proved to be an interesting learning experience. “Dr. Noehren has been a great mentor. I’ve learned a lot from him, both in the clinical perspective and in the research world,” Robertson said. “I’ve come to appreciate the field of physical therapy so much more and how important research is to advancing the profession. As an added bonus, it has also helped improve my patient care skills as well.” Participating in UGR also enhances a student’s ability to work in team settings through a real-world application, which is not always possible in the classroom. Travis Green, a UK biology senior, is grateful for the opportunity to understand how the research process works, and he now realizes that research is truly a team effort. “Being part of a team gets you interested in how you can benefit everyone and what you can contribute,” said Green, who is mentored by Dr. Joe Stemple and is involved in research on changes in aging laryngeal muscles. “In this sense, research becomes something you want to stick with … The research aspect of science is the future, and we have to stay interested and preserve it.” Students are not the only winners in the UGR experience. For faculty mentors, working with undergraduate researchers can reinvigorate their work. “The undergrads have provided so much energy and creativity,” said Charlotte Peterson, PhD, Joseph Hamburg Endowed Professor and CHS Associate Dean for Research. “It’s such a pleasure to have them in the labs. Their sheer energy makes being in the lab fun.” There is also the practical benefit of having additional hands on deck to help with research projects, and even the act of explaining the work to students can be beneficial. “They will learn from you, and you will gain hands,” said Esther Dupont-Versteegden, PhD, Associate Professor, CHS Division of Physical Therapy. “Explaining a research project to undergraduate students can be refreshing because it makes a researcher think about what he or she is doing and why.” The majority of students mentored through the CHS

UGR Program plan to pursue a health-care-related career. A strong motivator for faculty mentors is that the UGR experience helps students become better clinicians and better consumers of research literature by providing a firsthand framework for understanding research that they would not have otherwise. For some undergraduate researchers, the experience opens doors to other opportunities. “CHS has experienced great success in mentoring future scientists in health care, particularly in terms of student financial support,” Capilouto said. “Since the program’s inception, one student travel award, three summer grants, and two nationally recognized summer research fellowships have been awarded to undergraduate researchers in the college.” As the program continues to grow, more research mentors are needed to keep up with the demand. Capilouto aims to have at least 90 percent participation from CHS faculty and will continue to expand the opportunities available through faculty from other colleges as well.

CHS Undergraduate Research Program Faculty MentorsAnne Olson, PhD

Bob Marshall, PhDBrian Noehren, PhDCatherine Mao, PhD

Charlotte Peterson, PhDDonna Morris, PhD

Esther Dupont-Versteegden, PhDGilson Capilouto, PhD

Kathy Sheppard-Jones, PhD Jennifer Howard, PhD

Joe Stemple, PhDJoneen Lowman, PhD

Karen Skaff, PhDRichie Andreatta, PhDScott Livingston, PhDStephen Firsing, PhDTim Butterfield, PhD

Tim Uhl, PhDTravis Thomas, PhD

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/chs_ugr


Research

Anyone in health care can attest to this fact: The human body is an incredibly complex organism. It makes sense to approach such a complex organism with a team of experts from various

health care fields. The team approach aptly translates to the realm of health-related research as well. While interdisciplinary research teams are not new, the full value of their contributions has only recently been widely recognized and supported. “Research is no longer a solo endeavor. There has been a major shift toward team science,” said Charlotte Peterson, PhD, Joseph Hamburg Endowed Professor and CHS Associate Dean for Research. “It is a culture change in science and research. The wave of the future is innovative discoveries made through interdisciplinary teams, which are strongly supported on our campus by the National Institutes of Health, NIH-funded Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, which I help to direct.”

