USF Health faculty, staff and students are making an enduring impact across the state and nation through their commitment to research, education, patient care and community service. Congratulations to the outstanding Bulls being recognized for their achievements this winter!
Meet our award winners:
Faculty
Shannon Bailey, PhD, assistant professor in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of
Medical Education, was named Tampa Bay Tech Educator of the Year at the 2024 Tampa Bay Tech Awards. This recognition recognizes Bailey’s transformative contributions to technology-based
education and her unwavering commitment to preparing students for impactful careers
in technology and health care.
Christian Bréchot, MD, PhD, director of the USF Microbiomes Institute and senior associate dean for research
in global affairs in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, was elected as a
new Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. Dr. Brechot joins 64 peers in the Fellowship Class of 2025, chosen for records of
scientific achievement and original contributions advancing microbiology.
Nicholas Carris, PharmD, associate professor in the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy, was named as a
2024 Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology. Dr. Carris was selected in recognition of his outstanding contributions to clinical
pharmacy practice and research.
Joseph Dituri, PhD, assistant vice president for veteran’s clinical research at USF, received the Kittinger
Medal for Outstanding Exploration from the Explorers Club. Dr. Dituri was awarded
this honor to commemorate his seven years as chair of the Florida Chapter of The Explorers Club, as well as his exploration prowess and service to improve knowledge of human physiology
in isolated, confined and extreme environments.
Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler, PT, DPT, associate professor with the USF Health School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Sciences, received the 2025 Distinguished Educator in Physical Therapist Education
Award from the American Physical Therapy Association. This honor is given in recognition of excellence in academic or clinical teaching
in a physical therapy education program.
Renee Gomez Esquivel, MD, assistant professor in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of
Internal Medicine Division of Gastroenterology, was selected as a Fellow of the Florida Gastroenterology Society, recognizing significant contributions to the society through services and education.
Douglas Haladay, PT, DPT, PhD, director of the USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences,
was recognized with the Patriot Award by the Department of Defense. The Patriot Award is given for superlative efforts made to support citizens warriors,
and Dr. Haladay was selected for his ongoing support of VA research. Less than 1%
of supervisors are awarded this honor.
Jennifer Kue, PhD, associate professor with the USF College of Nursing, has been inducted into the prestigious
Academy of Fellows of the American Association for Cancer Education. As a Fellow, she will contribute to identifying trends in cancer education, fostering
innovation and collaboration, mentoring peers and future leaders, steering advances
in the field, and emphasizing the critical role of education in cancer care. This
honor recognizes her dedication to shaping the future of cancer education and making
an impact in a rapidly evolving field.
Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College
of Medicine, was named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal's 2025 Power 100 — a list of Tampa Bay’s 100 most influential business leaders. This recognition is
a testament to Dr. Lockwood’s vision for USF Health and commitment to bringing world-class
research, education and patient care to the region
Uma Nair, PhD, associate professor with the USF Health College of Nursing, was selected as a Fellow
of the Society of Behavioral Medicine Leadership Institute. Through this prestigious Institute, she will gain valuable leadership skills, build
an interdisciplinary network and further her mission to lead national health initiatives.
Frederick Slone, MD, assistant visiting professor in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department
of Medical Education, was selected for the 2024 American Association of Physician Specialists (AAPS) Physician of the Year Award. This recognition is presented to a member who has contributed
to the growth, recognition and leadership of the AAPS Academy or Board.
Jennifer Takagishi, MD, the John and Aliese Price Endowed Chair in Pediatrics/Adolescent Medicine with the
USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, was named new member of the American Pediatric Society, the nation’s oldest academic pediatric organization. This honor recognizes Dr. Takagishi’s
extraordinary achievement as a children’s health leader working to shape the future
of academic pediatrics.
Deanna Wathington, affiliate professor with the USF College of Public Health, was named as president
of the American Public Health Association. She brings 25 years of practice and academic experience to the role, with an emphasis
on collaboration across multiple sectors to address and optimize community health.
Staff
Jessica Beyer, academic advisor with the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy, received the USF
Outstanding Staff Award.
Danielle Gamboni, assistant director of graduate programs with the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy,
received both the USF Outstanding Staff Award and USF Administrative Employee of the
Year Award.
Patti Lane, a patient navigator with USF Tampa General Physicians, was named a USF Health culture
champion, an accolade reserved for individuals who consistently exceed expectations
and inspire others within the organization. She was recognized for her exceptional
commitment to patients and her embodiment of USF Health’s core values.
Dawn Schocken, MPH, director of experiential learning and simulation at the USF Health Morsani College
of Medicine, was named the inaugural winner of the USF Health Interprofessional Practice
Award, and honor given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding commitment
to interprofessional collaboration and advances IPE initiatives for colleagues and
students.
Students
William West, fourth-year medical student in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, received the HillsboroughHCMA/Rivero, Gordimer & Company scholarship. West was also recognized with the Florida Board of Medicine Chairman's Medical Student Recognition Award, given to medical students who demonstrate extraordinary medical competence, embody the highest moral character, and exhibit outstanding service to the profession and the community.
Madison Tyle, a fourth-year student in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine,
was awarded the Hillsborough County Medical Association Foundation Memorial Scholarship, given to an exceptional student in OB-GYN.
The USF Athletic Training Program won the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association Quiz Bowl for the second straight year. They will now compete for the Quiz Bowl National Title
held by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association in Orlando this June. The winning
team members included Melina Madden, Marianna Nieves, Nicole Brunson and Hannah McCanse.
Emily Walsh, a MPH student with the USF College of Public Health, was honored with the prestigious
Vincent Jackson Community Champion Award, making history as the first student ever
to receive the recognition. Presented by the University Area Community Development Corporation, this award celebrates individuals who have made a profound impact on community development.