Award Winners
(award winners listed by year)

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993

2008

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Cheryl L. Perry, Ph.D.
Faculty Mentor - Robert E. Roberts, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - Lieutenant John K. Wayner
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Richard D. Bebermeyer, D.D.S., M.B.A.

Cheryl L. Perry, Ph.D. (bio current as of 2008)
Dr. Perry is Professor and Regional Dean at the University of Texas, School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus.  She is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Advancement of Healthy Living and was named the Rockwell Distinguished Chair in Society and Health in 2007.  Dr. Perry joined the University of Texas, School of Public Health in September 2006, after having been on the faculty at the University of Minnesota for 26 years.

Dr. Perry’s research interests involve the design, development, implementation and evaluation of school and community programs for young people, particularly in the areas of tobacco and alcohol use, eating, and physical activity.  She is currently Principal Investigator of Project ACTIVITY, funded by the Fogarty International Research Collaboration, conducting tobacco use prevention and cessation in the slums in New Delhi.  She also serves as Co-Investigator for the National Cancer Institute funded Minnesota Adolescent Community Cohort examining the effects of Minnesota state and local programs on youth tobacco use. She is also a Co-Investigator on the Dell CATCH project in 97 schools in Travis County, Texas. She has also just assumed the work of Senior Scientific Editor for the 2010 Surgeon General’s Report on youth and tobacco use. Dr. Perry has over 250 publications in the scientific peer-reviewed literature.

Dr. Perry is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Communities That Care, University of Washington.  In 2006, she received the Prevention Science Award from the Society for Prevention Research and in 2005, was recognized as one of the 100 Most-Cited Researchers in Tobacco-Related Research from the journal Tobacco Control.

Dr. Perry received her B.A. in Mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles, her M.A. in Education from the University of California, Davis, and her Ph.D. in Education from Stanford University. 

Robert E. Roberts, Ph.D. (bio current as of 2008)
Dr. Roberts received his doctorate in sociology and demography from the University of Kentucky in 1968. Since 1969, he has been on the faculty of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He currently is Professor of Behavioral Sciences at the School of Public Health. He has over 150 scientific publications and numerous presentations at professional meetings. He has been Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on 21 grants totaling over $17 million dollars in direct costs. In 2005 he was in the 95th percentile for grant funding from NIH over the previous twenty-five years. He has maintained a focus on the role of culture in relation to the etiology and natural history of mental health problems. He has conducted research comparing ethnocultural groups within the United States and cross-national research in countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and the European Union, Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan. Central to these endeavors has been examination of the cross-cultural reliability and validity of measures. His long-time substantive research interests are the epidemiology of depression, suicidal behaviors, loneliness, and sleep disorders. More recently, he has been working on the role of obesity as a risk factor for psychological distress among adolescents and adults.

Lieutenant John K. Wayner (bio current as of 2008)
Lieutenant Wayner is with the UT at Houston Police Department. He graduated from the State University of New York in Utica in 1977 with a Bachelor Degree in Business Professional Studies, Magna Cum Laude. He was a Sheriff’s Deputy, Schenectady County New York from 1977–1978. He was hired as Cadet in December 1978 and has thirty years of service with the Health Science Center. A graduate of the 29th University of Texas System Academy - Basic Police Officer Training in May 1979, this Master Peace Officer was promoted to Sergeant in June 1980 and Lieutenant in May 2004. Lt. Wayner has served in almost all capacities at this agency during his career.

Richard D. Bebermeyer, D.D.S., M.B.A. (bio current as of 2008)
Dr. Bebermeyer has taught general and restorative dentistry at The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston since 1983. He has had the privilege of serving as clinical educator, interim chair, vice chair and most recently, chair of a large and diverse department. Prior to his appointment at The University of Texas, Dr. Bebermeyer taught at University of Maryland School of Dentistry and at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He served as a general dentist in the US Navy, prior to beginning his teaching career. Dr. Bebermeyer has received Dean's Teaching Excellence Awards, the Dean's Teaching Excellence Master Teacher Award, and the John P. McGovern Outstanding Teacher Award. His scholarly interests include infection control and prevention in dentistry, and evidence-based health care.

2007

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Carmel Bitondo Dyer, MD, AGSF, FACP
Faculty Mentor - Luisa Franzini, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - LaVone Moore, C.P.P.S.
Administrative & Professional Mentor -Margaret Carter McNeese, M.D.

Carmel Bitondo Dyer, MD, AGSF, FACP (bio current as of 2007)
Dr. Dyer graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1988 where she also completed Internal Medicine residency and Geriatric Medicine fellowship. In 1993 she was recruited to the Harris County Hospital District where she established and directed a comprehensive Geriatrics Program to provide interdisciplinary geriatric care to vulnerable elders. This clinical and education program included acute and chronic inpatient services, house calls, nursing home care and geriatric consultation.

In 1995 the program came to the attention of Adult Protective Services of Texas and in 1997 Dr. Dyer formed the first medical school-state protective service collaboration in the U.S. This collaboration involves clinical care, education and research that address vulnerable elderly victims of mistreatment. Dr. Dyer has received a number of federal education and research grants dealing with elder mistreatment. She has published extensively in this area and is an authority on elder self-neglect.

Dr. Dyer, a fellow of the American Geriatrics Society and the American College of Physicians has been recognized for contributions to teaching, to the Houston community and to the field of elder mistreatment. She has testified before the US Senate and served as a delegate to the decennial White House Conference on Aging in 2005.

In 2007 Dr. Dyer was recruited to be the director of a new division of geriatric and palliative medicine at the University of Texas Medicine School at Houston. With support from outstanding faculty and staff, the University and the Health Science Center affiliated hospitals, she has established geriatric and palliative clinical and teaching programs at both Memorial Herman Hospital and LBJ Hospital and is Chief of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at LBJ Hospital. Dr. Dyer is professor of Internal Medicine and the Roy M. and Phyllis Gough Huffington Chair in Gerontology.

Luisa Franzini, Ph.D. (bio current as of 2007)

Luisa Franzini, Ph.D. received a Bachelor and Master in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics and a Ph.D. in Econometrics from the London School of Economics (England). Dr. Franzini is currently Associate Professor of Management, Policy, and Community Health at The University of Texas School of Public Health. After several years working as a theoretical econometrician, she is now engaged in the fields of health economics and economic and social determinants of health. Dr. Franzini’s principal research interests focus on using econometric methods to investigate the economic and social determinants of health disparities at the individual and neighborhood level. She also has experience in research related to minority health, in particular Latino health. Dr. Franzini has extensive experience in cost and cost-effectiveness analysis. Her interests include assessing the cost-effectiveness of health related interventions and estimating hospital treatment costs. Dr. Franzini is heavily involved in the teaching program at UTSPH. She teaches Econometrics in Public Health and Economic and Social Determinants of Health. She also leads a doctoral seminar and co-teaches Advanced Health Economics. In the last year, she was advisor to 11 doctoral students and 9 master students. Additionally, she served on 11 advising committees. She is the Academic and Curriculum Coordinator for the Management, Policy, and Community Health Division.

LaVone Moore, C.P.P.S.(bio current as of 2007)
LaVone Moore, CPPS currently holds the position of Administrative Assistant II in the office of Capital Assets Management. She has been with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston since 1984. She began working in the Accounts Payable Department and after two years was promoted to Team Leader. For the last 21 years she has worked in Capital Assets Management with numerous promotions through those years. In June of 2002, she received her certificate as a Certified Professional Property Specialist. She participated in implementing the Inventory Awareness Online Classes and was Interim Director of Capital Assets Management for two years. She is a current member of the University Classified Staff Council serving as the Chair of the Scholarship Committee. “I love my job, and my volunteer work, and I guess it shows. I will just keep doing what I do and see what comes next.”

