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Faculty Day Faculty Award Recipients

Thriving Through Change: Leading With Confidence and Vision

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Health Sciences Building & Zoom
60 N. 36th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Questions? Contact Caitlin Curcio at cak332@drexel.edu.

View photos on Facebook.

Faculty Award Recipients

Excellence in Education

Clinical Educator Awards

 

Ben Aguilar, MD – Associate Professor of Medicine, Bayhealth Medical Center

Nominated by Muhammed Ghatala, MD, Associate Professor, Medicine – Bayhealth Medical Center

Dr. Aguilar is a committed educator and leader who has transformed medical education at Bayhealth through curriculum innovation, mentorship and quality improvement initiatives, creating an outstanding learning environment for students and residents.

Christopher Franz, MD – Assistant Professor of Medicine, UPMC Harrisburg

Nominated by Aditya Joshi, MD, Associate Professor, Psychiatry – UPMC Harrisburg

Dr. Franz excels in bedside teaching and critical care education, tailoring instruction to learners’ levels. He fosters inclusive, curiosity-driven environments and is known for his innovation in curriculum design and learner support.

Lawrence Han, MD – Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Coatesville VA Hospital

Nominated by Wei Du, MD, Professor and Chair of Psychiatry – Drexel University College of Medicine West Reading

Dr. Han is celebrated for his teaching excellence, dedication and mentorship. He played a pivotal role in establishing rotations at the VA Medical Center and is beloved by students and residents alike.

Lauren Mathos, DO – Assistant Professor of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network

Nominated by Alexandra Johnston, DO, Assistant Professor, Medicine – Allegheny Health Network

Dr. Mathos is a forward-thinking educator whose leadership in the internal medicine curriculum has created an inclusive, effective learning environment and transformed student and resident education at Drexel.

Lisa Motz, MD – Associate Professor of Medicine, Reading Hospital – Tower Health

Nominated by Wei Du, MD, Professor and Chair of Psychiatry – Drexel University College of Medicine West Reading

Widely respected by students and colleagues, Dr. Motz has shaped curriculum and championed learner support with passion and innovation, ensuring equitable, high-quality clinical education.

Kaitlin O’Malley, MD – Assistant Professor of Family, Community & Preventive Medicine

Nominated by Leon McCrea, MD, Vice Dean for Educational Affairs; Associate Professor, Family Community and Preventive Health

As clerkship director, Dr. O’Malley has revolutionized the family medicine curriculum through innovation, mentorship and a commitment to equity and hands-on learning, deeply impacting students’ success and experience.

Emily Spengler, MD – Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children

Nominated by Renee Turchi, MD, Professor and Chair of Pediatrics – St. Christopher's Hospital for Children

Dr. Spengler is known for her commitment and innovation. She has shaped clinical education at St. Christopher’s with groundbreaking curricula focused on health equity and advocacy, inspiring trainees and colleagues.

 
Angelo Pinto Educator Award

 

Dana Peterson, PhD – Professor of Neurobiology & Anatomy

Nominated by Rodrigo España, PhD, Professor and Interim Chair, Neurobiology & Anatomy, and Kathryn Veazey, PhD, Assistant Professor, Neurobiology & Anatomy

Dr. Peterson has significantly advanced medical education through curriculum innovation, teaching excellence and national leadership. Her outreach programs and mentorship impact more than 1,300 students, making her a standout educator.

Adrienne Willard, MD – Associate Professor of Medicine

Nominated by Nathalie May, MD, Professor of Medicine – Drexel University College of Medicine

Dr. Willard is recognized for her exemplary contributions to medical education as a mentor, innovator and role model. Her commitment to excellence has left a lasting mark on student development.

 
June Klinghoffer Clinical Educator Award

 

Anthony Donato, MD – Professor of Medicine, Tower Health

Nominated by Caitlin Moss, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine – Drexel University College of Medicine

Dr. Donato is a beloved innovator in medical education, known for his simulation labs, storytelling series and tireless mentoring. He balances clinical excellence with compassionate teaching and advocacy.

