The Ph.D. in Health Sciences program welcomed its eleventh cohort on Aug. 15, 2025, at NIU's Naperville campus.
Eight new students, numerous returning students and CHHS faculty and administrators from across the university kicked off the event with dinner. Several returning Ph.D. in Health Sciences students gave presentations about their ongoing research.
The in-person residency weekend gives students from across the country the chance to meet and develop lasting relationships as they journey through this program together. They also had the opportunity to meet with their advisors in person.
Most recent degree: MBA with a focus on healthcare administration
Current professional position: clinical pathology lab supervisor
Research goals: interested in microbial genetics, bioinformatics, clinical diagnostics and Artificial Intelligence
Faculty advisor: Shicheng Chen
Most recent degree: Master of Science, speech-language pathology
Current professional position: assistant professor, master of speech-language pathology, West Coast University
Research goals: Community access and participation for persons with aphasia; student education and training in speech-language pathology graduate programs
Faculty advisor: Jamie Mayer
Most recent degree: M.S. in population management, M.S. in exercise physiology
Current professional position: instructor at NIU, adjunct instructor at Nicholls State University
Research goals: Social determinants of health, cardiovascular disease risk and physical activity
Faculty advisor: Courtney Hughes
Most recent degree: M.S. in biological sciences
Current professional position: graduate research assistant
Research goals: I study how antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spreads in communities by using insects as a model system. Mosquitoes interact with both aquatic and terrestrial environments, picking up and carrying microbes, including drug-resistant bacteria, across neighborhoods, farms, hospitals and natural ecosystems. By analyzing mosquito gut microbiota, I aim to uncover hidden pathways of AMR transmission outside healthcare settings.
Faculty advisor: Shicheng Chen
Most recent degree: Master of Science in biological sciences
Current professional position: Medical Laboratory Scientist
Research goals: Behavioral interventions that affect chronic disease outcome
Faculty advisor: Lynn Herrmann
Most recent degree: graduate certificate in health disparities research
Current professional position: research speech-language pathologist, Center for Aphasia Research and Treatment at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
Research goals: community-based participatory research centered around communication disabilities and rehabilitation, interdisciplinary communication practices, health equity in neurorehabilitation, wellness strategies (e.g., yoga, animal-assisted therapy techniques) for students and individuals with acquired neurogenic communication disabilities.
Faculty advisor: Jamie Mayer
Most Recent Degree: M.S. in health sciences
Current Professional Position: corporate health and wellness educator
Research Goals: Exploring the link between diet, physical activity and mental health outcomes
Faculty advisor: Melani Duffrin
Most recent degree: Master of Science in nutrition/dietetics
Current professional position: registered dietitian
Research goals: investigate the role of nutrition in mitigating the symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Faculty advisor: Elizabeth Moxley, Ph.D.
The 2025 cohort at the August Ph.D. in Health Sciences event
The Ph.D. in Health Sciences program welcomed its tenth cohort on Aug. 16, 2024, at NIU’s Naperville campus.
Ten new students, numerous returning students and CHHS faculty and administrators from across the university kicked off the event with a dinner. The guest speakers were Ph.D. in Health Sciences students Silvia Orsulic Jeras and Alyssa Harris.
Students from previous cohorts met with their fellow classmates at this in-person event. For most, it will be the last time they will attend face-to-face events as they move forward in their program.
Most recent degree: Master of Science nutrition and dietetics
Current professional position: clinical dietitian
Research goals: the role of registered dietitians in improving health outcomes by providing nutrition education in acute care
Faculty advisor: Sheila Barrett
Most recent degree: M.P.H.
Current professional position: medical office manager
Research goals: combating the Opioid crisis through alternative treatments such as medical cannabis
Faculty advisor: Kunal Patel
Most recent degree: Master of Science in kinesiology – exercise physiology
Current professional position: lecturer at UIC
Research goals: content retention in gross anatomy curricula, student efficacy
Faculty advisor: Andrew Notebaert
Most recent degree: Master’s in public health
Current professional position: director pharmacy, health care management integration
Research goals: health economics and outcomes research (HEOR): application of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) to generate real world evidence, optimize precision medicine and improve population health outcomes in chronic health conditions.
Faculty advisor: Anitha Saravanan
Most recent degree: Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Current professional position: pediatric physician assistant and public health epidemiologist
Research goals: Racial and ethnic disparities in pediatric chronic disease health outcomes. Disparities in healthcare provision impacting minority populations. Factors influencing help-seeking behavior in pediatric populations
Faculty advisor: Shondra Clay
Most recent degree: Doctor of Audiology
Current professional position: pediatric audiologist/DEI fellow at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Research goals: racial disparities within audiology access and care, diversifying the audiology field and leadership racial landscape and the effects of language interpreters and patient device use.
Faculty advisors: Milijana Buac and Danica Billingsly
Most recent degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Current professional position: coordinator of physical therapy at UI Health
Research goals: effect manual therapy and therapeutic exercise in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. Effect of post professional training on productivity. Optimization of outpatient physical therapy scheduling to improve patient access, provide consistent and appropriate follow-up care and measure the effect on patient outcomes and therapist satisfaction.
Faculty advisor: Catherine Cheung
Most recent degree: masters in speech language pathology
Current professional position: lecturer in the Communication Sciences and Disorders department at St. Xavier University/acute care medical speech language pathologist
Research goals: Investigating caregiver/family knowledge of the relationship between dysphagia and dementia, decision-making regarding swallowing and nutrition and apply that information to educational initiatives or protocols earlier in the patient’s disease process to improve the patient’s later transition to palliative, pleasure feeds, and end of life care. Another area of interest is researching speech language pathologists' presence within the medical intensive care unit (ICU) to address ICU delirium.
