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Dr. Altomare is an Assistant Professor of Public Health at �����紫ý. Her doctoral work has focused on children's health behaviors in the context of environmental exposures in recreational water environments. She has also worked on research projects focusing on application of quantitative microbial risk assessment models for foodborne pathogens, specifically Listeria monocytogenes. Currently, she is working on assessing perceptions and attitudes associated with drinking water quality and safety among residents in Lehigh Valley, PA. She also collaborates with Monocacy Farm Project on agroecological education initiatives to create experiential learning opportunities related to food security and sustainability.

Dr. Altomare serves as a faculty advisor for undergraduate public health students and the �����紫ý Chapter of the Food Recovery Network. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the three E’s of Sustainability - Equity, Economy, and Environment - where classroom content, activities, and policies reflect equitable practices, innovative use of resources, and an open and welcoming learning space. Prior to her appointment at �����紫ý, Dr. Altomare was the Assistant Director for Supplemental Instruction at the University of Houston-Downtown, where she trained and supervised over 200 undergraduate tutors and mentored undergraduate research projects in higher education.

Dr. Chapman is a doctorally-prepared physician assistant (PA) with more than two decades of clinical experience. Her areas of practice included trauma/general surgery, college health, and hematology/oncology. In 2011, Baystate Medical Center/Tufts University presented her with the Surgical Physician Assistant of the Year for her excellence in clinical practice and resident education. She completed her Doctor of Medical Science at the University of Pittsburgh with a research focus on creating a foundation for interprofessional learning in the undergraduate health sciences setting.  

Dr. Chapman has experience educating future health professionals at both the undergraduate and graduate program levels. At �����紫ý, she teaches Introduction to Health Professions, Clinical Observership, Research Methods, and Social Issues in Health Science. Prior to her arrival at �����紫ý, she taught for the Bay Path University and Westfield State University Physician Assistant Programs. Her student centric teaching philosophy focuses on mutual respect and collaboration to foster an inclusive environment that empowers students to successfully self direct their learning.  

Dr. Chapman provides mentorship to �����紫ý undergraduate students interested in pursuing the physician assistant profession. Additionally, she represents her profession’s national organization, the American Academy of Physician Associates (Assistants), as an appointed member of the Commission on the Health of the Public.

Dr. Costanzo is an occupational therapist (OT) with a primary focus on mental health and wellness. She has clinical experience in acute behavioral health, outpatient behavioral health, skilled nursing, elementary school-based therapy, and acute care. She collaborated with OT fieldwork students, Bethlehem Area School District personnel, and wellness center staff to develop the Occupational Therapy Program of Wellness and Resilience (OT-POWER), a wellness program run by OT students to support the wellbeing of Liberty and Freedom High School students.

She completed her post-professional OTD at Thomas Jefferson University with a research focus on interprofessional expert opinions regarding the OT-POWER manual she created. The research strengthened the manual's utility for fieldwork coordinators and OT programs to establish similar programs in their communities to alleviate the youth mental health crisis.

Dr. Costanzo teaches Introduction to Health Professions, Research Methods in Health Sciences, and Social Issues in Health Science. She also created a student-centered wellness course called From Awareness to Action to help students make meaningful and intentional changes in their lives. She co-teaches the Occupational Justice and Community Health course for the OT program and is involved in a RISE Teamwork and Leadership Program course. She serves as a faculty advisor for pre-occupational therapy track students, the WITHGrace Initiative, and the Rehab Sciences Club. Dr. Costanzo’s teaching philosophy focuses on creating a supportive, empathetic, and encouraging learning environment that fosters quality connections. She aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students feel comfortable being authentically themselves.

Dr. Coyne is an Associate Professor of Practice in Public Health at �����紫ý. Prior to her appointment at �����紫ý, Dr. Coyne was the Director of Health Advocacy and Policy at the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown PA where she established the Health Advocacy Program and a medical legal partnership. She also has held faculty positions at West Virginia University teaching graduate students in public health. In addition, Dr. Coyne has experience working as a public health professional in state government and with a cancer research non-profit organization.

Dr. Coyne’s research focus includes health disparities, particularly those related to housing and food insecurity; health literacy; and health behaviors associated with social determinants of health. She has been the principal and co-investigator on several federally funded and philanthropic grants and has published in peer-reviewed journals, co-authored two book chapters, and served as presenter at regional, state, and national conferences.