Margaret Carter McNeese, M.D. (bio current as of 2007)
Margaret C. McNeese, M.D. is a native Houstonian, and sixth generation Texan and graduate of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She is currently Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs at UTHSC Medical School. Her clinical and research interests are in Child Abuse and Neglect.

She is Medical Director of the Medical School Health Services Clinic, and Medical Director of the Texas-Mexico Border Project, serving the indigent population of the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. In 2006, Dr. McNeese was appointed by the governor to the Texas Medical Board and is an Ashbel Smith Distinguished Alumnus in from the University of Texas Medical Branch and recipient of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, Inc. Team Excellence Award in the Medical Professional Division. Dr. McNeese has authored several books, articles, journals and abstracts on child abuse. Dr. McNeese has two daughters, Catherine, and Bridget.

2006

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Nancy Dickey M.D.
Faculty Mentor - John H. Byrne, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - Virginia Wall
Administrative & Professional Mentor -Paula O'Neill, Ed.D.

Nancy Dickey, M.D. (bio current as of 2006)
Dr. Nancy W. Dickey is the President of the Texas A&M Health Science Center and the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs for The Texas A&M Univerisity System. The Health Science Center is a University that includes the College of Medicine, Baylor College of Dentistry, School f Rural Public HEalth, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Biosciences and Technology and other institutes and academic programs.

Dr. Dickey is a visionary leader responsible for the Texas A&M Health Science Center becoming a premier assembly of colleges devoted to educating health professionals and researchers who possess extraordinary competance and integrity. She is making the Health Science Center a significant and energetic agent for health care, science and research in Texas. Dr. Dickey is well known for advocating the principle that all p3eople, regardless of geography, edconomis or culture, deserve the benefits of compassion care, superior science and exceptional health education.

Dr. Dickey was born in South Dakota and raised in Texas. She has served as Omtero, Dean of the College of Medicine, is the founding Program Director of the Family Medical Residency of the Brazos Valley and is a Professor Family and Community Medicine at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine.

Dr. Dickey was the first woman ever to be elected President of the American Medical Association. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including five honorary doctorate degrees, in both science and law. Besides being a family physician, she serves on numerous committees, both locally and nationally, and writes for several medical and health policy journals. She is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Scott and White Foundation and the College Station Medical Center Hospital and is a frequent speaker at professional and civid organization around the country and world.

Dr. Dickey has dedicated her life to bringing Texans the finest in health education, advocacy and care. She is advancing science and pushing the boundaries of existing knowledge. Dr. Dickey is a visionary leader who is educating our next generation of health care professionals and improving the lives of all Americans. We are grateful for her courageous leadership, and we are thankful that she has the support of her husband, Franklin, and her three adult children.

John H. Byrne, Ph.D. (bio current as of 2006)
Dr. John Byrne is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the University of Texas-Houston Medical School.  He is also the Director of the Neuroscience Research Center and Director of the W. M. Keck Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory at the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center.

During his graduate training in bioengineering at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, Dr. Byrne became interested in the nervous system and pursued a thesis project in invertebrate neurobiology in the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Dr. Eric Kandel at New York University Medical School.  After completing his thesis work in 1973, he spent an additional two years as a postdoctoral fellow with Kandel at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University.  He then assumed a faculty position in the Department of Physiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  In 1982, he moved to the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology of the University of Texas-Houston Medical School and in 1987 was appointed Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy in that School.  In addition to his primary appointment, Dr. Byrne currently holds positions as Adjunct Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University in Houston.

Dr. Byrne currently serves as Editor-In-Chief of the journal Learning & Memory,published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.  He has served on the editorial boards of Behavioral Neuroscience, Journal of Neurobiology, Journal of Neurophysiology, Journal of Neuroscience, Neural engineering, and News in Physiological Sciences.  In addition to his editorial capacities, Dr. Byrne serves, or has served, on many review and advisory committees such as NIH and NSF Study Sections, the Board of Visitors of the Office of Naval Research, the Scientific and Academic Advisory Committee of the Weizmann Institute and the Committee of Visitors of the NSF. Dr. Byrne has also served as Treasurer for the 30,000-member Society for Neuroscience and currently is a member of the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives.

Dr. Byrne’s research involves the neurobiology of behavior and learning.  His research accomplishments have been recognized by his receipt of numerous honors and awards.  Among these are a National Institute of Mental Health Research Scientist Award and the Jacob Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award from the National Institutes of Health.  The high peer esteem for his research is also evident by his receipt of a major award in 1998 from the prestigious W. M. Keck Foundation to establish the W. M. Keck Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory.  In 1998 Dr. Byrne received the Presidential Scholar Award, the highest academic honor bestowed upon a faculty member at the University of Texas-Houston.  Recently, Dr. Byrne was elected as a Fellow to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and he was named the holder of the June and Virgil Waggoner Chair.

Virginia Wall (bio current as of 2006)
Virginia Q. Wall, LMSW, is a 1999 graduate of the University of Houston School of Social Work.  She currently holds the position as Social Work Supervisor in the Department of Pediatrics under the leadership of Dr. Gloria P. Heresi at The University of Texas Medical School Houston and specializes in the management of social and medical needs of women and children infected and affected with HIV; as well as advocating a “Family Centered Model” approach to addressing the comprehensive needs of the families living with the disease.  She has been employed with the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases for the past 13 years. Virginia has received numerous academic distinctions and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity Degree at SMU Perkins School of Theology. She is a candidate for Probationary Clergy Elder with the United Methodist Church in 2007.  She is the President and Founder of The Bethel Home of Love and Hope for children in need of a permanent home that was recently established in 2006.  This home will be a beacon of hope for children who have been in foster care for a long period of time without being accepted for adoption.  In the spring of 2006 Mrs. Wall was invited to serve on the Selection Committee of the University Classified Staff Council’s Scholarship Committee and was instrumental in selecting scholarship recipients from applications submitted by graduating high school seniors whose parents are classified employees of the UTHSCH.  Mrs. Wall received the UT Medical School Outstanding Employee of the Month award in 1996 and was nominated by Dr. Marilyn Doyle and staff.  She is the former president of The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Texas (T&TAT) and serves annually on the Scholarship Committee selecting aspiring young women and men in pursuit of higher education with potential for future leadership in our global society.  Mrs. Wall believes that mentoring women to achieve their maximum potential is a gift that she values and enjoys sharing.

Paula O'Neill Ed.D. (bio current as of 2006)
For over 20 years, Dr. Paula O’Neill has been a dental/medical educator and faculty developer. Since 1996 she has been the Associate Dean for Educational Research and Professional Development at The University of Texas Houston Dental Branch (DB) at Houston. She is a professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the Dental Branch. She served on the 1997 University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Mentoring Task Force and in 1999, as a result of that experience, she initiated and developed an Orientation for New Faculty including a Formal Mentoring Program for faculty new to the DB. Based upon her mentoring work at the Dental Branch, she has become a recognized expert on mentoring and has consulted with numerous institutions and organizations nationally and internationally. The Dental Branch mentoring program is now recognized as a “best practice” by the American Dental Education Association.

2005

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Dianna Milewicz M.D. Ph.D.
Faculty Mentor - Lu Ann Aday, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - Denise Carpenter
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Karen Adler Storthz, Ph.D.

