Hundreds of students representing five divisions graduated from the UNC School of Medicine Department of Allied Health Sciences from May 11 to May 12, 2019.
Students from the Divisions of Clinical Laboratory Science, Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Radiologic Science, Speech and Hearing Sciences, and the Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Science program completed degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Stephen R. Hooper, PhD, chair and associate dean of the Department of Allied Health Sciences, addressed graduates at their respective celebrations.
“This is one of the best times of the year for students and their families as well as for our faculty and staff,” Hooper said. “Graduation is one of the major accomplishments of all involved, and one of the truly great accomplishments of this department. It is a happy time of year and a moment for appreciation and celebration. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Division of Clinical Laboratory Science
The Division of Clinical Laboratory Science celebrated its graduates on Sunday, May 12, 2019, at the Louis Round Wilson Library immediately following University commencement exercises. Susan Beck, the program director, addressed graduates, encouraging them to be proud of their accomplishments and what they will contribute to health care.
The program recognized Jennifer Munt as outstanding senior. One hundred percent of the class of 2019 pledged to give back to the educational mission of the program over the next five years; students have pledged more than $39,000 as part of their class campaign since 2010. Jennifer Dorman, ’17, received recognition as an outstanding clinical instructor. In 2017, Dorman received the outstanding senior award.
Division of Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
The division celebrated its Master of Science graduates on Saturday, May 11, 2019, in the Medical Biomolecular Research Building (MBRB). The program’s graduates specialized in psychiatric disability, developmental disability, or both. The program is ranked #9 in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
The Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy celebrated completion of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program with its graduates on Sunday, April 28, 2019, in Gerrard Hall. The program included an address to graduates, presentation of awards, and a class gift. Students received degrees in occupational therapy or a PhD in occupational science. Professor Jennifer Womack addressed the graduates.
Division of Radiologic Science
The division celebrated its graduates on Saturday, May 11, 2019 with a commencement ceremony in the Medical Biomolecular Research Building (MBRB). Program graduates earned a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science. Awards were presented for Outstanding Academic Performance to Logan Lockwood and Ryan Monago. The Tina Robbins Award for consideration and contributions to enrich or support others went to Logan Howerton. The Faculty Award of Excellence for high moral character, integration of didactic and clinical knowledge, and potential for contributions to the profession went to Abby Britt. Leah Hammer Reddick ’04, was the alumni speaker; Kenya Haugen provided a commencement address.
Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences
The Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences held its 49th annual commencement ceremony at the William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education on Saturday, May 11, 2019. The 41 graduates included one PhD graduate in Speech and Hearing Sciences, 12 graduates of the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree, and 28 graduates of the Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Janet Hadar, senior vice president of operations at UNC Hospitals and vice chair for clinical integration in the Department of Medicine addressed the graduates. She encouraged the graduates to embrace the leader in each of them and to fill their careers with meaning as they impact programs and populations.
Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Science
The Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Science (NDSS) program, a joint initiative between the UNC School of Medicine and University of North Carolina at Charlotte, celebrated its graduating class on May 9, 2019 in Chapel Hill. Two NDSS graduates presented their capstone research projects titled “Does Everyone Dream?” and “Effectiveness and Compliance of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” Scholarship donors and their recipients received recognition during the Chapel Hill celebration. A poster display demonstrated each graduate’s capstone research project culminating from their undergraduate course of study. Graduates received their Bachelor of Science degree at UNC-Charlotte on May 10, 2019.
Stephen Hooper, PhD, has served as DAHS chair and associate dean since 2013. Jennifer “Jenny” Womack, PhD, MA, OTR/L, is also the associate director in the University’s Partnerships in Aging Program. Susan Beck, PhD, has served on faculty since 1980. Kenya Haugen, DM, RT(R), is an assistant professor.