Cross-university collaborations The value of interdisciplinary research has been put front and center by the NIH, which is the largest source of funding for medical research in the world. In 2008, the NIH distributed the first Building Interdisciplinary Research Teams (BIRT) awards through its National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). The purpose of the BIRT awards is “to build interdisciplinary research teams that will lead to new scientific advances that go beyond the progress that is possible without collaboration.” Peterson, an investigator on two recently funded BIRT awards, explained that the awards are given to newly formed research teams, with projects stemming from an existing grant. “The purpose is to reach out to other researchers, to ask a new question, and to bring expertise to the project that the original team didn’t have on its own,” Peterson said. Members of these interdisciplinary research teams are not confined within the borders of UK’s campus. Peterson is working with vascular biologists from Duke University to research a new role for muscle stem cells in muscle injury. The question that sparked this skeletal muscle and vascular biology collaboration: What is the interaction between muscle stem cells and endothelial cells, which form new capillaries? Peterson and her team are studying the impact of muscle stem cells on endothelial cells and investigating whether muscle stem cells might help to grow vasculature to provide oxygen to muscles. Peterson is also an investigator on a second BIRT award, a strength training and arthritis trial. This grant is a sub-award of a Wake Forest University parent grant. The question that sparked this cross-university collaboration: Why do those with knee osteoarthritis experience quadriceps muscle weakness? Collectively, the investigators seek to identify those most at risk for muscle weakness and those who are unlikely to respond to standard exercise regimens. Wake Forest will perform muscle biopsies on osteoarthritic subjects, while UK will recruit healthy subjects for muscle biopsies. All biopsy analyses for the project will be performed at UK. Inter-college collaboration Sometimes the best teams have a history. Seven years ago, Esther Dupont-Versteegden, PhD, was part of an

An Interdisciplinary ApproachRecently funded grants focus on teamwork in researchby Melanie J. Sparks

Human skeletal muscle cross-section taken from the vastus lateralis muscle. Image courtesy of Christopher Fry / Peterson Lab.

Type I Myosin / Laminin / Stem Cell / DAP1

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Recently Funded Interdisciplinary Research TeamsNew role for satellite cells in response to muscle ischemia (NIH-NIAMS BIRT Award)

John McCarthy, PhD (Co-Principal Investigator) College of Medicine

Jyothi Mula, MS (Research Analyst) CHS

Duke University Researchers

Charlotte Peterson, PhD (Co-Principal Investigator) CHS

• • •

Wake Forest University Researchers

Strength training and arthritis trial* (NIH-NIAMS BIRT Award) *sub-award team

Charlotte Peterson, PhD (Principal Investigator) CHS

• Brian Noehren, PT, PhD (Collaborator) CHS

Doug Long, MS (Exercise Physiologist) CHS

Jyothi Mula, MS (Research Analyst) CHS

• • •

Amy Confides, MS (Research Analyst) CHS

Effect of satellite cell ablation on the aging diaphragm (NIH-NIA R21)Esther Dupont-Versteegden, PhD (Principal Investigator) CHS

Francisco Andrade, PhD (Co-Investigator) College of Medicine

• •Randomized Phase II study of Concentrated Beet Root in participants being treated for locally advanced unresectable, previously untreated squamous cell cancer of the head and neck: A University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Clinical Trial

Mahesh Kudrimoti, MD (Co-Principal Investigator) College of Medicine

Jody Clasey, PhD, FACSM (Co-Principal Investigator) College of Education

Emily Van Meter, PhD (Statistician) College of Public Health

D. Travis Thomas, PhD, RD, CSSD (Principal Investigator) CHS

• • •

interdisciplinary team made up of College of Medicine and College of Health Sciences researchers studying the function of the aging diaphragm. Dupont-Versteegden and her team, funded by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA), have now taken the questions from that original study and expanded them using a new animal model to understand the role of stem cells in the aging diaphragm. “In aging humans, we know the diaphragm changes, but we’re not exactly sure how,” said Dupont-Versteegden, who is an Associate Professor in the CHS Division of Physical Therapy. “We know function decreases and force lessens. Coughing, sneezing and other functions are decreased.” The question is: What is the role of muscle stems cells in the aging diaphragm? The team is looking at how the diaphragm functions under stress, particularly at old age, if the number of muscle stem cells in the diaphragm has been experimentally reduced. Dupont-Versteegden is combining her expertise in muscle biology with a College of Medicine co-investigator’s expertise in respiratory function. She hopes that adding the treatment perspective to the scientific perspective will result in new discoveries, which will ultimately benefit people. “The eventual goal of research is to find something to help a human recover from an illness or a deficit,” Dupont- Versteegden said.