Dianna Milewicz M.D. Ph.D. (bio current as of 2005)
Dr. Milewicz studies the genetic basis of aortic aneurysms (weakening of the primary artery exiting the heart) that can lead to sudden death when the aneurysm ruptures or dissects. Her work has yielded clues to its underlying cause and has raised awareness of the condition and its tendency to run in families. Today, many affected relatives are now being identified while they are still healthy and can have their aneurysms repaired through surgery, thereby preventing premature deaths. In 2001, Dr. Milewicz was chosen as the recipient of the Doris Duke Distinguished Clinical Scientist (DDCS) award in recognition of her outstanding clinical and translational work and her mentoring of physician scientists. In addition to her duties as Professor and Director of the Division of Medical Genetics at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, in 2004 she was chosen as the President George Bush Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine, and she is a 2004-2005 alumnus of the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program. She enjoys the career satisfaction of knowing that her work has helped save lives. After undergraduate studies at Rice University, Dr. Milewicz went on to earn an M.D. and Ph.D. from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, where her thesis work centered on cholesterol trafficking within and between cells. After an internal medicine residency and a short foray into cardiology, Dr. Milewicz began a fellowship in clinical genetics at the University of Washington, working with Dr. Peter Byers. Drs. Milewicz and Byers set out to determine the molecular defect underlying Marfan syndrome. Marfan patients have an aortic weakness and with age, the aorta progressively enlarges, leading to aneurysm formation, and if left untreated, it can tear or rupture or dissect, leading to premature death. Fortunately, studies of patients with MFS have indicated that premature deaths can be prevented through prophylactic surgical repair of the aorta, leading to a near-normal life expectancy in affected patients. Dr. Milewicz was awarded the Antoine Marfan Award in 1998 by the National Marfan Foundation in recognition of her research on this disease, and she is currently the Chair of the Professional Advisory Board for the NMF.
Marfan syndrome accounts for only a small fraction of aortic aneurysm cases. In the absence of the characteristic Marfan external features, there is often no way to know who is at risk for aneurysms until the patient dies suddenly of aortic rupture or dissection. The unexpected deaths of John Ritter, actor, and Jonathan Larson, playwright who wrote RENT, illustrate how this disease can strike individuals in the prime of their life. With DDCS and NIH support, Dr. Milewicz has examined the family histories of patients with aneurysms and dissections, and has shown that 20% of cases have an affected relative, suggesting a significant genetic component to this disease. In order to identify the genes responsible, her group has mapped 4 chromosomal loci for genes that, when mutated, lead to this disease. The search for these genes is complicated by the fact that not all who inherit the mutation have the disease, and the severity of disease and age of onset vary as well. Despite these difficulties, the work continues and Dr. Milewicz and her colleagues have recently identified the first gene leading to this disease, mutations in transforming growth factor beta receptor type II. Recent high-profile articles about Dr. Milewicz’s families with aortic aneurysms and dissections in the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post have greatly increased public awareness so that lives can be saved through preventive surgery. Through her efforts, along with her colleagues, many tragic deaths associated with aortic dissection may be averted in future generations.

Lu Ann Aday, Ph.D. (bio current as of 2005)
Dr. Aday is the Lorne D. Bain Distinguished Professor in Public Health and Medicine at The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and her masters and doctorate in sociology from Purdue University.  Dr. Aday is a nationally and internationally renowned scholar in the area of equity of access to health and health care for vulnerable populations.  She has published extensively in this area, including authoring sixteen books, a number of which have appeared in second or third editions and have been translated into other languages.  Dr. Aday’s scholarship has been acknowledged by being elected to the Institute of Medicine and in receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Social Sciences from Purdue University. Dr. Aday has also received a number of awards for excellence in teaching and mentoring, including the School of Public Health Dean's Teaching Excellence/Outstanding Faculty Award; the John P. McGovern Outstanding Teacher Award; the statewide Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence; and the 1999 Committee on the Status of Women’s Distinguished Professional Woman Award.

Denise Carpenter (bio current as of 2005)
Denise works in Human Resources (HR) as a senior trainer and focuses on initiatives related to leadership development, performance management, and career development.  She has been employed by UTHSC-H for 17 years.  Denise holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Speech Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and has obtained the Professional in Human Resources Management certification from the Society for Human Resources Management.  She has been a resource to the Academic and Administrative Leadership Development Program since 2002. Denise served as a supervisor to interns, a mentor, and a professional development facilitator in the Summer Administrative Internship Program BRIDGES from its inception in 1991 until the program ended in 2004.  She serves on the university's Communications Council and Web Council.  In addition to working in HR, Denise’s career at UTHSC-H has included working in roles related to facilities management and information technology.

2004

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Mary desVignes-Kendrick, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P.
Faculty Mentor - Nancy Murray, Dr.P.H.
Classified Staff Mentor - Debra Wallis
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Paula Knudson

Mary desVignes-Kendrick, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P. (bio current as of 2004)
Dr. Mary desVignes-Kendrick is Professor of Management, Policy and Community Health and Deputy Director of the Center for Biosecurity and Public Health Preparedness at The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston. Prior to this position, Dr. desVignes-Kendrick was the health authority and director of the City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services, a position she held for twelve years. As the health director for the fourth largest city in the country, she led the department through significant challenges with many noteworthy successes, including the expansion of epidemiological and laboratory services to address emerging infectious disease threats such as SARS and West Nile virus; weapons of mass destruction and bioterrorism preparedness, including exercising the public health system; expansion of HIV prevention and testing services; improving the city’s infant immunization rate and developing, with community partners, the Houston-Harris County immunization registry.

Dr. desVignes-Kendrick completed her undergraduate degree with majors in Biology and Spanish at New York University, her medical degree at Meharry Medical College, pediatrics residency at Baylor College of Medicine, and Master of Public Health degree at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston. Dr. desVignes-Kendrick is board certified in pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. desVignes-Kendrick is actively involved in public health issues at the local, state and national level. She presently serves on the advisory boards of Allies Against Asthma, the National Youth Leadership Forum-Houston/Galveston and the University of Houston Health Law and Policy Institute. She is an alumnus of the American Leadership Forum, Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter, Leadership Texas and the Public Health Leadership Institute. Dr. desVignes-Kendrick has served as President of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, as a member of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) and as chair of the NVAC Immunization Registry Workgroup. She has also served as a member of the National Institutes of Health’s Director’s Council of Public Representatives and on the Advisory Board of the United Way of Texas, Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter. She is the recipient of the American Public Health Association’s 1997 Milton and Ruth Roemer Award for “Creative Local Public Health Work”.

2003

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Irma Gigli, M.D.
Faculty Mentor - Joy M. Schmitz, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - Gwendolyn Sue Sifford
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Ina Fried

Irma Gigli, M.D. (bio current as of 2003)
Dr. Irma Gigli is Professor of Medicine and Dermatology and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas-Houston (UT-Houston). She is the Walter & Mary Mischer Professor in Molecular Medicine & Deputy Director of the Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases. In addition, she directs the Research Center for Immunology & Autoimmune Diseases at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, UT-Houston. Dr. Gigli had an interesting career path. She was educated in Argentina and did her postgraduate training in the USA. She was one of the early physician-scientists who attempted to bridge the knowledge in basic immunology with clinical aspects of dermatology. In fact, her efforts in bringing up to the attention of the leadership of NIH this important area of clinical research led to the development of the first program in immunodermatology. Dr. Gigli’s expertise is not limited to the crossroads of clinical immunology and dermatology but also in basic immunology. Her contributions to her area of expertise, the relationship of the structure and function of proteins of the complement system, are many, and often firsts. Her basic science work always has as a goal their relevance to human diseases. This persistent goal was a strong motivation to accept a leadership position in the creation and development of the Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases. She is fully committed to the vision that the quality of life of people can be greatly improved by understanding the mechanism of the diseases that afflict them and develop technology that may prevent their occurrence. Dr. Gigli served on a number of NIH advisory committees and national and international foundations. Her contributions as immunodermatologist and as immunologist have been recognized by her peers worldwide by election to the most prestigious organizations. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Investigation, American Association of Physicians, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is also an Honorary Member and has served as President of the Society for Investigative Dermatology. She has served on a number of national and international committees dealing with education and health in the United States and third world countries. Dr. Gigli has been a role model for many young women both as a clinician and as a scientist. She was the first woman in the USA to lead a program in dermatology. She trained a large number of women in a very competitive field in medicine, some of them now leaders in their own right.