Faculty advisor: Jamie Mayer
Most recent degree: Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics
Current professional position: research dietician
Research goals: the interplay between food insecurity and disordered eating/eating disorders, the health at every size philosophy (compared to the weight-centric approach) and weight stigma
Faculty advisor: Henna Muzaffar
Most recent degree: Master of Science in nursing education
Current professional position: simulation education specialist
Research goals: to expand on the knowledge and evidence-based practice within the field of healthcare simulation and interprofessional education
Faculty advisor: Andrew Notebaert
Most recent degree: doctorate in nursing practice
Current professional position: director of clinical practice and professional development
Research goals: immigration mental and physical health; health disparities among racial groups
Faculty advisor: Cris Sabio
The 2024 cohort at the August Ph.D. in Health Sciences event
The Ph.D. in Health Sciences program welcomed its ninth cohort on August 18, 2023, at NIU's Naperville campus.
Eight new students, numerous returning students and CHHS faculty and administrators from across the university kicked off the event with a dinner. The guest speakers were Ph.D. in Health Sciences alumni, Katie Schultz, Paris Thomas and Corey Ungaro.
Students from previous cohorts were excited to meet their fellow classmates at this in-person event. For some, it will be the last time they attend face-to-face events as they move forward in their program.
Most recent degree: Masters in Public Health
Current Professional position: Full time student
Research goals: Cardiovascular health/Preventative cardiovascular medicine
Faculty Advisor: Lynn Herrmann, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
Current Professional position: Senior Research Director at Vizient, Inc.
Research goals: I am interested in looking at health disparities and vulnerable populations, especially in the area of cancer treatment and access to new cancer therapies.
Faculty Advisor: Courtney Hughes, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: AuD, MPH
Current Professional position: Clinical Associate Professor, CDS
Research goals: Addressing health disparities in neonates with Cytomegalovirus
Faculty Advisor: Shondra Clay, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Doctorate in Nursing Practice
Current Professional position: Director of Clinical Practice and Professional Development
Research goals: Immigration Mental and Physical Health; Health Disparities Among Racial Groups
Faculty Advisor: Shondra Clay, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Science: Nutrition Education
Current Professional position: Clinical Dietitian
Research goals: Acute/Critical Care, Nutrition & Wounds, Weight Stigma
Faculty Advisor: Henna Muzaffar, Ph.D.
The 2023 cohort at the August Ph.D. in Health Sciences event
The Ph.D. in Health Sciences program welcomed its eighth cohort on August 12, 2022, at NIU’s Naperville campus.
Seven students, numerous CHHS faculty and administrators from across the university kicked off the event with a dinner. The guest speaker was Paul Priester, Ph.D., chair of the School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions.
Students from previous cohorts were excited to meet their fellow classmates at this in-person event. For some, it will be the last time they attend face-to-face events as they move forward in their program.
Most recent degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant
Current Professional position: Director of Didactic Education/Assistant Professor – South University Physician Assistant Program – Savannah, GA
Research goals: Examine the correlation between GRE scores of Physician Assistant (PA) students and subsequent success on the PA national board examination – Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
Faculty Advisor: Bette Montgomery, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Master of Public Health
Current professional position: Nurse and Public Health Educator
Research goals: I am interested in health education initiatives aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality and morbidity rates among women of reproductive age. I propose to do so by examining how the attitudes of healthcare practitioners toward lactation impact exclusive breastfeeding.
Faculty advisor: Julie Patterson, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Health Law from Loyola University Chicago
Current professional position: Independent Consultant
Research goals: I am interested in conducting research pertaining to moral injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including policy, interventions, and outcomes to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
I plan to consider these topics from two perspectives: the first perspective (e.g., veteran, first-responder, healthcare professional), and second perspective is their family/support system, whom are often adversely impacted health-wise…often exposed to stress, anxiety, and injury by proximity to their suffering loved one, but the wellness of family/support system can often be neglected in research, intervention, and funding.
Faculty advisor: Thomas Pavkov, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Masters in Human Development and Family Sciences
Concentration in Child Development and Child Life
Current professional positions: Certified Child Life Specialist in a Pediatric Emergency Room
Instructor at Northern Illinois University in the HDFS Department
Research goals: How mental health has affected school age children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other research interests include children's responses to hospitalization, family dynamics, play therapy, child abuse
Faculty advisor: Tom Pavkov, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Doctorate in Physical Therapy and Master's in Healthcare Administration
Current professional position: Clinical Assistant Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Northern Illinois University
Research goals: Determining the potential for functional improvements for individuals with brain cancer and understanding the primary barriers for caregivers caring for these individuals
Faculty advisor: M. Courtney Hughes, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Howard University, 2016
Current professional position: Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist
Research goals: Publish research focused on reducing the racial gap in mental health treatment and improving mental health quality of life amongst minority adolescents.
Faculty advisor: Nahal Salimi, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: M.A. Community Counseling
Current professional position: Research Associate, Center for Research and Education, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, Cleveland, OH
Research goals: Development, testing, implementation and translation of a variety of psychosocial interventions for persons living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD) and their family caregivers as well as for those managing multiple chronic health conditions. Other specialties include: counseling and strength-based methods, dyadic research, clinical readiness and intervention development and activities programming in both individual and group forums, specifically, music and arts-based interventions.
