Thursday, April 17, 2025
On Thursday, Dr. Usha Sambamoorthi, professor of pharmacotherapy and associate dean for health outcomes research in the College of Pharmacy, was awarded The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth鈥檚 prestigious faculty achievement award.
Each year, 向日葵视频HSC faculty nominate one of their own to be considered by the Faculty Achievement Award Committee for this award. This year 14 individuals were nominated and six finalists were chosen. A committee reviews nominations and chooses the winner based on the nominee鈥檚 achievements in teaching, research and scholarship, service and leadership.
The winner of this award will receive a $10,000 taxable award and crystal plaque. To be considered for the peer-nominated award, a faculty member must meet all eligibility criteria. A nominee from each of the colleges at HSC is chosen and recognized at the Spring Assembly held in MET 109/111.
The additional finalists included, Dr. Malinee Neelamegam from the College of Public Health, Dr. Raghu Krishnamoorthy from the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Dr. Lillee Gelina from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Mindy Brummett from the College of Health Professions and Dr. Janet Jowitt from the College of Nursing. All finalists received a $2,500 taxable award for their nomination.
These faculty members were nominated by their peers and chosen as finalists because of the way they live out 向日葵视频HSC鈥檚 values in everything they do.
Usha Sambamoorthi
Dr. Usha Sambamoorthi
2025 Faculty Achievement Award
Dr. Usha Sambamoorthi, pharmacotherapy professor in the College of Pharmacy and associate dean of health outcomes research
This year鈥檚 winner, , was nominated for being an exceptional scholar, educator and professional, all while consistently exemplifying the values at 向日葵视频HSC. Sambamoorthi is a pharmacotherapy professor in the College of Pharmacy and associate dean of health outcomes research.
Sambamoorthi鈥檚 nominator wrote, 鈥淒r. Sambamoorthi has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing education of diverse learners.鈥�
Sambamoorthi鈥檚 contributions to 向日葵视频HSC have elevated the university鈥檚 reputation as a leader in health disparities and outcomes research. Most notably, she has developed a range of innovative courses, such as Health Outcomes Research Design and Applied Epidemiology, to prepare students to address complex healthcare challenges. She鈥檚 contributed significantly to the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum, spearheading sessions in special topics like evidence-based healthcare and pharmacoepidemiology.
In addition to her contributions to education, Sambamoorthi has made her mark in service across campus as she embodies the spirit of serving others and consistently seeks to advocate for the betterment of her department, college and 向日葵视频HSC.
鈥淚n summary, Dr. Sambamoorthi is a productive, collaborative and inspiring faculty member. She consistently exhibits many of the 向日葵视频HSC values on a routine basis, including Show Your Fire, Be Curious and Better Together. Her areas of strength are undoubtedly her scholarly prowess, innovations in health outcomes and mentorship of others.鈥�
2025 Faculty Achievement Award Finalists
Dr. Malinee Neelamegam, assistant of population and community health in the College of Public Health
is an assistant of population and community health in the College of Public Health. Neelamegam is an epidemiologist whose research is dedicated to understanding aging in populations that have historically faced health disparities.
Neelamegam exemplifies excellence not only in her research, but through her commitment to mentoring the next generation of public health professionals. She has trained MPH, MS, DO and PhD students at 向日葵视频HSC and other institutions. Neelamegam is currently leading several funded projects, including a Gilead HIV Scholars Award where she is developing a diabetes self-management program for older adults living with HIV, and a four-year Texas Community Engagement Alliance award to develop and implement a diabetes prevention and management program leveraging community health workers.
Currently, Neelamegam serves as affiliate faculty with the Center for Health Policy and has been an affiliate faculty member at the Hopkins Economics of Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease & Services Center at Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Raghu Krishnamoorthy, associate professor, pharmacology & neuroscience in the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, and an associate professor, North Texas Eye Research Institute
is an associate professor, pharmacology & neuroscience in the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, and an associate professor, North Texas Eye Research Institute. Krishnamoorthy has co-authored numerous publications and is on the forefront of neuroprotection in glaucoma, particularly in explaining the mechanisms of optic nerve damage and the role of mitophagy in neurodegeneration.