2002

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Melinda Hill Perrin
Faculty Mentor - Sally W. Vernon, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - Susan Fernandez
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Rose Mary Valencia

Melinda Hill Perrin (bio current as of 2002)
Melinda Hill Perrin was the first woman chair of the Board of Trustees of Hermann Hospital, leading it through the merger with the Memorial Healthcare System and recognizing the value of the association of the hospital with the Medical School of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Ms. Perrin has been a strong supporter of The University of Texas serving on the Executive Committee of the Chancellor’s Council, the UT Advisory Council of Women’s Athletics, and the Health Science Center’s Development Board. She is a member of PARTNERS, the community support group for the UT-Houston School of Nursing; a member of the search committee for the chair of pediatrics at the Medical School; a member of UT System College of Education Foundation; and the first woman chair of the Longhorn Foundation Advisory Council. Ms. Perrin was recently appointed by the President of UT-Austin to a commission that will provide a strategic plan for the campus over the next two years.

Ms. Perrin performs her responsibilities with professional skill, judgment, and commitment. Her leadership at Hermann was critical in ensuring a smooth transition, uninterrupted patient care and operations, and the creation of Memorial Hermann Hospital System as the largest not-for-profit provider of health care in southeast Texas. Ms. Perrin continued on the merged board and recently completed her tenure. She now leads Memorial Hermann’s capital campaign.

Other community agencies have benefited from her activity and counsel, including the Governor’s Commission for Women, and the Committee on Political Advocacy of the National Congress of Hospital Governing Boards. She is not afraid to voice her opinion, even if in the minority. She is a role model for women and a supporter of their cause. She is respected by her peers and has received many awards for the valuable role that she plays in our community.

Sally W. Vernon, Ph.D. (bio current as of 2002)
Sally W. Vernon, Ph.D. is Professor of Epidemiology and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health in the Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research. She is a member of a number of national advisory boards and committees for the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Veterans Administration. She is internationally recognized for her work in the area of behavioral research to promote cancer screening.

Susan Fernandez (bio current as of 2002)
Ms. Susan Fernandez has been an employee of the Health Science Center for fifteen years. In 1990, Susan was asked by a Search Committee to apply for the position of Senior Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President for Research and Academic Affairs, a newly created position in the Health Science Center administration, where she has worked ever since. She is currently an Administrative Services Officer III in both the offices of the Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research Affairs. Susan is the Administrative Coordinator of the Academic Leadership Development Program and serves on several task forces and HSC committees.

Rose Mary Valencia (bio current as of 2002)
Ms. Rose Mary Valencia has been a member of the Office of International Affairs serving The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center since 1980. Rose Mary is also a member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the Houston Immigration and Naturalization Service District Director Round Table and the Houston Forum. As a NAFSA member, Rose Mary has held several leadership roles including Texas State Representative, Regional Chair, Local Arrangements Chair for Region III, Chair of the Membership Committee, Vice President for Member Relations and currently Board Member at Large.

2001

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Juliet V. Garcia, Ph.D.
Faculty Mentor - Melchor Ortiz, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - William C. "Billy" Hinton
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Patricia Averill, Ph.D.

Juliet V. Garcia, Ph.D. (bio current as of 2001)
Dr. Garcia joined The University of Texas System as President of The University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) in 1992 after serving as President of Texas Southmost College (TSC) for six years. While at TSC, she was recognized as the first Mexican-American woman in the nation to become president of a college or of a university. In January of 1992, Dr. Garcia became president of UTB and was charged with leading the development of the unique partnership between UTB, then an upper-level university, with TSC, a community college. The partnership was designed to consolidate resources, increase efficiency, eliminate transfer barriers for students and provide improved higher education opportunities for the people of the Lower Rio Grande Valley in South Texas.

Southern Association of Colleges and School lauded the first community university of its kind in the southern region of the nation, commending “the entire university community-faculty, staff, students, and community leaders-for its vision and courage in creating the UTB/TSC Partnership.” SACS continued by pointing out that the Partnership’s “comprehensive, seamless educational opportunities will serve the citizens of this area well for many years to come.” In the spring of 2000, the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System and the trustees of Texas Southmost College proclaimed the partnership experiment a success and cemented the agreement for the next 99 years.

During her 25-year career in higher education administration, Dr. Garcia has received honors and awards. The University of Texas at Austin has honored her twice, first as the Outstanding Alumnus of the College of Communication and later as an Outstanding Young Texas Ex by The University of Texas-Ex Students Association.

In the fall of 2000, Dr. Garcia was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement in education. In the spring of 2001, Dr. Garcia chaired a conference hosted by Harvard on Access Denied, a publication of the Advisory Committee to Congress on Student Financial Aid. Most recently, Dr. Garcia was part of a delegation that featured the partnership between the community college and the university in a nationwide competition to win recognition for Brownsville, Texas as an All American City in Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Garcia received her Ph.D. in Communication and Linguistics from The University of Texas at Austin and her M.A. and B.A. in Speech and English from the University of Houston. Her postdoctoral studies include work at the Institute for Educational Management and the JFK School of Government at Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the London School of Business Study for International Business Fellows program.

Melchor Ortiz, Ph.D.(bio current as of 2001)
Dr. Ortiz is a Professor of Biometry at the UT-Houston School of Public Health in El Paso and was named by his students as Outstanding Teacher in 1999. He is not only known for his role as an excellent teacher, but as a person who has touched the lives of his students on both a professional and a personal level. Four of his students nominated him for this award because of his constant encouragement for them to strive for a better education, his constant support and belief in their abilities, his influence in the development of their leadership skills, and his desire to share his knowledge of how the system works.
Ms. Ines Anchondo, who is currently completing requirements for her Dr. P.H., is one of Dr. Ortiz’ mentees. She says, “The role model that he and others like him represent to those of us coming from an outside culture has aided me in not only acquiring new citizenship, but also becoming the first in my quite large extended Mexican family to attend graduate school and seek the qualifications of a high level professional academic degree.”

William C. "Billy" Hinton (bio current as of 2001)
Mr. Hinton is the Assistant Manager of the University Apartments and serves on the University Classified Staff Council. His mentees come from women who work with him and serve on various university committees with him. A common theme emerges from his letters of nomination that includes dedication of classified employees, involvement in committees, leader, lobbyist, supporter, guide listener, advisor, mentor and friend. He is described as an active supporter of the women’s mentoring award and serves as an excellent example of a mentor.
Ms. Misty Hajek says that, “...he has reached out and touched a lot of people with his mentoring skills without even thinking or knowing about it.” Ms. Gillian Rittman says “Billy Hinton always encourages women to strive for their goals, whether personally or professionally.”

Patricia Averill, Ph.D.(bio current as of 2001)
Dr. Averill is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Medical School and is Director of Patient Clinical Programming at the Harris County Psychiatric Center. Her mentee, Carmen Palacios, describes Dr. Averill as “Instrumental in my development as a professional.” Dr. Averill provided an opportunity for Ms. Palacios to explore different settings and roles available at HCPC during her internship; allowed her to attend morning rounds and participate in discussion; explained history of policies and procedures and how they impact patients, staff and society. Dr. Averill continued to promote Ms. Palacios’ professional growth by helping her identify career goals and opportunities and recognizing her specific talents and skills.
Ms. Palacios states that Dr. Averill continues to take an interest in and promote her professional growth by meeting with her individually to offer guidance and support.