In addition to teaching public health courses at �����紫ý, Dr. Coyne served as an Honors Project Advisor in 2024-2025. She is currently serving as a member of �����紫ý's Health Humanities Minor faculty, initiated in 2024. Dr. Coyne also serves as a member of several university and college committees that support faculty and students at �����紫ý.

Dr. Coyne believes that being involved in one’s community as a way to affect positive change is very important. She currently serves on the board of directors at two non-profit organizations:  New Bethany and Catalyst⁴.

Dr. Daymon is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Health Sciences at �����紫ý. She is a licensed physical therapist and certified athletic trainer with clinical experience in pediatric and adult orthopedic rehabilitation, sports medicine, and athletic injury prevention. Throughout her career, she has treated a diverse patient population, including pediatric and adult orthopedic patients, recreationally active individuals, and athletes competing at the semi-professional and national levels. Prior to joining �����紫ý, Dr. Daymon practiced as a sports physical therapist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where her clinical practice was grounded in a passion for health literacy and empowering patients to take an active role in their care and recovery. She has also served as a clinical instructor for Doctor of Physical Therapy students, mentored aspiring healthcare professionals, and contributed to community outreach and professional education initiatives.

Dr. Daymon serves as the faculty advisor for students on the Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Athletic Training tracks, supporting students as they prepare for graduate education and careers in the health professions.

Dr. Daymon's teaching philosophy centers on creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow. She recognizes that every student brings unique strengths, experiences, and learning needs, and strives to meet students where they are while helping them build the confidence and knowledge needed to succeed in the classroom and in their future careers.

Dr. Payton is an Associate Professor of Public Health at �����紫ý. Her work has focused on refugee health surveillance including the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable disease, women’s health screenings, childhood lead screening, and vaccinations. Her work has also focused on maternal and child health policy related to workplace lactation support and maternity care deserts. She has published her work in peer-review journals such as the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. Dr. Payton is Co-Chair of the Research, Evaluation, and Ethics Committee of the Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers. She is a member of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and the American Public Health Association (APHA). Dr. Payton has multiple leadership positions with the APHA including Evidentiary Review Committee member, Section Councilor for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Section, and Co-Chair of the MCH Section's Professional Development Committee. 