Novel nutritional intervention Cancer patients undergoing weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments face an uphill battle, including loss of appetite and inadequate nutrient intake. Head and neck cancer patients face an even greater nutritional challenge because many have had a portion of their jaw or tongue removed. The UK Markey Cancer Center reached out to Travis

Thomas, PhD, RD, in search of a protein supplement protocol for head and neck cancer patients. “Traditionally, protein supplementation for cancer patients is only marginally effective. Patients still go downhill, losing muscle mass and functional capacity very quickly,” said Thomas, who is an Assistant Professor in the CHS Division of Clinical Nutrition. “Let’s try something that’s never been done. Let’s ask a new question. If protein supplementation offers only a limited benefit, what will work better?” Thomas turned to an unusual source for the answer: beets, in particular, the naturally occurring nitrate found in concentrated beet root. According to Thomas, beet root is gaining attention in the sport performance arena due to reports that supplementation improves exercise capacity, increases muscle contractile efficiency, and may elicit other benefits secondary to mediating the nitrate-nitric oxide metabolic pathway. The hope is that supplementation with concentrated beet root might also have a unique benefit for cancer patients – improving chemo-radiation treatment compliance. Currently, up to 50 percent of head and neck cancer patients do not complete treatment because of its harsh side effects. “This is due to fatigue and mucositis,” Thomas said. “In cancer patients, mucositis, painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, can be quite severe. Many have to be tube-fed. Their mouth and gums become raw,” Thomas said. “We believe that the metabolism of beet root bioactive components may interrupt the pathogenesis of mucositis and may also slow down the loss of physical function.” A clinical trial sponsored by Markey Cancer Center will begin in early 2014. Thomas hopes to enroll 50 head and neck cancer patients in the trial over the next two years.

Staff NewsWelcome new staff

Dion ColemanStaff Support Associate IIMedical Laboratory Science

Tabatha D. ChristiansonStaff Support Associate IIClinical Leadership and Management & Human Health Sciences

College News


Nancy SeligmanStaff Support Associate IIPhysical Therapy

Corie Sexton, MS, CCC‑SLPSpeech-Language Pathologist Enterprise Clinic

Christy Johnson, MA, CCC/SLP Speech-Language PathologistEnterprise Clinic

No photo available

Lisa Hill, MS, CCC‑SLPSpeech-Language PathologistEnterprise Clinic/Good Samaritan

Melissa Liechty, MSP, CCC‑SLPSpeech-Language PathologistEnterprise Clinic

Katherine Maddy, MS, CCC‑SLPClinical Doctoral FellowEnterprise Clinic

Darin PoynterDirector of Technology ServicesCollege of Health Sciences

Anne Schmitz, PhDPost-Doctoral Scholar Dr. Brian Noehren’s Lab

Melanie J. SparksPR/Marketing CoordinatorCollege of Health Sciences

Liz SteevesFinancial AnalystBusiness Office

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Staff Highlights

Tammy Wigginton, MS, CCC‑SLP, BRS‑SSpeech-Language Pathologist Clinical Voice Center

Randa R. Remer, PhDAssistant Dean of Student AffairsCollege of Health SciencesElected Treasurer of Division 51 of the American Psychological Association, The Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity

Keturah TaylorAlumni Coordinator College of Health SciencesAppointed Secretary of the UK Women’s Forum

Welcome new staff (continued)

Dresden Carpenter Business OfficeDresden worked at UK for 37 years and retired in July 2013

Tammy Wigginton, MS, CCC‑SLP, BRS‑SSpeech-Language Pathologist Clinical Voice Center Became a Board Recognized Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BRS-S)

Casey Owen Shadix, M.Ed., ABD Director of Recruitment & Diversity InitiativesOffice of Student Affairs

Cynthia Byars Research Projects ManagerOffice of ResearchReceived a UK Outstanding Staff Award

Alumni

PT Alumnae Are True CHAMPS for KidsCharacter, heart, attitude, motivation, and pride

Physical Therapy alumnae Kelly Colson ’08 (left) and Stephanie Kelly ’08 volunteer at C.H.A.M.P. Camp, which was held June 21-22, 2013 at Henry Clay High School in Lexington, KY.