2000

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Anna Steinberger, PhD.
Faculty Mentor - Susan Tortolero, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - Susanne Savely, M.S., RBP
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Frank Collura, D.D.S., J.D. and Gwen Sherwood, Ph.D, R.N.

Anna Steinberger, Ph.D. (bio current as of 2000)
Dr. Anna Steinberger is an Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professor Emeritis of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School.   Dr. Steinberger  holds a master's degree in Bacteriology and Virology from State University of Iowa.   She obtained her doctoral degree in Microbiology and Immunology from Wayne State University.  She pursued her research career at ALbert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia and then joined the staff at the UT Medical School.

Susan Tortolero, Ph.D. (bio current as of 2000)
Dr. Tortolero is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, in the Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research.  She is active in many community organizations.  She serves on several advisory boards for the Center of Disease Control and National Institutes of Health.  Dr. Tortolero is internationally recognized for her work on adolescent health.

Susanne Savely, M.S., RBP (bio current as of 2000)
Susanne Savely is a Safety Specialist in the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.  She obtained her masters degree in Community Health Sciences from the School of Public Health.  She is the manager for the Chemical and Biological Safety Program in which she oversees the institution-wide survey program of over 1300 laboratory and 3000 non-laboratory areas for the Health Science Center.  Susanne is an active member if the Institutional Biosafety Committee and the Animal Welfare Committee.

Frank Collura, D.D.S., J.D. (bio current as of 2000)
Frank Collura is an Assistant Vice President and Chief Legal Officer.  He has been at the Health Science Center for sixteen years.  He has taught in the Department of Community Dentistry.  Dr. Collura has been advisor, ethics officer, and mentor in the Office of Legal Affairs for twelve years.

Gwen Sherwood, Ph.D, R.N. (bio current as of 2000)
Gwen Sherwood is an Associate Professor, Systems and Technology, and Associate Dean, Community and Educational Outreach.  Community and Educational Outreach encompasses everything beyond the standard academic programs and includes a diverse group of activities such as nursing, continuing education, community outreach, clinical agencies, faculty practice and international relationships.

1999

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - LuAnn Aday, Ph.D.
Faculty Mentor - Elizabeth Heitman, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - Angela Stotts, Ph.D.
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Robert Emery, Dr.P.H

LuAnn Aday, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1999)
Dr. LuAnn Aday is Professor of Behavioral Sciences at The UT-Houston School of Public Health specializing in equity of access to health care for vulnerable populations. Dr. Aday holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Texas Tech University and master's and doctoral degrees in sociology from Purdue University in Indiana. Her contributions to the field of public health were acknowledged by her election to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences in 1998. She also was appointed as a fellow in the Association for Health Services Research in 1996.

Dr. Aday is in the midst of writing the second edition of "At Risk in America: The Health Care Needs of Vulnerable Populations in the United States." This book takes a detailed look at problems faced by a variety of groups, including at-risk mothers and infants, those chronically ill with AIDS, the homeless, the mentally ill, and immigrants and refugees. It will be published late next year and is her eighth book authored here.

"What makes her especially unique and an outstanding role model for women is that she is warm and caring in addition to all of her other glowing pedagogical attributes. She has an interest in people and is never condescending. Above all else she has a wonderful sense of humor."

Elizabeth Heitman, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1999)
Dr. Heitman is an Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Program on Humanities and Technology in Health Care at the School of Public Health. She teaches ethics in the Graduate School, Medical School, and School of Nursing as well as the School of Public Health. "This is a human being with rare qualities. Stern yet gentle, demanding yet giving, she makes you want to reach beyond yourself to those layers of your soul and intellect that so seldom get stimulated." "Dr. Heitman models the challenges that women face in integrating a rewarding family life with a demanding career. I respect her sense of responsibility in keeping up with all she undertakes. I am encouraged by the pride with with she does it and heartened by the sense of fulfillment she brings with her."

Angela Stotts, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1999)
Dr. Angela Stotts is a Senior Research Associate in the Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. "Angie is a valuable coworker, a treasured friend, an incredible role model, and a remarkable woman. Because of Angie, and her influence in my life and career, my goals have taken a direction that helps me to help others, helps me to be a more understanding coworker and friend, and overall helps me to be a better person."

Robert Emery, Dr.P.H. (bio current as of 1999)
Dr. Bob Emery is the Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety and an Assistant Professor of Occupational Health in the School of Public Health. "Dr. Emery has earned his employees' respect effortlessly because of his leadership, knowledge, capability, innovativeness, and wonderful sense of humor." "Dr. Emery is constantly supporting and advising his program managers on how to deal effectively with the difficult, and sometimes political, situations that arise in our daily jobs. He is skilled at creating win-win solutions and I have learned much about problem solving from him."

1998

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Diana S. Natalicio, Ph.D.
Faculty Mentor - Edward J. McGuire, M.D. and Richard M. Grimes, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - David J. Ramsey, Ph.D.
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Camille Lloyd, Ph.D. and Gilbert A. Castro, Ph.D.

Diana S. Natalicio, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1998)
Dr. Diana S. Natalicio is President of The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). She received her bachelor's degree in Spanish, summa cum laude, from St. Louis University. Her master's degree in Portuguese and doctorate in linguistics were awarded by The University of Texas at Austin. In 1961, she was a Fulbright Scholar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and in 1964 she was a visiting scholar in Lisbon, Portugal. After serving as a research associate at the Center for Communication Research at The University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Natalicio joined the faculty at UTEP in 1971 as a part-time assistant professor. She quickly rose to the rank of associate professor and professor. In addition to her teaching responsibilities in the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, she has served UTEP in numerous administrative capacities, including Chair of Modern Languages, Associate Dean and Dean of Liberal Arts, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Interim President, and President.

Dr. Natalicio has served on numerous boards and commissions including: the National Science Board (appointed by President Clinton), NASA Advisory Council, U.S.-Mexico Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange, Fogarty International Center at the National Institutes of Health, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Health, "America Reads Challenge" Steering Committee, Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans (appointed by President Bush), Citizens' Committee on Property Tax Relief (appointed by Governor Bush) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, El Paso Branch. She also serves on the boards of Sandia Corporation, Trinity Industries, the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME), the RAND Institute on Education and Training, and the Nature Conservatory of Texas, and she is immediate past-chair of the board of the American Association for Higher Education.

Among the many awards and honors that she has received are included Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education, Honorary Member of the Margarita Miranda de Mascarenas Foundation Board of Directors, Ciudad Juarez (Mexico); Outstanding Contribution to Education Award; Hispanic and Business Alliance for Education, Inc. and Humanitarian Award, League of United Latin American Citizens, El Paso. She also has written numerous books, monographs, articles, and reviews in the field of applied linguistics.

"Her style and actions underscore the meaning of leadership. She has been instrumental in transforming UTEP from a regional institution to an international university whose vision is outward and whose growth and phenomenal success in garnering extramural funds for new programs are the envy of other universities. Dr. Natalicio is responsible for developing-during radically changing times-an atmosphere in which students, faculty, and staff are stimulated, inspired, and unified, where the focus is on opportunities rather than problems. The goals of the university are realistic, meaningful, and known throughout the campus. The openness and good stewardship of the UTEP administration, which she fosters, breed confidence, loyalty and trust."

