Honoring our Staff and Faculty
Each year, the Institute recognizes outstanding faculty and staff for special recognition of their achievements in research, teaching, JEDI practices, interprofessional education and practice, and commitment to advancing the Institute's mission. All of the following faculty and staff awards, with the exception of the TEAL award and Staff Employee of the Year award, are presented at Fall Convocation.
Nancy T. Watts Award for Excellence in Teaching
This award honors a distinguished Institute faculty member who has excelled in meeting the excellence in teaching criteria and is recognized by students, faculty colleagues, and other members of the community. It is given to a faculty member who best exemplifies creativity in teaching, is receptive to evaluation, is responsive to the individual learning needs of students, is a mentor to students and faculty alike, and is recognized and respected by professional colleagues.
Nancy T. Watts was Professor Emerita at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. She was a physical therapist and educator.
Dr. Watts came to the Massachusetts General Hospital in 1974 as Assistant Director of Educational Planning, where she was instrumental in the creation of the Institute of Health Professions. After the Institute was launched, she came to serve as Director of the Graduate Program in Physical Therapy as well as Acting Provost.
Throughout her professional life, Dr. Watts focused on educating health care professionals. Her major academic interests concerned interdisciplinary education, clinical teaching, the economics of health care, and clinical reasoning.
Dr. Watts taught and consulted in Britain, Scandinavia, Africa, and Latin America. In addition, she was on the original founding board of the Foundation for Physical Therapy, which was created to promote and foster research, and was active in the World Confederation for Physical Therapy.
She received several awards and honors from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), including the Baethke-Carlin Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching and the Mary McMillan Lectureship, the organization's highest award. In 1986 Dr. Watts was named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association (FAPTA), the highest honor among APTA's membership categories.
In 1989 a Committee was established to develop eligibility, criteria and a selection process for an Award for Excellence in Teaching. The first Excellence in Teaching Award was awarded to Nancy T. Watts, Professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions Commencement on June 16, 1989. In 1996, the award was renamed the Nancy T. Watts Award for Excellence in Teaching to honor her as the first recipient of the award. Nancy T. Watts, PhD, PT, FAPTA helped create the Institute and then was its first Director of the Physical Therapy program. The Watts award is presented during the Fall Convocation.
Dr. Watts passed away April 4, 2011 at the age of 83. She was a true pioneer, and her influence and impact will continue to be felt for years to come by the Institute and the many individuals whose lives she touched.
The Nancy T. Watts Award for Excellence in Teaching honors her legacy.
All regular and adjunct faculty of the MGH Institute of Health Professions, who have not already received the award, are eligible for the award. Nominations will stay active for three years.
A committee with representation from faculty and students will evaluate the nominees' qualification for evidence of:
- Commitment to enhancing the educational experience of Institute students
- Creativity in teaching methods
- Openness to student and faculty colleague evaluation
- Success as a mentor to faculty or students
Please assemble the following items into a single PDF and email it to the provost [at] mghihp.edu (Office of the Provost) by April 15:
- A cover letter from the nominator(s) describing how the candidate meets the selection criteria for the award
- Between two and six supporting letters, from both students and colleagues, attesting to the candidate's teaching excellence
- Sample materials that demonstrate creativity in teaching methods (if appropriate).
A committee consisting of faculty and students shall be appointed by the Provost to review the nominations and select the person to receive the award.