The odds are stacked against some children from the get-go. They may be raised by parents who struggle with drug addiction, or parents who are completely absent from their lives, not to mention the swarm of potential negative influences circling right outside their front doors. Those circumstances, however, do not have to

define a child’s future. Just ask Stephanie Kelly, whose husband, Anthony “Champ” Kelly, was one of those children who set out in life with the odds stacked against him. “My husband was raised in a very broken home, plagued with addiction, absent parents and a lot of negative influences,” said Stephanie, who received her master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Kentucky in 2008. “Sports were his saving grace. Many coaches poured into him, helped raise him and kept him from falling down the same path of destruction that many of his family members were going down.” Champ emerged from his troubled childhood and went on to graduate from UK with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in business administration. Champ played college football for UK and played professionally for the Lexington Horsemen. For the past several years, Champ has worked as the Assistant Director of Pro Personnel for the Denver Broncos. Stephanie and Champ wanted to give back to the community and help youth who may be facing the same long odds. They wanted to offer a saving grace of sorts. In 2010, they founded Heart Power, Inc., a nonprofit organization that ministers to youth and their families who are in search of positive and encouraging influences in their lives. “We wanted to show kids that no matter one’s circumstances, you can make the right decisions, set goals and achieve


by Melanie J. Sparks

Winter 2014 17

those dreams,” said Stephanie, who serves as Executive Director of Heart Power, Inc. The couple and their team of dedicated volunteers reach out to youth through C.H.A.M.P. Camp, a free two-day, non-contact football camp for kids ages 10-17. During camp, kids are taught football fundamentals, but the true focus is on the importance of making the right decisions and learning crucial life skills, such as stress management. Campers are also able to interact with guest speakers, who include current or former NFL players and coaches, former collegiate players, and business leaders. Most importantly, they are taught the importance of living life as a “C.H.A.M.P.” – with character, heart, attitude, motivation, and pride. “Our camp provides these kids, who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a camp, two days of fun, where they are supported and encouraged by wonderful men and women in the community,” Stephanie said. “We always pray that just one life may be changed, or one child may make a better decision that will affect his or her future because of the lessons learned at C.H.A.M.P. Camp.” Stephanie’s experience as a physical therapist in a pediatric setting informs her work with C.H.A.M.P. Camp. If a child with special needs attends camp, she is able to use her expertise to modify the drills and activities based on the child’s diagnosis. “It is our vision and dream that all kids would attend our camp,” Stephanie said. “We have had kids with special needs attend our camp, and the reaction they receive and the energy they portray is contagious. It is wonderful to see all the kids getting together and playing a sport they love.”

Kelly Colson, who is also a 2008 UK Physical Therapy graduate, serves as secretary for the Heart Power, Inc. Board of Directors and is an event coordinator for the C.H.A.M.P. Camp events, which are held each summer in Denver, CO and Panama City, FL, in addition to Lexington. Kelly is self-employed as a Physical Therapist and works with children with special needs. “My training as a PT gives me some medical background to assist with any injuries that may occur at the camp. I also believe that my work as a PT has given me great

connections with families, especially with kids, and I really want to help them succeed in life,” Kelly said. “This camp is just a small stepping stone to make a difference with kids in another way.” Volunteers to assist with the camp are always in demand, and any donations will help Heart

Power, Inc., continue to provide camps free of charge to deserving children.

“We wanted to show kids that no matter one’s circumstances, you can make the right decisions, set goals and achieve those dreams.” — Stephanie Kelly

For more information and to find out how you can help, please visit

www.heartpowerinc.org

Alumni

Party Like It’s 1933Medical Laboratory Science 80th Anniversary Gala a roaring success


Thank you to our sponsors!UK HealthCareNorton HealthcareQuest DiagnosticsSysmexLabscoUK College of Health SciencesUK CHS Department of Clinical SciencesKentucky Blood CenterCLMA - Bluegrass ChapterJohnnie Miller, MLS ‘61Jackie Resinger, MLS ‘62Michelle Butina

A group of about 200 MLS alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends partied like it was 1933. The event included a display of class

photos throughout the years, an antique laboratory instrument museum, a fun photo booth, an inspirational program, and dancing to a live band. The evening was topped off with a dose of generosity, as $10,000 has been collected for the MLS Student Scholarship Fund and matched 100 percent by the College.

