Tag: Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

HCAS Biology Student Presents at Life Sciences Undergraduate Symposium

Vinay Munlapudi

On Oct. 25, 2025, Vinay Munlapudi presented an oral talk at the Life Sciences South Florida (LSSF) Annual STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium held at Alan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation.

In collaboration with Munlapudi’s independent study mentor, Dr. Santanu De, associate professor at NSU’s Department of Biological Sciences, the interdisciplinary project was titled “Evaluating Global Efficacy of Artificial Intelligence for Active Learning and Assessment in Health Sciences and STEM”. Details about LSSF as an acclaimed, growing regional scholarly society can be found here. Additionally, as a presenter at LSSF, Vinay actively participated in the United Nations Institute for Training and Research’s International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders in Miami, hosted by Outreach Aid to the Americas in partnership with Florida International University.

Vinay Munlapudi

Munlapudi is a bachelor of science student with dual majors in pre-med/biology at NSU’s Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and Health Informatics within NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is a part of the class of 2027.

NSU Professor Shares Research in Iceland and Denmark

Dr. Adithya Chandregowda, associate professor from the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, presented a research poster at the 21st Congress of the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS), held in Reykjavik, Iceland.

His poster was titled “Promoting Interaction Between Individuals with Severe Communication Impairments and their Loved Ones: Implications for End-of-life Care.” Dr. Chandregowda presented a one-hour lecture on primary progressive aphasia — also referred to as “language-led dementia” — and end-of-life communication to the faculty and speech pathology students at the Department of Nordic Studies and Linguistics at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Researchers and students from the speech pathology program at the University of Southern Denmark joined this lecture online. His lecture was well received, and he appreciated the warm hospitality. He remained thankful for these opportunities as they help him gain global perspectives about his professional areas of interest.

KPCOM Student Presents During Virtual Conference

On Tuesday, October 14, Ms. Yumna Indorewala, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine candidate at Nova Southeastern University’s Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, presented a poster at the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) 2025 Virtual Conference.

In collaboration with her research independent study mentor Dr. Santanu De, associate professor at NSU’s Department of Biological Sciences, the interdisciplinary project was titled “Case Studies on Education and Research in Global Healthcare and STEM Adapted to COVID-19: A Comprehensive Evaluation.”

The mission of this prestigious, scholarly society is to promote teaching excellence in the critical health science disciplines of anatomy and physiology around the world.

NSU Students Excel at 2025 ISSN Conference

Emma Sterne

Emma SterneThe Department of Health and Human Performance in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine made a strong impression at the 2025 International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference held in Delray Beach, Florida.

With mentorship from Drs. Corey Peacock, Monique Mokha, Anthony Ricci, Jose Antonio, Tobin Silver, and Lia Jiannine, the department contributed to ten accepted abstract presentations, each featuring NSU Florida students as first authors or co-authors. The accepted presentations highlighted a range of topics in sports science and nutrition, including biomechanics, body composition, eating behaviors, and weight cutting strategies in mixed martial arts.

Undergraduate student Emma Sterne earned first place in the undergraduate category for her research comparing the influence of lower-body biomechanics versus body composition on sprint performance in the 40-yard dash. Cassandra Evans, MS, RD, who serves as adjunct faculty in both the Department of Nutrition and the Department of Health and Human Performance, earned second place in the PhD-level category for her project examining sex-related differences in eating behaviors.

These achievements reflect the department’s strong culture of student-driven research supported by engaged and experienced faculty mentors. Students participated in many stages of the research process alongside faculty, gaining valuable experience and helping elevate the department’s national presence in health and human performance.

NSU Professor Advocates for a Professional Reform

Adithya Chandregowda

Dr. Adithya Chandregowda, associate professor from the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, recently published a letter-to-the-editor advocating for a revision of the professional title “speech language pathologist” due to four key reasons.