2023 – Bonnie Halvorson-Bourgeois, MS, CCC-SLP (view video)
2022 – Gayun Chan-Smutko, MS, CGC (view video)
2021 – Kaveri M. Roy, DNP, RN (view video)
2020 – Sofia Vallila Rohter, PhD, CCC-SLP(view video)
2019 – Rebecca Hill, DNP, RN, FNP-C, CNE (view video)
2018 – Jason R. Lucey, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
2017 – Laura Plummer, PT, DPT, MS, NCS
2016 – Antonia Makosky, DNP, MSN, MPH, ANP-BC
2015 – Katherine Simmonds, MS, MPH, WHNP-BC
2014 – Patricia Reidy, DNP, FNP-BC
2013 – D.J. Mattson, DPT, EdD, SCS
2012 – Charles Haynes, EdD, CCC-SLP
2011 – A.J. Guarino, PhD
2010 – Marianne Beninato, DPT, PhD
2009 – Charles Jeans, MS, CCC-SLP
2008 – Sharon P. Sullivan, MS, RN
2007 – Linda Andrist, PhD, RNC, WHNP
2006 – Anne McCarthy Jacobson, DPT, MS, NCS
2005 – Marjorie Nicholas, PhD, CCC-SLP
2004 – Pamela E. Hook, PhD, Professor Emerita
2003 – Kathleen Gill-Body, DPT, MS, NCS
2002 – Bette Ann Harris, DPT, MS, Professor Emerita
2001 – Lesley A. Maxwell, MS, CCC-SLP
2000 – Mary P. Watkins, DPT, MS, CHT, Associate Professor Emerita
1999 – Inge B. Corless, PhD, RN, FAAN
1998 – Janice Bell Meisenhelder, DNSc, RN
1997 – Carol H. Kammer, EdD, RN
1996 – No award given
1995 – Patrice K. Nicholas, DNSC, MPH, RN, ANP, FAAN
1994 – James M. Hodgson, PhD
1993 – Michael D. Smith, PhD
1992 – Daniel A. Dyrek, DPT, MS
1991 – Barbara K. Willson, PhD, RNC, Professor Emerita
1990 – Sylvia D. Paige, DNSc, RN, Professor Emerita
1989 – Nancy T. Watts, PhD, PT, FAPTA, Professor Emerita
Staff Employee of the Year
2024 Winner
The IHP’s 2024 Employee of the Year was awarded to Carla Donati, Assistant Dean of Administration in the School of Nursing. One of her nominators said, “As Assistant Dean of Administration in the School of Nursing, Carla is the glue in our school, enhancing the efficiency and resources in our day-to-day operations. Carla's education and leadership are instrumental to our success in the School of Nursing.…Nothing is beneath Carla. She is the consummate team player who pitches in to ensure we meet our goals.”
The Staff Employee of the Year award was established in 2010 to recognize significant contributions and excellence in service, innovation and teamwork by a staff employee. The winner is announced during Employee Appreciation Week.
To be eligible for nomination, the individual must meet the following criteria:
- Be a staff employee (members of Executive Council are not eligible)
- Have at least one year of continuous employment with the Institute
- Have an overall score of Solid Performance on the most recent performance evaluation
- Have a good attendance record
- Cannot be the current Staff Council Chair
- Not eligible for nomination if employee was awarded Employee of the Year within the past three years
The Employee of the Year Committee will select a staff member based on exceptional contributions to the Institute, fellow employees, and the community in one or more of the following areas:
Dedication to Duty & Service | Through unselfish dedication to duty, has contributed significant service to their department and the Institute community. |
Innovation | Has initiated and successfully established new and outstanding methods, practices, plans, or designs having fundamental value to the Institute community. |
Teamwork | Works with and influences others to high performance through their enthusiasm, collaboration and willingness to go above and beyond their responsibilities to achieve results. |
Other Achievements | For outstanding contributions of significance to the Institute to fulfill its mission. |
Nominations may be submitted by any employee at the Institute, including support staff, managers, administrators, or faculty. Nominations must be submitted electronically and should be no more than 500 words using the Staff Employee of the Year Nomination Form. The letter should be specific with examples of "how" or "why" the nominated employee has significantly contributed and/or exemplified excellence in one or more of the criteria categories listed above. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Nomination forms may be sent to IHPHR [at] mghihp.edu (IHPHR[at]mghihp[dot]edu).