1. Steiner, A., Settgast, A., DeSilva, M., Payton, C., Knuti Rodrigues, K., Nolan, M., Chrenka, E., Frumholtz, M., Michel, J., Stein, A., Mamo, B., & Young, J. (2025). Tetanus and diphtheria vaccination coverage and electronic health record alerts for immigrants and refugees at three United States health systems, 2017-2023. Vaccine, 67.
2. Bartick, M., Payton, C., & Jegier, B. (2025). Maternity care deserts: An urgent public health problem in need of financial solutions. Maternal and Child Health Journal.  
3. Payton, C. (2025). A case for welcoming refugees, asylees, and groups of special humanitarian concern to the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 115(10), 1557-1560.  
4. Kollannoor-Samuel, G., DeSilva, M., Settgast, A., Walker, P., Chrenka, E., Steiner, A., Payton, C., Frumholtz, M., Knuti Rodrigues, K., & Bergenstal, R. (2025). Prevalence of diabetes among U.S. refugees and opportunities to improve screening, 2012–2022. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health.  
5. Payton, C., Kvaratskhelia, N., Chalfin, M., Deffler, J., & Altshuler, M. (2025). Cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening outcomes among refugees in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 27(3), 480-488.
6. Altomare, T.K. & Payton, C. (2024). A research brief describing a logic model framework for planning a Food Recovery Network chapter at an undergraduate university. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 14(1), 1–15.
7. Brewer, S., Zeidan, A., Dawson-Hahn, B., Agrawal, P., Talavlikar, R., Barnett, E., DiVito, B., Hauck, F., Wieland, M., Gren, L., Karaki F., & Payton, C. (2024). Development of a refugee health research agenda in North America. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health.
8. Aultman, J.M., Zaaeed, N., Payton, C., DiVito, B., Holland, T., & Atem, J. (2024). Research with refugee populations in North America: Applying the NIH guiding principles for ethical research. Ethics & Human Research, 46(4), 2-16.
9. Nolan, M., Chrenka, E., Walker, P., Steiner, A., Knuti Rodrigues, K., Michel, J., Yun, K., Payton, C., Young, J., Mamo, B., Frumholtz, M., & DeSilva, M. (2024). COVID-19 vaccine uptake among non-US-born populations in the United States, 2020-2022. Vaccine, 42(12), 3115-3121.
10. Adamshick, P. & Payton, C. (2024). Using Adolescent SBIRT with simulation to teach nursing students substance use assessment. Journal of Nursing Education, 63(4), 247–251.
11. Steiner, A., Rodrigues, K.K., Mudenge, N., Young, J., Rasulo, R., Payton, C., DeSilva, M., Michel, J., Fabio, M., & Yun, K. (2023). Increasing COVID-19 vaccination coverage for newcomer communities: The importance of disaggregation by language. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 109(1), 90-93.
12. Urban, K., Payton, C., Mamo, B., Volkman, H., Giorgio, K., Kennedy, L., Chen Bomber, Y., Knuti Rodrigues, K., Young, J., Tumaylle, C., Matheson, J., Tasslimi, A., Montour, J., & Jentes, E. (2023). Hepatitis C screening and antibody prevalence among newly arrived refugees to the United States, 2010-2017. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 1-8.
13. Farber, J., Payton, C., Dorney, P., & Colancecco, E. (2023). Work-life balance and professional quality of life among nurse faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Professional Nursing, 46, 92-101.
14. Zhang, M., Payton, C., Gurung, A., Anglewicz, P., Subedi, P., Ali, A., Ibrahim, A., Haider, M., Hamidi, N., Atem, J., Thang, J., Wang, S., Kim, C., Kimball, S.L., Karaki, F., Nazhat, N., Abouagila, M., & Yun, K. (2022). COVID-19 infection and contact tracing among refugees in the United States, 2020-2021. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 1-7.
15. Pezzi, C., Kumar, G.S., Lee, D., Cabanting, N., Kawasaki, B., Kennedy, L., Aguirre, J., Titus, M., Ford, R., Mamo, B., Urban, K., Hughes, S., Payton, C., Altshuler, M., Montour, J., & Jentes, E.S. (2022). Blood Lead Levels among Afghan Children in Select US States, 2014–2016. Pediatrics, 150(5): e2021054727.
16. Payton, C., Mishkin, K., Davis, C.A., Katzburg, J., & Walker, D.K. (2022). A review of the maternal and child health APHA policy statements, 1970–2019. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 1-9.
17. Payton, C., Kumar, G.S., Kimball, S., Clarke, S.K., AlMasri, I., & Karaki, F.M. (2022). A logic model framework for planning an international refugee health research, evaluation, and ethics committee. Health Promotion Practice, 23(5), 852-860.
18. Zhang, M., Gurung, A., Anglewicz, P., Subedi, P., Payton, C., Ali, A., Ibrahim, A., Haider, M., Hamidi, N., Atem, J., Thang, J., Wang, S., Kim, C., Kimball, S.L., Karaki, F., Nazhat, N., Abouagila, M., & Yun, K. (2021). Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among refugees in the United States. Public Health Reports, 136(6), 774-781.
19. Kumar, G.S., Pezzi, C., Payton, C., Mamo, B., Urban, K., Scott, K., Montour, J., Cabanting, N., Aguirre, J., Ford, R., Hughes, S.E., Kawasaki, B., Kennedy, L., & Jentes, E.S. (2021). Health of asylees compared to refugees in the United States using domestic medical examination data, 2014-2016: A cross-sectional analysis. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 73(8), 1492-1499.
20. Payton, C., Kimball, S., Ahrenholz, N.C., & Wieland, M. (2021). Preventive care and management of chronic diseases in immigrant adults. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 48(1), 83-97.
21. Payton, C., DeSilva, M.B., Young, J., Yun, K., Aragon, D., Kennedy, L., Tumaylle, C., White, D., Walker, P., Jentes, E.S., & Mamo, B. (2021). Hepatitis B evaluation and linkage to care for newly arrived refugees: A multisite quality improvement initiative. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 23(3), 558-565.
22. Farber, J., Payton, C., & Dorney, P. (2020). Life balance and professional quality of life among baccalaureate nurse faculty. Journal of Professional Nursing, 36(6), 587-594.
23. Crittendon, D., Cunningham, A., Payton, C., Mills, G., Kelly, S., LaNoue, M., & Arenson, C. (2020). Organizational readiness to change: Quality improvement in family medicine residency. PRiMER, 4:14.
24. Payton, C., Zeidan, A., Bogen, H., & Altshuler, M. (2020). Women’s health screening and mapped community resources for refugees resettled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 31(2), 958-972.
25. Young, J., Payton, C., Walker, P., White, D., Brandeland, M., Kumar, G.S., Jentes, E.S., Settgast, A., & DeSilva, M. (2020). Evaluation of a program to improve linkage to and retention in care among refugees with Hepatitis B virus infection – Three U.S. cities, 2006-2018. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(21), 647-650.
26. Pezzi, C., Lee, D., Kumar, G.S., Kawasaki, B., Kennedy, L., Aguirre, J., Titus, M., Ford, R., Mamo, B., Urban, K., Hughes, S., Payton, C., Scott, K., Montour, J., & Jentes, E.S. (2020). Health screenings administered during the domestic medical examination of refugees and other eligible immigrants in nine US states, 2014–2016: A cross-sectional analysis. PLOS Medicine, 17(3): e1003065.
27. Kumar, G.S., Pezzi, C., Wien, S., Mamo, B., Scott, K., Payton, C., Urban, K., Hughes, S., Kennedy, L., Cabanting, N., Montour, J., Titus, M., Aguirre, J., Kawasaki, B., Ford, R., & Jentes, E.S. (2020). Health of Special Immigrant Visa applicants from Afghanistan and Iraq after arrival into the United States, 2014-2016. PLOS Medicine, 17(3): e1003083.
28. Careyva, B.A., Shaak, K., Burgess, N.M., Johnson, M.B., Banerjee, E.S., Chung, Y., Davis, A.N., & Payton, C. (2020). Designing and evaluating a prediabetes shared decision aid. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 33(2), 262-270.
29. Weinstein, L., LaNoue, M., Hurley, K., Payton, C., Sifri, R., & Myers, R. (2019). Feasibility pilot outcomes of a mammography decision support and navigation intervention for women with serious mental illness living in supportive housing settings. Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, 10, 1-9.
30. Pezzi, C., Lee, D., Kennedy, L., Aguirre, J., Titus, M., Ford, R., Cochran, J., Smock, L., Mamo, B., Urban, K., Morillo, J., Hughes, S., Payton, C., Scott, K., Montour, J., Matheson, J., Brown, M.J., & Mitchell, T. (2019). Blood lead levels among resettled refugee children in select U.S. states, 2010-2014. Pediatrics, 143(5), e20182591. *Nominated by the National Centers for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) for CDC’s Charles C. Shepard Science Award.
31. Payton, C., Romney, M., Olson, B.H., Abatemarco, D.J., LaNoue, M., & Leader, A. (2018). Evaluation of workplace lactation support among employers in two Pennsylvania cities. Business Horizons, 62(5), 579-587.
32. Pezzi, C., McCullough, A., Joo, H., Cochran, J., Smock, L., Frerich, E., Mamo, B., Urban, K., Hughes, S., Payton, C., Scott, K., Maskery, B., & Lee, D. (2018). Vaccine delivery to newly arrived refugees and estimated costs in selected U.S. clinics, 2014-2015. Vaccine, 36(20), 2902-2909.
33. McIntire, R.K., Singer, D., DiVito, B., Basile, V., DiCarlo, M., German, E., & Payton, C. (2017). Characteristics associated with smoking among patrons of three Philadelphia parks. Journal of Community Health, 1-5.
34. Lieberthal, R.D., Payton, C., Sarfaty, M., & Valko, G. (2017). Measuring the cost of the patient-centered medical home: a cost-accounting approach. The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management, 40(4), 327-338.
35. Lieberthal, R.D., Karagiannis, T., Bilheimer, E., Verma, M., Payton, C., Sarfaty, M., & Valko, G. (2017). Exploring variation in transformation of primary care practices to patient-centered medical homes: a mixed methods approach. Population Health Management, 20(5), 411-418.
36. Dawson-Hahn, E., Pak-Gorstein, S., Matheson, J., Zhou, C., Yun, K., Scott, K., Payton, C., Stein, E., Holland, A., Grow, H.M., & Mendoza, J. A. (2016). Growth trajectories of refugee and nonrefugee children in the United States. Pediatrics, 138(6), e20160953.
37. Yun, K., Urban, K., Mamo, B., Matheson, J., Payton, C., Scott, K.C., Song, L., Stauffer, W., Stone, B., Young, J., & Lin, H. (2016). Increasing Hepatitis B vaccine prevalence among refugee children arriving in the United States, 2006–2012. American Journal of Public Health, 106(8), 1460-1462.
38. Yun, K., Matheson, J., Payton, C., Scott, K.C., Stone, B.L., Song, L., Stauffer, W.M., Urban, K., Young, J., & Mamo, B. (2016). Health profiles of newly arrived refugee children in the United States, 2006–2012. American Journal of Public Health, 106(1), 128-135.
39. Payton, C.A., Sarfaty, M., Beckett, S., Campos, C., & Hilbert, K. (2015). Does telephone scheduling assistance increase mammography screening adherence?. The American Journal of Managed Care, 21(11), e618-22.