Edward J. McGuire, M.D. (bio current as of 1998)
Dr. McGuire is a Professor and Director of Urology in the Medical School. He has focused creating opportunities for women in the male dominated field of Urology. Guidance and support are the tools that he uses to help young residents decide the direction of their studies. He stresses a well balanced academic career path including multiple projects utilizing articles, abstracts, papers and book chapters as well as teaching continuing medical education curriculum. "He charges those around him not to be trapped by traditional ideas and complacency but to be at the forefront of change. "  

Richard M. Grimes, Ph.D.(bio current as of 1998)
Dr. Grimes is an Associate Professor, Management and Policy Sciences in the School of Public Health and Director, Aids Education and Training Center for Texas and Oklahoma. "Dr. Grimes clearly understands the purposes, objectives, practices and procedures of the academic environment, and he has provided me with guidance on the best steps to successfully move forward as a university faculty member." "With patience and elegance, Dr. Grimes has substantially changed how I understand the nature and mechanics of the political environments inherent in both the academic and public health communities."

David J. Ramsey, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1998)
Dr. Ramsey is a Programmer Analyst III in the School of Public Health. "Technology is a wonderful thing. David has revealed the mysteries of the computer to faculty, students and staff at UTSPH and has done so with grace, humor, and patience." "David is one of the exceptional ones that we meet throughout our lives. He coaches, teaches, advises, supports and gives of his time and knowledge. He continually contributes to the improvement and development of the individual at SPH."

Camille Lloyd, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1998)
Dr. Lloyd is a Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical School and Director, Student Counseling Service. Dr. Lloyd's mentoring activities extend beyond her direct role as a counselor to mentoring at the programmatic and policy level. She has served on university and system committees. She was instrumental in both the early faculty salary studies and the development and implementation of the university's sexual harassment policy. "Her tireless efforts have contributed to the position of UT-Houston as a statewide leader in mentoring and advancement of women and minorities." 

Gilbert A. Castro, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1998)
Dr. Castro is a Professor, Integrative Biology, Pharmacology, and Physiology, Medical School and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Director, Education Access and Equity. "Dr. Castro's tireless efforts, encouragement, support, confidence and expectations have motivated us to attain a standard of excellence that is far beyond what we thought possible. ...Through his guidance and the resources he provides, we have gained opportunities for growth and improvement."  

1997

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Michele G. Curtis, M.D.
Faculty Mentor - Thomas Goka, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - Shirley Harden
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Anna Steinberger, Ph.D.

Michele G. Curtis, M.D. (bio current as of 1997)
Dr. Michele G. Curtis is an Assistant Professor in the Medical School and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital Campus, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center. Dr. Curtis joined UT-Houston in 1993 from private practice in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Curtis received her baccalaureate degree in Zoology at The University of Texas at Austin. She attended Texas Tech Regional Academic Health Science Center at Lubbock where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree and her residency was completed in Akron, Ohio.

Dr. Curtis has received numerous awards including the Dean's Excellence Award, Faculty Recognition Award, Outstanding Teacher Award, and Outstanding Achievement in Community Service Initiation Award. She is the Developer and Director, Prime Time Clinic, Co-Director Ob/Gyn Ambulatory Care Clinic, and Director of the Ob/Gyn Clerkship for Medical Students at LBJ Hospital.

Her time is also spent on medical school, hospital district and LBJ hospital committees including UT-Houston Medicaid Marketing Committee, UT-Houston Task Force on Medicine and Public Health, UT-Houston Children's Network, Chair, Student Advisory Committee of Student/Faculty Relations, Ambulatory Care Task Force, the Peer Review Committee, Women's Health Services Task Force, Drug Usage Evaluation Subcommittee, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, the Maternal Strategic Planning Committee, Operating Room Committee, Infectious Disease Committee, Ambulatory Care Clinic Committee, Chair, Mother-Baby Fair, and Ethics subcommittee. Dr. Curtis is a Fellow, American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology; member, North American Menopause Society, International Society for the Advancement of Humanistic Studies in Medicine and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology.

In the community, she is the Director, Menopause Awareness Seminar, Medical Director, Health Buggy and Community Outreach Screening and Education Project, Organizer/Developer, Women's & Children’s Resource Center, Medical Director, Troubleshooters immunization project, and Reviewer. She has been the guest speaker for both local and national events. Dr. Curtis has published numerous articles, produced educational videotapes in English and Spanish, and has conducted clinical research trials. She currently has several research projects in progress. Not only is she a physician, teacher, mentor, community activist, and researcher, but is a wife and mother of two young girls. When she was notified of her receiving this award she said, "This is like Publishers Clearing House coming to your front door with the million dollar check. I can't believe it!"

Thomas Goka, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1997)
Thomas Goka, Ph.D., is an Assistant Dean at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center. He has been at the Health Science Center since 1971. His duties include directing and teaching Biochemistry courses, academic advising, involving students in a community service Outreach program, and mentoring students. His academic duties include not only advising graduate students in their choice of scientific emphasis but helping them direct their professional scientific career and their personal lives. He is exceptional at helping students to define their goals and focus on achieving them, without neglecting personal lives. "Most people might say that it is his job to keep in touch with the students' progress. Personally, I know it goes beyond simply being a job. Dr. Goka has fulfilled all the definitions of a mentor: he has been my coach, teacher, advisor, supporter, guide and friend."

Shirley Harden (bio current as of 1997)
Ms. Shirley Harden is a Senior Staff Assistant to the Division Director of Neonatology, Dept. of Pediatrics, Medical School at the Health Science Center. She is responsible for all personnel, finance, and daily office activities for 8 Neonatologists and 6 Fellows. With her busy schedule, she still finds time to have "an open door policy" to help other staff to do their jobs. "She also took time away from her duties to sit down and patiently teach me. Shirley never seemed to get frustrated or annoyed at my many questions. She guided me to the proper resources when necessary, advised me regarding crucial issues and helped hone my skills. Because of Shirley's guidance and continued support I was able to hasten my learning process.

Anna Steinberger, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1997)
Anna Steinberger, Ph.D., is an Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs in the Medical School at the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center. She joined the Health Science Center in 1971. She has been key in initiating and implementing a formal mentoring program at the Medical School. Dr. Steinberger has made substantial contributions to the development of many of the women faculty at the Health Science Center. She has been an active participant in the Association of Women Faculty, co-chair of the committee that established and directed the First and Second Conferences on Professional Development for Women in Academia, and provided research on mentoring programs across the country to the Task Force on Mentoring. Dr. Steinberger in her position of Assistant Dean has been a trusted advisor to both male and female faculty. "Her effectiveness in this role reflects the high regard in which she is held as well as her wisdom and personal likeability."

1996

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Margaret L. Kripke, Ph.D. and Dianna A. Redburn, Ph.D.
Faculty Mentor - John Grabowski, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor - Lyan Ha
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Judith Booker

Margaret L. Kripke, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1996)
Margaret L. Kripke, Ph.D. is the Vivian L. Smith Professor and Chairman, Department of Immunology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She holds appointments as a Research Professor, The University of Texas-Houston, Medical School, Department of Dermatology, and at The University of Texas-Houston, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. She is founding Chair of the Women Faculty and Administrators Organization at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Kripke received her doctorate in immunology from the University of California at Berkeley. She received her bachelor's and master's were in bacteriology from the same institution in her native state of California. After she completed her postdoctoral work at Ohio State University, her first faculty appointment was as Assistant Professor, University of Utah, Department of Pathology. She progressively higher administrative appointments, reaching the rank of Director, Cancer Biology Program at the NCI-Frederick Cancer Research Center in Maryland. She assumed her current position in Houston in 1983.

Dr. Kripke's research interests center around the immunology of cancer, particularly on the role of the immune system in sunlight-induced carcinogenesis, and on the effects of ultraviolet radiation on immune function. She is an authority in the fields of photoimmunology, and skin carcinogenesis.