 
Excellence in Research and Scholarship

Early Career Basic Science Investigator Award

 

Hangjun Ke, PhD – Assistant Professor of Microbiology & Immunology

Nominated by Brian Wigdahl, PhD, Professor and Chair, Microbiology & Immunology

Dr. Ke leads cutting-edge vaccine and therapeutic research for malaria. With multiple NIH grants and a strong commitment to mentorship, she has built a dynamic research program and contributes significantly to Drexel’s scientific community.

 
Early Career Clinical Scientist Award

 

Casey Allen, MD – Assistant Professor of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network

Nominated by James Reilly, MD, Professor of Medicine – Allegheny Health Network

Dr. Allen is a surgical oncology leader known for impactful research on value-based care and prehabilitation. He has authored 88 publications, given numerous national presentations and held key leadership roles, and he is shaping the future of cancer care.

 
Mid-Career Basic Science Investigator Award

 

Zachary Klase, PhD – Associate Professor of Pharmacology & Physiology

Nominated by Olimpia Meucci, PhD, Professor and Chair, Pharmacology & Physiology

A pioneer in HIV research, Dr. Klase’s NIH-funded work on viral latency has earned national acclaim. His mentorship, collaboration and public engagement underscore his influence as a scientist and educator.

 
Mid-Career Clinical Scientist Award

 

Tarun S. Sharma, MD – Associate Professor of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network

Nominated by Adam Dore, DO, Associate Professor, Medicine – Allegheny Health Network

Dr. Sharma has transformed rheumatoid arthritis care through clinical research and care pathways. A grant-funded investigator and mentor, he is advancing outcomes and education in autoimmune disease management.

 
Julian Marsh Faculty Scholar Award

 

Christian Sell, PhD – Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Nominated by Mauricio Reginato, PhD, Professor and Chair, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Dr. Sell’s contributions to research, education and mentorship have made a lasting impact at Drexel. A recognized leader, he has inspired students and faculty through a career rooted in collaboration and excellence.

 
Excellence in Patient Care

Emerging Clinical Leader and Innovation Award

 

Vilmaris Quiñones Cardona, MD, MPH – Associate Professor of Pediatrics, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children

Nominated by Renee Turchi, MD, Professor and Chair of Pediatrics – St. Christopher's Hospital for Children

Dr. Quiñones Cardona is a national leader in neonatology, blending quality improvement, clinical trials and mentorship to elevate care and education. Her work in simulation, safety and scholarly excellence is widely admired.

 
Oksana Korzeniowski Patient Care Award

 

Folasade Kehinde, MD – Associate Professor of Pediatrics, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children

Nominated by Ogechukwu Menkiti, MD, Professor, Pediatrics – St. Christopher's Hospital for Children

Dr. Kehinde exemplifies compassionate, evidence-based care and has trained generations of medical professionals. Her national recognition and educational innovation have elevated pediatric care and medical training at Drexel and St. Christopher’s.

Kevin Taffe, MD – Assistant Professor of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network

Nominated by Thomas Robertson, MD, Associate Professor, Medicine – Allegheny Health Network

Dr. Taffe is a diagnostic expert and beloved educator. His commitment to underserved care, mentorship and health equity makes him an invaluable member of the Drexel community.

 
William Likoff Clinical Excellence Award

 

Kathleen F. Ryan, MD – Professor of Medicine

Nominated by Nathalie May, MD, Professor of Medicine – Drexel University College of Medicine

Dr. Ryan is a model clinician and educator. Her 30-year legacy includes award-winning teaching, program development and clinical care. Her leadership created Drexel’s Simulation Center and set the gold standard for medical education.

Barbara Schindler, MD – Professor of Psychiatry

Nominated by Wei Du, Professor and Chair of Psychiatry – Drexel University College of Medicine West Reading

Dr. Schindler founded the nationally recognized Caring Together program, transforming care for women with addiction. A pioneer in clinical education and service, her influence on students and patients is profound and lasting.

 
Excellence in Mentoring and Leadership

Early Career Mentoring Award for Basic Science Faculty

 

Peter Gaskill, PhD – Associate Professor of Pharmacology & Physiology

Nominated by Olimpia Meucci, PhD, Professor and Chair, Pharmacology & Physiology

Dr. Gaskill has mentored numerous successful trainees, with many earning prestigious awards and fellowships. His support and guidance have shaped careers and advanced research in neuroHIV and immunology.

