Summer & Fall 2022 Graduate Booklet

AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY

Summer/Fall 2022 Graduate Program Graduates

GRADUATE OATH

As I embark on my career, now an alumnus of Augusta University, I pledge that I will represent my discipline honorably by conducting myself and my professional endeavors in a manner that is always above reproach. I will strive to show compassion, embrace diversity, and above all, uphold excellence that I should become a worthy role model and ambassador of Augusta University.

With this affirmation, I acknowledge and honor the contributions of those who have preceded me, while seeking truth and the advancement of knowledge in all my actions. I will always remember to act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling, and incorporate both the art and science of my profession in the products of my labor. I will incorporate ethical and moral principles that constitute integrity in all that I do, and faithfully ensure that the results of my professional activities ultimately benefit our world.

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN of The Graduate School

Jennifer

Ph.D.

I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate this important milestone in the career progression of our graduate students. Take time to enjoy this moment, reflect on all of your accomplishments, and thank the people that helped to get you here

I would like to thank the faculty, Program Directors, Deans, and the upper administration at Augusta University for their sustained commitment to graduate education. The commitment of our AU community to graduate education is unparalleled. I thank you for your efforts to respond to the ever-changing needs of our graduate student community by offering new and exciting opportunities in education, research and scholarship.

The Graduate School, founded in 1965, awards masters, specialist and doctoral degrees in more than forty-five programs. We have a vibrant and diverse graduate community that includes over 1700 students enrolled across the nine colleges and schools that comprise Augusta University. Our Graduate School faculty members hold primary appointments in the Colleges of Allied Health Sciences, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Business, Dentistry, Education, Medicine, Nursing, Science & Mathematics, and the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. As a result, the Graduate School is unique among all of the Augusta University stakeholders, serving as a point of connection and collaboration among our schools and programs with the single mission of facilitating ground-breaking research and ensuring outstanding education.

Graduation is not necessarily the culmination of your academic journey, but regardless of your long term goals this is an important step in the process of life-long learning. Thank you for making the decision to pursue your graduate education at Augusta University and allowing us to be a part of your journey. I sincerely hope that you look back on your time at Augusta University with a sense of pride. It is my extreme pleasure to offer my most heartfelt congratulations to each of our graduates!

Sullivan,

Best wishes and continued success to all of our graduates!

COLLEGE & SCHOOL DEANS

Lester Pretlow, Ph.D.

COLLEGE OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

Kim Davies, Ph.D.

PAMPLIN COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES, & SOCIAL SCIENCES

Richard Franza, Ph.D.

HULL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Carol Lefebvre, DDS

DENTAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA

Judi Wilson, Ed.D.

John Sutherland, Ph.D.

Tanya Sudia, Ph.D.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS COLLEGE OF NURSING

David Hess, M.D.

MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA

Alexander Schwarzmann, Ph.D.

SCHOOL OF COMPUTER & CYBER SCIENCES

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY GRADUATES

KHALED BIN SATTER Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Genomic Medicine

Dissertation: Machine Learning in Differentiation of Chromophobe Renal Cancer and Oncocytoma

"Congratulations Khaled! Your self-motivation and determination to succeed is praiseworthy. It was an honor to mentor you into a successful scientist and a physician. I know you are going to bring your enthusiastic energy into this next chapter of your life. I look forward to your accomplishments in the future.

Best Wishes!"

~Sharad Purohit, Ph.D., Major Advisor

BICH NA CHOI

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Biostatistics

Dissertation: Generalized Multivariate Bernoulli Distributions: Identification and Inference for SNP and SNP-SNP Interaction

Dr. Choi has emerged as a concrete example of the Ph.D. students our Biostatistics and Data Science division produces. Dr. Choi developed a new Multivariate Bernoulli Distribution to study the main effect of SNPs and the second-order and higher-order SNP-SNP interactions for identifying the susceptibility of certain complex diseases. The significant contribution of her dissertation work is that the proposed model can relax computational costs and statistical challenges by reducing the number of parameters."

~Santu Ghosh, Ph.D., Major Advisor

OLIVER BOAMAH DUAH

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Nursing

Dissertation: Gut Microbiota Profiles in Heart Failure Patients Before and After Cardiac Rehabilitation

"Congratulations on the completion of your PhD program, Oliver! You were such an excellent student and the new knowledge generated by your dissertation work was excellent – enjoy! "

~Elizabeth NeSmith, Ph.D., Program Director

MONTANA JOAN DUNTON

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Nursing

Dissertation:

The Effect of Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Blood Pressure in Childhood

"Great work on your dissertation and congratulations, Montana!! You worked so diligently and conquered the challenge of working full-time while completing your PhD program. So proud of you and it was an honor to be involved in this work with you!"