Adithya Chandregowda

Within a short span of time, the article has received substantial attention as evidenced by about 5,000 downloads worldwide.

The letter can be freely accessed here.

Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine raises funds for chronic illness research

By: Makena Carr

This annual fundraiser is hosted by the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine (INIM) to raise funds for chronic illness research. Adequate funding allows our team to design and conduct studies that may lead to new and effective treatments for illnesses such as Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Every member of our team at INIM shares the same mission: to bring hope and help to those living with chronic illness. Research is a vital part of fulfilling that mission—and your support allows us to keep moving forward. The Institute opened its doors 12 years ago as the first of its kind in the nation—a place dedicated to treating patients with neuroinflammatory disorders while conducting both basic and clinical research under the same roof.

At that time, Dr. Nancy Klimas, Director of INIM, described her vision for the Institute: “It will be a place to coordinate cutting-edge thinking and research, train new practitioners, and offer the highest quality care for a hugely underserved population.” For over a decade, Dr. Klimas and the team at INIM have worked tirelessly to ensure this vision is reflected in every aspect of our research and patient care. Your contribution to this fundraiser will help advance important research, improve treatment options, and deepen the understanding of complex chronic diseases for those who need it most. If you are interested in donating, please visit our fundraising page.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Makena Carr (mcarr1@nova.edu).

NSU Graduate Practices and Preaches Improving Mental Health

Nicole Laing

“I tell people all the time I am obsessed with mental health, I will continue to do this, and I will do it for free,” says NSU alum Nicole Laing.

Nicole Laing fulfills what she calls her “true calling” – improving mental health – as both a 2023 graduate of NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and an assistant professor at NSU’s College of Nursing.

Hailing from Jamaica, Laing’s family stressed that an education was critical to her future.

“It’s one thing that they ingrained in me; getting an education was not negotiable,” she said.

Laing first pursued a biology degree at Southern Connecticut State University with the goal of becoming a physician. However, her long-held desire was to practice nursing, the profession she was drawn to after caring for her grandparents as a child.

“I have to love what I’m doing,” she said.

After she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing while working at Howard University, Laing worked at Yale New Haven Hospital in the psychiatric unit. She loved it, so much so, that she pursued a master’s in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing at Yale. Later, while working at NSU as the director for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, she earned a second master’s degree in Marriage and Family therapy.

“I tell people all the time I am obsessed with mental health, I will continue to do this, and I will do it for free. I have so much of a passion and love for it,” she said.

Laing has dedicated her career to mental health, both as a therapist and teaching the next generation of health professionals.

“I’ve been a practitioner since 2002, and I’ve seen clients come in at their worst and leave at their best,” she said. “That’s one of the things I value most, knowing I was part of their journey.”

At the same time, Laing says working as a provider also exposed cynicism at how some people working in this field treat their patients.

“I saw people who really shouldn’t be in mental health,” she said. “But I also saw people who I believed would respond to teachable moments.”

For Laing, that belief translated into academia – catching students early into her field and teaching them the importance of being humble.

“There’s an African proverb Ubuntu that says ‘When I uplift you, I uplift myself. When I dehumanize you, I dehumanize myself,’” she said. “I want my students to understand that out the gate. I tell them that if this is the kind of work that you’re going to do, this is who you’re going to be around, and you need to practice with a level of humility and respect.”

Laing is committed to guiding her students for success. “If you’re going to do this work, you’re going to do it right – that’s what I tell all my students. You’re not leaving Dr. Laing’s class not knowing what you need to know.”

Laing also finds inspiration in her work through her faith. “I’m doing what God asked me to do,” she said. “I measure success by the lives I impact.”

Through her efforts in mental health, Laing’s impact continues to be notable.

“As a practitioner and especially as an educator, your role is to support and encourage and strengthen individuals,” she said. “I look at all of my students as a flicker of light, and if I can do anything to make that light become a bonfire, I’m going to absolutely do it. Absolutely.”