- 2023: Angela Cruz, Program Manager IMPACT Practice Center
- 2022: Anna Cottrell, Associate Registrar, Office of Enrollment Services
- 2021: Vanessa Desrochers, Auxiliary Services Coordinator, Campus Services
- 2020: Tony Sindelar, Senior Instructional Designer & Teaching Consultant, Office of the Provost/Instructional Design
- 2019: Steve Ciesielski, Lead Academic Support Counselor, School of Nursing
- 2018: Elizabeth Pipes, Chief of Staff, Office of the President
- 2017: Yolanda Mendez Rainey, Operations Manager, Center for Interprofessional Studies & Innovation
- 2016: Heather Easter, Executive Assistant to the Provost, Office of the Provost
- 2015: Jessica Bell, Director of Library and Instructional Design, Office of the Provost
- 2014: Susan Reynolds, Web Editor, Office of Communications and Marketing
- 2013: Jim Vitagliano, Assistant Dean of Students and Registrar, Office of Student Affairs
- 2012: Valerie Grande, Learning Resources Coordinator, Information Technology
- 2011: Anthony Miceli, Assistant Director of Admissions, Student Affairs
- 2010: Jorge Sanchez De Lozada, Assistant Director, Information Technology
Award for Excellence in Advancing Interprofessional Education and Practice
2023 Winner
Dr. Midge Hobbs, Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy program, Assistant Dean for Interprofessional Education.
This award honors an individual or team that has distinguished itself in advancing interprofessional education or practice (IPE/P) within, or in collaboration with, MGH Institute of Health Professions.
It will be announced and presented at the Institute’s annual Fall Convocation. The individual or team being recognized will be presented with a financial token of appreciation and a commemorative plaque. This award will only be given when there is a qualified nominee and does not need to be given every year.
If an individual recipient, the award winner will hold a faculty appointment or serve as a term lecturer at MGH Institute of Health Professions. Team nominees must include an IHP faculty member to be eligible for the award. All Institute faculty, staff, and students are eligible to nominate their colleagues and collaborators for this award.
A committee with representation from faculty, administration, and students will evaluate the nominees' qualifications for evidence of:
- Vision and commitment to advancing interprofessional education or practice.
- A collaborative approach to communicating and working with relevant stakeholder groups when implementing interprofessional initiatives.
- Exemplary high quality work that is theory or evidence based and illustrative of best practice.
- Evaluation of the interprofessional work and use of data to inform process improvement and document impacts.
- Commitment to sharing expertise and results by:
- Serving as a mentor or role model in enhancing IPE/P
- Scholarly impact though dissemination of work through peer-reviewed publication or other methods
Please assemble the following items into a single PDF and email it to Yolanda Mendez Rainey by April 15:
- A cover letter from the nominator(s) describing how the nominated individual or team meets the award criteria.
- Supporting materials, as appropriate (e.g. supporting letters from stakeholders; course or program evaluation results; samples of peer-reviewed publications resulting from nominee’s IPE/P efforts, etc.). Nominators may inform the nominee and enlist their assistance in gathering supporting material.
In 2022, the award was given to Dr. Patricia Reidy, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Community Engagement and a professor of nursing. Dr. Reidy's dedication to advancing interprofessionalism in her teaching, practice, scholarship, service, and leadership has indeed moved the needle on how interprofessional education and collaborative practice are lived out here at the IHP and well beyond.
In 2021, the award was given to the Health Professions Education Program team: Roger Edwards, the program chair and a professor; Suzie Kardong-Edgren, an associate professor; Anshul Kumar, an assistant professor; Yolanda Mendez Rainey, the operations manager; Janice Palaganas, a professor; Jennifer Rodriguez, the program manager for online learning; Claudia Rosu, an adjunct assistant professor; Anne Thompson, an adjunct associate professor; and BA White, an associate professor. The team received the award for its vision and commitment to advancing interprofessional education or practice, having a collaborative approach to communicating and working with relevant stakeholder groups when implementing interprofessional initiative, and producing exemplary high-quality work that is theory or evidence based and illustrative of best practice.
In 2020, the Child Development Day team received the Award for Excellence in Advancing Interprofessional Education and Practice. The team organizes the yearly event during which students in the IHP's direct-entry programs learn and observe youngsters and then break into interprofessional teams to discuss their observations.
In 2019, Regina Doherty, an associate professor of occupational therapy and the department’s interim chair, received the Award for Excellence in Advancing Interprofessional Education and Practice. Dr. Doherty was recognized for being a key contributor to the Institute’s IMPACT Practice initiative, a core collaborator on the HRSA-funded project on Interprofessional Collaboration for Chronic Care Management, and for encouraging the development of the Institute’s Common Reading program. The award was presented at the 2019 fall Faculty Convocation.