Dr. Kripke is a member of many professional organizations and has given guest lectures at many international assemblies. She has authored more than 200 scientific publications and served on several peer review panels for research funding. She was a recipient in 1984 of the Lila Gruber Honor Award for Cancer Research, given by the American Academy of Dermatology. In 1987, she served as chair of the EPA Science Advisory Board Subcommittee on Causes and Effects of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion. From 1989-1993, she was a member of the Board of Scientific Counselors for the Division of Cancer Biology, Diagnosis and Centers at the National Cancer Institute. In 1993, she served on the National Cancer Advisory Subcommittee to review the National Cancer Program. In 1992, she was chosen President-elect of the American Association for Cancer Research and served as President in 1993-1994. Since 1991, she has been a member of the Executive Committee of the EPA Science Advisory Board. She is also currently chairman of the EPA Science Advisory Board Research Strategies Advisory Committee and serves on the United Nations Environment Program Subcommittee on stratospheric ozone depletion. In 1995, she was chosen as President-elect of the Graduate Faculty at The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. In 1996, she was selected as President-elect of the American Society for Photobiology. Dr. Kripke's achievements as a scientist, administrator, mentor, and advisor make her a positive role model for all women scientists.

Dianna A. Redburn, Ph.D.(bio current as of 1996)
Dianna A. Redburn, Ph.D., received her doctorate degree from the University of Kansas in Biology-Neurobiology. Her bachelor's degree was in Biology from Centenary College. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship from the University of California. Her first faculty appointment was as Assistant Professor, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, at the UT-Houston Medical School and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Redburn was awarded two patents during her appointment.

Dr. Redburn has been a member of The University of Texas-Houston Medical School and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences faculty for the past 21 years. She also served as Assistant Dean for Research Training of the Medical School for eight years and spearheaded the Summer Research Program which is funded by three National Institute of Health (NIH) training grants. As a member of the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, she maintained an active research program in neuronal development of the retina and the role of neurotransmitters, such as GABA, glutamate and nitric acid as developmental signals. She has published approximately 100 scientific manuscripts and book chapters. She taught in a number of courses, winning several teaching awards including the Dean's Teaching Excellence Award for five years. Upon transferring her primary appointment to the Department of Ophthalmology in 1994, she was named the Jules and Doris Stein Research to Prevent Blindness Professor and Director of Basic Research for the Department. She also headed the UT-Houston Vision Research Consortium composed of NIH Vision Core Grant and an NIH Vision Training Grant for the group. Dr. Redburn has served on the Board of Scientific Counselors for the National Institute of Deafness and Communicable Disorders, and on various study sections for NIH and review panels for the National Science Foundation (NSF). She has acted in leadership roles for several national organizations including the American Society for Neurochemistry, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the Association for Women in Science, the Sexual Harassment Board and the Association of Women Faculty at UT-Houston. Other recent honors include election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the awarding of an honorary degree by her alma mater, Centenary College, where she delivered the commencement address. She is a mentor for faculty, staff and students.

Earlier this year, Dr. Redburn accepted a position at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, where she is Director of Research in the Department of Ophthalmology.

John Grabowski, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1996)
John Grabowski, Ph.D. joined the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center (UTHHCS) in 1987 as Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, a position he held until 1992. From 1988-1992 he was also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Cancer Prevention, M.D. Anderson Cancer Society and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the School of Public Health (SPH). Dr. Grabowski is presently a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the SPH and Director of the Treatment Research Clinic, Substance Abuse Research Center, Working Group on Drug Abuse Policy and the Center for the Study of Drugs in Society, Health Policy Institute at the UTHHSC.

Dr. Grabowski received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota; graduate education at JFK Institute on Mental Retardation, Peabody College; and his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Minnesota.

He has published extensively to include nine books of which he is author or co-author. He holds membership in numerous professional organizations and serves on several university-wide committees. Dr. Grabowski is active in the community and serves as a consultant in drug abuse and HIV related treatment programs.

As a researcher, Dr. Grabowski excels. His current grant support totals $10,893,368 of which he is the Principal Investigator and $1,723,234 of which he is the CO-Principal Investigator. Some of his current research includes: Substance Abuse-Medication Development Research Center, HIV testing and counseling, Cocaine Dependence: Medication and Behavioral Treatment, and Behavior Pharmacological Treatments to Reduce Drug Abuse.

Lyan Ha (bio current as of 1996)
Lyan joined the School of Allied Health Sciences in October 1993 and is currently an Administrative Assistant in the Dean's Office. She earned a BBA in Management Information Systems from UH in 1992 while working as an office assistant in the College of Technology's Academic Services Center. As a teenager, Lyan endured life in a refugee camp, survived the long trip to America, was the lady of the house to her brother and nephew, and attended high school. Learning English as a teenager while trying to master her other subjects and new life in America was not an easy task, but Lyan strove to excel. Her letter of nomination describes Lyan as "an inspiration to others demonstrating that no barrier is insurmountable." She is truly an inspiration to those around her. Lyan brings to those working with her a greater appreciation of people from other cultures. Her positive attitude, willingness to work hard, and determination to succeed are qualities that everyone should aspire to achieve.

Judith Booker (bio current as of 1996)
Judith Booker is the Assistant Vice President of Planning at The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center. In this position, which she has held since 1990, Ms. Booker facilitates the university's strategic planning processes, policy analysis, and policy formulation. Prior to holding this position, Ms. Booker was the Director of Human Resources Development (1986-1990) and the Assistant Director for Human Resources and Employee Relations (1977-1986), both at the UT-Houston Health Science Center.

Ms. Booker holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in English from Baylor University and a Master of Arts in Education Administration from the University of Houston. She also holds memberships in the Society for College and University Planning and the American Management Association.

Ms. Booker was nominated for the President's Award for Mentoring Award by the staff members of The Planning Office, all but one of which have worked with her for five or more years. In the letter of nomination, Ms. Booker's staff cite several ways in which she has mentored them. These include Ms. Booker's setting a professional example by being the first woman in the university's history to rise to the level of assistant vice president, her willingness to assist staff in meeting both personal and professional goals, her willing and frequent recognition of staff contributions, and her efforts to provide state-of-the-art tools to better communicate the strategic planning process.

Staff members note that Ms. Booker has taught them how to get things done by maintaining good contacts, creating "win-win" solutions with customers, and approaching delicate situations with subtlety and finesse. As staff state in the letter of nomination "there is a time for an obliging spirit and for an iron resolve. As with many women in business, we are skilled in the use of the first, but we need encouragement to apply the latter; with Judy's continued help, we're learning how."

1995

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Doris Laune Ross, Ph.D.
Faculty Mentor - Katherine Loveland, Ph.D.
Classified Staff Mentor- Angie Scoggin
Administrative & Professional Mentor - Brenda Gaughan

Doris Laune Ross, Ph.D. (bio current as of 1995)
Doris Laune Ross, Ph.D. has been in the medical center for 48 years. She came when Baylor College of Medicine was being built among the trees and a sheep was kept where Shrine Hospital is now located.

She came here to become a Registered Medical Technologist after obtaining her baccalaureate degree at Texas State College for Women, now Texas Women's University. She worked at Hermann Hospital in the laboratory for 24 years. While Associate Director of one of the most productive laboratories in Houston at the time, she attended night classes at Baylor College of Medicine and received her Masters of Science Degree in 1958.

Six years later, she enrolled in the first class of The University of Texas Graduate School at Houston. She conducted research with Dr. Bruno Jirgensons in the Department of Biochemistry at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and with Dr. John Marrack, a renown British researcher, who was a professor in the graduate school at the time. She obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Immunochemistry in 1967 from The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston.