Aubrey Bealer is an adjunct faculty member in the Health Sciences program at �����紫ý. She graduated from �����紫ý with a B.S. in Health Sciences on the pre-OT track along with a double major in Psychology. She furthered her education at �����紫ý graduating with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Aubrey’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and engaging environment that facilitates student growth, empowers students, and inspires lifelong learning. Her past research endeavors include co-authoring a study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Practices, which examined the impact of cupping therapy on protective sensation in individuals diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member in the Health Science department, Aubrey also works at St. Luke’s Physical Therapy working in outpatient neurology. She has worked with patients with a wide variety of neurological and neurodegenerative diagnoses over the years. She holds a DCAT certification in evaluating cognitive competency for safe driving and is working towards a certification in stroke rehabilitation specialist. Through St. Luke’s Aubrey has participated in a plethora of community events advocating for the occupational therapy profession and promoting meaningful, productive and independent living through activities that provide purpose. She has also performed guest talks to senior living communities educating on home modifications, assistive technology and fall prevention. Throughout her career, Aubrey has prided herself in advancing the education of future health professionals by mentoring undergraduate and graduate students with a desire to contribute to the growth of the health sciences field. At St. Luke's, she continues to enjoy helping patients achieve their long-term recovery goals, maximizing independence through innovative interventions and providing a holistic approach to health care.