In 2018, 20 people from the IHP and Harvard Medical School responsible for the Crimson Care Collaborative shared the Award for Excellence in Advancing Interprofessional Education and Practice. The initiative is a collaboration between the Institute, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard Dental School in which IHP nurse practitioner and physician assistant studies students provide patient care working in teams with Harvard students at multiple locations throughout Greater Boston. Supported by a $1.4 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the CCC has pioneered a co-precepting model that integrates the IPEC competencies in faculty development and teaching sessions. Students have presented scholarly work at national conferences based upon their experiences, and the share of Institute nurse practitioner graduates employed in medically underserved communities has increased 53 percent.
The recipients were:
- From the IHP: Patricia Reidy, DNP-FNP-BC, FNAP, Antonia Makosky, DNP, MSN, MPH, ANP-BC, Joshua Merson, MPAS, MS-HPEd, PA-C, EM-CAQ, and Rebecca Nuerenberger, MSN;
- From Crimson Care Collaborative: Marya Cohen, MD, MPH, Susan M. Edgman- Levitan, PA, Pat Gavin, Amy Weinstein, MD, and Rachael Williams;
- From Crimson Care Collaborative Student Leaders: Francesca Barrett, Smitha Ganeshan, and Deanna Palenzuela;
- From Crimson Care Collaborative Site Directors: Jacqueline Chu, MD, Shiri Feingold, MD, Kirsten Meisinger, MD, Kristen Remus, MD, Kevin Sullivan, MD, MPH, Matthew Tobey, MD, Kate Wren, MD, and Neda Yousif, MD.
In 2017, 13 people from the IHP and Massachusetts General Hospital responsible for running the 3 Interprofessional Dedicated Education Units (IPDEU) at the hospital shared the inaugural Award for Excellence in Advancing Interprofessional Education and Practice.
The award recognized the innovative model that the IPDEU steering committee has developed to involve over 100 students per semester in active observation and reflection on the elements of effective collaborative care.
The recipients were: Gaurdia Banister, executive director, the Institute for Patient Care (MGH); Linda Andrist, professor emeritus, School of Nursing (IHP); Patricia Fitzgerald, nursing director (MGH); Jacquelyn Holmberg, clinical nurse specialist (MGH); Rebecca Santos Inzana, associate professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IHP); Ann Jampel, clinical specialist, PT Outpatient Service (MGH); Melissa Joseph, nursing director (MGH); Mary Knab, director, IMPACT Practice (IHP); Leslie Portney, dean, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (IHP); Maureen Schneider, nursing director (MGH); Inez Tuck, dean, School of Nursing (IHP); Carmen Vega-Barachowitz, director, Speech Language and Swallowing Disorders (MGH); and Trish Zeytoonjian, IPDEU clinical faculty coordinator (IHP).
New Investigator Award
2024 Winner
The award was given to Dr. Kathryn Connaghan, an Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Dr. Connaghan's research focuses on motor-speech impairments, such as those caused by ALS. Her work aims to develop interventions that enhance communication and social connectedness for individuals with these disorders.
The purpose of this award is to honor an MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP) faculty member who has achieved distinction in the early stages of a research career by developing a program of research that is recognized for 1) creating new knowledge that significantly impacts the scientific basis of his or her field of practice, and 2) advancing the research mission of the IHP. Nominees will be evaluated based on the scope and impact of their research programs.
The award will be announced and presented at Fall Convocation. The awardee will be presented with a financial token of appreciation and a commemorative plaque. This award will only be given when there is a qualified candidate and does not have to be given every year.
Department Chairs/Program Directors are eligible to nominate their faculty colleagues for this award.
- Candidate must hold the position of Assistant Professor.
- Candidates who joined the IHP within the last 3 years as Assistant Professor are eligible for this award.
- Own research activity has the potential to contribute to the IHP research mission and has not received the award previously.
Criteria
- Evidence of a clear programmatic line of research.
- Number and quality of peer-reviewed publications.
- A record of external grant writing.
- Internal and/ or external research funding.
