News
Mehta recognized by national group
3/21/23
Jyutika Mehta, PhD, professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Oral Health and director of the Stroke Center - Dallas, received the Kenneth Viste, Jr., MD Memorial Lectureship Award at the 2023 American Society of Neurorehabilitation (ASNR) Annual Meeting on March 15 in Charleston, S.C.
Young softball coach sliding into mentor’s role
3/21/23
For the last two years, Texas Woman's alum Haley Colwell has been a part of a mentoring program run by the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA), aimed at keeping young coaches in the profession. While being mentored, Colwell is also keen about helping the new generation of coaches.
Occupational therapist’s ties to TWU keep strengthening over decades
3/10/23
When Lela Llorens, PhD, OTR, thinks of Texas Woman’s University, the words gratitude and trust comes to mind. In February 2023, Llorens reconnected with Texas Woman’s as the keynote speaker at the 30th annual Vanderkooi Endowed Lectureship event, hosted by the School of Occupational Therapy. Llorens spoke about mentorship, friendship and leadership.
PhD student finds joy in practice, research, teaching and learning
1/25/23
If you’re the kind that wants to leave a lasting legacy, you might take a cue from Libby Bergman. The physical therapist and PHD student has a lot to share when it comes making lives better for individuals everywhere.
Mixing science, dance helps alum find calling
1/19/23
Alumna Natsuko Oshima, PT, DPT received the competition poster award at the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science conference in Limerick, Ireland for her research on how effects of abrupt tempo changes in music affects the jumping mechanism of ballet dancers.
OT PhD student wins second association award
1/5/23
Texas Woman’s PhD student Sue Ram, OTD, OTR, received the 2023 American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Gary Kielhofner Emerging Leader Award for extraordinary service early in her career.
PhD candidate’s research featured in noted publications
12/15/22
In November, Stephanie Lopez-Neyman’s study linking racial disparities to cardiovascular disease was published in Scientific Reports. A week later, an article highlighting the same study appeared in Healio.com, a website that reports on clinical issues and socioeconomic topics.
Academics is biggest motivator for Pioneer basketball star
11/21/22
Home court advantage takes on a deeper meaning for Texas Woman’s University sophomore Ashley Ingram. When the 6-2 forward steps on the basketball court for the Pioneers basketball team, there are memories from her childhood all around Kitty Magee Arena.
Occupational Therapy hosts 30th Annual Vanderkooi Endowed Lectureship event
1/31/23
The Texas Woman’s School of Occupational Therapy will hold its 30th annual Vanderkooi Endowed Lectureship event on Friday, Feb. 3.
Signing skills give boost to nursing student
11/18/22
While nursing and becoming a midwife is her career goal, American Sign Language is preparing TWU junior Alana Douglas for her future. Her doctor has told her that by the time she is 40, she will be completely deaf in her right ear and have just 25 percent hearing in her left.
Design team places third at NASA-sponsored design competition
11/17/22
A Texas Woman’s team of senior kinesiology students placed third overall at the Texas Space Grant Consortium Design Challenge Showcase, continuing the university’s string of successes at the NASA-sponsored science competition.
TWU professor recognized for innovative teaching methods in STEM
11/14/22
Chad Smith, PhD, a professor in the College of Health Sciences at Texas Woman’s University, received the Texas Girls Collaborative Project 2022 Educator Stand Up for STEM Award.
Retired professor’s fluke was TWU’s good fortune
11/7/22
TWU professor Peggy Gleeson has dedicated her career to her students and physical therapy. Through her leadership, research and scholarly productivity and clinical experience, Gleeson has elevated the national and international visibility of the TWU physical therapy program.
Clinic elevates language skills for those with speech disorder
11/4/22
The Texas Woman’s Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic has a long history in working with speech disorders and pivoted to teletherapy in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic brought in-person sessions to a screeching halt. The clinic continues to offer in-person and teletherapy sessions.
PT professor, co-author to expand study on aortic diseases
10/21/22
Texas Woman’s School of Physical Therapy assistant professor Jennifer Bogardus, PT, PhD, and a co-principal investigator have received $2 million in funding for a study on the effects of moderate exercise in pediatric patients with diseases affecting the aorta.
Center helped stroke victim reclaim language skills
10/5/22
On Oct. 12, 2019, Patrick Prock lost language. The words and sentences he wanted to say and the stories he wanted to tell were in his head. They were just too difficult to utter. It was on that day Prock suffered a stroke and spent two weeks in the intensive care unit. Three years later, Prock is blossoming. While learning to communicate again at The Stroke Center - Dallas on the Dallas campus of Texas Woman’s University, Prock found language again.