Winter 2014 19

The planning committee for the MLS 80th Anniversary Gala worked tirelessly to plan the flawless event as well as to gather information and photos for the MLS Program Timeline seen above. Pictured (left to right): Jeff Lytle, MLS ‘86; Mimi Perdue-Loan, MLS ‘83; Dr. Michelle Butina, MLS Program Director; Dion Coleman, MLS Staff Support Associate II; Kim Campbell, MLS Lecturer; Keturah Taylor, CHS Alumni Coordinator; Dr. Linda Gorman, MLS Education Coordinator and Associate Professor; Dr. Anne Stiene-Martin, MLS emeritus faculty; Pat Waggener, MLS ‘61; Steve Schwarze, MLS ‘12, MLS Assistant Professor. Not pictured: Jackie Resinger, MLS ‘62.

Alumni


Dinner with KatsAlumni and students connect

In an effort to unite students with alumni, faculty and board members, CHS hosts Dinner with Kats, an annual networking event, which offers

students the opportunity to meet alumni and professors in the health care fields. The event was held November 21, 2013 at the Hilary J. Boone Center.

We are currently seeking alumni to volunteer for the 2014 Dinner with Kats, which will be held November 6. If you are interested, please email Keturah Taylor at [email protected].

Class NotesNews and updates from alumni

Winter 2014 21

Brenda GosneyPhysical Therapy ‘70 Brenda was elected president of the UK Alumni Association for 2013-14.

Send us your news and updates. Email to [email protected]@ Submit your news!

Kathryn “Katie” JordanPhysical Therapy ‘76 Katie is the author and publisher of a book titled “We Carried the Mat.” It is based on journals she kept while caring for her terminally ill husband. The book is available through Westbow Press, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.

Lieutenant Andrew Alvarez Physical Therapy ‘96 Andrew is a physical therapist in the Navy Reserve, who also works at the University of Louisville Hospital in outpatient orthopedics/sports medicine.

Andrew is currently deployed to the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan as a physical therapist and department head, where he mainly works at the Warrior Recovery Center.

David SimmsPhysical Therapy ‘00 David was awarded the 2012 Karen Deaver Home Care Clinic Professional Award for Excellence by the Kentucky Home Care Association. David currently works for Caretenders in Frankfort, KY.

Amanda Lee ReissPhysical Therapy ‘03 Amanda and her husband welcomed a baby boy, Caleb Oakley Reiss, on September 23, 2012. He joined sister, Emily, age 4. The whole family recently moved to San Francisco where her husband, Jeremy, accepted a design position with Twitter.

Save the Date Alumni Hall of Fame &

Student Recognition DinnerThursday, April 17, 2014

6:00 p.m. Baptist Health, Education Center

By invitation only

Dwain Robert Rice Physical Therapy ‘07 Dwain Rice, of Louisville, passed away after a motorcycle accident on May 19, 2013. He was 33 years old. Please read the tribute to Dwain beginning on page 22.

In memoriam

Janice Burdette Blythe, PhD Clinical Nutrition ’74 Dr. Blythe received the Lyman T. Johnson Alumni “Torch of Excellence Award.” The College of Health Sciences nominated Blythe for the award, which is given to an “African-American alum … whose faith, hard work, and determination has positively impacted the lives of people on the UK campus, the city, state, or nation.”

Development

Dwain Rice: A Servant’s HeartEndowment honors the memory of Physical Therapy alumnus

The story of Dwain Rice’s life reads a bit like a great love story. There is romance, world travel, and most notably, a lot of heart.