Please compile the following components into a single PDF and submit it via email to research [at] mghihp.edu (research[at]mghihp[dot]edu) by April 15:
- Department Chair/Program Director Nomination Letter: Include the nominee's name, title, school/department, and a 250-word letter explaining why the nominee deserves this research award. Ensure to incorporate specific examples that address the award criteria.
- Nominee's CV or Biosketch: Attach a detailed curriculum vitae or biosketch of the nominee, emphasizing their academic accomplishments and research contributions.
- Digital Copies of Influential Publications: Submit up to 4 digital copies of the nominee's most significant publications, showcasing their impact in their respective research domain.
- 2023: Marziye Eshghi, an assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, received the Award. Dr. Eshghi studies many aspects of speech measures, and most recently, her research led to the discovery of early biomarkers of Alzheimer's.
- 2022: Karen Chenausky and Keshrie Naidoo received the Award. Dr. Chenausky, an assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, was honored as a rising star in speech-motor development in children with autism. Dr. Naidoo, an assistant professor of physical therapy, was honored for her research to understand the academic experiences and professional development of minority students in the DPT program.
- 2021: Rawan AlHeresh, an associate professor of occupational therapy, and Shweta Gore. an associate professor of physical therapy, received the Award. Dr. AlHeresh, was recognized for improving patient-reported outcomes for people with arthritis and her work in creating the “Toward an All-Inclusive Jordan” initiative. Dr. Gore was recognized for her research in physical activity assessments in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and for receiving a Learning Health Systems Rehabilitation Research Network grant.
- 2020: Kimberly Erler, an assistant professor of occupational therapy, received the New Investigator Award. Her research interests include stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and caregiver wellness. Her record of publications is increasing rapidly.
- 2019: Sofia Vallila Rohter, an assistant professor of speech-language pathology and co-director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Group (CNG), received the New Investigator Award. Dr. Valilla Rohter, who also is a faculty member in the Speech Hearing & Biosciences and Technology program at Harvard University, a research associate at Spaulding Rehab, Boston University, and MIT, received the award for her efforts in using event-related potentials, neuroimaging, and behavioral methods to investigate learning in people with and without aphasia.
- 2018: Yael Arbel, PhD, CCC-SLP, Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Co-Director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Group.
- 2017: Andrea Fairman, PhD, OTR/L, CPRP, Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, for her research in the use of mobile digital devices to improve the medical management of patients with chronic conditions and disabilities.
- 2016: Joanna Christodoulou, EdD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Director of the BEAM Team.
Faculty Award for Excellence in Research
2024 Winner
Dr. Kathleen Lyons, Director of the Cancer Rehabilitation (CaRe) Lab and a Professor of Occupational Therapy, received the 2024 Excellence in Research Award for her outstanding contributions to the field of cancer rehabilitation and psycho-oncology. Dr. Lyons is a national leader in developing evidence-based interventions that improve the quality of life for individuals living with and beyond cancer.
The purpose of this award is to honor a distinguished MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP) faculty member who has a sustained distinctive program of research that is recognized nationally and internationally for; 1) creating new knowledge that significantly impacts the scientific basis of his or her field of practice, and 2) advances the research mission of the IHP.
The award will be announced and presented at Fall Convocation. The awardee will be presented with a financial token of appreciation and a commemorative plaque. This award will only be given when there is a qualified candidate and does not have to be given every year.
- Candidates eligible for this award must hold an appointment at the Associate or full Professor level.
- Has a sustained program of research while at the Institute that contributes to the IHP research mission.
- Has undertaken research that has enhanced the reputation of the Institute and has not received the award previously.
- Received substantial research funding as a principal investigator (PI).
Criteria
A selection committee will evaluate the nominees' qualifications for evidence of:
- Number and quality of peer-reviewed publications.
- Citations of their work by others in the field.
- Received substantial research funding as principal investigator (PI).
- Research mentor to IHP faculty, colleagues, and students.
- Recognized nationally and internationally as outstanding in their field of research.
Please compile the following components into a single PDF and submit it via email to research [at] mghihp.edu (research[at]mghihp[dot]edu) by April 15:
- Department Chair/Program Director Nomination Letter: Include the nominee's name, title, school/department, and a 250-word letter explaining why the nominee deserves this research award. Ensure to incorporate specific examples that address the award criteria.