Faculty advisor: Jamie Mayer, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Doctor of Pharmacy and M.S. in Health Economics and Outcomes Research
Current professional position: National Payer Account Medical Lead - Outcomes Liaison
Research goals: Quality Improvement and Implementation Science Research
Faculty advisor: Jie Chen, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Rush University
Current professional position: Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist/Resource Clinician at Loyola University Medical Center
Research goals: Health disparities and access to care for underprivileged, low SES, rural or non-native individuals. My goal is to identify barriers in education provided to patients regarding their prognosis, injury status, return to work, medical procedures completed, etc. By identifying both organizational (physician, medical staff, etc.) barriers as well as patient barriers (health literacy, language barriers, etc.), my research will aim to decrease the gap of understanding and affect positive change on the patient's outlook and understanding.
Faculty advisor: Shondra Clay, Ph.D.
The 2022 cohort at the August Ph.D. in Health Sciences event
The Ph.D. in Health Sciences program began its seventh cohort on August 13, 2021, at NIU's Naperville campus.
Fourteen students and several faculty from fields across the College of Health and Human Sciences kicked off the evening with a dinner.
In addition to the 2021 cohort, students from the 2020 cohort were excited to attend their first face-to-face event. For some of them, it will also be their last face-to-face event as they move ahead into their program.
Most recent degree: Master of Arts, Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, The University of Memphis, Memphis TN (2006).
Current professional position: Program Coordinator/Research Speech Pathologist, Duke University, Durham NC; Adjunct Faculty, Maryville University, St. Louis, MO
Research goals: novel methods to teach and assess clinical reasoning for dysphagia evaluations; collaborative management of patients with head and neck cancer, lymphedema, and dysphagia by SLPs and certified lymphedema therapists
Faculty advisor: Dr. Beverly Henry
Most recent degree: MA in Speech Language Pathology
Current professional position: Medical Speech Language Pathologist, subacute rehabilitation and skilled nursing
Research goals: Alternative and Augmentative therapy approaches for Dementia care
Faculty advisor: Dr. Jamie Mayer
Most recent degree: Master of Arts in Statistics; Master of Science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Current professional position: Clinical Research Coordinator, VA St. Louis Health Care System
Research goals: Determinants in Health Behavior and Public Health Data Science
Faculty advisor: Dr. Courtney Hughes
Most Recent Degree: Master of Public Health
Current Professional Position: Director of Quality and Outcomes
Research Goals: My research interests are in health disparities and social determinants of health and its impact on primary care service delivery and leveraging technology to improve patient care
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kathryn Mazurek
Most recent degree: Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology
Current professional position: Clinical Lab Coordinator and Instructor, Samford University
Research goals: Use of simulation as a clinical education tool for speech-language pathology graduate students with a focus on inter-professional practice
Faculty advisor: Dr. Sherrill Morris
Most recent degree: Bachelor of Exercise Science; in pursuit Doctorate of Physical Therapy (graduation May 2022)
Current professional position: DPT student
Research goals: To investigate return to sport protocols and identify athletes at risk for injury or reinjury that participate in overhead sports
Faculty advisor: Dr. Michael Kushnick
Most Recent Degree: Master of Science in Communications
Current Professional Position: AVP of Health Equity and Access
Research Goals: To publish research focused on disparities that impact patient and family end of life experiences
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Courtney Hughes
Most recent degree: Master of Science in Nutrition Diagnostics
Current professional position: Clinical Dietitian Preceptor/Faculty at Cox College
Research goals: investigate the role of Registered Dietitians in improving health outcomes in individuals with food insecurity
Faculty advisor: Dr. Henna Muzaffar
Most recent degree: Master of Science in Biology
Current professional position: Instructor at the Virginia Military Institute
Research goals: I would like to investigate the willingness of populations to adopt food practices that improve human health and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, I would like to identify modes of educational outreach that are most likely to result in dietary changes that benefit individual health as well as the environment.
Faculty advisor: Dr. Melani Duffrin
Most recent degree: Master of Public Health degree , Doctor of Dental Surgery
Current professional position: Adjunct Instructor, School of Health Studies – College of Health and Human Sciences, NIU
Research goals: I’m interested in the social determinants of health and promotion of health equity across diverse geographies and populations. It is my aim to work towards eliminating barriers to health and well-being that underserved populations disproportionately face through community-based research and low cost intervention clinical work.
Faculty advisor: Dr. Jeanne Isabel
Most recent degree: Master in Occupational Therapy
Current professional position: Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at Worcester State University, Occupational Therapy Consultant
Research goals: To investigate the impact of adverse childhood experiences on motor and self-regulation skills and provide education on addressing developmental gaps in children exposed to childhood trauma
Faculty advisor: Dr. Thomas W. Pavkov
Most recent degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Current professional position: Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, Saint Francis University; Physical Therapist, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
Research goals: Investigate the implications of psychological stress on physical rehabilitation and health status
Faculty advisor: Dr. Lynn Herrmann
Most recent degree: Master of Science in Applied Health Sciences
Current professional position: Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Health Sciences, Director of the Trauma Informed Educational Practices for Children & Adolescents Graduate Certificate Program, North Central College
Research goals: Investigating the Efficacy of Strategies used with Professionals in Adversity Education and Trauma Informed Practices Training
Faculty advisor: Dr. Melissa Clucas Walter
Most recent degree: Master of Public Health (MPH)
Current professional position: Adjunct Instructor in both the Health Sciences & the Biology Departments at Saginaw Valley State University
Research goals: My research interests are focused on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, as well as a subset of illnesses known as neglected parasitic infections, or NPIs. These infections are considered neglected because relatively little effort has been put forth to their monitoring, prevention or treatment. To improve patient outcome, as well as reduce/eliminate these illnesses, four areas need to be addressed: 1) Increase awareness among physicians and the public; 2) Incorporate existing data to better understand the hazards; 3) Improve diagnostic testing; and 4) Advise on treatment. My goal is to establish interdisciplinary curricula for Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Medical and MPH programs at the university-level. Collaboration among health professionals is the key to positive patient outcomes and research has shown that effective interdisciplinary teams decrease costs, improve patient satisfaction and reduce morbidity/mortality through patient safety and error reduction. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has reported that the best place to initiate transformation in healthcare is to start in the classroom, with the education of our healthcare students.
Faculty advisor: Dr. Jeanne Isabel
The 2021 cohort at the August Ph.D. in Health Sciences event
The Ph.D. in Health Sciences program welcomed its sixth cohort in August 2020. Twelve students will be mentored by several faculty from fields across the College of Health and Human Sciences.
Due to the need to meet remotely, the Ph.D. in Health Sciences program began its cohort meeting remotely the week of Aug. 10, 2020.
During the evenings, students and staff met via Zoom to discuss topics including implications of COVID-19, diversity issues, research proposal writing, and planning for the dissertation defense and beyond.
The week was capped off with a back-to-school game night on Saturday evening after classes.
Most recent degree: Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Current professional position: Occupational Therapist
Research goals: Long-term care transition readiness
Faculty advisor: Jinsook Kim, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Public Health
Current professional position: Research Faculty Member at University of Colorado, Boulder
Research goals: I hope to publish research related to socioeconomic and racial disparities in adverse health outcomes, and psychosocial stress in adverse health outcomes
Faculty advisor:hondra Clay, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Public Health
Current professional position: Director of Clinical Affairs
Research goals:Investigate the selection, implementation and assessment of patient safety intervention strategies and how different approaches impact patient outcomes.
Faculty advisor: M. Courtney Hughes, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Occupational Therapy
Current professional position: Senior Occupational Therapist at Loyola University Medical Center
Research goals:Identify allied health and rehabilitation needs of global healthcare and disaster response teams, improve services and access for adults with intellectual disabilities in the community, demonstrate importance and effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare teams
Faculty advisor: Jeanne Isabel, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Master of Science Speech Language Pathology
Current professional position: Clinical Instructor at Stephen F. Austin State University
Research goals: To investigate how the addition of tDCS affects Aphasia treatment.
Faculty advisor: Jamie Mayer, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Master of Social Work
Current professional position: Program Coordinator, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Sickle Cell Clinic, University of Illinois at Chicago
Research goals: Quality of life and mental wellness for pediatric minority sickle cell patients
Faculty advisor: Kathryn Mazurek, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Master of Science in Nutrition
Current professional positions: Clinical Nutrition Faculty, University of Saint Joseph; Lead Sports Dietitian for the Athlete Nutrition Advising Program; Clinical Dietitian, Hospital of Central Connecticut
Research goals: To investigate the impact relative energy deficiency has on the health and well-being of competitive athletes
Faculty advisor: Michael Kushnick, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Graduate Certificate in Health Innovation and Implementation Science
Current professional position: Clinical Informatics Specialist at Northern Illinois University
Research goals: Specific Quality Interventions addressing Social Determinants of Health or Effectiveness of the Annual Wellness Exam
Faculty advisor: Courtney Hughes, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Current professional position: Assistant Professor, Assistant Director of Clinical Education
Research goals: Investigate the use of telehealth in physical therapy clinical education
Faculty advisor: Beverly W Henry, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Master of Science in Nutrition
Current professional position: Training and Policy Coordinator with the Illinois Hunger Coalition
Research goals: Community-based research on health disparities, with a focus on the effects of food insecurity on health outcomes
Faculty advisor: Flora Surjadi, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Master of Science in Respiratory Care
Current professional position: Clinical Assistant Professor, Dept. of Kinesiology; ECMO Specialist.
Research goals: To identify and quantify the impact of chronic pulmonary disease, drug burden, and healthcare access on one's mental health. Socioeconomic determinates of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) practices.
Faculty advisor: Arlene Keddie, Ph.D.
Most recent degree: Master of Science in Human Nutrition
Current professional position: Registered Dietitian in Long-Term Care
Research goals: To enhance person-centered care and communication through the exploration and analysis of contributing factors, with an emphasis on health professional education/training and clinical translation.
Faculty advisor: Beverly W Henry, Ph.D.
The 2020 cohort attends a virtual meeting via Zoom
The Ph.D. in Health Sciences program began its fifth cohort August 16, 2019, at NIU's Hoffman Estates campus.
Thirteen students and several faculty from fields across the College of Health and Human Sciences kicked off the evening with a dinner and a reception.
NIU Interim Associate Dean for Research and Resources Beverly Henry welcomed the students and Enid Montague, Ph.D. delivered the keynote address.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Business Administration, Data Analytics
Current professional position: Vice President, Data Analytics and Chief Data Officer
Research goals: Health information technology and data analytics to assess health outcomes and augment decision-making
Faculty advisor: Derryl Block, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Doctor of Physical Therapy
Current professional position: Physical Therapist
Research goals: Orthopedic knee conditions following both conservative and surgical management
Faculty advisor: MJ Blaschak, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science, Nutrition Science
Current professional position: Renal dietitian
Research goals: Developing nutrition education for patients with chronic kidney disease
Faculty advisor: Melani Duffrin, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Public Health
Current professional position: Health Research Science Specialist
Research goals: Develop mixed-methods program and policy evaluations in order to improve quality and access to care in underserved communities.
