MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
2014
SANDRA A. BILLINGER
* A biography and photo are not available
= Recipient is deceased
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
SANDRA A. BILLINGER, PT, PhD, FAHA
Sandra A. Billinger, PT, PhD, FAHA, has made significant contributions
to the fields of physical therapy and stroke rehabilitation, with numerous
grants to support her research.
Currently, Billinger holds a primary appointment in the University of
Kansas’ Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
and is the REACH laboratory director. She also holds joint appointments
in the School of Medicine in the Department of Neurology and in
Molecular and Integrative Physiology. Billinger is the owner of Stroke Dynamics Consulting
and holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Science and MS in Physical Therapy both from the
University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS, and BS in Physical Education
from Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS.
Billinger is responsible for groundbreaking research in stroke rehabilitation. With more
than 20 published papers, her work has appeared in scientific journals such as Stroke and
the Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal. She has produced a review paper on the
biological consequences of stroke with an international collaboration as well as one from
an outside institution. In addition, she was an author on the scientific statement from the
American Heart Association regarding nursing and rehabilitation care of stroke survivors,
and currently is the writing group chair and lead author for the American Heart Association/
American Stroke Association’s scientific statement updating the physical activity and
exercise recommendations for stroke survivors. She traveled across the United States to
receive training in ultrasound imaging of blood flow after strokes and has received 4 research
grants since earning her PhD. In May-June of 2013, Billinger and her son did a Walk Across
Kansas in which they walked 570 miles in 23 days to raise awareness about the importance
of physical activity after stroke and raised enough money to purchase specialized equipment
for stroke studies. She has been honored as a Fellow of the Stroke Council of the American
Heart Association and was recently appointed to the association’s Rehabilitation and
Recovery Committee.
An active member of the Kansas Chapter, Billinger has served on the Research Committee.
At the national level, she was chair of the Nominating Committee for the Neurology Section
and received an invited position on the Neurology Strategic Planning Committee. In 2009,
she received APTA’s Dorothy Briggs Memorial Scientific Inquiry Award, honoring a scientific
paper that significantly impacted the physical therapy profession.
APTA congratulates Sandra Billinger on her distinguished record of academic achievements
and honors and is pleased to bestow upon her the Margaret L. Moore Award for Outstanding
New Academic Faculty Member.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This award represents the efforts and support of many individuals who have provided mentorship,
guidance and friendship. Specifically, I’d like to thank my research mentors, Randy Nudo, Paul Fadel,
John Wood, Don Dengel and Marilyn Rymer for the tremendous guidance, advice and insight. Your
efforts have allowed me establish a unique path in stroke research. I am grateful to my Department
Chair, Lisa Stehno-Bittel for her years of dedication, support and allowing me to execute a project
that turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime. The Walk Across Kansas was something that will
not be forgotten. A special thank you to Katie Siengsukon for the good conversation and to Ross
Arena for your academic insights and understanding. Most important, I am thankful for my extremely
supportive family. I would not have achieved my goals without your love and support. For that, I will
be forever grateful.
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
2013
2010
JOEL BIALOSKY
MICHAEL D. LEWEK
2012
2009
M. JASON HIGHSMITH
RYAN L. MIZNER
2011
2008
JENNIFER E. STEVENS-LAPSLEY
DEYDRE S. TEYHEN *
* A biography and photo are not available
= Recipient is deceased
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
JOEL BIALOSKY, PT, PHD, FAAOMPT, OCS
Joel Bialosky, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT, OCS, has demonstrated a productive
line of research, effective didactic education and psychomotor skill
training of entry-level physical therapist students.
Presently Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Florida, Gainesville,
FL, Dr Bialosky has had a variety of clinical roles, including Clinical
Therapy Director, Concentra Medical Center, Pittsburgh; Facility
Director, Centers for Rehab Services, Moon Township, PA; and
Physical Therapist III, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Center for Sports Medicine,
Pittsburgh. He received a PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Florida, MS
in Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh; and BS in Physical
Therapy from Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY.