~Elizabeth NeSmith, Ph.D., Program Director

TESSY A. GEORGE

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Nursing

Dissertation: Relationships Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Caregiving Stressors in Family Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia

"So happy for you, Tessy! You designed and completed a very impactful and meaningful dissertation, and the knowledge generated by your work will positively impact so many. Congratulations!! "

~Elizabeth NeSmith, Ph.D., Major Advisor

STEPHANIE WHITAKER JOHNSON (with distinction)

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in

Dissertation:

Applied Health Sciences

A Mixed Methods Pilot Study: Quality of Life for Persons Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis at an Alsa Certified Interdisciplinary Clinic in the Southeast United States

"I am so proud of you, Stephanie! Your unwavering dedication to give people with ALS a voice has been an inspiration to me. It has been such an honor to walk beside you as you laid the foundation for your life's work."

~Charlotte Chatto, Ph.D., Major Advisor

HESAMOLDIN KHODADADI CHAMGORDANI

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Molecular Medicine

Dissertation: Immunoprotective Role of Cannabidiol in Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disorders

"Hesam was a very passionate, quick-learning, creative, and hardworking researcher."

~Babak Baban, Ph.D., Major Advisor

LOUISA DASHER MARTIN

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Nursing

Dissertation: A Descriptive Phenomenology of Workplace Incivility among Operating Room Nurses Working in the Circulator Role during the COVID-19 Pandemic

"Louisa, it has been a privilege working with you as your major advisor! Your workplace incivility research will make a big impact on this area of knowledge development in nursing science."

~Julie Zadinsky, Ph.D., Major Advisor

ALYSSA DIANNE MERTING

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Biochemistry & Cancer Biology

Dissertation: Enhancing Immune Therapy by Modulating Cell Death

"Alyssa has already made significant contributions in the field of cancer immunology and immunotherapy. I wish her the best in pursuing her career in this exciting field."

~Kebin Liu, Ph.D., Major Advisor

JOHN JAMES MILNER

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Nursing

Dissertation: Nursing Informatics and Epigenetics: Using Big Data from Small Sources to Improve Patient Health

"John, I wish you all the best for your continued work in epigenetics research as you change the field of nursing informatics. I have enjoyed the privilege of working with you as your major advisor!"

~Julie Zadinsky, Ph.D., Major Advisor

LESLIE NARAIN

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Nursing

Dissertation: The Quality of Pre-Procedure Psychological Evaluations and Post-Procedure Pain Control in VA Patients Who Received Spinal Cord Stimulator Therapy

"Congratulations on completing your PhD! So happy and proud of you – you did a terrific job and we wish you all the very best in the future!"

~Elizabeth NeSmith, Ph.D., Major Advisor

CALEB ALVIN PADGETT

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Vascular Biology

Dissertation:

The Roles of Circadian Disruption and Reactive Oxygen Species

Overproduction in the Development of Obesity-Associated Cardiovascular Disease

“Caleb is the constant doer for the VBC, our role model for students in the program, our ambassador for those we seek to recruit. Whether it was being an exemplar for visiting scholars or training others in our lab signature techniques, Caleb was always there with a smile and a servant’s heart. He completes the race hitting all the top achievements of the program and the unanimous regard of his colleagues in the process. His are shoes that will be hard to fill.”

~David Stepp, Ph.D., Major Advisor

EMILY GAIL PARKER (with distinction) Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Cellular Biology & Anatomy

Dissertation:

The Role of Fibro-Adipogenic Progenitor Cells (FAPS) in Muscle Disuse Atrophy

“Emily is an outstanding colleague and collaborator. While in our lab she was much more of a professional colleague than a student, who supported those around her and was a leader of our team. Congratulations Emily, well deserved!”

~Mark Hamrick, Ph.D., Major Advisor

TRACEY SUE PUIG-BAKER Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Nursing

Dissertation:

The Influence of Depression on Bariatric Surgical Outcomes

"What a wonderful accomplishment, Tracey – so happy for you, and you completed a very important dissertation study that will be so meaningful to so many. I know how happy you are, and it is my absolute joy and satisfaction to have watched you grow and complete the process. Congratulations and enjoy!"