Faculty advisor: Ping Yao, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Public Health
Current professional position: Senior Specialist, Performance Measure Development and Analysis
Research goals: Innovation, development, and implementation of patient-reported outcome measures, tools, and assessments into healthcare delivery.
Faculty advisors: Katherine Coulter, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Public Health, Epidemiology
Current professional position: Senior Analyst in Health Analytics and Research and Reporting
Research goals: Factors associated with medication adherence and persistence for specialty medication
Faculty advisor: Kathryn Mazurek, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science, Communication Disorders
Current professional position: Clinical Instructor and Residential Grad Placement Coordinator
Research goals: To investigate the efficacy of early intervention services provided to children within culturally and linguistically diverse family systems
Faculty advisor: Sherry Fang , Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Doctor of Nursing Practice
Current professional position: Director of Research & Clinical Services and Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner. Adjunct Faculty
Research goals: Investigate fatty pancreas in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver population as a risk for subclinical chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer
Faculty advisor: Masih Shokrani, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration, Mobile Integrated Healthcare concentration
Current professional position: Board Certified Community Paramedic
Research goals: Advance sepsis care treatments in the prehospital setting impact on a patient's length of stay, time in the intensive care unit, and total cost of care
Faculty advisor: Katherine Coulter, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Health Administration
Current professional position: Senior Patient Access Coordinator
Research goals: Community-based services aimed at engaging both persons with mental illness and substance use disorder to cost-effectively reduce crime and lower recidivism rates
Faculty advisor: Paul Priester, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science, Sciences Nutrition
Current professional position: Coordinator, Nutrition Programs and Director
Research goals: Use of ergogenic aids to enhance athletic performance in athletes; use of vitamins to enhance athletic performance in athletes; sports nutrition education in high school or college athletes to enhance athletic performance; dietary supplements in frail older adults; and, nutrition-focused physical examination in athletes to identify micronutrient deficiencies and in frail older adults to identify micronutrient deficiencies
Faculty advisor: Judith Lukaszuk, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Business Administration
Current professional position: Occupational Therapist
Research goals: Readiness to return to prior level of functioning
Faculty advisor: Daniel Boutin, Ph.D.
The 2019 cohort at the August Ph.D. in Health Sciences event
The Ph.D. in Health Sciences program began its fourth cohort on August 17, 2018, at NIU's Hoffman Estates campus.
Fourteen students and several faculty from fields across the College of Health and Human Sciences kicked off the evening with a dinner and a reception.
NIU Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships, Gerald Blazey, welcomed the students and Mark Kuczewski delivered the evening's keynote address.
Most recent degree(s): Master's in Bioethics and Health Policy
Current professional position: Neuromodulation Clinical Specialist for Boston Scientific
Research goals: Effects of stimulation on chronic pain and addiction patients
Faculty advisor: Matt Sprong, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): M.S. in analytics, University of Chicago
Current professional position: Risk Consultant
Research goals: Military Readiness
Faculty advisor: Kathryn Mazurek, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Doctor of Physical Therapy
Current professional position: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Associate Professor at Cox College in Springfield, MO
Research goals: Investigating how a combination of evidence-based practice interventions such as cognitive strategies, behavior strategies, and education would impact patients' perceived pain compared to traditional medical interventions of pain management.
Faculty advisor: Daniel Boutin, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Arts, University of Chicago
Current professional position: Director of Child Programs at Compass Health Center & Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Chicago
Research goals: I am interested in the relationship between compassion fatigue and physical health for providers working with children and adolescents endorsing a history of trauma.
Faculty advisor: Thomas Pavkov, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science- Nursing Education, Lewis University
Current professional position: RN-B.S. Nursing Degree-Completion Coordinator
Research goals: Evaluate the impact that professional care giver role-strain has on academic success and create innovative ways to alleviate barriers health-care providers face when pursuing advanced education
Faculty advisors: Maryann Abendroth, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science Health Administration, University of St. Francis
Current professional position: Research Administrator- Clinical Trials Unit
Research goals: To develop strategies to increase minority enrollment in clinical trials and investigate the health disparities amongst African American women who are diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
Faculty advisor: Laura Beamer, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science Applied Nutrition, The Sage Graduate School, Troy, NY
Current professional position: Adjunct Instructor, Nutrition Sciences Department, The Sage Colleges, Troy, NY
Research goals: Communication between healthcare providers, people with serious illnesses, and their loved ones from the patient's perspective. What are the patient's perceived communication needs and what barriers and facilitators to communication exist? My goal is to use this research to develop educational and supportive tools for patients in order to facilitate their conversations with their healthcare providers and loved ones.
Faculty advisor: Maryann Abendroth, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science-Nutrition
Current professional position: Nutrition Researcher
Research goals: Evaluate methods to promote behavior change, specifically uptake and implementation of evidence-based practice by health care professionals. Determine the appropriate study design, interventions, and reliable measure for behavior change. Furthermore, determine if implementation of evidence-based practice recommendations results in improved health outcomes.
Faculty advisor: Beverly Henry, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling with a concentration in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Substance Abuse Counseling from Springfield College, Springfield MA
Current professional position: Adjunct Faculty/National Science Foundation Grant Specialist, National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology
Research goals: Investigate the effects of hearing loss on the veteran transition process into the civilian workforce, educational environments and society. Analyze the implications for enhanced interdisciplinary support of veterans with hearing loss through inter-agency partnerships as well as within single institutions.