Dwain started out in life as a world traveler. He was born to Richard and Suk Ja Yoon Rice on January 27, 1980, in El Paso, Texas, and his world-wide adventures began due to his father’s service in the U.S. Army. As a child, Dwain learned the Korean language from his mother, and he had learned German before beginning kindergarten in Hanau, Germany. When the family was reassigned to Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, Dwain spent his first-grade year learning English. He was always a fast learner and quickly caught up with his classmates. Dwain completed first through fourth grades in the U.S. and the fifth through eighth grades in Taegu, Korea. His high school years were spent in Clarksville, Tennessee. Dwain’s journey continued after high school, when he attended Alabama A & M University. During that time, he became the proud father of his first son, Dekai, born on November 26, 2003. Dwain pledged the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and he embraced his legendary status for his no-rhythm version of the “Kappa Shimmy.” Wherever Dwain went, he made friends and touched lives. His nicknames included Kodak and D-Smooth, and he considered his biological family, friends, neighbors, fraternity brothers, and anyone in his circle as his family. According to his obituary: “Family was the cornerstone of his existence … He built strong lasting relationships because he was loyal, sacrificial, helpful, dependable, smart, funny, frugal, and positive.


(Top) Dwain with son, Kaden. (Middle) Krystal, Dekai, Kaden, and Dwain. (Bottom) Dwain with Kaden.

by Melanie J. Sparks

Editor’s note: Dwain Robert Rice, Physical Therapy ‘07, passed away after a motorcycle accident on May 19, 2013.

Winter 2014 23

With those qualities, he made friends easily. Even his enemies wanted to be his friend. It didn’t matter who you were or what you needed; he was there without reservation and never expected anything in return.” UK was the next stop on Dwain’s journey. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physical Therapy from UK, where he made lasting impressions on the faculty and on his classmates. “Dwain was a good student. He worked hard,” said Tony English, PT, PhD, Director of the CHS Division of Physical Therapy. “He had a good sense of humor. He was humble and represented the program well.” Dwain’s classmate Mary Proffitt PT, DPT, OCS, remembers him for his helpful attitude and his ability to make anyone laugh, even in the midst of a bad day. “He had the most infectious smile and a servant’s heart,” Mary said. “He had a positive and calm attitude, even during the most stressful semesters of PT school.” Kris Kaufman, PT also remembers his classmate Dwain for his “everlasting smile” and the way he could lift the spirits of a room full of people in a matter of seconds. But his effects on his classmates and all of those he touched

along the way go far beyond a great smile and a good sense of humor. Kris explained that to truly understand Dwain, you had to feel his presence. “Dwain represented so much more about life than simply character descriptors, which is difficult to explain. Probably because it can’t be explained and for good

reason: it had to be felt,” Kris said. “This ability he had to affect those around him was his ultimate gift to the world. It is a gift which is truly a blessing to those of us that were lucky enough to have experienced it. Dwain’s enthusiasm

about life continues to be a blessing to many.” Following his graduation from UK, Dwain put his servant’s heart – and hands – to work in Louisville as a Physical Therapist for Norton Health Care and Gentiva Home Health. “I received countless letters and phone calls from patients during Dwain’s time with Gentiva,” said Eric Wint, PT, OCS, Rehab Director for Gentiva Home Health. “They were eternally grateful for not only the way Dwain guided them toward a return in function, but also the way in which he did it — always with a fun, upbeat and positive attitude.”

Dwain Rice is pictured with his wife, Krystal, and son, Dekai. The couple was married in October 2009. Photos courtesy of Krystal Rice.

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Continued on page 25

Development

Thirteen teams teed off during the 5th Annual CHS Scholarship Scramble, which was held on a beautiful, blustery fall day at

the University Club of Kentucky. The event netted an impressive $6,600 for CHS student scholarships. In addition to prizes for lowest score, longest putt, straightest drive, longest drive and closest to the pin, players participated in a putting contest. The silent auction was a great success bringing in $550 for scholarship funds. This event is made possible by our major sponsors: Drayer Physical Therapy Institute, Norton Healthcare and Rockcastle Regional Hospital. We extend our gratitude to all of our sponsors, donors, players and volunteers for making the Scholarship Scramble such a success each and every year. Mark your calendar for the 6th Annual Scholarship Scramble: Friday, September 12, 2014, at the University Club.