~Elizabeth NeSmith, Ph.D., Program Director

MICHAELA KATHERINE BAUGH QUINTERO

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Biochemistry & Cancer Biology

Dissertation:

The Role of Ufmylation in Intestinal Exocrine Cells

"In the face of many challenges in recent years, including the COVID pandemic, Michaela has always been calm and resilient and has done an excellent job to complete her research project and thesis writing."

~Honglin Li, Ph.D., Major Advisor

KHADIJAH SHANAZZ

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Pharmacology

Dissertation: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Role of Inflammation and the Complexity of Sex Differences

"Khadijah is an outstanding developing scientist with genuine love for knowledge, truth and experimental subjects, who is also a kind and resilient problem-solver."

~Almira Vazdarjanova, Ph.D., Major Advisor

SHINJINI CHOWDHURY SPAULDING

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Physiology

Dissertation: Lipid Signals Regulating Aldosterone Production in Response to a Low Salt Diet and Very Low-Density Lipoprotein

"Shinjini was a joy to have in lab! Her communication skills are outstanding and I learned a lot from her about communicating (and hopefully she learned some science from me)."

~Wendy Bollag, Ph.D., Major Advisor

HANNAH A. YOUNGBLOOD (with distinction)

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Cellular Biology & Anatomy

Dissertation: Effects of Estrogen on Trabecular Meshwork Regulation of Intraocular Pressure

"Hannah is a highly motivated, dedicated, independent, responsible, and achieved eye researcher as well as a good mentor to other students. My great pleasure to work with you, Hannah."

~Yutao Liu, Ph.D., Major Advisor

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE GRADUATES

COLTEN MATTHEW ALLISON

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Importance of Maintaining Normothermia in the Peri-operative Period for the Surgical Patient

"Congratulations Colten. You were a joy to teach and a true pleasure to be around."

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

TAYLOR ARMSTEAD

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Back to Basics: Adherence to Surgical Count Policy

"Taylor was always a pleasure to work with. Her calm demeanor and excellent judgment will serve her well in her long career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She will be an asset to our profession."

~Kimberly Rodriguez, DNP, Major Advisor

BRITTANY BAXTER

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Education on Improving Interdisciplinary Communication to Prevent Surgical Cancelations: A Program Evaluation

"Brittany’s leadership and attention to detail have contributed to her success in the nurse anesthesia program. She will definitely be a leader within our profession."

~Kimberly Rodriguez, DNP, Major Advisor

ALANNA MARIE BENNETT Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Acute Urinary Retention Post-Catheter Removal Protocol in Medical-Surgical Patients at Augusta University Medical Center

"You’ve been an example of perseverance. Enjoy your accomplishment, Alanna!" ~Shannon Broxton, DNP, Major Advisor

AMBER BORDON

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Unspoken Inequality: SOGI Data Program Evaluation

"Congratulations Amber! Your hard work has paid off and I welcome you to this great profession of nursing anesthesia."

~Shannon Broxton, DNP, Major Advisor

AUSTIN WILLIAM BRANNEN

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Evaluation and Creation of a Post-Operative Handoff Process

"Congratulations Austin! I'm proud to call you a colleague and co-worker!"

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

SARAH MERCEDES BRICENO Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Surgical Pre-Warming Quality Improvement Project

"You embody what we look for in a student and a CRNA. Congratulations Sarah!"

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

KENYATTA CARNELL BROWN

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Improving Adherence Rates to Antihypertensive Therapy After Discharge From Crisis Stabilization Unit: A Program Evaluation Plan

"Kenyatta was an intelligent and motivated student who was diligent in pursuing her goals. Her project implementation will improve patient outcomes in some of our most vulnerable patients in the state of Georgia."

~Beth McLear, DNP, Major Advisor

RACHAEL LEA BUSCH-FEUER Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: The Impact of Post Graduate Education on New to Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers

"Persistence is the overcomer of failure! You worked hard and stayed the course! Congratulations and best wishes for your future success. "

~Michelle Cox-Henley, DNP, Major Advisor

BETH ANN CAGLE

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Nurse Perception of an Intrahospital Transfer Handoff Tool

"Congratulations Beth! Through each turn of the program, your dedication and hard work has shown through."

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

MARIE DONALDE CANDY

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Implementation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Protocol in Primary Care Setting

"Congratulations Marie!

The only thing you can do in this life is pursue your passions, celebrate your bloopers, and never stop following your fear. (Grace Helbig)"

~Desiree Bertrand, Ph.D., Major Advisor

DILLON DAVID COLLIER

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: AUMC Nurse Handoff Report ER to ICU Evaluation

"Congratulations Dillon! You've brought the same excitement from your ICU days through graduation. Now, continue to bring that every career!"