Pageant title spurs OTD student to pursue greater role in supporting homeless
9/29/22
Aryana Bosh is small but mighty. The 5’2” Texas Woman’s occupational therapy doctoral student has big plans, big ideas and a lot to say. She was crowned Miss Black Texas and is hoping to use her platform over the next year to help others.
Peterbilt announces support to design team
9/27/22
Representatives from the Peterbilt Motors Company and the Peterbilt Women’s Initiative presented a check to Texas Woman’s University on Sept. 26 on the TWU campus. The funds will support the Texas Space Grant Consortium (TSGC) Design Challenge team, comprising of undergraduates from the School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology, in its Fall 2022 competition.
CHS announces faculty awards
9/7/22
The College of Health Sciences announced faculty awards in teaching, scholarship and service at its faculty meeting on Monday, Aug. 22.
TWU alum adds 100-mile race to adventure résumé
8/30/22
Texas Woman’s alumna Roxanne Gonzales-Vogel completed the historic ultramarathon Leadville Trail 100 Run. The race is the latest accolade for the adventurer who loves to run and climb to the highest peaks.
Environmental audits aimed at reducing barriers
8/3/22
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s motto, “Nothing About Us Without Us,” means that decisions about autism need to be made with input from people with autism. Tina Fletcher (Occupational Therapy, Dallas) and her students took that to heart in a project aimed at evaluating the autism-friendliness of community venues and events.
Fletcher used a $267,477 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create sensory spaces on wheels for use at cultural arts and entertainment venues, and also developed an environmental audit process for businesses and other public venues.
TWU alum gives $100K to launch scholarships in health promotion, kinesiology
7/25/22
Texas Woman’s University alumna Dawn Chaney, PhD, has provided a $100,000 gift to TWU for scholarships benefitting students majoring in exercise physiology and exercise science, and students who are committed to women’s leadership.
Kids camp uses LEGOS to raise science awareness
7/8/22
It was a one-of-a-kind summer camp experience that mixed children with different hearing capabilities with coding and robotics concepts – and the added bonus of LEGO building pieces.
TWU student on mission to inspire future biomechanics practitioners
5/10/22
As a woman working in biomechanics, Texas Woman’s doctoral candidate Noelle Tuttle is dedicated to the outreach for and education of more women in the field, especially minorities who have had little to no exposure. Thanks to grants from the Biomechanics Initiative, she was able to further that mission by co-hosting virtual and in-person events in Denton and Ecuador to inspire future practitioners and researchers.
TWU design team wins NASA challenge – again!
4/22/22
What’s better than a heavy underdog winning an innovative design contest involving some of the state’s brightest minds?
Winning it again.
Research internship is on grad’s path to becoming scientist
4/18/22
Makayla Hughes has a deep concern for the health and welfare of her community. She’s witnessed firsthand how members of her tight-knit, mostly Black neighborhood in Houston lacked the kind of care essential to keep its residents healthy.
Nutrition graduate serves students with passion and engagement
4/11/22
Keeping an open mind and treating everything as a learning experience has been the key to success for Texas Woman’s May 2022 nutrition graduate Theodora “Theo” Sam-Brew. That was especially true for her while serving as the Student Government Association (SGA) president during COVID. But her passion for working for her fellow students led her to overcome challenges and accomplish great things.
Nutrition graduate uses education, experience to combat campus food insecurity
4/7/22
Texas Woman’s May 2022 nutrition doctoral graduate Francilia Brito Silva is on a mission to improve the eating habits of students and combat food insecurity on campus. As a vital contributor to the TWU Health and Wellbeing Initiative, she has already made a huge impact on campus and plans to do even more after graduation.
TWU students place second in Kinesiology Student Bowl competition
3/23/22
A Texas Woman’s team comprised of three School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology students demonstrated impressive knowledge and placed second overall in the Kinesiology Student Bowl during the Texas Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 2022 Meeting in February.
Regents give green light to health science building project
2/18/22
The Texas Woman’s University System Board of Regents today approved a plan to build a 175,000-square-foot health science center for the Denton campus to support growth in the colleges of health sciences and nursing and other collaborative efforts.