NSU Announces Provost’s Research and Scholarship Awards

It has been 14 years since we first launched the Provost’s Research and Scholarship Award. This program offers awards across two career stages and two disciplinary categories. This year, we are grateful for an added recognition provided by NSU Business Services, where each winner will receive a year’s membership to the NSU Faculty Club, valued at $300.

Arts, Business, Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences

weissman

Weissman

Assistant Professor Award goes to Jeremy Weissman, assistant professor in the Halmos College of Arts & Sciences.

Jeremy was honored for his significant contributions to research and scholarship, particularly in the ethics of technology and biomedical ethics. His work addresses timely and relevant issues, positioning him as a future leader in these fields. Notably, his book, “The Crowdsourced Panopticon: Conformity and Control on Social Media,” published in 2021, has garnered many positive reviews and has been featured on platforms like the Academy of Ideas.

Beyond his research, Jeremy has actively engaged with the NSU community, addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in higher education. He has delivered talks, participated in podcasts, and contributed to initiatives aimed at inspiring students in their research endeavors. Through his efforts, he is not only advancing academic discourse but also fostering the development of responsible professionals for the future.

Neymotin

Neymotin

Professor Award goes to Florence Neymotin, professor in the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Florence was recognized for her outstanding contributions to research and scholarship, having been trained by a Nobel Prize winner who instilled in her a commitment to excellence. Throughout her academic career, she has published over fifty journal articles in top-tier journals, including Health Economics, Journal of Economic Psychology, and Obesity. Notably, her work on the economics of education was selected as an editor’s pick in Science and has received significant media attention.

In addition to her research, Florence is dedicated to mentoring junior colleagues and fostering collaboration across disciplines. She has developed courses in economics and related fields and has received excellent evaluations for her teaching. By linking research with education, she is shaping the next generation of scholars and leaders.

Banks

Banks

Professor Award goes to Jonathan Banks, associate professor in the College of Psychology.

Jonathan was recognized for his impactful research on attention control, exploring how factors like stress, mindfulness, and exercise influence cognitive functions. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of mind wandering as both a consequence of poor attention control and a contributor to cognitive impairments related to stress.

He has published 34 peer-reviewed articles, with notable contributions to high-impact journals such as Emotion and Journal of Experimental Psychology. Jonathan has also presented his findings at 42 national and international conferences, often including student co-authors.

His research has received external funding, including a recent NSF award with Dr. Jamie Tartar, aimed at examining the interplay between stress, mind wandering, and cognitive function. Through his innovative work, Jonathan is making vital contributions to cognitive psychology and enhancing our understanding of how mindfulness can mitigate stress-related cognitive challenges.

STEM and Health/Medicine

Cheema

Cheema

Assistant Professor Award goes to Aman Cheema, assistant professor in the Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Aman was recognized for her impactful research in complex multi symptom illnesses. She has secured significant funding, including three Department of Defense awards, and published in top-tier journals.

Notably, she led the first Phase II trial funded by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, focusing on veterans. Her work has garnered 161 citations, highlighting her influence in the field. She is a Co-Chair of the NSU IRB and Director of the INIM office of Clinical Research.

Aman is also a dedicated mentor, guiding numerous students in research and contributing to the establishment of an interdisciplinary PhD program at KPCOM. Her collaborative efforts and leadership in the SHIELD TOXIC EXPOSURES conference further underscore her commitment to advancing research and supporting the next generation of scientists.

Kawai

Kawai

Professor Award goes to Toshihisa Kawai, professor in the College of Dental Medicine.

Toshi was recognized for his outstanding contributions to research, having published 143 original papers and secured over $20 million in extramural funding. He is internationally acclaimed for his innovative monoclonal antibody platform and has five issued patents.