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

BRANDON CHASE ENGLAND Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Assessing Barriers to Adherence with ERAS Protocol

"Chase set his goals high and achieved them with high standards. He advocated for himself and his classmates. I expect to see him pursue leadership positions within our profession."

~Kimberly Rodriguez, DNP, Major Advisor

ERIKA NICOLE FOX

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Impact of Education of Sexual Orientation Gender Identification (SOGI) Data Collection in the Perioperative Area

"Your drive through the program was evident. You bring that same energy to the hospital. Congratulations!"

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

ANNA COWART GILL Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Nurse Perception of an Intrahospital Transfer Handoff Tool

"Congratulations on this accomplishment Anna! The best is yet to come!"

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

JOYCE SHERECE HOLLINS Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Evaluation of New Graduate Nurse Residency Program: Mindfulness and Mentorship Interventions

"Congratulations, Joyce! You were an absolute pleasure to work with, and did such an excellent job on your project. You are a natural leader and professional, and it has been my privilege to mentor you. I wish you all the best in your future work!"

~Elizabeth NeSmith, Ph.D., Major Advisor

DONNA MARIE HORTON

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Improved Intraoperative Anesthesia Care Through the Implementation of the Electronic Handoff Checklist

"Perseverance, determination, and dedication have gotten Donna to where she is today. She should be proud of her many accomplishments!"

~Kimberly Rodriguez, DNP, Major Advisor

KYLE GARRETT KELLY Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: AUMC Nurse Handoff Report ER to ICU Evaluation

"Your hard work showed every day, especially when things got hard. Congratulations Kyle!"

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

LAKEYSHIA KING Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: A Follow-Up Improvement Plan for the Management of Trichomoniasis in Adult Females

"Congratulations Lakeyshia! Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm possible.' (Audrey Hepburn)"

~Desiree Bertrand, Ph.D., Major Advisor

COREY T. KOCISKO

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Assessing Barriers to Adherence with ERAS Protocol

"Congratulations Corey! Your excitement made it fun to teach and I know you'll bring that to your role as a CRNA as well."

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

TAYLOR CHERIE LEBLANC Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: The Impact of Bi-Weekly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on 90-day Patient Retention Rates in an Intensive Outpatient Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program in Southwest Georgia

"Great things in business are never done by one person; they're done by a team of people. (Steve Jobs) And your project demonstrated this well - All the best to a wonderful career, Taylor!!"

~Pamela Cromer, DNP, Major Advisor

YASMANI LEYVA ECHEVARRIA Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Impact of Education of Sexual Orientation Gender Identification (SOGI) Data Collection in the Perioperative Area

"Congratulations Yasmani! Your outgoing nature served you well as a student and will continue to serve you well as a CRNA."

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

ABBEY MARIA LOWDER Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Surgical Pre-Warming Quality Improvement Project

"You’ve rightly earned access to the nursing anesthesia profession, and I know you will mentor students in the future. Congratulations Abbey!

~Shannon Broxton, DNP, Major Advisor

BROOKE LYNN MACKELBURG Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Evaluating Day of Surgery Cancellation at Augusta University Medical Center: A Retrospective Analysis

"You consistently impressed me with your humility and skill. Enjoy this next phase of your life, Brooke!" ~Shannon Broxton, DNP, Major Advisor

CECILIA KILL MORTORANO Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Improving Work Environments for Nurse Managers

" Your pursuit of excellence has been consistent throughout the program. Congratulations and best wishes as you continue your pursuit in your next leadership role!"

~Michelle Cox-Henley, DNP, Major Advisor

CATHERINE MUGAMBI

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Implementation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Protocol in Primary Care Setting

" Your grit and perseverance has culminated in your earning the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree! Congratulations and best wishes!

~Michelle Cox-Henley, DNP, Major Advisor

KATHRYN NORTON Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Use of Discharge Planning to Implement Guideline Medical Therapy to Reduce Hospital Readmission Rates in Adults with Heart Failure at an Urban Hospital

"Congratulations Kathryn! It was a pleasure to be a small part of your graduate education. Continue to reach for excellence as a mover and shaker in health care. "

~Colleen Walters, DNP, Major Advisor

DENEA ROSEMOND Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Back to Basics: Adherence to Surgical Count Policy

"A strong will to succeed made Denea successful in this program. It was a pleasure working with her as she pursued her degree."

~Kimberly Rodriguez, DNP, Major Advisor

LAUREN RUTH

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Evaluation of Preoperative Renal Risk-Stratification Assessment for the Development of Acute Kidney Injury at Augusta University Medical Center

"It was a pleasure watching you grow into the excellent anesthesia provider you are today."

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

KIMBERLY F. SEABROOKS

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Evaluation of New Graduate Nurse Residency Program: Mindfulness and Mentorship Interventions

"Congratulations, Kim – you did it! I enjoyed working with you so very much – you were a joy to mentor - and your project will certainly make a wonderfully positive impact - All the best!"

~Elizabeth NeSmith, Ph.D., Major Advisor

ALAINA STRICKLAND SHARPTON Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Evaluation of Healthcare Providers' Knowledge of Surgical Templates at Augusta University Medical Center

"Congratulations Alaina! You have outstanding clinical skills paired with exceptional leadership qualities. I am excited for your future."

~Shannon Broxton, DNP, Major Advisor

BRIAN SHIRLEY

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Development of a Nurse Practitioner Council Leads to Improved Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction and Improved Intent to Stay

"What an impactful project! You did a great job and it was such a pleasure to be involved. Congratulations on this terrific work and on earning your terminal degree!"

~Elizabeth NeSmith, Ph.D., Major Advisor

TRAVIS DALE SHOOP

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Evaluation and Creation of a Post-Operative Handoff Process

"Congratulations Travis! Take a moment to enjoy this great accomplishment, as I know you'll be running to your next goal in no time."

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

CHRISTINE SOSEBEE Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Evaluation of Preoperative Renal Risk-Stratification Assessment for the Development of Acute Kidney Injury at Augusta University Medical Center

"Warmest congratulations on your achievement! Wishing you even more success in the future."

~Jennifer Sullivan, Ph.D., Dean

AYANA NACHEYL STEWART Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Improved Intraoperative Anesthesia Care Through the Implementation of the Electronic Handoff Checklist

"I am so thrilled to celebrate Ayana’s completion of the program. She has grown to be an excellent clinician and will excel in any practice she chooses upon graduation."

~Kimberly Rodriguez, DNP, Major Advisor

ANGELA SOFIA STROMAN

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: A Healthcare Protocol Proposal Translating NASA Sensory Deprivation Countermeasures to the Management of Ventilator Dependent COVID-19 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time. (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) Your work during Covid is only the beginning! Best wishes in your new career ventures, Angela!"

~Pamela Cromer, DNP, Major Advisor

JULIANNE SHELLEY TEMPLE Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Interventions Affecting National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Standards Compliance in Outpatient Health Care

"Incredible job on such an important and impactful project. It was my honor and pleasure to work you, and you are such a smart, caring, and skilled professional. Congratulations on the completion of your program!"

~Elizabeth NeSmith, Ph.D., Major Advisor

PATRICK THOMAS

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Unspoken Inequality: SOGI Data Program Evaluation

"I am so excited to celebrate Patrick as he closes this chapter in his professional career. He is a natural born leader and I look forward to the contributions he will make to our profession."

~Kimberly Rodriguez, DNP, Major Advisor

CHARMAINE MILLER THOMAS

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Program Evaluation of a Harm Risk Assessment Tool

"Congratulations on continuing to pursue your terminal nursing degree! You have worked tirelessly while continuing full-time in your leadership role. Best wishes as you move forward!"

~Michelle Cox-Henley, DNP, Major Advisor

KELLY MARIE TICKLE Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Development of a Comprehensive Evidence-Based Management Plan for a Multidisciplinary Pediatric Menstrual Bleeding Disorder Clinic

"Dr. Tickle is an exceptional nurse scientist. She is focused on improving the clinical outcomes of a select population, adolescents with bleeding disorders. Kelly has garnered the respect of her peers and colleagues. Her passion for the profession is unparalleled. “To love what you do and feel that it matters how could anything be more fun?” (Katharine Graham)"

~Priscilla Hartley, DNP, Major Advisor

WILLIAM LEWIS TODD, JR. Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Move It: The Introduction of a Multidisciplinary Progressive Mobility Program in the Neuro-ICU

"Dr. Todd demonstrates that if you dream it, you can make it happen. William, it has been a privilege to work with you throughout your DNP journey. William is a meticulous neuro-critical care nurse practitioner whose focus on early mobility will have a major impact on Neuro ICU patient outcomes. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” (Maya Angelou)"

~Priscilla Hartley, DNP, Major Advisor

KIM THIEN TRAN Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Evaluation of Formal Onboarding for Advanced Practice Providers Transitioning into Urgent Care Settings

"Congratulations on the completion of your terminal degree, and on implementing such a great project. You were an absolute pleasure to work with, and a wonderful student. I’m so excited for you and wish you all the best in your continued work!"

