Mar 27, 2026
Collaboration in action. Impact by design.
When we created the Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences, our goal was clear: Prepare scholars who move research into practice, policy and communities. This issue reflects that mission in action.
Across these stories, you’ll see students, faculty and alums making a meaningful impact – often while still in the program. From publications and philanthropic support to national policy influence, our scholars are demonstrating that impact starts now.
Our newly funded project with the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, led in collaboration with Dr. Janina Golob Deeb from the VCU School of Dentistry, focuses on expanding access to oral health care for individuals with developmental disabilities. By training providers to implement adapted environments for these patients, this work highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to meet real community needs.
That same spirit carries through our student work. Cate Hawks’ privately funded research is exploring how connection can improve quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Caterina LaRocca’s work is rethinking how occupational therapy can address social isolation through more proactive, systems-level approaches.
We also celebrate the people who strengthen this program in multiple roles. Calvin Bradley, an ethics instructor in our program, recently completed his own doctoral degree – bringing an even deeper interdisciplinary perspective to our students.
Our alums remind us that this impact endures. Kay Ball’s dissertation research continues to inform surgical smoke legislation across the country, improving workplace safety for perioperative nurses. Carolyn Hawley’s work in problem gambling has grown into national leadership, shaping policy, training and access to treatment.
What unites all of these stories is collaboration – across disciplines, professions and communities – and a shared commitment to research that matters.
I am proud of the work highlighted in this issue and the continued impact of our Ph.D. community.
Stacey Reynolds, Ph.D.
Program Director, Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences