The Dean’s Excellence Award Winners

Kimberly B. Doran

EMERGING LEADER AWARD

Kim is a learning specialist in the College of Medicine, managing academic success initiatives and providing specialized guidance to students in the areas of studying, test taking, organization and time management. She also oversees various student support programs and is an invaluable member of the college’s Student Life team.

Known as a catalyst for innovation, Kim has been instrumental in the creation and continued development of the highly successful “Time Out Tuesday” program, which offers social wellness events for second-year medical students during their dedicated study time for the USMLE Step One exam. The program has garnered national recognition, with its incredible impact being presented at the AAMC Council of Deans meeting, the Medical Education Learning Specialists’ annual meeting and other conferences.

Kim’s empathy and dedication to fostering kindness enable her to identify and address others’ needs effectively. She is a member of the College of Medicine Staff Belonging & Well-Being Council, a facilitator with the Ohio State Office of Student Life’s LeaderShape Institute and has served on the President and Provost’s Council on Women. In 2023, she received the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Values in Action Award for embodying the values of inclusiveness, determination, empathy, sincerity, ownership and innovation.

Ashley K. Fernandes, MD, PhD, FAAP

DISTINGUISHED CLINICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR AWARD

Ashley K. Fernandes, MD, PhD, FAAP, is a clinical professor of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine and at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He is also the college’s associate director of the Center for Bioethics and director of the Professionalism Competency.

Known for seamlessly infusing clinical education with principles of bioethics and professionalism, Dr. Fernandes developed and leads the highly rated Advanced Management in Relationship-Centered Care clerkship, a unique, evidence-based curriculum that integrates outpatient and chronic care clinical practice with a special focus on care for vulnerable populations. Since 2014, he has also directed bioethics education for all residents at Nationwide Children’s, and his bioethics team-based learning curriculum received the prestigious Picker Gold Graduate Medical Education Challenge Grant that supported its dissemination across the state and nation.

Dr. Fernandes is passionate about curricular innovation and improving course effectiveness through learner feedback. As an esteemed mentor, he has provided compassionate support in a variety of roles, including as a portfolio coach, longitudinal practice preceptor, longitudinal group leader and as the first director of Faculty Professionalism at Nationwide Children’s. His role in helping both medical students and faculty attain the highest standards in professionalism and ethics is truly exceptional.

His numerous awards include Professor of the Year (Ohio State College of Medicine Class of 2020); the Linda C. Stone, MD Award in Mentoring; the Mary Beth Fontana Master Teacher Award; and the nationally recognized Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award (twice).

Wendy Frankel, MD

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN EDUCATION AWARD

Wendy Frankel, MD, is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Pathology in the College of Medicine. Before retiring in 2024, she chaired the department for nine years and held the Ralph W. and Helen Kurtz Chair in Pathology. Over her nearly 30-year career at Ohio State, Dr. Frankel has been an exceptional clinician-educator and mentor.

A pioneering force in colon cancer genetics and digital pathology, Dr. Frankel’s enthusiasm for teaching has inspired countless learners and faculty around the globe. She directed the GI/Liver Pathology Fellowship for 17 years and served as the department’s residency program director and vice chair for Graduate Medical Education.

She also served on education committees for the Rodger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Pathology Society and the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, and is often invited to conduct prestigious pathology courses worldwide. She has been recognized on the Castle Connolly “Top Doctors” list since 2013.

Dr. Frankel’s lifelong commitment to educational excellence has earned her many accolades, including six Medical Student (Med II) Excellence in Teaching Awards and three Resident Teaching Awards from the Department of Pathology. She was named a Distinguished Professor in 2011 and is a member of the Courage to Teach community and the Mazzaferri-Ellison Society of Master Clinicians.

Sara E. Gombash Lampe, PhD

DISTINGUISHED FOUNDATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR AWARD

Sara E. Gombash Lampe, PhD, is an assistant clinical professor of Neuroscience in the College of Medicine. Since joining the faculty in 2020, she has led the development and teaching of key neuroscience courses, including a comprehensive redesign of the History of Neuroscience and Neurological Disease curriculum and the creation of a new Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience, one of only four online certificates offered through the College of Medicine.

Dr. Gombash Lampe is recognized for her innovative teaching methods, incorporating learning technologies and using team-based learning to promote collaboration and critical thinking. Additionally, her creative assessments — such as digital neuroscience history mini-museums — have significantly enhanced student engagement. She serves as a departmental advisor and mentor, as co-director of the Explorations in Neuroscience programs and the Omics Training for Neuroscientists series, and as the PI for a multiyear Materials to Enhance Training in Experimental Rigor grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Her vision is to transform traditional learning by creating holistic educational experiences that foster a love for discovery and connection in her students. Dr. Gombash Lampe aims to push the boundaries of educational excellence and expand neuroscience education to reach nontraditional learners, underscoring her role as a distinguished educator and visionary in her field.

Emily McCartney

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Emily McCartney is the fellowship program manager for the Department of Internal Medicine in the College of Medicine. In this role, which Emily has held since its establishment in 2022, she oversees 18 ACGME and 13 non-ACGME fellowship programs with 10 coordinators and more than 150 fellows.

Promoting inclusive excellence is a key focus for Emily. She is committed to creating an environment of respect where all team members feel included, valued and heard. She embraces everyone’s unique contributions and supports equal opportunities for all, enabling them to reach their full potential. For example, by setting up a Teams chat for the department’s fellowship program coordinators, she built a welcoming space for sharing accomplishments, seeking support and asking questions.

Emily’s innovative approach to training incorporates the diverse perspectives of all team members, which ultimately encourages the adoption of best practices, continuous learning and mutual respect. Her approach has improved the quality of training and fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging.

She also prioritizes her team’s wellness, regularly accommodating meeting locations to encourage participation in wellness activities. For her efforts, Emily received a University Wellness Leadership Award in 2023, highlighting her compassion and dedication to supporting the health and wellness of staff in the College of Medicine.

Christopher Nguyen, PhD, ABPP

COMMUNITY SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Christopher Nguyen, PhD, ABPP, is an associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health in the College of Medicine and director of the Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology. Known for his empathy and advocacy, Dr. Nguyen has been instrumental in addressing the evolving health care needs of older adults in communities nationwide.

A leader in neuropsychology and geropsychology, Dr. Nguyen has created specialized clinics and training programs, and secured funding for innovative behavioral health initiatives that benefit aging populations. Collaborating with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, he developed a groundbreaking program to provide psychotherapy services to older adults in Franklin County. He has also led collaborative efforts with community partners, such as the American Association of Service Coordinators, to develop educational content for caregivers of aging adults in affordable housing communities.

In 2023, Dr. Nguyen organized an aging summit that brought together various stakeholders to shape a three-year aging plan for the university and central Ohio. His national efforts to support aging-related initiatives include leading and serving on committees of the American Psychological Association, the Gerontological Society of America and other organizations.

His work demonstrates his commitment to improving the well-being of aging populations and transforming lives.

Dario Palmieri, PhD

DISTINGUISHED FOUNDATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR AWARD

Dario Palmieri, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics in the College of Medicine. His passion for educational excellence and contributions to curriculum development have profoundly impacted learners, particularly through his dynamic lectures in the college’s Lead.Serve.Inspire. foundational curriculum and the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP) 7000 series.

Lauded for his innovative teaching methods that foster critical thinking, Dr. Palmieri engages and inspires learners through enthusiastic and well-structured lectures that encourage meaningful scientific discussions. He nurtures a productive, supportive learning environment and consistently receives student evaluation scores that far surpass university averages. These scores are a testament to his talent for connecting with students and delivering high-quality education that resonates.

Dr. Palmieri’s work extends beyond teaching. He played a pivotal role in curriculum development as a member of the department’s Education Committee, leading the initiative to create and implement a revised curriculum that aligns with current scientific advancements and industry needs. He also helped update and administer the BSGP cancer biology coursework, enhancing the program’s relevance and rigor.

Not only is Dr. Palmieri a remarkable teacher, but he is also a role model for shaping how cancer biology and genetics are taught in the medical field.

True Parks

PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF THE YEAR AWARD

True Parks is the lead specialist for Financial Services and Enrollment in the College of Medicine. In this role, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation, significantly impacting the financial well-being of the college’s learners and prospective applicants.

As a champion for students, True has spearheaded initiatives to support their success, such as the After-Hours Office Hours program that provides virtual drop-in sessions for medical students at times better aligned with their demanding schedules. She also enhanced the college’s financial literacy programming, coining Buck$ for Buckeyes and creating a curriculum that prepares students to make strategic financial decisions for their future.

Among her many achievements, True has revamped the scholarship application process, advocated for changes to academic achievement scholarship evaluations and reallocated more need-based aid to students. Additionally, she regularly attends College of Medicine Student Council meetings and engages with the Finance in Medicine student organization, ensuring her visibility and accountability to student leaders.

True’s dedication to promoting equity and inclusion, combined with her desire to equip the next generation of medical students with the tools they need to be successful, have fostered productive collaborations on and off campus. She has partnered with student organizations to educate disadvantaged high school students on how to finance their medical education, and she recently shared her expertise with pre-medical undergraduate students across the state during the Ohio Medical Education Day conference.

During her more than 16 years of service at the College of Medicine, True’s commitment to empowering students and fostering positivity has earned her the respect and admiration of students and colleagues alike.

Debbie Pond

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Debbie Pond is the director of the Center for Faculty Advancement, Mentoring and Engagement (FAME) at the College of Medicine. In her role, she provides strategic direction and coordinates efforts within the college to create professional development opportunities that benefit more than 2,700 faculty members. Under Debbie’s leadership, FAME has become a national model for enhancing faculty pedagogy and leadership skills, resulting in improved faculty engagement and professional growth.

Debbie has been instrumental in launching and expanding a variety of innovative initiatives, including the university’s Faculty Affairs Leadership Podcast and FAME’s Faculty Leadership Institute, a 10-month cohort program that offers evidence-based leadership training for health sciences professionals.

Additionally, Debbie has been a staunch advocate for staff development across the university. She was a founding member of the College of Medicine Staff Advisory Committee, is a member of the Association of Staff and Faculty Women at Ohio State and served on the University Staff Advisory Committee for four years, including a term as chair in 2023-24.

Through her dedication, inclusive leadership style and commitment to empowering others, Debbie has been a tremendous asset to the faculty and staff of the College of Medicine and the university at large.

Phillip G. Popovich, PhD

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR AWARD

Phillip G. Popovich, PhD, is a professor and chair of the Department of Neuroscience in the College of Medicine. He also serves as executive director of the Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury and as director of the Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair.

Dr. Popovich is an international leader in neurotrauma and neuroimmunology. His research, which began at Ohio State in 1999, has led to groundbreaking discoveries, including the crucial role of immune cells in regulating spinal cord injury and repair processes. He has published more than 160 peer-reviewed papers and secured more than $90 million in research funding, including an R35 Outstanding Investigator Award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to fund his research program through 2027.

His achievements have earned him numerous accolades. In 2013, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and in 2018, he was named a University Distinguished Scholar – one of the highest honors Ohio State bestows on faculty members. He was also the first faculty representative on The Ohio State University Board of Trustees’ Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships Committee.

Dr. Popovich’s leadership has had an immeasurable impact on the field of neuroscience, and his vision continues to drive seminal advancements that will transform lives.

Samantha L. Schnitzer

DISTINGUISHED STAFF AWARD

Samantha L. Schnitzer is the education program director in the Department of Radiology at the College of Medicine. With more than 20 years of experience in education program administration, Samantha expertly oversees the daily administrative, programmatic and operational activities of multiple fellowships, residencies and medical student programs. Her strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail have been crucial in managing this diverse array of programs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Samantha seamlessly transitioned all in-person educational activities to virtual formats while maintaining the department’s high standards. She developed a comprehensive strategy for trainee recruitment, enhancing the process and resulting in the selection of outstanding learners. Additionally, her commitment to inclusive excellence is evident through her active membership in the Department of Radiology’s IDEA-RAD group.

In 2021, Samantha’s exceptional leadership was recognized with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Graduate Medical Education Outstanding Coordinator of the Year Award. Her work, including nearly a decade of service with the Association of Program Coordinators in Radiology, has helped shape the future of radiology professionals.

Samantha’s dedication to education, inclusiveness and innovation makes her an exemplary leader. She continues to advance educational programming and trainee recruitment, profoundly impacting the Department of Radiology.

Arwa Shana’ah, MD

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Arwa Shana’ah, MD, is an associate clinical professor of Pathology in the College of Medicine. During her more than 25 years of service at Ohio State, Dr. Shana’ah has become a leader in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for faculty, staff and learners. Her tireless commitment to DEI has transformed her department, creating a more inclusive environment.