~Elizabeth NeSmith, Ph.D., Major Advisor

JOHN MATHEW WALLACE

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Importance of Maintaining Normothermia in the Peri-operative Period for the Surgical Patient

"I'm excited to see where you bring your talents and what you bring to the profession! Congratulations!"

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

EVELYN JANE WHITAKER

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Evaluating Day of Surgery Cancellation at Augusta University Medical Center: A Retrospective Analysis

"Congratulations on this great accomplishment, Evelyn!"

~Shannon Broxton, DNP, Major Advisor

SARAH CASTELIN WILLIS

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Evaluation of Healthcare Providers' Knowledge of Surgical Templates at Augusta University Medical Center

"It has been a pleasure to watch you grow from a new student to a talented and dedicated anesthesia provider. Congratulations Sarah!"

~Reed Halterman, DNP, Major Advisor

TAGEL ELIZABETH WILSON

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Education on Improving Interdisciplinary Communication to Prevent Surgical Cancelations: A Program Evaluation

"Tagel is a soft-spoken and humble leader that has grown into an excellent anesthesia provider. I am excited to see how she will use her degree to improve the care she provides to her patients."

~Kimberly Rodriguez, DNP, Major Advisor

FAITH ELISE WORKS-FLEMING

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Project: Use of Discharge Planning to Implement Guideline Medical Therapy to Reduce Hospital Readmission Rates in Adults with Heart Failure at an Urban Hospital

"Congratulations Faith! I am inspired by your tenacity and strength as you overcame insurmountable odds to obtain your DNP. Be proud and continue to always give your best!"

~Collen Walters, DNP, Major Advisor

SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION GRADUATES

SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION with a major in Advanced Educational Studies

"FacultyintheEd.S.inAdvancedEducationalStudiesprogramlovelearningfromandwithyou,ourstudents!Weareproudof, andhumbledby,thenever-endingspiritofcollegialityyougenerateforoneanotherincourses Wearecertaineachofyouwill returntoyourteachingmorecritically-mindedandpreparedtofosterequitableeducationalopportunitiesforyourstudents Itis alsoourhopethatasgraduates,youfeelasenseofrenewalandsupport,asyourecognizethatthechallengesyouhavefaced theselasttwoyearsaresharedbyyourcolleaguesallacrossGeorgia Youhaveallpersistedandareemergingfromyourstudies wiserthanever Thankyouforbeingwithus,andallthebesttoeachofyou!"

JudiWilson,Ed.D.,Dean,CollegeofEducationandHumanDevelopment

LauraRychly,Ed.D.,ProgramDirector

ANDREA MARIA ANDERSON DERRICK RENALDO ARRINGTON

TRAVISA ANIKA ATKINSON

SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION with a major in Advanced Educational Studies

SHANICE LATOI GREENE

DEANDRA DENISE HALL ROBERT DAVID HARRISON

GISHA L. DUDLEY

URIAH NARAE FEDAK

SHANNON MARIE ENGLEY

KATE KERINS GEORGE WHITNEY A. GOUCH

EMILY ANN GREENE

GRACE BRANNEN DYMECK

LISA ROBIN GRIBBLE

BENJAMIN TAYLOR

JARED

IN EDUCATION with a major in Advanced Educational Studies

KRISTEN NICOLE ROBBINS

JESSICA CAPE RODGERS WILLIAM STEPHEN RODGERS

SPECIALIST

CHRISTINA GERTRUDE PRICE

JULIA ANN REAMS

ELIZABETH ALAINE QUICK

SARA KATHERINE REUL

NAILAH IMAN HUGULEY RIVERA

DONNA DAVID

ROSS

ANSLEY SAND

KRISTIN LEANN PRIOR

JAMIE LYNNE SADENWASSER

SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION with a major in Advanced Educational Studies

CHARLES BRADEN SHEALY CH E' TIMOTHY SLATER

HALEY SULLIVAN SANDERLIN

ERIC GEORGE SCHIRMER

HENLEY CLAIRE SAWICKI

JULIE SCHIRMER

CARRIE LYNN SHATTLES

JAMIE LEANN SMITH ALLISON LINDSEY SPURLOCK

SHELBY LYNN SARTORE

SAMANTHA BROWN SMOTHERS

DIXIE LEE THOMAS

ELIZABETH TRAHAN

SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION with a major in Advanced Educational Studies