TWU Legacy Leader follows passion to lead and change the world
1/20/22
Texas Woman’s communication sciences student Lesly Alvarado knew she wanted a way to continue making an impact when she enrolled in the university, and she found the Legacy Leaders program to be the perfect vehicle with which to do it.
TWU kinesiology graduate committed to life of service for others
12/6/21
The role of a soldier and a physical therapist is to serve others, and Texas Woman’s December 2021 kinesiology graduate Alexandra Pritchett is an outstanding example of how to do both well.
TWU’s all-female design competition team scores big, brings research to life
11/22/21
Five Texas Woman’s kinesiology seniors turned classroom theories into a real-world device by competing in the Texas Space Grant Consortium Design Challenge Showcase November 16-17. The TWU team, named The Oneiroi, was the only all-female team competing and won best overall team, along with best poster, best peer review and best video. They also placed second overall in the presentation category. All five team members are December 2021 graduates.
TWU occupational therapy graduate finds more than just an education
11/16/21
Texas Woman’s is known as the “campus with a heart” for the care and attention given to each and every student, especially when those students, like December 2021 MOT graduate Sommer Moreno, find themselves balancing their education while starting a family.
TWU faculty member combines love for profession with research to help others
10/25/21
According to Elizabeth Plowman, DPT ’12, “Physical therapy never gets boring.” And, Plowman, a Texas Woman’s School of Physical Therapy alumna and an assistant clinical professor in Houston, should know. Her experiences as a teacher, physical therapist, teacher again and researcher have provided her with opportunities to delve into a varied and fulfilling career, while making advances in both her own health and the health of others.
TWU alumna, faculty member uses teaching, research to inspire students
10/13/21
At Texas Woman’s School of Physical Therapy, teaching and research go hand in hand, as alumna and Assistant Professor Hui-Ting Goh, PhD, has discovered by merging her two passions, benefitting her students and stroke patients in the process.
Alumni Spotlight: Cathy Sellers, BS ’75 (Kinesiology)
10/8/21
TWU Kinesiology alumna Cathy Sellers, BS ’75, enjoyed a career of over 40 years in coaching track & field that included positions at public schools, universities and serving as an administrator for USA Track & Field. In 2003, Sellers joined the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the manager of coaching.
TWU faculty member explores nutraceuticals in new book
10/6/21
Texas Woman’s Professor Emeritus Chandan Prasad, PhD, from the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, explores different nutraceuticals that may aid in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in his new book, COVID-19 and Nutraceuticals, A Guidebook (Bohr Publishers & New Century Health Publishers, Late October 2021).
Scoring on and off the court
10/5/21
Now, more than ever, women are succeeding in traditionally male-dominated career fields, but they are still underrepresented when it comes to leadership positions in sport management. Two Texas Woman’s community members—alumna Lisa Langston, a PhD in Kinesiology with a Sport Management concentration graduate, and current PhD student Grace McDowell—are changing that, bringing hard-earned skills and sheer determination to their leadership positions, while serving as role models for future generations of women.
TWU occupational therapy alumna Aimee Piller, PhD '16, featured on AOTA podcast
9/29/21
TWU occupational therapy alumna Aimee Piller, PhD '16, was the featured guest on AOTA's Everyday Evidence podcast. She discussed generating, implementing and promoting evidence in pediatric occupational therapy practice.
TWU College of Health Sciences faculty demonstrate excellence in teaching, research
9/16/21
Some university faculty members teach, and some perform research. At the Texas Woman’s College of Health Sciences, they do both, educating the next generation of health care professionals while making significant advances in their respective fields. Even with challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, faculty members secured an impressive amount of funding for their work.
Alumna creates adaptive sport scholarship endowment
9/1/21
Sarah Rich (PhD ’81), an international promoter and advocate of physical education for all, has created the Sarah M. Rich, Ph.D., Adaptive Sport Scholarship Endowment to support graduate students studying adaptive physical education (APE).
TWU provides unique camp experience for children with cerebral palsy
8/23/21
Texas Woman’s University School of Occupational Therapy faculty members are always searching for ways to combine research and therapy that not only aids patients but also contributes to new knowledge in their profession. This summer, they were able to do both by providing children with cerebral palsy a camp to improve the use of their upper extremities and have fun in the process.
TWU virtual camp uses Minecraft to entertain, educate children and students
8/13/21
Most elementary school students will tell you that playing video games such as Minecraft is fun, but as several K-6 deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) students discovered during Texas Woman’s Camp Minecraft, playing the game also can help build critical skills.