Because of his expertise in manual therapy mechanisms in the treatment of pain and pain
sensitivity, Dr Bialosky serves in several different teaching and mentoring roles in the
University of Florida Department of Physical Therapy’s entry-level DPT program. He is a coinstructor for Musculoskeletal Disorders I and II and for Therapeutic Modality Interventions
in Physical Therapy. He also teaches the manual therapy portion of Functional Anatomy II;
his role in this and other courses includes course management, development of course
content, providing lectures, and overseeing of psychomotor skill in entry-level students.
His experience as an orthopedic physical therapist for 14 years, coupled with his research
agenda of the mechanisms of manual physical therapy on pain, allow him to provide
students an evidence-based, practical approach to the physical therapist management of
orthopedic conditions. In addition to didactic teaching, Dr Bialosky serves in mentoring roles
and is faculty supervisor for the DPT-student-run pro-bono PT clinic. Dr Bialosky’s research
examines how non-specific effects (placebo, patient expectations) may influence pain relief
in people with acute and chronic pain. A number of different agencies have supported his
research, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the University of Florida, and the
Orthopaedic Section of APTA.
APTA congratulates Dr Bialosky on his academic and professional achievements and is
pleased to present to him the Margaret L. Moore Award for Outstanding New Academic
Faculty Member.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This award represents the talent and abilities of numerous individuals whose skills and dedication
provided robust clinical and educational environments enabling me to learn and grow and after
whom I have tried to model myself. I would like to thank my friends and co- workers at the
University of Florida. Specifically , Drs. Steven George and Krista Vandenborne who provided
the opportunity to come to the University of Florida to begin work on my PhD and who continue
to serve as mentors in my research and academic life. My co- instructors within our program,
Drs. Mark Bishop, Terese Chmielewski, and Gloria Miller who exemplify teaching excellence
while excelling at research and service. I am indebted to my clinical mentors at the University of
Pittsburgh including Drs. Tony Delitto, Jay Irrgang, and Dick Erhard who developed my clinical skills
and set a path for me from clinical care to academics. I would particularly like to acknowledge Susan
Everett who inspired me to love orthopedic physical therapy practice and whose influence
motivated me to seek opportunities to better myself in Pittsburgh and Gainesville.
Finally, I wish to acknowledge my wife Laurie and sons Justin and Walt for their
ongoing support and the balance they provide outside of work.
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
M. JASON HIGHSMITH, PT, DPT, MSMS, CP, FAAOP
M. Jason Highsmith, PT, DPT, MSMS, CP, FAAOP, has, during five
years at the University of South Florida School of Physical Therapy &
Rehabilitation Services, played a major role in grants and projects, with
funding totaling more than $1 million, and has been awarded a patent
and published extensively.
Presently assistant professor at the University of South Florida, College
of Medicine, School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services,
Tampa, FL, Highsmith also serves as a research scientist/physical therapist for James A.
Haley Veterans’ hospital VISN8 Patient Safety Research Center for Inquiry, also in Tampa.
Previous posts include other academic roles at USF, resident prosthetist for Westcoast
Brace & Limb, physical therapist for Loyd Healthcare Staffing and Distance Instructor for
prosthetics for the University of St Augustine, Institute of Physical Therapy. Highsmith
received his MSMS in Clinical and Translational Research from the University of South
Florida, CP in Prosthetics from Northwestern University, DPT from the University of St
Augustine, and BS and MS from the University of South Florida.
Highsmith’s impressive array of accomplishments in education, research and service has
established him as an outstanding faculty member. He has utilized his applied research
endeavors and dual preparation as a therapist and prosthetist to illustrate and inform his
classroom teaching. Highsmith’s accomplishments are all the more notable in light of the
young age of the University of South Florida’s DPT program, a high teaching load, ongoing
curricular development and the absence of a formal structured faculty mentoring program
commonly found in more established programs. Currently a PhD candidate, Highsmith is
writing his dissertation on “Comparative Outcomes Assessment on C-Leg and X2 Knee
Prostheses” though the Medical Sciences’ Clinical and Translational Research Concentration
in College of Medicine at the University of South Florida and has garnered industry and
state support in excess of $300,000 to support his research.
An APTA member since 2000, Highsmith is also a member of the Board of Directors for the
American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.
APTA is pleased to recognize Highsmith’s success in the classroom and beyond with the
Margaret L. Moore Award for Outstanding New Academic Faculty Member.
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
JENNIFER E. STEVENS-LAPSLEY, PT, PHD
Jennifer E. Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, has excelled as an educator,
researcher, and faculty member, and was promoted to associate
professor at the University of Colorado after just four years on the
faculty.
Presently associate professor for the physical therapy program at the
University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus, Stevens-Lapsley
has also served as an associate investigator at the Malcom Randall
VA Medical Center, and physical therapist for Select Medical Outpatient Physical Therapy
and Oak Hammock Continuous Retirement Community Clinics. She was a post-doctoral
fellow at the University of Florida and holds a PhD in biomechanics and movement science
and MS in physical therapy from the University of Delaware, and a BA in biology from the
University of Virginia.
With a background in translational studies of muscle physiology through both animal and
human studies, Stevens-Lapsley was well-prepared to join the Program in Physical Therapy
at the University of Colorado. Her primary responsibilities include both teaching and
research; she has continued to apply her training and background in muscle physiology to
the classroom in various capacities. Stevens-Lapsley created two new required courses for
the DPT program: Applied Exercise Science, which integrates exercise science with clinical
realities; and the last in a 4-course series on Scientific Inquiry, where she provides students
with unique opportunities to integrate evidence with clinical practice, especially as it relates
to applied exercise physiology. In these courses, she challenges students to develop
critical thinking and professionalism while providing them with guidance and support. Her
teaching evaluations reflect the students’ appreciation for the high standards she sets in the
classroom, the clarity of her communication, and her efforts to integrate materials across
courses.
A member of APTA since 1997, Stevens-Lapsley currently serves on the Nominating
Committee, and as co-chair of the Research Committee for the Colorado Chapter. She is a
member of the American College of Sports Medicine, Association of Rheumatology Health
Professionals, and Arthritis Foundation. Within her community, Stevens-Lapsley serves as
program director for the Nicaragua Physical Therapy Outreach through Health Volunteers
Overseas, coordinating volunteers for overseas assignments to provide instruction to
professors and local clinicians in Managua.
APTA is pleased to recognize Jennifer E. Stevens-Lapsley with the Margaret L. Moore
Award for Outstanding New Faculty Member.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This award results from the cumulative efforts of many individuals to whom I am indebted, some
of whom deserve specific mention. My mentors at the University of Delaware (Lynn SnyderMackler and Stuart Binder-MacLeod) and University of Florida (Krista Vandenborne) who provided
tremendous mentorship and opportunities to grow professionally early in my career, as did the
Foundation for Physical Therapy. I am also indebted to Ryan Mizner for extraordinary insights into
clinical questions, Steve George for teaching and research acumen, Katy Rudolph for serving as
an extraordinary role model, Gwen Creel for reminding me of life balance, Scott Stackhouse for
challenging established paradigms, Margaret Schenkman for providing support and guidance to
successfully apply years of training, and Wendy Kohrt for serving as an invaluable role model for
mentoring excellence with impeccable scientific insights. Most importantly, I thank my family,
without whom I could have never achieved many personal and professional goals.
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
MICHAEL D LEWEK, PT, PHD
Michael D Lewek, PT, PhD, has evolved from his early training in a clinical musculoskeletal
lab to expand his expertise in both biomechanics and neural control of movement.
This integration of disciplines allows him to focus his scholarly pursuits on locomotor
dysfunction in individuals poststroke.
Dr Lewek has incorporated his research expertise into the classroom, where he is
responsible for teaching kinesiology and biomechanics, and has invited entry-level PT
students to participate in his research activities. In the classroom, he challenges students
to think about neurological and biomechanical interactions to give a complete story of
movement. In addition, Dr Lewek routinely incorporates his research interest regarding
locomotion and muscle dysfunction into his teaching for other courses. One important
way in which Dr Lewek has put his teaching philosophy into action is by organizing and
implementing Physical Therapy Grand Rounds, a forum for multilevel, case-based clinical
and research presentations by faculty and affiliated clinicians.
Currently, Dr Lewek is an assistant professor in the Division of Physical Therapy and an
adjunct assistant professor for the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, both at
the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He also plays an active role in the Human
Movement Science PhD Program at UNC-Chapel Hill. Prior to his faculty appointment, Dr
Lewek was a postdoctoral fellow/research associate at the Sensory Motor Performance
Program at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and was supported by a research
assistantship within the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware. As
a clinician, he has worked at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and at the University
of Delaware Physical Therapy Clinic. Dr Lewek holds a PhD in biomechanics and
movement science and MPT from the University of Delaware and BS in exercise science
from Ithaca College.
An APTA member since 1998, Dr Lewek is a member of the Section on Neurology and
Section on Research and was a member of the Section on Orthopaedics until 2007. He
is a member of the North Carolina Chapter of APTA and a member of the Society for
Neuroscience.
APTA is pleased to recognize Dr Lewek’s academic achievements with the Margaret L
Moore Award for Outstanding New Academic Faculty Member.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge my constant supporter, my wife Maria, and my
little team of encouragers: Ryan, Cole, and Allison, who correctly believe that Daddy goes to
work “to have fun playing with my friends.” Lynn Snyder-Mackler offered early guidance, both
personally and professionally, and continues to influence my decisions, whether she realizes it
or not. Zev Rymer provided me with the opportunity and freedom to pursue new avenues of
discovery with my exceptional team of postdoctoral mentors: George Hornby, Brian Schmit, and
Yasin Dhaher. Rick Segal gave me the opportunity to work with the outstanding students and
faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill. I am grateful to my colleagues at UNC-Chapel Hill, in particular Jon
Hacke and Lisa Johnston, for the ongoing mentorship that they provide to help me continue to
develop as an effective teacher and scientist.
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
RYAN L. MIZNER, PT, MPT, PHD
Ryan L. Mizner, PT, MPT, PhD, has consistently produced high-quality
research products at the forefront of the growing field of rehabilitation
research. Dr Mizner has played a substantial role in numerous scholarly
works, often giving his entry-level student research assistants the rare
opportunity to publish and present, in an effort to foster a community of
inspired, supportive professionals.
A full-time professor at Eastern Washington University’s Department
of Physical Therapy, Dr Mizner began his academic career with teaching and research
assistantships at the University of Delaware’s Department of Physical Therapy. At EWU, he
teaches in courses focused on biomechanics, evidence-based practice, and orthopedics. His
clinical background includes employment at Apex Physical Therapy, Providence Health Care
System, and the University of Delaware Physical Therapy Clinic. Dr Mizner earned a BS in
exercise science from Montana State University, and his MPT and PhD (biomechanics and
movement science) from the University of Delaware.
The bulk of Dr Mizner’s manuscripts relate to the extent, source, and impact of quadriceps
weakness in patients with total knee replacement, and they have been cited heavily since
their publication. He contributed significantly to what is currently the largest clinical trial
published in the field of outpatient rehabilitation following total knee replacement, with
recognition in the popular press, including CNN’s health ticker and Reuters. Dr Mizner
has expanded his line of inquiry regarding the impact of muscle strength on movement
patterns and functional performance to the athletic population and the prevention of anterior
cruciate ligament injury in female athletes. This line of research has been recognized in
Biomechanics magazine and has culminated in scholarly peer-reviewed publications and
grant submissions.
Dr Mizner is active in the Orthopaedic, Sports, and Research sections of APTA, and in the
Occupational Health and Biomechanics Special Interest Groups. He is a member of the
Washington Physical Therapy Association and the American College of Sports Medicine.
APTA congratulates Dr Mizner on his many successes as a faculty member with the
Margaret L Moore Award for Outstanding New Academic Faculty Member.