MICHELE SUSANNE

WHITE

ROBERT LEE YADON, III

BRIAN STEPHEN WILLIAMSON

COURTNEY JONES YAWN ANTOINETTE YOUNG

NATHAN GERALD WHITE

SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION with a major in Educational Leadership

"Leading is the learning and understanding of people, changing contexts, plans, strategies, and actions to arrive at desired outcomes for the common good You have demonstrated mastery in these at the Ed S degree level, with advanced leadership knowledge, skills, and dispositions, in the context of your professional practice Be so guided and continue to make the world a better place for coming generations through effective leadership, the top credential to become certified advanced educational leaders!"

Wilson, Ed.D., Dean, College of Education and Human Development Olajide O. Agunloye, Ed.D., Program Director

JOHN RANDOLPH BUXTON

LYNN ANN GARDNER

MEREDITH COLLINS GODOWNS

JONAVON JERMAINE HARRIS

KASEY LEANN HOPKINS

CHRISHAYLA TENYAE HOWARD

MARY AMANDA BROOKINS LIVELY

JAMIE ANN MADDOX

MICHELLE MARIE PEREZ

Judi

SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION with a major in Educational Leadership

OLIVER STACY KELLY ALEX WINSTEAD BRIAN DANIEL TANKERSLEY

STEPHEN

MASTERS GRADUATES

MASTER OF ARTS with a major in Intelligence & Security Studies

"Thefall2022MAISSgraduatingclasshasshowngreatpersistenceandstrengthincompletingtheirdegreesastheCOVID-19 Pandemicwasstillmakingalreadybusylivescomplicated ThisgroupiscomposedofDoDpersonnel,futurePhD-holders,and policy-makers,allunitedintheirpursuitofadvancementofUSnationalsecurityandglobalpeaceandstability Thisamazing grouphaspersistedandgrownwhilehelpingourprogramevolve.Theirfuturesarebrightandmanyarealreadyhavingan impactintheworldofsecuritystudies TheyhaveactivelycontributedtoMAISSprogramchangesincludingtheadditionofour newepidemicintelligencecertificate Severalgraduatesareintheprocessofpublishingtheiroriginalresearch Classof2022,I knowDr.Albertandyourfacultywillmissyou,butknowthatwewillalwaysbeproudthatyouearnedyourMAISSdegreehere!"

KimberlyDavies,Ph.D.,Dean,PamplinCollegeofArts,Humanities,andSocialSciences

MASTER

OF ARTS IN TEACHING

"CongratulationsMATgraduates!TodayisagreatdaytobeaJag!It'sadaytocelebratewithyourfamiliesandfriends For manyothersofyou,graduationisjustanextstepinyoureducationaljourney.Forothers,thisisagreattimetoponderyour nextstep ShouldyoubeaDoubleJagoraTripleJag?Wecertainlyhopeso! Butforallofyou,asyoureturnhomewithyourlovedones,thinkaboutthechallengesyouhaveovercomeandtheimmense impactyouwillhaveonfuturegenerationsoflearners Takeheart,beingateacherisacallingandnotajob Itisaprofession thatshepherdsallprofessions

Inclosing,asapeerhassaidmanytimestous,'Doctorssavelives,butteachersshapelives.'Thankyouformakingadifference inthelivesofothers"

JudiWilson,Ed.D.,Dean,CollegeofEducationandHumanDevelopment JuanWalker,Ph.D.,ProgramDirector

KATE GRAHAM ADKINS

MARY LEE ALLEN-SHORES

CALEB ALYSSE BARRETT K BLOCKER

KATHERINE M. BAIN

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING

SUM AN FUSSELL

JAMES CHRISTIAN DICKEY BROOKE KAYLENE FARMER HOLLY C. GORDON

CASSANDRA DAMARA HILL

PATRINA S. JUSTICE

ANSLEY ELIZABETH LOWE

WENDY DAWN MCLEAN-WINDLEY

HANNAH DOBILAS CRONAUER

TARA MARIE

KEY

ELIZABETH ANNE

LEEDY

AMANDA LEIGH MAIN

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING

KAYLA

LINDSEY KATHERINE PITTMAN

JASMINE ERICA ROBINSON

MARIE SMITH

JENEA MARIE MORGAN

CARLI DENEE' PADGETT

ALEXANDRIA MARIE PRICE MARSH

MEGAN BAILEY RHEA

AMBER RAE WARREN

DAPHNE LEAH PADGETT

ARICA USRY

STRINGFIELD

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

"Congratulations to our Hull College of Business MBA graduates! As I told you when you enrolled in our program, it is you, our students, that make our program special! Most of you are working professionals who brought your experience to the classroom which enhanced each other’s learning experiences. You have added your fellow students and alumni to your networks and your fellow cohort members will remain friends for life We are extremely proud of you and look forward to see all that you will achieve in the business world and various industries you represent We hope you enjoyed your "Hull Experience" and hope it continues to pay you dividends well into the future!"

