CHS Students and Faculty Honored for Research

CONTACT: Allison Horseman (859) 323-1100 ext. 80563

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 23, 2008) – Two students and one faculty member in the College of Health Sciences are being recognized for excellence in research.

Doctoral student Lisa Thomas and Master’s student Kimberly Dolak will be presented with the Robinson Award for Research Creativity at the 2008 graduation ceremonies on May 4.

Faculty member Dr. Gilson Capilouto will be presented with the CHS Faculty Award for Excellence in Research.

Faculty: Gilson Capilouto, Ph.D.

Dr. Gilson Capilouto is an Associate Professor in the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

According to the colleague who nominated Dr. Capilouto for the CHS Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, “Dr. Capilouto has followed two primary lines of research that have significant contributions to the knowledge base in the areas of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and aphasia.” Since coming to UK six years ago, Dr. Capilouto’s scholarly products include one published chapter, eight publications in peer reviewed journals, 23 refereed presentations and seven invited presentations.

“Dr. Capilouto’s persistence and success in seeking external funding, the quality and quality of her publications, and her mentoring of student research projects all speak to her passion for her research endeavors,” said her nomination.

Dr. Capilouto received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alabama and her Doctor of Philosophy in Motor Control and Development from the University of South Carolina. One of Dr. Capilouto’s most recent notable research achievements is the receipt of an NIH R01 grant through a consortium agreement with the University of Arizona.

Doctoral Student: Lisa Thomas, Ph.D.

Dr. Thomas recently defended her dissertation titled Effect of Dystrophin Deficiency on Selected Intrinsic Laryngeal Muscles of the mdx Mouse and received her Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences.

According to her nomination, Dr. Thomas “embodies all of the qualities necessary to become a leader in the academic research environment. Her research has been translational in nature, contributing to our knowledge of voice and voice disorders.”

Dr. Thomas received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Communication Disorders from Marshall University.

Master’s Student: Kimberly Dolak

Kimberly Dolak will complete her Master’s Degree in Athletic Training in May. Her research project - Comparison of Early Hip Strengthening to Early Quadriceps Strengthening in the Treatment of Females with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome – seeks to help both physical therapists and athletic trainers in dealing with a common musculoskeletal problem in females.

Kimberly also created a CD/DVD of exercise programs to help manage the problem. Her submission was chosen as one of only seven to be presented at an upcoming National Athletic Trainers’ Association conference.

Kimberly received her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Kimberly has worked with sports teams from Transylvania University, the University of Kentucky, and Asbury College, as well as members of the Kentucky Lacrosse Association and the Blue Grass State Games.

The University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences consists of nine programs: Athletic Training; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Physical Therapy; Rehabilitation Sciences PhD Program; Clinical and Reproductive Sciences; Clinical Nutrition; Physician Assistant Studies; Radiation Sciences; and Clinical Leadership and Management.

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Dr. Gilson Capilouto

Dr. Lisa Thomas

Kimberly Dolak

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