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
2007
2004
BRYAN C. HEIDERSCHEIT *
2006
DAVID M. KIETRYS *
2003
MARK BISHOP *
2005
GARY P. AUSTIN *
2002
JAMES C. GALLOWAY *
DAVID A. BROWN
* A biography and photo are not available
= Recipient is deceased
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
DAVID A. BROWN, PT, PHD
David A. Brown, PT, PhD, combines strong academic and clinical
backgrounds in educator/scientist roles. A nationally known expert on
stroke, Brown’s current research investigates factors, evaluation, and
intervention strategies in locomotor dysfunction.
Brown is tenured associated professor at Northwestern University. In
addition, he is an adjunct faculty member at Rocky Mountain University
and founder of KineaDesign LLC. Brown holds a PhD in exercise
science from the University of Iowa, MS in physical therapy from Duke University, and BA in
physics and astronomy from the University of Rochester.
The primary focus of Brown’s research is locomotor recovery post-stroke; in particular,
he examines how locomotor function and balance can be improved with various forms
of exercise interventions. Notably, his research has resulted in the awarding of several
patents for robotic devices designed to improve balance and gait in persons with chronic
stroke. He is recognized worldwide as an authority whose research has added significantly
to the field of rehabilitation science, a logical extension of his clinical training as a physical
therapist. Brown’s ability to produce and disseminate research has resulted in more than
40 peer-reviewed articles that have appeared in 20 different journals, a tribute to the
multidisciplinary nature of his research. The demand for and interest in his expertise has
resulted in oral presentations worldwide, including both the medical, engineer, and physical
therapist communities.
A member of APTA since 1981, Brown is currently active in the Neurology, Education, and
Research sections. He is a member of the Society for Neuroscience, International Gait
and Posture Research Society, and Society for Neural Control of Movement. He has been
recognized with the Silver Medal-Industrial Design Excellence Award, APTA’s Margaret L.
Moore Outstanding New Faculty Award, and the California Physical Therapy Association
Research Award, among others.
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
2000
1997
PATRICIA J. OHTAKE *
DOUGLAS R. KESKULA *
1999
1996
GUY G. SIMONEAU
KATHLEEN KLINE MANGIONE *
1998
1995
JACK E. TURMAN *
DEBORAH S. NICHOLS *
* A biography and photo are not available
= Recipient is deceased
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
GUY G. SIMONEAU, PT, PHD
Guy G. Simoneau, PT, PhD, has demonstrated professional
commitment to the physical therapy profession through his work as an
instructor, researcher, and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Orthopaedic
& Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT).
Possessing a strong research record in orthopedics and ergonomics,
Dr Simoneau in 2001 accepted the challenge of leading JOSPT into the
new century. Observing the changes in technology that were taking
place at the time, Dr Simoneau saw potential in JOSPT to have a tremendous impact on
and be a greater resource to the physical therapy profession than ever before. Under his
leadership, the number of articles published each year has increased steadily, as has the
circulation of JOSPT. Additionally, Dr Simoneau has worked to develop an interactive
Web site that includes state-of-the-art, easy-to-access features, such as online clinical
practice videos.
Dr Simoneau is a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Marquette University
where he teaches the orthopedic content of the curriculum. He has been a visiting faculty
at Griffith University Gold Coast in Australia and the University of Western Australia, and has
consulted for a number of clinics, including the Work Injury Care Center in Glendale, WI,
and Columbia Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Dr Simoneau received a PhD in exercise and sport
science from the Pennsylvania State University Center for Locomotion Studies, an MS in
physical education from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and a BS in physical
therapy from the University of Montreal in Canada.
A member of the Orthopaedic Section’s task force for the development of a new Research
Agenda, Dr Simoneau has also served the association on the Sports Physical Therapy
Section Nominating Committee. He was awarded excellence in teaching awards from the
Orthopaedic Section in 2000 and Sports Physical Therapy Section in 1998.
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019
MARGARET L. MOORE AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING NEW ACADEMIC
FACULTY MEMBER
1993
1991
JAMES E. GORDON *
MICHAEL T. GROSS *
LAWRENCE G. PAN *
1992
IRENE R. MCEWEN *
1990
CAROL A. GIULIANI *
* A biography and photo are not available
= Recipient is deceased
1990 - 1993
1995 - 2000
2002 - 2007
2008 - 2013
2014 - 2019