Dr. Shana’ah’s DEI work began with the Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) group. Her leadership as chair and co-chair of the WIMS Awards and Events Subcommittees led to her appointment as the DEI director and vice chair for Pathology. In these roles, she developed a DEI committee that has more than tripled in size and launched numerous programs to enhance cultural awareness and inclusion, such as grand rounds on DEI topics, lunch-and-learn events and the Taste of Pathology potluck, all of which were very well attended.

Among her many achievements, Dr. Shana’ah created a DEI curriculum for residents, leads implicit bias training related to recruiting trainees, and initiated outreach to schools with underserved children to raise awareness of careers in science and medicine.

She is also an active member of the AAMC Group on Diversity and Inclusion and was selected for the Association for Academic Pathology’s National DEI Faculty Leaders Network, and she continues to build a sense of equity and community in her department.

Kartik K. Venkatesh, MD, PhD, FACOG

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE RESEARCH

Kartik K. Venkatesh, MD, PhD, is an associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the College of Medicine and of Epidemiology in the College of Public Health. He directs the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Perinatal Epidemiology Program as well as the Diabetes in Pregnancy Program, and his primary focus is improving outcomes for people with high-risk pregnancies who are living with diabetes and cardiometabolic conditions.

Dr. Venkatesh is a remarkably productive physician-scientist. His research centers around diabetes in pregnancy, reproductive infectious diseases, perinatal epidemiology, clinical predictive models in obstetrics and disparities in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Since joining Ohio State in 2020, Dr. Venkatesh has published more than 80 peer-reviewed manuscripts in top-tier journals like JAMA, bringing his total to more than 180. He authored four of the Top 25 Papers of 2023, according to the American Diabetes Association’s Pregnancy and Reproductive Health Interest Group. He has also secured or helped secure more than $21 million in funding, including a $12 million grant from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to study the effectiveness of therapies for gestational diabetes.

In addition to growing his research program, Dr. Venkatesh also maintains a busy clinical practice, provides care one day each week to pregnant people with diabetes, mentors the next generation of physician-scientists and enhances his department’s reputation through service to various organizations. In 2023, he was appointed chair of the Diabetes Subgroup of the World Health Organization’s Noncommunicable Diseases in Pregnancy Guideline Committee.

Theodore Wagener, PhD

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR BASIC SCIENCE RESEARCH

Theodore Wagener, PhD, is a professor of Internal Medicine in the College of Medicine and the Leonard J. Immke Jr. and Charlotte L. Immke Chair in Cancer Research. He is also the founding director of the Center for Tobacco Research and serves as the co-leader of the Cancer Control Program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

An internationally renowned expert in tobacco product evaluation, addiction and regulatory science, Dr. Wagener has dedicated his career to preventing and reducing tobacco use. He has secured more than $42 million in tobacco-related extramural funding as a principal investigator and led or participated in more than 30 tobacco research studies funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.

A highly productive, motivated researcher, Dr. Wagener has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. In 2018, he received the G. Alan Marlatt Memorial Research Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies for his research on the harm reduction potential of e-cigarettes, which has significantly influenced regulation.

Dr. Wagener is also an exceptional mentor, helping to educate the next generation of researchers and inspiring them to become leaders who strive to improve lives.

Daniel M. Walker, PhD, MPH

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH

Daniel M. Walker, PhD, MPH, is an associate professor and vice chair for Research in the Department of Family and Community Medicine in the College of Medicine. He also holds courtesy appointments in the Department of Biomedical Informatics and the Division of Health Services Management and Policy in the College of Public Health.

An esteemed leader in his field, Dr. Walker focuses his research on health information technology, population health and implementation science to advance health equity. He has a distinguished record of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, and he currently serves as principal or co-principal investigator on multiple projects that total more than $83 million. Notable projects include the SUSTAIN, Link and HEALing Communities studies, which have significantly contributed to improving health outcomes and health care delivery systems.

Dr. Walker’s work has earned him numerous awards, such as the Community Choice Award at the NIH HEAL Initiative Scientific Meeting and Outstanding Reviewer awards from the Academy of Management. He is also committed to mentorship, serving as a compassionate guide for postdoctoral researchers and doctoral candidates. Known for his collaborative spirit and dedication to translating research into practice to benefit communities, Dr. Walker aims to drive innovations that bridge health care and community systems, ensuring equitable health care access and delivery.