Since joining Nova Southeastern University in 2016, Toshi has expanded his research to include microbiology and osteoimmunology, focusing on mucosal infectious diseases. His NIH R21 and R01 grants led to groundbreaking discoveries in autoimmune responses related to bone diseases, including periodontitis, TMJ disorder, and osteoarthritis, and he is currently developing a novel humanized mouse model to enhance preclinical drug testing.

Toshi’s expertise is recognized globally, with numerous invited lectures at prestigious institutions and conferences, and service on numerous NIH study sections. He actively mentors junior researchers and students, fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment. His commitment to advancing dental and biomedical research and training the next generation of scholars makes him a highly respected figure in his field.

Figueiredo

Figueiredo

Professor Award goes to Joana Figueiredo, associate professor in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences.

Joana was recognized for her pioneering research in coral reef restoration, a critical area of study with significant scientific, social, and economic implications. Since joining Nova Southeastern University in 2014, she has secured millions in external funding and currently serves as the Interim Executive Director of the National Coral Reef Institute.

With over 2,000 citations and an h-index of 24, Joana has published extensively in prestigious journals such as Nature Climate Change, Ecology, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. She actively contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for multiple journals and topic editor for Coral Reefs.

Her expertise has led to invited presentations at renowned institutions, including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany. Joana also plays a vital role in mentoring students, having advised over 40 master’s students on their thesis projects and including them in numerous publications. Her leadership and commitment to coral reef research make her a valuable asset to the field and the university.

Health and Wellness Coaching Gets Nationally Certified

wellness

The Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Health and Wellness Coaching program is now approved and certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become national board-certified health and wellness coaches. The NBHWC certification establishes a high standard for coaching designed to train and equip graduates in the health and wellness field to effectively support clients.

Becoming a national board-certified health and wellness coach allows certified coaches to work nationally, thereby providing them with extensive employment opportunities, including but not limited to private practice (onsite and virtual). This is an excellent opportunity for existing students.

Pre-health majors may also wish to consider a minor in health and wellness coaching as this is an important strategy for optimizing patient outcomes. Please contact Dr. Shazia Akhtarullah at shaziaa@nova.edu.

Wonder Women Hold Annual Panel and Scholarship Event

Yabsera Negussie

Yabsera Negussie

To close out Women’s History Month, on March 25, the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship’s Women’s Success Series in partnership with the NSU Center for Academic and Professional Success and Office of Student Success held its fifth annual NSU Wonder Women panel and scholarship award program in the Alvin Sherman Library’s Cotilla Gallery.

An inspiring panel of female business leaders in a variety of industries was moderated by NSU’s Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing, and Creative Services Kyle Fisher. The panelists were:

  • Katina Brown-Burgess, D.O., obstetrician/gynecologist and assistant professor in NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • Tamara Chase, roofing contractor, chief executive officer of Chase Roofing and owner of Shine Fort Lauderdale Window Cleaning.
  • Carmen Rodriguez, director of NSU’s Marine Environmental Education Center.

The panel spoke about a variety of topics and offered students advice on the challenges of work-life balance, power dynamics, and being one’s authentic self. The event concluded with networking.

From left, Carmen Rodriguez and Tamara Chase, Wonder Woman awardee Yabsera Negussie, Katina Brown-Burgess, Kyle Fisher and Niemah Butler

Panelists Carmen Rodriguez and Tamara Chase, Wonder Woman awardee Yabsera Negussie, Katina Brown-Burgess, Kyle Fisher and Niemah Butler. The highlight of the evening was the naming of the 2024 undergraduate wonder woman scholarship winner, Yabsera Negussie, a behavioral neuroscience major, an Honors College student, and a first-year Razor’s Edge Leadership scholar.

In second place was Alexandra Hernandez, an international studies major with minors in medical humanities, communication and business. Third place went to Sanjana Anathula, a biology major and Honors College student who is on the Honors College Advisory Board.

The winner of the Wonder Women Award received a $500 scholarship. Second- and third-place winners received a $300 and $200 scholarship, respectively.

Posted 04/09/24

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