Outside of his research contributions, Krishnamoorthy constantly demonstrates an unwavering commitment to education. He was able to adapt to online teaching during the pandemic while still ensuring he was delivering the highest level of education to his students. He teaches multiple courses and adapts them to ensure student success. Krishnamoorthy is the recipient of the Golden Apple Award for teaching excellence.
Krishnamoorthy鈥檚 service to 向日葵视频HSC further highlights his commitment to its mission. He is a long-standing faculty advisor to the Graduate Students Association and has helped cultivate a supportive and enriching environment for students. Krishnamoorthy hold leadership roles in the National Institutes of Health and Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
Dr. Lillee Gelinas, associate professor in TCOM鈥檚 Department of Medical Education and Health Systems Science
is an associate professor in TCOM鈥檚 Department of Medical Education and Health Systems Science. Gelinas is an accomplished healthcare leader and an academician with an extensive national and international reputation in patience safety science. Gelinas has led healthcare system operations, including national, international and military clinical operational initiatives.
Gelinas鈥� expertise reflects an exemplary career of service, education and scholarly activity. She serves and has served in numerous federal, national, and regional committees and boards, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Harms Technical Expert Panel and National Quality Form Patient Safety Steering Committee.
In addition to her professional accolades, Gelinas has published more than 100 articles, contributed to seven books and conducted close to 300 presentations at conferences. She also lives out the TCOM vision 鈥渢o change the way health care is delivered鈥� in her academic and teaching contributions. The patient safety course she teaches requires students to become certified professionals in patient safety 鈥� no other medical school in the country, or world, currently requires this.
Dr. Mindy Brummett, assistant professor in the College of Health Professions鈥� Department of Physical Therapy
is an assistant professor in the College of Health Professions鈥� Department of Physical Therapy. In her teaching, Brummett constantly demonstrates excellence through her depth of knowledge and ability to create an engaging learning environment for students. She effectively integrates theoretical concepts with practical application, fostering critical thinking and skill development. Brummett has been praised by her students for her enthusiasm and encouragement of active participation, and her ability to make challenging materials accessible.
Brummett has a robust research agenda centered around projects that inspire students and serve the community. Her work has been featured in national and local presentations and publications, including initiatives at local pregnancy and senior centers. Brummett has led student groups in providing education on gross motor milestones, improving quality of life during pregnancy and delivering physical therapy interventions during labor and delivery. Her research also includes a published case study emphasizing the benefits of education and a tailored exercise prescription for older adults.
When it comes to service, Brummett is very involved at 向日葵视频HSC. She serves on various committees across campus such as the Division of Student Affairs Search Committee, Policy and Bylaws Committee and President鈥檚 Council. Brummett has been pivotal in enhancing the Department of Physical Therapy, increasing visibility and contributing to its growth through her leadership in various initiatives.
Dr. Janet Jowitt, assistant dean of clinical and outreach affairs in the College of Nursing, and an assistant professor and adjunct faculty for the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
is assistant dean of clinical and outreach affairs in the College of Nursing, and an assistant professor and adjunct faculty for the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Jowitt recently published 鈥淕eriatric Justice: Advocating for Equity in healthcare for elderly populations in correctional facilities鈥� in the Geriatric Nursing journal. The article highlights the needs of the population and showcases her passion for equitable health care delivery for older adults 鈥� the focus of most of her research.
Jowitt has played an instrumental role in developing innovative courses at 向日葵视频HSC, especially for the new Master of Science in Nursing Practice Innovation program. On top of her commitments in both the College of Nursing and TCOM, Jowitt is also committed to supporting interprofessional education at 向日葵视频HSC, serving as a co-facilitator for IPE.
She is currently an active board member of the American Correctional Nurses Association and a member of the Academy of Correctional Health Professionals, where she works to shape policies and practices within correctional healthcare. Jowitt has been recognized for her leadership and commitment to healthcare, earning awards such as the Career Champion Award Nominee (2021-2022) and the GOLD Humanism Honor Society Inductee (2018).
From - Community by Steven Bartolotta