Distinctions

Distinctions

Genetics Institute names new leader

Internationally noted genetics expert Patrick Concannon, Ph.D., has been named the next director of the UF Genetics Institute. Concannon will start in January and will oversee a vast research enterprise that draws on scientists from across the entire UF campus. “The breadth of the research and the fact that it is multidisciplinary and cross-college make it intriguing for me,” Concannon said. “The really creative and innovative ideas typically arise at the interface between disciplines and approaches.” Concannon will succeed Kenneth Berns, M.D., Ph.D., who is retiring after almost a decade as director of the UF Genetics Institute. Concannon comes to UF from the University of Virginia, where he is the associate director of the Center for Public Health Genomics, the Harrison professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics and a professor of hematology and oncology. His research interests align well with areas in which UF excels — notably, UF’s international reputation for Type 1 diabetes research and its Diabetes Center of Excellence.

A rising star

The American Medical Association honored Latha G. Stead, M.D., with the Dr. William Beaumont Award in Medicine at its semiannual policy-making meeting. The honor is awarded to a distinguished young physician for work in the medical sciences. A professor of emergency medicine in the UF College of Medicine, Stead also serves as chief of the division of clinical research and the Toral Family Foundation endowed professor of traumatic brain injury. “It is an honor to present Dr. Stead with this award recognizing her outstanding contributions to emergency medicine,” said AMA Board Chair Steven J. Stack, M.D. “Dr. Stead’s dedication to medicine is reflected by the volume of research she’s published, her commitment to patients and time spent mentoring other physicians.”

College of Nursing

David Derrico, M.S.N., R.N., a clinical assistant professor of nursing, received the President and Dean Award for Outstanding Service. He was nominated by Joyce Stechmiller, Ph.D., A.C.N.P.-BC, chair of the department of adult and elderly nursing, for going beyond assigned responsibilities and demonstrating altruism and commitment to the education of undergraduate College of Nursing students. The award is given to acknowledge faculty service that is exemplary in scope or quality.

Kathleen Ann Long, Ph.D., R.N., dean of the college, was named an Honorary Alumnus of the University of Florida during the college’s annual reunion weekend festivities. Long has served as dean for the past 17 years and also serves as an associate provost at UF. She recently announced that she will retire as dean and associate provost at the end of the academic year. Long  was presented with the recognition by Danita Nias, the executive director of the UF Alumni Association.

Martha Jo Snider, Ed.D., R.N., an associate professor and chair of the department of health care environments and systems, has been selected as a recipient of an Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing Living Legacy Award. The Living Legacy awards were established to recognize and honor Birmingham Baptist Hospital and Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing alumni who have demonstrated a significant contribution to the mental, physical or spiritual well-being of others. Snider was honored Oct. 13 at the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing’s 90th Anniversary Living Legacy Gala at The Club in Birmingham, Ala.

Public Health and Health Professions

Ronald Rozensky, Ph.D., a professor of clinical and health psychology, has received the Award for Distinguished Career Contributions to Education and Training from the American Psychological Association. This award recognizes the efforts of psychologists who have made distinguished contributions to education and training, have produced imaginative innovations, or have been involved in the developmental phases of programs in education and training in psychology, making continuous significant contributions over a lifelong career in psychology.