Dr. Bortz has been teaching since 2001; she spent 18 years teaching Biology and A&P in a public high school, then transitioned into higher education in 2019. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Biological Sciences Department here at �����紫ý. She has always been interested in how Biology majors decide whether to pursue science teaching or other science professions, so she turned her curiosity into a doctoral dissertation, exploring the roles of science and teacher identity in the potential development of science teacher identity (spoiler alert: A + B doesn't always yield C!). Dr. Bortz is the academic advisor for Biology majors and, alongside a team of her colleagues, trains and mentors pre-service STEM teachers for the unique challenges of teaching in high-need schools, thanks to a Noyce grant from the National Science Foundation. Dr. Bortz loves cats, the beach, and being impressed by fabulous food and drinks on a date night out.

Cailee Carmella M.S. CCC-SLP is an adjunct faculty member at �����紫ý. As a bilingual Spanish-English speech-language pathologist, she brings experience in school-based and pediatric outpatient care, with a focus on bilingual language development, autism, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Her clinical work emphasizes culturally and linguistically responsive care & neurodiversity-affirming practices.

At �����紫ý, Cailee teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. She brings clinical experiences into the classroom to help students think through the decisions they will face as healthcare professionals. Her teaching philosophy focuses on active engagement through case-based discussions and the collaborative application of concepts to better prepare them to enter the workforce with confidence.

Cailee earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from �����紫ý and Bachelor’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Spanish Language & Literature from Bloomsburg University. She is currently pursuing her Speech-Language Pathology Doctorate and MBA at �����紫ý. Her research interests include bilingualism, culturally responsive practices, doctoral education pathways and perceptions, and the use of technology to improve access to care for all individuals.

As Student Experience Director for �����紫ý’s College of Health, Cailee supports graduate students from enrollment through graduation, working across university departments to address barriers and ease their transition into graduate study. She also chairs the SLPD Advocacy Collective & serves on �����紫ý’s SLPD Advisory Board.

