Jefferson School of Health Professions Staff, Alumni and Faculty Honored at Annual Ceremony

PHILADELPHIA, PA – August 4, 2010 – Jefferson School of Health Professions employees, faculty and alumni were recognized for their service and accomplishments at an annual awards ceremony in June.

The Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes a Jefferson employee who has rendered exceptional service to the School and its students by demonstrating flexibility, problem solving, courtesy, attention to the needs of students and other constituents and going above and beyond the call of duty, was awarded to Christopher Braster, Webmaster/Learning Development, Academic and Instructional Support and Resources (AISR). Janice P. Burke, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Dean, Jefferson School of Health Professions, said, “When we discussed possible nominees for this award, Chris was the unanimous choice. The Department of General Studies summed it up by saying, ‘Chris makes certain that those who call for help are not only satisfied but also educated in ways to manage a host of problems. For his strength and commitment of the University, we are most pleased that Chris Braster is a member of our team!’”

Two alumni awards – the Emerging Leader Award and the Alumni Distinguished Service Award – were given this year to recognize the achievements of former Jefferson students. The following individuals, two of whom are Jefferson faculty members, received the Emerging Leader Award:

• Traci Fox, BS ’93, MS ’07, RVT, RDMS, instructor, Department of Radiologic Sciences. Ms. Fox was recognized for her passion for research and enthusiasm for teaching. She collaborates with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s ultrasound research projects, publishes in peer-reviewed journals and presents at local and national meetings of ultrasound societies. “Traci has established a reputation for her exceptional level of commitment to her profession and to research, a deep rooted desire to teach, excellence in her work, a welcoming personality and a great sense of humor,” said Dr. Burke.
  
  
• Ronald Fudala, BS/MS PT ’04, DPT ’08, Department of Physical Therapy. Dr. Burke touted Mr. Fudala’s exemplary commitment to his work at Ancora Hospital and active involvement in the New Jersey chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association. “His colleagues speak of Ron as someone who is always upbeat yet realistic and who sees the big picture without losing sight of the details,” said Dr. Burke.
  
  
• Cheryl Gebeline-Meyers, BS ’05, Department of General Studies. Ms. Gebeline-Meyers, a performance improvement coordinator at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children (CHOP), received the award for her role as a leader and self-initiator. “Cheryl has an eye on healthcare improvement and leadership,” said Dr. Burke. “She is meticulous about the details while keeping the big picture in mind.”
  
  
• Tracey Vause-Earland, MS’90, OTR/L, assistant professor, Department of Occupational Therapy. Ms. Vause-Earland, a clinical contributor to elder care research, was recognized for her work in moving research findings to practice guidelines, including procedures, protocol manuals, assessment tools and fidelity measures. “Tracey brings energy and exuberance to her work,” said Dr. Burke. “She is an innovator in the OT curriculum, having designed and implemented curriculum for both classroom and online settings.”
  
  

Caryn R. Johnson, MS’91, OTR/L, FAOTA, assistant professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, accepted the Alumni Special Achievement Award for her significant contributions to occupational therapy fieldwork. “Caryn has been and continues to be a significant driver in many new initiatives within the profession, in fieldwork education as well as professional behavior development,” said Dr. Burke. As an experienced academic fieldwork coordinator, Ms. Johnson supports new fieldwork coordinators by helping them understand the art and science of managing student and supervisor issues.

Esther Biswas-Fiss, CLSP(MB), PhD, associate professor and biotechnology program director, Department of Bioscience Technologies, received the Dean’s Faculty Achievement Award, which recognizes outstanding faculty members for their performance in higher education. Dr. Biswas-Fiss is credited with developing clinical rotations that complement students’ education and mentoring students who successfully compete at Sigma Xi annual research day. “Esther is a patient, fair and collaborative faculty member,” said Dr. Burke. “She is recognized by her peers and students as dedicated to providing meaningful and engaged learning experiences.”

Contact:
Jane Clinton
jane.clinton@jefferson.edu
(215) 503-9865
jacqueline.paquet@jefferson.edu

Published: 08-04-10

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