Congratulations to the Winning Team (at left), the Cherry Blossom Linksters: Mark Turner, Tim Uhl, Todd Martin, and Nick Crist.

5th Annual Scholarship ScrambleGolf tournament raises $6,600 for student scholarships


Major Sponsors

Winter 2014 25

HOLE SPONSORS

Sharon & Gary StewartNorton HealthcareRockcastle Regional HospitalDrayer Physical Therapy InstituteCardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital

CART SPONSORS

UK Federal Credit UnionRockcastle Regional HospitalDrayer Physical Therapy InstituteNorton HealthcareFrank & Peggy BallardStaggs & Fisher

SILENT AUCTION DONORS (CONTINUED)

Soular Massage Pain Management and Wellness Center

Alure Salon & Day Spa

Four Roses Distillery

Hilton Lexington/Downtown

Hyatt Regency Lexington

Keeneland Association, Inc.

Kentucky Horse Park

BHG (Malones)

Heaven Hill Distilleries

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

Sam’s ClubPat WaggenerGordon Food ServiceUK Dining ServicesKentucky EagleCosi’sChuy’s

SILENT AUCTION DONORS

GFS

Lexington Healing Arts Academy

Two Chicks & Co.

Actors Theatre of Louisville

It was around this time, that the story of Dwain’s life intersected with the story of Krystal Hinkle’s life. Their romance began in 2009 with a friend asking for Krystal’s phone number on behalf of Dwain. His confidence was shaken by his overwhelming feelings of love at first sight. Dwain won Krystal’s heart, and their love story took a beautiful turn with their marriage on October 10, 2009, and later the birth of their sons, Kaden and Kameron. The family enjoyed an active life in their community and church, including Dwain’s coaching of youth basketball. Dwain Rice left this life far too early at the age of 33 years old, but his impact – his heart – lives on in the many hearts he touched along the way. His former classmate Kris summed it up well with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” “Dwain did just that during his short time here on Earth,” he said, “but the world will continue to shake because of the people he touched along the way.”

Honoring Dwain’s memory The UK College of Health Sciences is in the process of establishing an endowment for the Dwain Robert Rice Memorial Scholarship. Thanks to the generosity of Dwain’s wife, Krystal Rice, this endowment will perpetuate once reaching $25,000 by accepting donations over the next five years.

“One thing everyone knew about Dwain was that he LOVED UK! I am a devoted Cards fan so we had a lot of fun being a house divided,” Krystal said. “He was an

awesome person and was loved by so many people. He had a beautiful smile and a big heart. He would do anything to help others. I miss him so much, but it brings joy to my heart to begin working on this scholarship in his honor.” It is in keeping with Dwain’s giving spirit that Krystal has chosen to honor his memory through scholarships to deserving PT students. Scholarships awarded from this fund will go to Physical Therapy students who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher; have overcome adversity while in college; have financial need; and complete an essay (topic to be determined by donor and committee). Please consider making a contribution to help honor Dwain — the man with a big smile and an even bigger heart.

How to contribute If you would like to make a contribution to the Dwain Robert Rice Memorial Scholarship, please visit the website at http://bit.ly/dwain_rice or send your check, payable to the University of Kentucky, to:

If you have questions, please contact Keturah Taylor at (859) 218-0479 or [email protected].

UK College of Health Sciences ATTN: Keturah Taylor CTW Building, Rm 123900 S. Limestone Street

Lexington, KY 40536-0200

Dwain Rice Continued

Krystal and sons, Kaden and Kameron, pose in front of the UK/UofL “house divided.”

Kameron was born after his father’s passing.

2013 GOLF SCRAMBLE SPONSORS

Charles T. Wethington Jr. Building900 South Limestone, Room 123Lexington, KY 40536-0200

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDLexington, KY

Permit #51

A group of speech-language pathologists, otolaryngology faculty and residents, oral surgeons, dental hygienists, and CSD graduate students performed free mouth and throat cancer screenings for 200 NASCAR spectators at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, KY in June.

bit.ly/ukchs

connection magazine winter 2014

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