TWU interdisciplinary community service event benefits children, students
8/13/21
Texas Woman’s dental hygiene and post-baccalaureate certificate in bilingual speech-language pathology (SLP) students joined forces in July to provide preschoolers from the Ann Windle School for Young Children with free dental and hearing services. The event not only brought out many smiles for the children but also served as an important learning experience for the TWU students.
Alumni Spotlight: Rhonda Abbott, MS '01
8/6/21
Driven by her passion for helping others, TWU Houston physical therapy alumna Rhonda Abbott, PT, FTPA, enjoys providing meaningful physical therapy care that makes a difference in the lives of her patients. Her role as senior vice president and CEO for TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston impacts the patient and family experience on a much larger scale and improves the work experience of the hospital’s team.
TWU faculty and students use occupational therapy to alleviate trauma in minors
7/19/21
When Dallas opened an emergency shelter for unaccompanied minors fleeing violence in North Central America in spring 2021, Texas Woman’s School of Occupational Therapy faculty and students jumped at the opportunity to use their skills to help. Much like when the field of occupational therapy supported people experiencing occupational deprivation in the old psychiatric hospitals and tuberculosis asylums 100 years ago, this shelter needed help to provide meaningful activities and support an environment that allowed minors to heal.
Putting service into physical therapy practice
7/6/21
For many Texas Woman’s students, there is nothing more exciting and rewarding than putting the education they received in the classroom into real-world practice, especially when it involves serving others. That is exactly what nine Dallas Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students discovered on their service trip to Puerto Rico in May, when they helped those who needed their skills the most.
Kinesiology program swinging success on cable program
6/23/21
Former biomechanics graduate student Chris Como visited TWU to film a segment for the Golf Channel program, Swing Expedition. Como visited with his former teacher, Young-Hoo Kwon, PhD, professor and director of the Biomechanics Laboratory in the School of Health Promotion & Kinesiology.
The Ingredients for Success
6/14/21
Texas Woman’s Nutrition and Food Sciences Assistant Professor Derek Miketinas, PhD, is passionate about many things in life, but three main ones have guided his career – food, teaching and research. Working at TWU has enabled him to pursue all of them, and national organizations are taking notice of his work.
In pursuit of science: TWU alumna inspires girls interested in STEM
5/19/21
Texas Woman’s kinesiology-biomechanics alumna Kirsten Tulchin-Francis (PhD ’12), a self-proclaimed science and math geek, has spent more than 23 years combing those two passions with athletics and medicine to achieve success in the field of biomedical engineering. Her experiences as a researcher and teacher are now inspiring other generations of females to make names for themselves in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
TWU inspires high school students with virtual biomechanics events
5/19/21
For the past few years, Texas Woman’s biomechanics and motor behavior graduate students have participated in National Biomechanics Day (NBD), an annual event designed to introduce high school students to the field of biomechanics. Though the 2020 events were cancelled due to COVID-19, TWU came roaring back this April with virtual events to both educate and inspire future researchers.
TWU’s all-female design competition team tackles space headaches in astronauts
5/4/21
Five Texas Woman’s kinesiology seniors brought research to life by competing in the Texas Space Grant Consortium Design Challenge Showcase April 20-21. The TWU Athena V team, the second all-female TWU team to enter the competition and the only all-female team competing this spring, placed seventh overall. All five team members will graduate this May.
TWU occupational therapy graduate has a passion for helping others
4/29/21
Houston native Anthony Bui wanted to make a difference in the world, but wasn’t sure how to accomplish that. He knew it would involve serving others, though, and joined the U.S. Marine Corps right after graduating high school. Now, he’s set to receive his Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree in Texas Woman’s May 2021 Houston commencement ceremony.
TWU physical therapy faculty member receives diversity award
4/28/21
TWU Houston Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Wayne Brewer, PT, PhD (’14), MPH, OCS, CSCS, received a Faculty Diversity Award from the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT).
Flavor Chemistry research earns Journal of Food Science cover recognition
4/21/21
TWU’s flavor chemistry program received national exposure this month, when research led by Texas Woman’s Assistant Professor Xiaofen Du, PhD, (Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences) was featured on the April 2021 cover of the Journal of Food Science.