Faculty advisor: Daniel Boutin, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Health Science in Communication Disorders from Governors State University
Current professional position: Speech-Language Pathologist
Research goals: To explore the bilingual parents' perception of their children's speech-language therapy program.
Faculty advisor: Danai Fannin
Most recent degree(s): M.S in Gerontology from Kansas State University
Current professional position: Medical Technician for U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command
Research goals: Further investigate the effectiveness of a community-based comprehensive fitness program on older adults living along the U.S/ Mexico border who are at a higher risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes, COPD, and Obesity.
Faculty advisor: Arlene Keddie, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Public Health with a concentration in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Current professional position: Active Duty US Public Health Service Nurse, HRSA, Regional Supervisor
Research goals: Evaluating non-diet approaches to reduce obesity in low-income pediatric populations that support positive self-esteem and lifestyle changes.
Faculty advisor: Josephine Umoren, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in fall 2022
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science, Clinical Nutrition
Current professional position: Manager, Clinical Nutrition at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, IL
Research goals: Curricular innovations to develop or maintain an effective workforce.
Faculty advisor: Amanda McCarthy, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Bradley University
Current professional position: Assistant Professor at Bradley University
Research goals: We have a pro bono clinic on our campus that I would like to conduct research looking at patient functional measurements before and after the 10-week program as well as looking at depression and fatigue of the caregiver and does that improves as the patient improves.
Faculty advisor: MJ Blaschak, Ph.D.
The 2018 cohort at the August Ph.D. in Health Sciences event
The Ph.D. in Health Sciences program began its third cohort on August 18, 2017, at NIU's Hoffman Estates campus.
Nine students and several faculty from fields across the College of Health and Human Sciences kicked off the evening with a dinner and a reception.
NIU Dean of Graduate Studies, Brad Bond, welcomed the students and Michael O’Rourke delivered the evening's keynote address.
Ph.D. in spring 2022
Most recent degree(s): Doctor of Physical Therapy
Current professional position: Staff Physical Therapist-Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Research goals: Enhancing the interdisciplinary team within a skilled nursing facility setting; optimize student and clinician knowledge of physical therapy treatment strategies for persons with mental health disorders.
Faculty advisor: Jennifer Gray, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Public Health, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Current professional position: Systems Analyst (Programmer/Quality Consultant)
Research goals: Investigating outcomes related to quality among supportive and palliative care and non-palliative care clinicians and interactions with seriously ill patients.
Faculty advisor: Jinsook Kim, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in fall 2022
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science-Profession Program in Biotechnology, Texas A&M University
Current professional position: Scientific Affairs Manager, Luminex Corporation
Research goals: Evaluating the role of biostatistics in clinical trials design and analysis, particularly understanding how to optimally design a clinical study based on available data, which would reduce risks, and improve the quality of results and submissions. Investigate how to determine the suitable variables to be measured based on the study objectives and to learn efficient ways to interpret and analyze data. Additionally, exploring how early, accurate, and rapid diagnosis, along with an efficient healthcare management system, can lead to high-quality, cost-effective patient care; how transforming complex healthcare and diagnostic systems to simpler user-friendly platforms can eliminate diagnostic and human errors thus providing timely results and improving the overall clinical workflow.
Faculty advisor: Ping Yao, Ph.D.
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science-Mental Health Counseling (Rehabilitation Counseling) & Post Masters Certificate in Rehabilitation Counseling and Behavioral Addictions
Current professional position: Vocational expert and rehabilitation counselor
Research goals: Prepare students and clinicians in the delivery of health care via Telehealth through the development of interpersonal skills and use of technology, developing useful options to enhance the quality of life and efficacy of chronic disease management and public and private sector rehabilitation counseling service delivery.
Faculty advisor: Matthew Sprong
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science-Nursing, Northern Illinois University
Current professional position: Registered Nurse (Stroke Coordinator and Magnet Coordinator), Advocate Sherman Hospital, Elgin, Illinois.
Research goals: Study patients who suffer a stroke but delay in seeking medical treatment (is the delay due to lack of knowledge, denial, the severity of symptoms, etc.).
Faculty advisors: Kari Hickey
Ph.D. in spring 2022
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science- Nursing
Current professional position: Clinical Educator- Rush Copley Hospital
Research goals: Health care innovation-interdisciplinary use of simulation.
Faculty advisor: Jeanette Rossetti
Most recent degree(s): Master of Occupational Therapy
Current professional position: Occupational Therapy Supervisor, Wood County Educational Service Center, Bowling Green, Ohio.
Research goals: Meeting the needs of clients with social and health disparities with specific interest on the family dynamics related to the opiate crisis as well as youth mental health. To utilize developing research to advance access to community health programs by establishing a sample model using telehealth practices in conjunction with face to face interaction with clients.
Faculty advisor: Thomas Pavkov
Most recent degree(s): Master of Public Health/Master of Science-dual degree with a concentration in Health Information Systems
Current professional position: Clinical Informatics Consultant
Research goals: Using healthcare data and technology to find the best practices and techniques that drive high-quality care at low cost within chronic diseases.
Faculty advisor: James Ciesla
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science-Health Education & Promotion, with an emphasis in Community Health, University of Cincinnati.
Current professional position: Quality Improvement Facilitator, Telligen.
Research goals: Analyzing approaches to health disparities in unserved and underserved communities, specifically exploring low levels of access and/or use of mental health services, including community stigma.
Faculty advisor: Kathleen Musker
The 2017 cohort at the August Ph.D. in Health Sciences event
The Ph.D. in Health Sciences program began its second cohort on August 12, 2016, at NIU's Hoffman Estates campus.