Dr. Katie Walsh Flanagan is a certified athletic trainer and an accomplished leader in athletic training with over 40 years of experience. She served as the Director of Sports Medicine at East Carolina University for 30 years, where she was also the athletic training program director and provided medical services to ECU athletes. Dr. Flanagan is internationally recognized for her expertise in athletic emergencies, environmental safety policies and has authored multiple textbooks on athletic medicine. She has traveled internationally with US Soccer, worked Pan-American and Olympic games as an athletic trainer, and served as the first female athletic trainer for men’s professional soccer. Katie has held numerous leadership roles within athletic training at the state, district and national levels, including serving as vice president for North Carolina and for the athletic training accreditor, CAATE. She was elected for two terms on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Board of Directors, serving over 60,000 athletic trainers as the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association Director. Dr. Flanagan has an extensive background working in NCAA Division I football, sports emergency care, environmental safety and legal attributes in sport. She is a member of three Halls of Fame: The North Carolina Athletic Trainers’ Association, the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association, and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. At �����紫ý, she has found her true passion – educating future leaders and embracing students’ unique needs, views and learning styles.

Rachael McCoach is a licensed physical therapist practicing since 2025, with experience in both outpatient and acute care settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from �����紫ý. Rachael is dedicated to helping patients improve mobility, recover from injury, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Dr. Yvette McCoy is an Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at �����紫ý and a Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing Disorders with more than three decades of clinical experience in medical speech-language pathology. She joined �����紫ý in 2020 as Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Clinical Education, where she built the program's clinical placement network, founded the university's Interdisciplinary Pro Bono Clinic, and led development of a Medical SLP Simulation Lab using standardized patients. Her research examines swallowing neurophysiology and how principles of exercise science can inform dysphagia rehabilitation in community-dwelling older adults. Dr. McCoy is co-author of two clinical texts with Plural Publishing, serves on the Executive Board of the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, and chairs ASHA's 2026 Adult Dysphagia Topic Committee. Her recognitions include ASHA's Award for Outstanding Clinical Achievement (2025), the European Society for Swallowing Disorders Best First Time Oral Presentation Award (2025), and �����紫ý's Provost Teaching Innovation Award (2024).

Selected Publications:

• Barikroo, A., & McCoy, Y. (in press). Electrical stimulation in swallowing rehabilitation. In Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: Applications in dentistry. Springer Nature.
• McCoy, Y. M., Galek, K. E., Bice, E. M., Roberts, R., Hopkins, A., Schuck, B., … Krekeler, B. N. (2026). Effects of meal consumption on isotonic lingual endurance in healthy adults: A multi-institutional study. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 53(8), 1436–1446.
• McCoy, Y. M., & Wallace, T. (2025). The adult dysphagia pocket guide: Neuroanatomy to clinical practice (Vol. 2). Plural Publishing.
• McCoy, Y. M., & Bice, E. M. (2024). Adult dysphagia clinical reasoning and decision-making guide (Vol. 1). Plural Publishing.
• Sutton, S., Lim, L., Servino, K., To, H., Wang, L., McCoy, Y., … Galek, K. E. (2024). Normal values for swallow events during endoscopic evaluation of swallowing: A preliminary study. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 281(10), 5517–5525.
• McCoy, Y. M., & Desai, R. V. (2018). Presbyphagia versus dysphagia: Identifying age-related changes in swallow function. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 3(15), 15–21.

Dr. Kathryn Mishkin is a seasoned professional with nearly 15 years of public health and international development research, management, policy, and evaluation work in 15 countries. In addition to her role at �����紫ý, she develops and implements women’s oncology real-world evidence and outcomes research strategy as an Associate Director of Outcomes Research for Women’s Cancer at Merck & Co. She also holds leadership roles in the American Public Health Association including as Chair of the International Maternal and Child Health Committee and appointed member to the Science Board. She has experience serving on national and local Boards of Directors for organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls and on scientific journal editorial boards. In addition to her scientific publications, Dr. Mishkin has developed women’s health policy and has contributed to national and state maternal mortality reports. She has been honored for her work by the American Public Health Association, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, the Delta Omega National Public Health Honor Society, New York State Perinatal Association, University at Albany, and Emory University. Dr. Mishkin is a Fulbright alumna and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. She holds a Doctorate in Health Policy, Management, and Behavior from the University at Albany’s School of Public Health, a Master of Public Health (Global Health) from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, and a Master of Arts in Sustainable International Development at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management. She completed her undergraduate degree at Smith College.