TWU Dental Hygiene Clinic gives Little Elm ISD students a reason to smile
4/15/21
A healthy and bright smile can instill confidence and pride, as 26 Little Elm ISD students discovered during TWU’s Giving Kids a Smile Day, held on April 10. During the event, the TWU Dental Hygiene Clinic provided the students, ranging from 4 to 17 years old, free preventative services, including x-rays, dental exams, cleanings, sealants and Silver Diamine Fluoride, as needed. The students also received oral hygiene instruction and nutritional guidance.
TWU physical therapy graduate serves as advocate for professional diversity
4/14/21
During her time at Texas Woman’s, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) May 2021 graduate Mira Pearce served as a graduate research assistant, student office assistant, class officer and podcast production assistant in a special interest group of the Academy of Neurologic PT. But it was her work as organizer for a new diversity event that resonates the most with her passion for advocating for underserved communities.
TWU graduate brings nutrition research to the forefront of health care
4/12/21
As the role nutrition plays in health care continues to grow, so too does the importance of research opportunities for Texas Woman’s students, which May 2021 nutritional sciences graduate Lily Sebastian discovered during her time at the university. Sebastian will now use her experience at TWU to pave her own way in the medical field.
Three CHS students receive 2021 Outstanding Student Awards
3/26/21
Three Texas Woman's College of Health Sciences students received 2021 Outstanding Student Awards during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, March 25.
Alumni Spotlight: Elizabeth Burns, PhD ’78, ’81
3/5/21
A career in academia, as a professor, was the long-term goal for health sciences alumna Elizabeth Burns, PhD ’78, ’81. Now retired, she and her husband have created a generous endowment as part of their estate plans to fund scholarships for full-time undergraduate students as part of the Elizabeth H. Burns and John M. Burns Scholarship Endowment.
TWU nutrition faculty member, graduate student receive TAND awards
2/25/21
Assistant Professor Kathleen Davis, PhD, in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, and nutrition graduate student Roxana Wroblewski received awards from the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (TAND).
Love at new heights: PT alumni take a unique trek
1/25/21
At 14,508 feet, a pair of alumni who found career paths in physical therapy channeled their love for nature into a unique trek to the tallest mountain in the contiguous U.S.
Alumni Spotlight: Sterling L. Carter, MSPT '07
1/21/21
Texas Woman's School of Physical Therapy alumnus Sterling L. Carter (MSPT '07) strives to promote innovation in the healthcare industry every day as a leader in his field.
TWU alumna creates program to bring fitness to local communities
12/15/20
As a physical therapist, Texas Woman’s alumna Patsy Shropshire (BASc ’84), PT, DPT, CEEAA, focuses on the health and wellness of her patients. She is now expanding that focus by transforming high school tracks into community wellness areas, ensuring that everyone has the ability to make fitness a part of their lives.
TWU MS in Food Science and Flavor Chemistry program celebrates first graduates
12/15/20
For students seeking careers as flavor chemists, Texas Woman’s MS in Food Science and Flavor Chemistry program can provide the sweet smell of success. With its first students graduated this year (May, summer, fall), the program is celebrating its achievements while continuing to plan for the future.
TWU dean earns patent for new way to predict injuries and diseases
12/14/20
Texas Woman’s College of Health Sciences Dean Christopher Ray, PhD, believes in improving people’s lives, whether through supporting his students and faculty or conducting his own research on geriatric health. By recently earning a patent with two other academic colleagues for a way to predict and prevent medical events and conditions, he is exemplifying the college’s mission of advancing the health and well-being of diverse communities.
TWU kinesiology graduate gains experience and skills by creating international youth program
12/7/20
Texas Woman’s summer 2020 graduate Sandhya Manjunath (MS in Kinesiology - Sport Management) hopes to one day introduce sport management programs across the nation in India. Thanks to the education and experiences she received from TWU, she is on track to make that dream a reality.
TWU alumnus, faculty member awarded for career of service
12/3/20
From a young age, Texas Woman’s alumnus and School of Occupational Therapy Associate Clinical Professor William Sit (MA ’99, PhD ’04), wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and volunteer in various settings. Those desires have led him to a three-decades-long career as an occupational therapist, inspired a passion for teaching and resulted in him being named 2020 Texas Occupational Therapist of the Year by the Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA).
TWU’s first all-female design competition team brings research to life
11/30/20
Five Texas Woman’s kinesiology seniors turned classroom theories into a real-world device by competing in the Texas Space Grant Consortium Design Challenge Showcase November 17-18. The TWU Athena V team, the first all-female TWU team to enter the competition and the only all-female team competing, placed fourth overall.