Fourteen students and faculty from fields across the College of Health and Human Sciences kicked off the evening with a dinner and a reception.
NIU Vice President of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development, Anne Kaplan, welcomed the students and John A. Vozenilek III delivered the evening's keynote address "Interprofessional Collaboration: Taking Academic Programs Across Departmental and Clinical Boundaries".
Most recent degree(s): Master in Health Sciences from Indiana State University
Current professional position: Supervisor, Diagnostic Development Services
Research goals: To further understand the impact of health disparities for women
Faculty advisor: Derryl Block
Ph.D. in spring 2022
Most recent degree(s): MPH from Northern Illinois University
Current professional position: NIU Laboratory Safety Manager
Research goals: Understanding the motivation factors in personal laboratory safety
Faculty advisor: Jeanne Isabel
Most recent degree(s): Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy from St. Ambrose University
Current professional position: Assistant Professor at Bradley University, Peoria, IL
Research goals: Effects of learning cultural sensitivity in health science students through the use of short-term mission trips (or through clinical exposure in a pro bono clinic).
Faculty advisor: King Chung
Most recent degree(s): Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the College of Saint Scholastica
Current professional position: Academic Clinical Instructor at University of Saint Mary Doctor of Physical Therapy Program; also PRN Clinical Physical Therapist
Research goals: Ascertaining characteristics of adherence of wellness recommendations by the involvement of multi-disciplinary collaboration, including a dietician, physical therapist, and physician in obesity reduction.
Faculty advisor: Beverly Henry
Ph.D. in fall 2021
Most recent degree(s): M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Current professional position: Assistant Professor, Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Concordia University Wisconsin
Research goals: Develop a plan of research in pediatric feeding and swallowing. I am especially interested in how caregiver responses to infant cues affects growth and development.
Faculty advisors: Allison Gladfelter and Janet Olson
Ph.D. in fall 2019
Most recent degree(s): M.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition from University of Kansas
Current professional position: Pediatric Dietitian Consultant
Research goals: To study food selectivity in young children - characteristics associated with selectivity and/or interventions to increase acceptance of foods.
Faculty advisor: Priyanka Ghosh Roy
Most recent degree(s): M.S. in Physical Therapy from Andrews University
Current professional position: Assistant Professor and Foundations Sciences Coordinator, Andrews University, Department of Physical Therapy.
Research goals: My research goals, as they apply to the NIU PhD in Health Sciences, are focused on strengthening the skills necessary to combine a strong research agenda with my current teaching responsibilities. By taking advantage of the curriculum at NIU I expect to improve my understanding of research design, data analysis, and funding. Through an interprofessional approach I will develop a plan to carry out research in one of my areas of interest that includes but is not limited to the following: use of prediction rules to improve clinical decision making; the role of the physical therapist in preventative healthcare interventions; nonsurgical interventions for femoroacetabular impingement; clinical outcomes in a bundled payment system; the use of comprehensive exams as an indicator for success on national board exams; and improving student learning in the foundation sciences with the use of case scenarios. In deciding on my dissertation topic the goal will be to develop original research that on dissemination will contribute to improved patient care, healthcare outcomes and or student learning.
Faculty advisor: Christina Odeh
Most recent degree(s): M.S. in Clinical and Population Health from UMASS Medical School, MPH in Epidemiology from University of Connecticut
Current professional position: Biostatistician/Psychometrician in patient-centered outcomes research at Mapi
Research goals: To further develop my analytic thinking and skillset to further improve my career in pharmaceutical consulting
Faculty advisor: Ping Yao
Ph.D. in spring 2020
Most recent degree(s): Pharm.D. from University of Illinois at Chicago, MBA from DePaul University
Current professional position: Clinical Pharmacist
Research goals: The use of health information technology to improve the quality of patient care.
Faculty advisor: Jaeyong Bae
Most recent degree(s): M.S. in Higher Education Administration and Policy from Northwestern University
Current professional position: Assistant Director, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology and MS in Speech, Language, and Learning Programs at Northwestern University
Research goals: Exploring issues in curriculum design, teaching methodology, and learning assessment in medical and health professions education.
Faculty advisor: Beverly Henry
Most recent degree(s): Master of Arts in Historial Studies from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Current professional position: Clinical Research Coordinator in Orthopaedic Trauma, Washington University School of Medicine
Research goals: I plan to investigate the patient rehabilitation process post-traumatic orthopedic injury
Faculty advisor: Daniel Boutin
Most recent degree(s): Master of Physical Therapy from Midwestern University
Current professional position: Physical Therapist
Research goals: 1) Ethnic and Gender Disparities in manual physical therapy 2) Effects of joint mobilization on muscle activation
Faculty advisor: Prisca Collins
Ph.D. in fall 2021
Most recent degree(s): M.S. Biotechnology and Chemistry
Current professional position: R&D Scientist in charge of Biochemistry Department
Research goals: Ascertain the potential for behavior change using activity/sleep trackers
Faculty advisor: Christina Odeh
The 2016 cohort at the August Ph.D. in Health Sciences event
The inaugural Ph.D. in Health Sciences cohort program began on August 14, 2015, at NIU's Hoffman Estates campus.
Fifteen students and faculty from across the College of Health and Human Sciences kicked off the evening with a panel discussion followed by a dinner and reception.
CHHS Dean Derryl Block welcomed the students and David Stone delivered the evening's keynote address.