- Nominee's CV or Biosketch: Attach a detailed curriculum vitae or biosketch of the nominee, emphasizing their academic accomplishments and research contributions.
- Digital Copies of Influential Publications: Submit up to 4 digital copies of the nominee's most significant publications, showcasing their impact in their respective research domain.
- 2023: Joanna Christodoulou, Director of the BEAM lab and an associate professor of communication sciences and disorders, received this award, highlighting her vast, internationally-recognized work based on out-of-the-box ideas and a transformational impact on research approaches.
- 2021: Yael Arbel, a professor of communication sciences and disorders, received the Institute’s highest research award. A co-director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Group, she has an outstanding research program that has gained national recognition, most recently when she received R01 funding from the NIH. Using research strategies based on out-of-the-box ideas, she is bringing a transformational impact at the national level and benefitting local schools and school children. She has also been a mentor to early investigators, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, CSD graduate students, and undergraduate interns.
- 2020: Patrice Nicholas, a professor of nursing, received the award. Her scholarship and research efforts have focused on global issues, quality of life, and climate and health. She has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, two textbooks, and many invited and peer-reviewed presentations, along with a continuous record of scholarly accomplishments.
- 2019: Teresa Kimberley, a professor of physical therapy and director of the Brain Recovery Lab, received the fourth annual Faculty Award for Excellence in Research. Dr. Kimberley, who also has an appointment at Mass General Hospital as a research staff in the Department of Neurology and as a research faculty at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, was recognized for being a pioneer in the use of neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation. Kimberley, who also directs the Brain Health & Recovery Research Cluster at the Institute, was awarded the MGH SPARC Award along with several of her hospital colleagues.
- 2018: Tiffany P. Hogan, PhD, CCC-SLP, a professor of communication sciences and disorders and Director of the Speech and Language (SAiL) Literacy Lab, received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Research for her work on understanding causal mechanisms associated with developmental language disorder, dyslexia, speech sound disorders, and their co-morbidities. Hogan’s research has been funded by the NIH, the Institute of Education Sciences, and many private foundations. She authored or co-authored 67 publications, 45 of which include student co-authors.
- 2017: Jordan Green, PhD, CCC-SLP, Associate Provost for Research, a professor of communication sciences and disorders, and Director of the Speech and Feeding Disorders Lab, received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Research for his body of research to significantly improve the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of people who have developmental disorders like apraxia and progressive disorders like ALS.
- 2016: Diane Mahoney, PhD, ANP-BC, FGSA, FAAN, a professor of nursing.
Excellence in Research Mentoring Award
2024 Winner
In 2024, the Excellence in Research Mentoring award was given to Dr. Margie Sipe, Assistant Dean of Leadership Programs and Professor of Nursing, to celebrate her outstanding dedication to shaping the next generation of nursing, and Dr. Teresa Kimberley, Director of the Brain Recovery Lab and Professor of Physical Therapy, to honor her dedication to nurturing the next generation of scientists and clinicians.
First given in 2020, the purpose of this award is to honor a MGH Institute of Health Professions faculty who has excelled as mentor. Mentoring could include research mentoring, professional development and research networking, and guidance on integrating teaching and research. Faculty research mentors at the associate or professor rank are eligible.
The award will be announced and presented at Fall Convocation. The awardee will be presented with a financial token of appreciation and a commemorative plaque. This award will only be given when there is a qualified candidate and does not have to be given every year.
- Candidates eligible for this award must hold an appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level and provide mentoring and help in advancing the careers of others at IHP.
- Exhibits a strong commitment to the professional development of mentees. Regarded by colleagues as an outstanding mentor.
Please compile the following components into a single PDF and submit it via email to research [at] mghihp.edu (research[at]mghihp[dot]edu) by April 15:
- Department Chair/Program Director Nomination Letter: Include the nominee's name, title, school/department, and a 250-word letter explaining why the nominee deserves this research award. Ensure to incorporate specific examples that address the award criteria.
- Additional letters: Attach 4 to 6 letters from junior faculty and postdoc mentees.