TWU Houston School of Occupational Therapy named for alumna Dr. Sophie Rydin
11/13/20
Texas Woman’s University is honoring the legacy of Dr. Sophie Lin Rydin, occupational therapy alumna (MOT ’78, PhD ’07) and adjunct professor, through the naming of the Dr. Sophie Lin Rydin School of Occupational Therapy - TWU Houston Center.
Prepared for success: TWU alumna is ready to tackle her career
11/2/20
Texas Woman’s prides itself with providing outstanding academic instruction, but as alumna Fiona Kiprop (BS ’19) discovered, the university also prepares students for successful careers. In her new position as regulatory health program coordinator with the Food and Drug Administration, Kiprop is taking everything she gained from her TWU experience and applying it to her future.
TWU physical therapy adjunct selected for leadership program
10/29/20
Texas Woman’s School of Physical Therapy adjunct faculty member Emelia Exum, DPT, who teaches at the TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences - Dallas Center, was selected to participate in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Centennial Scholars Program.
TWU physical therapy students and alumni participate in Global PT Day of Service
10/19/20
The Texas Woman’s School of Physical Therapy celebrated National Physical Therapy Month and helped local communities in Houston and U.S. deployed troops by participating in the Global PT Day of Service on Oct. 10.
Making a play for sports nutrition
10/16/20
For the past 14 years, Texas Woman’s alumna and adjunct professor Amy Goodson (MS ’06) has pursued her passion for overall health, wellness and sports nutrition. In her new book, The Sports Nutrition Playbook, she provides a resource perfect for youth and teen athletes, as well as their parents and coaches, to teach them how to fuel and hydrate their bodies to perform at the highest level.
Nontraditional path takes TWU PT student toward his passion
10/14/20
TWU physical therapy student Jose Trujillo, who moved to Houston to pursue his doctorate, found his true “why” while in TWU’s program.
Health Promotion and Kinesiology students selected for experiential program
10/8/20
Experiential projects at Texas Woman’s encourage learning through a dynamic process where students develop knowledge, skills and values from direct experiences outside of a traditional academic setting. Four School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology PhD students will be doing just that thanks to the 2020-2021 Experiential Student Scholars Program offered by the TWU Pioneer Center for Student Excellence.
TWU PhD student uses research fellowship to assist underserved populations
9/28/20
With a passion for providing care to underserved populations, Texas Woman’s doctoral candidate Daytheon Sturges (health studies) plans to advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in medicine. His recent selection as a recipient of the 2020 Breitman-Dorn Endowed Research Fellowship will help, along with his education, research funding and work experience as a physician assistant (PA).
TWU nutrition faculty member awarded for service to professional organization
9/23/20
TWU Assistant Professor Xiaofen Du, PhD, in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, received the 2020 Outstanding Service Award from the Fruit & Vegetable Products Division of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) in recognition of her service and contributions during 2019-2020.
TWU alumnus finds new purpose in helping others through occupational therapy
9/21/20
When the infinite cycle of sales quotas, corporate ladder expectations and ethical dilemmas finally became too much for former sales associate and Texas Woman’s alumnus Christopher Villarreal (MOT ’17), he decided to go back to school and pursue his earlier dream of occupational therapy. That decision has not only awarded him a more fulfilling life, but it continues to enable him to affect positive change in this world.
TWU nutrition alumna finds new path to health and happiness
9/10/20
Texas Woman’s alumna Michelle Tribble (BAS ’16) made a name for herself as a culinary superstar. But just as tastes change, so too do dreams, and Tribble has decided to return to her alma mater to help her carve a new path in the food world.
TWU researchers explore equine therapy as treatment for Parkinson’s disease
9/1/20
Texas Woman’s researchers will launch a first-of-its-kind study this year when they investigate how equine-assisted therapy could benefit adults with Parkinson’s disease, thanks to a research grant awarded by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI).
TWU Dietetic Internship Master’s Degree Program receives reaccreditation
8/25/20
The TWU Dietetic Internship Master’s Degree Program in Houston was granted reaccreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Reaccreditation is typically for seven years; however, the program was granted accreditation through 2028.
Faith and Focus: TWU OT alumna Christina Hill finds success through adversity
7/29/20
As a child growing up in Greenville, Texas, Texas Woman’s occupational therapy alumna Christina Hill (MOT ’14) combatted issues of alcoholism, drug addiction and poverty within her family and herself. But with the help of her faith, the discipline of martial arts, and most importantly, the support of her son and husband, she has dedicated her life to helping others persevere through their own struggles.