"I feel experimental research is essential in its own right. However, as much as I fully support the detailed technical work of these scientists, my pursuit of a Ph.D. in basic science was twice thwarted because I could not see the forest through the trees. I was not convinced that my basic science research at the bench on one tiny protein would have any impact on the quality of life for cancer or malaria sufferers. Consequently, as health scientists, we are charged with a different, yet equally significant calling. In order to improve health outcomes, we need to take each of those paradigms we learned in Biology, Psychology, Statistics, Microbiology, and Social Behavior and bring them and their representatives together to the same research table. Only then can we truly begin to see each tree in thecontext of the forest and not be confined by our individual paradigms" by Dee Dee Downie, 2015 Ph.D. in Health Sciences cohort member
Ph.D. in summer 2020
Most recent degree(s): M.S. MLS from Michigan State University
Current professional position: Adjunct Professor and Medical Laboratory Scientist
Research goals: Focusing on the different branches of patient care to develop a collaborative educational environment and to promote inter-professional exchanges and development in healthcare facilities.
Faculty advisor: Beverly Henry
Most recent degree(s): M.P.H. and M.A. (African Studies) from Indiana University
Current professional position: Program Manager, Helping Babies Survive Initiative American Academy of Pediatrics
Research goals: Exploring health disparities, health programs in low-resource environments, evaluating program outcomes, and the role public-private collaborations play as innovators in health services.
Faculty advisor: James Ciesla
Ph.D. in spring 2019
Most recent degree(s): M.S. Advanced Clinical Practice from National University of Health Sciences, MPH from Benedictine University and Doctor of Chiropractic from National University of Health Sciences
Current professional position: Assistant Professor and Attending Clinician, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL
Research goals: Clinical application of low back pain classification systems.
Faculty advisor: Mary Jo Blaschak
Most recent degree(s): M.P.H. from University of Pittsburgh
Current professional position: CDC Public Health Advisor, USPHS, Madison, WI
Research goals: Investigating community resilience in mitigating international disasters.
Faculty advisor: Lin Shi
Most recent degree(s): M.A. Com.D. from Northern Illinois University
Current professional position: Forensic Rehabilitation Counselor
Research goals: Exploring the development of disability identity and the factors that affect psychosocial adaptation to disability, especially in persons living with acquired or non-apparent disabilities.
Faculty advisor: Greg Long
Ph.D. in spring 2019
Most recent degree(s): Masters of Health Science from James Madison University
Current professional position: Visiting Instructor at Delaware State University Dept. of Public and Allied Health
Research goals: Examine the relationship in meal consumption and food grazing on blood glucose levels of Type II Diabetics
Faculty advisor: Lynn Herrmann
Ph.D. in spring 2020
Most recent degree(s): M.S. S.L.P. from Northeastern University
Current professional position: Clinical Research Coordinator
Research goals: Exploring 3 distinct but potentially related areas including: neuromodulation, measurement and management of chronic needs for brain injury survivors and informal caregivers/family.
Faculty advisor: Christina Papadimitriou
Ph.D. in fall 2018
Most recent degree(s): Ph.D. from NIU
Current professional position: Associate Director, National Center for Rural Health Professions, UIC-Rockford College of Medicine
Research goals: Examining inter-professional workforce needs, through a public health systems context, in addressing Hispanic health disparities.
Faculty advisor: Derryl Block
Ph.D. in fall 2018
Most recent degree(s): Ph.D., NIU
Current professional position: Lead Epidemiologist, Hidalgo County
Research goals: Examining the varying socioeconomic factors and their contribution to a community’s health, such as in vaccine acceptance and host-pathogen interactions of infectious diseases.
Faculty advisor: Jinsook Kim
Ph.D. in summer 2019
Most recent degree(s): M.S. N.D. from Eastern Illinois University
Current professional position: Assistant Professor, Department of Family & Consumer Sciences, Olivet Nazarene University
Research goals: Further exploring the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and eating patterns among veterans.
Faculty advisor: Beverly Henry
Ph.D. in fall 2019
Most recent degree(s): M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University
Current professional position: Instructor of Biology, Aurora University, Head Weightlifting Coach Moose L Up Strength Gym.
Research goals: Further investigating the role nutrition plays in the performance of competitive athletes in power based events.
Faculty advisor: Judith Lukaszuk
Ph.D. in fall 2019
Most recent degree(s): M.H.A. from Washington University in St. Louis
Current professional position: Manager for Physician Assistant Program at Emory University, School of Medicine
Research goals: Analyzing the effectiveness of current approaches to address health disparities from an educational, economic, and social justice perspective.
Faculty advisor: Prisca Collins
Ph.D. in spring 2020
Most recent degree(s): M.P.H. from University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University
Current professional position: Chair, Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Program at Mercy College of Ohio
Research goals: Seeking to intertwine public health principles into medical imaging practice. The intended focus includes management of radiation concerns and screening procedures and application of quality improvement methods.
Faculty advisor: Sarah Geiger
Ph.D. in fall 2019
Most recent degree(s): Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Illinois University as a Family Nurse Practitioner (2002) and a Post Masters Certificate in Nursing Education (2009)
Current professional position: Interim Director of Nursing Graduate Studies at NIU and a Family Nurse Practitioner at the Dyson Wellness Center at North Central College
Research goals: Investigating adolescent and young adult care and underserved communities. Finding what evidence-based programs and education would have the greatest impact to influence this group on making lifestyle changes.
Faculty advisor: Donna Plonczynski
The 2015 cohort at the August Ph.D. in Health Sciences event
Ph.D. in Health Sciences
Wirtz Hall 227
815-753-9283
phdhs@niu.edu