- Nominee's CV or Biosketch: Attach a detailed curriculum vitae or biosketch of the nominee, emphasizing their mentoring accomplishments and contributions.
In 2023, Pat Reidy, a professor of nursing and Director of Community Engagement, was awarded the Excellence in Research Mentoring Award. Since she joined the Institute in 2004, Dr. Reidy has continuously provided thoughtful and dedicated research mentorship to junior faculty members.
In 2022, Prue Plummer, a professor of physical therapy, was awarded the Excellence in Research Mentoring Award. Dr. Plummer is widely recognized as a leading scholar. She's published over 60 peer-reviewed papers, and almost all of them have student co-authors. Currently, she serves as a research mentor to several junior faculty. She has mentored students at all levels - post-doctoral fellows, doctoral students, as well as graduate students. All her past mentees have achieved the next steps in their careers, which speaks for excellence in mentoring.
In 2021, Jordan Green, the Matina Souretis Horner Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences, director of the Speech and Feeding Disorders Lab, and a professor of communication sciences and disorders, received the Excellence in Mentorship Award. Widely recognized internationally as a leading researcher in speech and swallowing issues for people with ALS and those who have undergone facial transplants, He has mentored post-doctoral fellows, and students at the doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels. All his past mentees have achieved next steps in their career, while all of his current PhD students from his lab have received F31 funding from the NIH. And in 2021, three of his postdocs received independent NIH funding and joined the IHP faculty.
In 2020, Tiffany Hogan, director of the Speech and Language (SAiL) Literacy Lab and a professor of communication sciences and disorders, received the first Excellence in Mentorship Award. Widely recognized as a leading scholar nationally and internationally in the area of language and literacy with an outstanding record of publishing and externally funded research, she has mentored post-doctoral fellows, doctoral students, and over 50 undergraduate and graduate students.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Leadership Award
First awarded by the Office of the President in 2022, the purpose of this award is to honor a distinguished Institute faculty or staff member or group consisting of faculty and/or staff members who have a sustained commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion at our institution and beyond.
Examples of JEDI leadership include but are not limited to demonstrating a long-standing record of: mentoring marginalized and minoritized students, supporting their peers and colleagues in engaging JEDI issues as well as those who experience marginalization, conducting research on equity and social justice issues and application of this research in their teaching, facilitating programming for the staff community related to JEDI issues, and contributions in their disciplines or working with communities beyond the IHP on equity and social justice.
The award will be announced and presented at Fall Convocation. The awardee will be presented with a financial token of appreciation and a commemorative plaque. This award will only be given when there is a qualified candidate and does not have to be given every year.
- Holds a faculty or staff appointment of at least 0.5 FTE
- Has not received the award previously
- Nominations will stay active for three years
Criteria
A committee comprised of representatives from the Office of the President, Office of the Provost, and Human Resources will evaluate the nominees’ qualifications for evidence of:
- Exhibits a strong and sustained commitment to equity and social justice
- Reputation as a source of support and mentorship for students, faculty, and staff about JEDI issues
- Regarded by colleagues as an expert on equity and social justice
All Institute faculty, staff, students, and alumni are eligible to nominate a member of the IHP faculty and staff for this award. Please assemble the following items into a single PDF and email it to Kimberly Truong by April 15:
- Nominee’s CV
- A description of how the candidate meets the selection criteria for the award).
2023: Clara Gona, an associate professor of nursing, received the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award for her sustained commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion at the IHP. In a video highlighting Gona's contributions, Dr. Jason Lucey said, "Her research publications on the experience of black students here at the IHP has really been a call to action to us as a nursing school to do better and to improve the experience of people of color."
2022: Eleonor Pusey-Reid, an associate professor of nursing, received the inaugural Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award. In a video, Dr. Elaine Tagliareni, the School of Nursing’s Director of Faculty Development and former Interim Dean, said Pusey-Reid was a major influence in the School of Nursing’s commitment to change in the aftermath of the 2020 murder of George Floyd, and pointed to a research study Pusey-Reid and Dr. Clara Gona published showing that Black alumni experienced microaggressions in their nursing education. That finding led to a two-year faculty development approach to integrating JEDI awareness curriculum in the school.
Provost Collaboration Award
2024 Winners
The inaugural winners of the Provost Collaboration Award are:
- Michael Monteiro, Director of Enterprise Software Applications and Systems, for expert contributions to data integration for enrollment efficiency.
- Gregory Moore, Instructional Technology Manager, for creative and collegial implementation of continuing education and EdX learning activities.
- MGB's Workforce Development Team, for partnership in expanding and enhancing equity in pathways into health care careers.
First awarded in 2024, the Provost Collaboration Award recognizes individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the academic excellence of the Institute through collaborative efforts. This recognition honors those who have excelled in fostering innovation, promoting interprofessional cooperation, and contributing to the success of academic initiatives that significantly impact the Institute's mission.
Teaching Excellence Academy for Learning (TEAL)
Past Recipients
The Academy will elect up to three fellows each year. After three years, members will become honorary fellows of the Academy, so there will be no more than nine active members at a time.
- 2019–2022: Patrice Nicholas, DNSc, DHL (Hon.), MPH, RN, NP-C, FAAN and Caitlin Fitzgerald, PT, DPT
- 2020–2023: Anne McCarthy Jacobson, DPT, MS, Laura Plummer, PT, DPT, MS, NCS, and Kaveri Roy, DNP, RN, CHPN
- 2021–2024: Suellen Breakey, PhD, RN, Eleonor Pusey-Reid, DNP, RN, MS, MEd, and Kathy Simmonds, PhD, MPH, RN, WHNP-BC
- 2022–2025: Keshrie Naidoo, PT, DPT, EdD, OCS, Joshua Merson, MS, MS-HPEd, PA-C, CAQ-EM, and Lesley Maxwell, MS, CCC-SLP
- 2023–2026: Bobbie Ann Adair White, EdD, MA
- 2024-2028: Midge Hobbs, OTD, OTR/L, Jason Lucey, DNP, FNP-BC, John Wong, PhD
The aim of TEAL is to:
- Promote the scholarship of teaching and learning
- Honor Institute faculty who demonstrate sustained contributions to teaching excellence
- Spread promising practices in health professions education
- Provide mentorship for early career faculty members
The Academy will elect up to three fellows each year. After three years, members will become honorary fellows of the Academy, so there will be no more than nine active members at a time. Applicants may come from any academic program and any rank. Faculty members must have at least three years of service at the IHP with an FTE of 0.5 or above.
Faculty members will self-nominate by sending an electronic dossier to the Office of the Provost by December 15.
The packet should include:
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Artifacts that demonstrate fulfillment of membership criteria
- Letter of support from their chair or dean
- Completed teaching portion of self-evaluation template for promotion
A selection committee comprised of current and former TEAL fellows will review applications once a year. New fellows will be notified and begin their terms in January. All applicants will receive feedback on their applications. Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Teaching effectiveness (classroom, clinic, curricular development)
- Record of peer-reviewed scholarship of teaching and learning regardless of chosen area of scholarly impact
- Educational leadership and mentorship (service to colleagues, school/program, institution, and profession)
- Commitment to interprofessional education and practice
For the three-year span they serve as active fellows of TEAL, members will receive:
- $3,000 discretionary account for professional development
- Public recognition at Fall Convocation
All active and honorary fellows will receive:
- Use of the title “Distinguished Teaching Professor” (according to current faculty rank)
Membership Responsibilities
Fellows of the Teaching Academy will contribute to the Institute’s educational mission by:
- Acting as peer reviewers of teaching for faculty members in other programs
- Joining the selection committee for the Nancy T. Watts Award for Teaching Excellence
- Serve as mentors to other faculty in the scholarship of teaching and learning
Pending need, they may also choose to:
- Participate in teaching development activities at the Institute (1-2 per year)
- Consult with academic units and Institute-wide committees on teaching effectiveness
- Join a planning committee for an annual teaching and learning conference in conjunction with the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development
At the end of each year in the Academy, active fellows must write a short summary of their activities related to teaching and learning. The Associate Provost for Academic Affairs will review the summaries to ensure that members have fulfilled their responsibilities and to approve their continued membership in the Academy.