TWU graduate students named finalists, win top prize in IFT competition
7/22/20
Texas Woman’s nutrition and food sciences graduate students Cierra Williams (Paris, TX) and Jessica Ramirez (The Philippines) were finalists for the Institute of Food Technologists’ Graduate Student Poster Competition, with Williams winning first place and being awarded a $1,000 cash prize.
OT faculty members part of collaborative research project
7/9/20
School of Occupational Therapy Assistant Professor Heather Roberts and Assistant Professor Angela Shierk are part of a collaborative research effort between Scottish Rite for Children and Texas Woman’s University, UT Arlington and the University of North Texas that is looking into the impact of the pandemic on teenagers and youth.
TWU faculty member receives Cancer/CHD Research Completion Award
7/3/20
Texas Woman’s School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology Assistant Professor Ann Amuta, PhD, MPH, received a $5,000 Cancer/CHD Research Completion Award from the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, funded by the National Institutes of Health.
TWU dental hygiene student awarded $1,000 National Allied Health Scholarship
6/29/20
Texas Woman’s dental hygiene student Blair Baumann, Plano, TX, received a $1,000 Allied Health Scholarship from Platinum Educational Group, which helps health occupation students with preparation for written board examinations and facilities tracking student clinical requirements throughout their clinical, educational program.
Pursuing knowledge to help others: PhD in kinesiology graduate Manisha Rao
6/3/20
Working as a physical therapist in Maharashtra, India, Texas Woman’s kinesiology doctoral May graduate Manisha Rao (MS ’13) provided rehabilitative support to patients with medical, neurological and orthopedic conditions. But, as she helped patients with their rehabilitation, she felt the need to upgrade her knowledge and skills on therapeutic exercise.
TWU PhD candidate has article published and proposal accepted
6/1/20
TWU PhD candidate in health studies Daytheon Sturges, MPAS, PA-C, CAHIMS, CHES®, had his co-authored article, “Diversity and Inclusion-Centered PA Programmatic Response During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” published by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).
TWU nutrition student first to be elected to serve in national honor society
5/29/20
Texas Woman’s student Lina Gonzalez made history this spring by being the first TWU Regional Collegiate Representative elected for the Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society, a scholastic honor society that recognizes academic achievement among students in family and consumer sciences.
OT faculty member Tina Fletcher credited for role in DMA award
5/27/20
A Dallas Museum of Art official says TWU's Tina Fletcher was instrumental to a recent exhibition and its catalogue, which won a "best in show" award in the Texas Association of Museums publication design competition.
TWU students enhance their skills by attending virtual conference
5/22/20
Fifteen Texas Woman’s School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology students received an outstanding professional development opportunity by attending Move United’s 2020 Virtual Leadership Conference May 11-15.
Finding ingenuity during difficulty: Dental hygiene alumna invents handy tool
5/14/20
It is often during our most difficult days that we find skills we didn’t know we possessed. That certainly was the case for Texas Woman’s dental hygiene alumna Courtney Crew (BS ’06), who took her personal health struggles and created an invention that is aiding professionals in the dental industry.
Teaching and testing PT virtually becomes a family affair
5/13/20
As part of their education, Texas Woman’s physical therapy students need to learn and be tested on their skills before they can work hands-on with patients in clinics. The coronavirus pandemic cut that experience short for students this semester, but they still were able to stay on track thanks to the open-mindedness of Houston professor Carolyn Da Silva, P.T., D.Sc., and her husband’s willingness to help.
SLP graduate demonstrates unwavering determination to pursue new career path
5/12/20
Prayers, perseverance and sheer determination are what Texas Woman’s speech-language pathology master’s program graduate Dorothy Henking credits for sustaining her through her life’s journey. Now ready to embark on a new career path, she is eager to face the future thanks to the support of her family and her experience at TWU.
A life of service: TWU alumna demonstrates commitment to patients and country
5/6/20
As both a health care professional and an officer in the U.S. Army, Texas Woman’s alumna Maj. Katie Odom (BS ’07, MOT ’09), serves her patients and her country every day. Now the recipient of the prestigious Interallied Confederation of Medical Reserve Officers Martelet Cup, she continues to be grateful for the foundation she received from TWU and the amazing experiences the Army has provided.
Page last updated 10:15 AM, March 24, 2023