Dr. Ellen K. Payne is an associate professor at �����紫ý, where she teaches in the Doctor of Athletic Training Program, the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program, and the undergraduate Health Sciences Program. She also serves as the Director of Clinical Education for the MSAT program. Additionally, Dr. Payne is the program director and an instructor for �����紫ý’s EMT program. Prior to becoming an educator, Ellen taught high school and practiced as an athletic trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Clinically, she has worked with all levels of athletes from youth to professional sports. Dr. Payne continues to work clinically as a per diem athletic trainer for St. Luke’s Sports Medicine. Dr. Payne is also an EMT with Bethlehem Township EMS and Northern Wayne Volunteer Fire Company and a professional ski patroller in the winter. Her research interests include pre-hospital emergency care, athletic training education, and simulation-based education. She completed the Teaching with Simulation Instructor Course from Penn State College of Medicine in 2021 and became a Fellow of the National Academies of Practice in 2024. Currently, she serves as the NATA District Two secretary. 

Kahanov, L, & Payne, EK. (anticipated Fall 2026). Clinical Foundations of Athletic Training and Sports Medicine, 2nd edition. Human Kinetics: Champaign, IL.

Mills, M., Odai, M., Oshikova, C., Payne, E. K., Wegeler, E, & Thrasher, A. (accepted). Preceptor Education Practices and Perceived Needs Among Clinical Preceptors in Athletic Training Programs.  Journal of Athletic Training-Education and Practice.

Mills, M., Odai, M., Oshikova, C., Payne, E. K., Wegeler, E, & Thrasher, A. (accepted). Preceptor Education Practices and Perceived Needs Among Directors of Clinical Education in Professional Athletic Training Programs. Journal of Athletic Training-Education and Practice.

Payne, E. K., & Wise, S. (2022). Pelvic Fractures and the Application of Pelvic Binders in Athletic Training. Athletic Training Education Journal, 17(4):302-311.

Wise, S., & Payne, E. K. (2022). Factors and Barriers to Engagement within Athletic Training Leadership. Athletic Training Education Journal, 17(2), 138–150.
 

Dr. Colin Tomes is a Professor, Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer, and Strength and Conditioning Specialist holding a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science from Bond University. His interest in health, fitness, science and the tactical community began when he enlisted in the US Air Force, with the objective of training to join a front-line combat team. Although he was medically discharged from service for chronic training injuries, during rehabilitation, he developed an interest in learning everything he could about health, wellness and human performance.

This led to a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, during which he certified not only as an ATC, but as an NSCA TSAC-F and conducted research at Bond University with the Tactical Research Unit. From there, he attended Physical Therapy school to earn his DPT at Bond University, conducting additional clinical and research work with the Law Enforcement community in Australia and New Zealand. Dr. Tomes also certified as a CSCS after PT school and completed his PhD at Bond University. His thesis research focused on understanding the best applications of heart rate variability (HRV) and wearable technology for tactical athlete mission and training support, as well as how HRV can be used to improve human optimization support staff efforts. This research is conducted primarily with specialist law enforcement organizations across multiple countries and jurisdictions. Colin’s research is matched closely with his clinical interests, which are focused on injury prevention, rehabilitation and mitigation for military, law enforcement and first responders, primarily through improved physical fitness and health education.

In addition to his clinical and research activities, Colin is also an energetic educator and academic advisor to students in pre-health professions. To keep this momentum up, he is a passionate coffee consumer, loves participating in lifting and conditioning, and enjoys relaxing by a lake with his friends and family. 

Dr. Weiss has worked as a pediatrician and infectious disease epidemiologist for over 30 years. As the former Director of Surveillance for the Bureau of Communicable Disease at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Emergency Response Branch Director, he worked on communicable disease investigations from Anthrax to Zika. Dr. Weiss published a book of outbreak stories in 2025 called, Disease Detectives True Stories of NYC Outbreaks. He has authored over 75 scientific articles and 4 novels. Previously, he taught epidemiology at St. Louis University, New York University, Columbia University, and the City University of New York. Dr. Weiss served as a script and set consultant for the film Contagion (2011). He also serves as an Assistant Coach for the �����紫ý Women’s basketball team.