 
Award for Excellence in Basic Science Mentoring

 

Michael Nonnemacher, PhD – Professor of Microbiology & Immunology

Nominated by Brian Wigdahl, PhD, Professor and Chair, Microbiology & Immunology

A highly sought mentor, Dr. Nonnemacher has guided over 40 thesis committees, led multiple programs and elevated student research experiences, making a profound impact on future biomedical scientists.

 
Early Career Mentoring Award for Clinical Faculty

 

Caitlyn Moss, MD – Associate Professor of Medicine, Tower Health

Nominated by Kelly Brenan-Rothschild, MD, Assistant Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine – Drexel University College of Medicine, West Reading, and Lisa Motz, MD, Associate Professor, Medicine – Reading Hospital – Tower Health

Dr. Moss is a dedicated educator and mentor who has implemented groundbreaking wellness and education programs, supported countless students and residents, and enriched trainee experiences across academic and clinical domains.

 
Elias Abrutyn Mentoring Award for Clinical Faculty

 

David Bennett, PhD – Professor of Psychiatry

Nominated by Wei Du, Professor and Chair of Psychiatry – Drexel University College of Medicine West Reading

Dr. Bennett has been a trusted mentor to learners across disciplines. His guidance and support have launched many into leadership roles, reflecting the values and spirit of this award.

 
Drexel University College of Medicine Institutional Service Award

 

Nitin Bhanot, MD – Professor of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network

Nominated by Adam Dore, DO, Associate Professor, Medicine – Allegheny Health Network

Dr. Bhanot’s leadership on the Appointments and Promotions Committee and College Forward Task Force reflects his deep commitment to institutional excellence and strategic growth at Drexel.

 
Faculty Professional Development, Sponsorship and Allyship Award

 

Jessica Barson, PhD – Associate Professor, Neurobiology & Anatomy

Nominated by Rodrigo España, PhD, Professor and Interim Chair, Neurobiology & Anatomy

A visionary leader, Dr. Barson has championed mentoring, launched development programs, and built inclusive spaces for women and LGBTQIA+ trainees, fostering career growth and institutional change through sponsorship and support.

 
Daniel V. Schidlow, MD, Transformational Leadership Award

 

Simon Giszter, PhD – Professor of Neurobiology & Anatomy

Nominated by Rodrigo España, PhD, Professor and Interim Chair, Neurobiology & Anatomy

Dr. Giszter’s three decades of leadership and groundbreaking research in motor control have shaped Drexel’s future. A strategic thinker and visionary mentor, his influence is felt across research, education and institutional advancement.

 
Excellence in Community Outreach

Emerging Leader in Community Outreach Award

 

Divya Venkat, MD – Assistant Professor of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network

Nominated by Thomas Robertson, MD, Associate Professor, Medicine – Allegheny Health Network

Dr. Venkat’s innovative clinics and harm reduction programs have redefined community care for marginalized populations. Her visionary leadership and advocacy have garnered national recognition and changed lives in Pittsburgh and beyond.

 
Health Equity Merit Award

 

Andrea Carroll DeSimone, DO – Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Bayhealth Medical Center

Nominated by Muhammed Ghatala, MD, Associate Professor, Medicine – Bayhealth Medical Center

Dr. DeSimone champions equity through groundbreaking initiatives, cultural education and interfaith programming. Her work has transformed care delivery and inclusivity at Bayhealth and serves as a model for others.

 
Vincent Zarro Community Outreach Award

 

Sunil Verma, MD – Associate Professor of Psychiatry

Nominated by Wei Du, Professor and Chair of Psychiatry – Drexel University College of Medicine West Reading

Dr. Verma is a leader in community outreach who has advanced health equity through partnerships with Street Medicine programs. His advocacy and action have improved outcomes for underserved populations.

 
Excellence in Inclusion Impact

Award for Impact in Inclusive Excellence

 

Liang Oscar Qiang, MD, PhD – Associate Professor of Neurobiology & Anatomy

Nominated by Rodrigo España, PhD, Professor and Interim Chair, Neurobiology & Anatomy

Dr. Qiang has championed inclusive excellence through advocacy, mentorship and groundbreaking research. His leadership fosters inclusivity across the institution and his science integrates inclusive excellence to drive innovation and equity.

 
Dean’s Excellence Award in Leadership for Professional Staff

 
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