In 1974, Dr. Ross became the Program Director and Associate Professor of Medical Technology at The University of Texas-Houston School of Allied Health Sciences. She along with Ms. Ann Cork was instrumental in creating the Cytogenetics Program. In 1981, she became the Associate Dean of the School and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies and eventually Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. During these sixteen years in the School of Allied Health Sciences, Dr. Ross developed the Division of Interdisciplinary Studies, established the John P. McGovern Lectureship in Allied Health, instigated International Activities to China, the Soviet Union, Mexico, and Japan, initiated fund-raising activities to secure money for student scholarships and continued her administrative and teaching activities as Associate Dean, Chairman of the Division of Interdisciplinary Studies. Dr. Ross holds faculty appointments in the Graduate School, the Medical School Department of Pathology, and the School of Nursing. In 1992, Dr. Ross was appointed Dean Pro Tem, of the School of Allied Health Sciences.

Dr. Ross has been active in state and national organizations such as the American Society for Medical Technology (Board of Directors), Texas Society of Medical Technologists (President), Texas Section of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (President), American Association for Clinical Chemistry (Nominations Committee), Fellow in American Society of Allied Health Professions, and Fellow in National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry. She has received numerous awards among which are the Theta Sigma Pi (Women in Communications-Houston) Award, the French Award for Education in Medical Laboratory Science and the Federation of Women Award for Outstanding Contribution to International Activities by the Soroptimist Club.

Katherine Loveland, Ph.D. (bio current as of 2006)
Dr. Loveland joined the faculty of the UT-Houston Medical School in 1985 and is presently an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics. She is the founder and director of the Center for Human Development Research (CHDR) in which capacity she has served as a valued mentor and advocate for numerous junior faculty, students and members of staff. Her letters of nomination attest to the constant "boost and support" as well as the positive role model she provides to encourage her mentees to thrive in their careers. Dr. Loveland is also an active member of the Association for Women in Science and a founding member of the Association of Women Faculty at UT-Houston.
UPDATE 2006: Dr. Loveland is now a Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Director for the Center for Human Development Research and Assistant Dean, Faculty Affairs. She continues to be a part of MSI and The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

Angie Scoggin (bio current as of 1995)
Ms. Scoggin is a fourth generation native Houstonian. She began working at the UT-Houston, Dental Branch in 1978 and is presently Executive Secretary to the School of Dental Hygiene. In her role, Ms. Scoggin has had the opportunity to mentor both the students in dental hygiene as well as her fellow staff. Her letters of nomination describe a "courteous, confident, calm and practical" approach to caring which she transmits to the students and the patients. Ms. Scoggin has been an active member of the Employee Relations Committee, the CQI Customer Assessment Team and is presently serving on the University Classified Staff Council. Her wisdom and enthusiasm provide valuable and long-lasting encouragement to the careers of her mentees

Brenda Gaughan (bio current as of 1995)
Ms. Gaughan has been with the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences since August of 1974. She began her career at UT-Houston as a secretary to the Registrar. She excelled in her position and in 1981 became Director of Academic Affairs. She is a trusted mentor to the more than two hundred female students enrolled in GSBS each year, who routinely seek her support and guidance as they pursue their graduate studies. In the words of one of her mentees "Brenda identifies the special attributes of each of her students and encourages her individual strengths." Brenda recently announced that she will be relocating to the Northeast, thus leaving her position at the end of the year. She will be greatly missed.

1994

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Mae C. Jemison, M.D.

Mae C. Jemison, M.D. (bio current as of 1994)
Chemical engineer, scientist, physician, and astronaut, Mae C. Jemison has accomplished extraordinary things in her young life. Born in Decatur, Alabama, she was raised in Chicago, where she attended public schools. At sixteen she entered Stanford University on scholarship, earning a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and also meeting the requirements for an A.B. in African and Afro-American Studies. After obtaining her M.D. from Cornell University Medical College in 1981, she completed her internship at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center. Her work as a general practitioner in Los Angeles was interrupted by two and a half years as Area Peace Corps Medical Officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa.

Dr. Jemison joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1987 and was the first woman of color in space in September, 1992, when she flew on the shuttle Endeavor on the STS-47 Space lab J flight, a US/Japan joint mission. As NASA's first Science Mission Specialist, she conducted experiments in both life and material sciences and was co-investigator for the bone cell research project.

Having resigned from NASA in 1993, Dr. Jemison has founded The Jemison Group to research, develop and market advanced technologies suited especially to the social, political, cultural, and economic context of the developing world. The Jemison Group's first project is the development of a satellite-based telecommunications system to improve health care in West Africa. She recently taught a course in Space Age Technology and Developing Countries at Dartmouth College.

She was honored by the establishment of the Mae C. Jemison Academy, an alternative public school in Detroit, and the Mae C, Jemison Science and Space Museum at Wright Junior College in Chicago. She has received numerous awards, including the Essence Award; Gamma Sigma Gamma Woman of the Year; an honorary Doctorate of Science from Lincoln College; McCall's Ten Outstanding Women for the 90's; Pumpkin Magazine of Japan's award as One of the Women for the New Century; Johnson Publications Black Achievement Trailblazers Award; Ebony's 50 Most Influential Women (1993); the Turner Trumpet Award; Montgomery Fellow, Dartmouth College, and the Kilby Science Award.

Dr. Jemison has studied the Russian, Japanese and Swahili languages and is trained in dance and choreography.

1993

Distinguished Professional Woman Award - Patricia L. Starck, D.S.N., R.N., F.A.A.N.

Patricia L. Starck, D.S.N., R.N., F.A.A.N. (bio current as of 1993)
Dr. Patricia Starck was named Dean of The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center School of Nursing in 1984, after having served as Dean of Troy State University School of Nursing for five years. Under her leadership at UT-Houston, the School of Nursing has experienced continual growth, from a total enrollment in 1984 of 395 to a current enrollment of 641. Under her leadership, the HSC Center on Aging and the Isla Carroll Turner Chair in Gerontological Nursing were established. The Center on Aging is said to be the best model of interdisciplinary team work on the UT-H campus. Dr. Starck had a vision of outreach to the Rio Grande Valley, and in 1989, the School of Nursing began the first and only on-site graduate degree program for nurses in the Valley. This cooperative Masters of Science in Nursing degree graduated 459 Masters degree nurses, forming a cadre of nurse leaders in the Valley. As planned, UT-H has assisted UT-PA over the past five years to develop plans for its own Masters in Nursing program. Under her leadership, an ongoing program of continuing education, both on site and via telecommunication, has also operated in the Valley, with over 3,092 participants per year. Dr. Starck established the School's Center for Nursing Research, which coordinates and promotes the School's research efforts. The School currently receives in excess of $250,000 in extramural funding, just a fraction of its goal for the future. Dr. Starck wrote and received the first grant for advanced nurse training and has mentored many other faculty in writing their own grants, resulting in the receipt of over $6.5 million at the School for the purpose during her tenure. She established a faculty practice that contributes significantly to the educational opportunities and revenues of the School, and in 1991 established UT- Nursing Services, a national model for nurse-managed health care delivery in the clinic setting.

Dr. Starck is internationally known for her writings and work in the concept of human suffering and for her visionary thinking in the area of health care reform. This reputation resulted in her appointment to the Task Group on Health Care Delivery to President Clinton's Transition Team in January 1993, and to the Health Professions Review Group of President Clinton's Task Force on Health Care Reform, March 1993. In summary, Pat Starck has made her vision of excellence in nursing education a reality at the School of Nursing and in so doing, has enriched the lives of the students, faculty and staff of this University.

For comments or suggestions contact csw@uth.tmc.edu

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Site Policies
© 2005 last updated October 20, 2009