1. Miller L, Arakaki L, Ramautar A, Bodach S, Braunstein SL, Kennedy J, Steiner-Sichel L, Ngai S, Shepard C, Weiss D. Elevated Risk for Invasive Meningococcal Disease Among Persons with HIV. Annals of Internal Medicine 2013; Oct 29: 30-38. PMID: 24166695. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-160-1-201401070-00731.
2. Wilson EL, Egger JR, Konty KJ, Paladini M, Weiss D, Nguyen TQ. Description of a school nurse visit syndromic surveillance system and comparison to emergency department visits, New York City. American Journal of Public Health 2014; 104(1): e50-56. PMID: 242228684. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301411.
3. Weiss D,  Boyd A, Rakeman JL, Greene SK, Fitzhenry, R, McProud T, et al. A Large Community Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease Associated with a Cooling Tower in New York City, 2015.  Pub Health Rep 2017; 31: 1-10. DOI: 10.1177/0033354916689620
4. Arakaki L, Ngai S, Weiss D. Completeness of Neisseria meningitidis reporting in New York City, 1989-2010. Epidemiol Infect. 2016; Mar 17:1-8.
5. Nagel FW, Ezeoke I, Antwi M, Del Rosso PE, Dorsinville M, Isaac BM, Hayden A, Hoffman RS, Weingart SD, Weiss D. Delayed recognition of fatal invasive meningococcal disease in adults. JMM Case Reports. 2016; published online June 28, 2016. DOI 10.1099/jmmcr.0.005027.
6. Davidson A, Slavinski S, Komoto K, Rakeman J, Weiss D. Suspected Female-to-Male Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus—New York City, 2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2016; 65 (28): 716-7.
7. Weiss D,  Boyd A, Rakeman JL, Greene SK, Fitzhenry, R, McProud T, et al. A Large Community Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease Associated with a Cooling Tower in New York City, 2015.  Pub Health Rep 2017; 31: 1-10. DOI: 10.1177/0033354916689620
8. Bloch D, Murray K, Peterson E, Ngai S, Rubinstein I, Halse T, Ezeoke I, Miller L, Arakaki L, Ramautar A, Antwi M, Del Rosso P, Dorsinville M, Clark S, Halbrook M, Kennedy J, Braunstein S, Weiss D. Sex Differences in Meningococcal Disease Mortality, New York City, 2008-2016. CID 2018; 760-769: 1-10. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciy183
9. Ezeoke I, Galac MR, Lin Y, Liem AT, Roth PA, Kilianski A, Gibbons HS, Bloch D, Kornblum J, Del Rosso P, Janies DA, Weiss D. Tracking a Serial Killer: Integrating Phylogenetic Relationships, Epidemiology, and Geography for Two Invasive Meningococcal Disease Outbreaks. PLOS One November 28, 2018.
10. Keating P, Sell J, Chen J, Ackelsberg J, Wu W, Tsoi B, Weiss D. Delayed Recognition of     COVID-19 in New York City: A Descriptive Analysis of COVID-19 Illness prior to February 29, 2020. Clin Infec. Dis. Jun 20, 2022.

Dr. Rachael Weitknecht is an adjunct professor in the Health Sciences Program at �����紫ý. She received her B.A. in Dance from Muhlenberg College, and went on to receive her DPT in physical therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in Pediatric physical therapy, and has worked for St. Luke’s University Health Network while practicing in various settings, including outpatient, home, school and community based, as well as in aquatics. She is currently practicing in Early Intervention, and continues to treat patients with a wide variety of diagnoses. Rachael’s research interest is sensory feedback in motor learning and performance, and she has presented and co-authored published research regarding the effect of mirrors on learning and performance in dance as well as in various topics related to pediatrics. She has a strong interest in dance science, and has developed courses that she teaches related to this area of study. Rachael has been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 2004, and has taught continuing education courses in addition to her roles as a clinical instructor and mentor for new physical therapists. Her teaching philosophy centers around the importance of experience-based learning, as she works to create an active and inclusive classroom environment that encourages students to feed their curiosity through engagement and reflection.

Chantal Whiteduck (she/they) is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Clinical Education of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at �����紫ý. Chantal completed her Master’s thesis at Misericordia University researching and surveying SLPs and related professionals about the field’s understanding of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD). Chantal has practiced as a speech-language pathologist in Pennsylvania in both the private practice and outpatient settings working with patients of all ages and diagnoses. Her current clinical and research interests include voice disorders, PVFMD/VCD, neurodiversity-affirming and gender-affirming care, and studying well-being and burnout in the field of speech-language pathology. Chantal is currently enrolled in Ed.D. in Transformational Leadership at �����紫ý.