Richard Franza, Ph.D., Dean, Hull College of Business

SNIGDHA ARORA

RAM J. BISHNOI

ALLEGRA BLAIR

BETHANY LAUREN ALLISON

WAJDI NAYEF ALSABIA

PAULA AMADO GONZALEZ

ELIZABETH B. BOND RADKA BRICHACKOVA

MARIBEL ROSAS BROWN

CHARLENE VICTORIA

JASON ROBERT GUILBEAULT

HUMMA HASSAN

JESSICA DENISE HOLLAND

KAYLA MICHELLE JERKINS

KELLEY

SUNIL KRISHNA HALDER

STEPHEN

JOHN MICHAEL RUDENKO

JOHN ERIKSON LIM YAP

MASTER OF EDUCATION with a major in Counselor Education

"Weprideourselvesonthequalityofthiscounselingprogramandtheincrediblytalentedprofessionalswhograduate Today,we hopeyoualsosharethatprideasyoumoveforthintotheworldofcounselingasfutureprofessionals.Youeachhaveamazing giftstosharewiththeworld,simplequalitieswithinyourselveswhichprovidesuchalighttothosearoundyou!Tonight,our relationshipwithyoudoesnotend,itmerelychanges Asyoustepoffthisgraduationstage,knowthatyourcounselingfaculty standbehindyouwithsmilingfaces,clappinghands,andswellingpride Congratulationsonthisimmenseaccomplishment!"

JudiWilson,Ed.D.,Dean,CollegeofEducationandHumanDevelopment MeredithRausch,Ph.D.,ProgramDirector

D RIE PHINIEZY HASIA SAFI

RYAN A. MCKINLEY

JOI LATRICE FOSTER

SHAUNA LYNNE KENNEY

NANISHA NANCY LEGGETT

BETHANY ELIZABETH

MASTER OF EDUCATION with a major in Counselor Education

MAYE STEVENS CALHOUN WEIGLE JAQUEL EDWARD TYRESE WILLIAMS

MASTER OF EDUCATION with a major in Instruction

"Congratulations to our M Ed in Instruction graduates! Your hard work and tenacity are inspirations to all with whom you interact and meet Your dedication toward improving yourself for the benefit of serving your students, individually, and collectively, is truly appreciate and noteworthy Don't forget that as you now become "Master Teachers," you can count on each one of us, your AU College of Education and Human Development professors, to continue to walk beside you as colleagues as we, together, continue to educate our next generations!"

Judi Wilson, Ed.D., Dean, College of Education and Human Development Stacie Pettit, Ph.D., Program Director

THOMAS ASHER GRIFFITH

MICHAEL ADAM HARDIGREE

LINDSEY ELLEN FINN

ALAYNA MARIE HOAG

JAMES CLEMENTS CATHERINE CANNIZZARO DECOCCO

KATHERINE ELIZABETH EIDSON

AMY MARIE FOX

NATALIE GAY GODFREY

BRIANNA

MASTER OF EDUCATION with a major in Leadership

"To be an effective beginning educational leader is to serve diligently in your immediate context of practice This involves service to your boss, your unit members, and your immediate community, to arrive at desired outcomes for the common good within your unit You have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and disposition in these, with earning the M Ed degree in Educational Leadership Be so guided in your practice as you grow and develop in leadership Congratulations on your graduation with the M Ed degree in Educational Leadership, the beginning credential to become certified educational leaders!"

Judi Wilson,

Ed.D., Dean, College of Education and Human Development Renee Neal, Ed.D., Program Director

KAYLA DENISE WILLIAMS

ASHLEY PUCKETT

CARRIE ALBION

ASHLEY NICOLE CARTER

ANDREW PAUL MARKEL

MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Thisfall'sMPAgraduatingclasshasproventheirabilitytoadaptandovercome Despitewhatseemedlikeanever-changing environment,MPADirector,Dr.Meares,notesthattheymorethanjustmetdeadlines;theycompletedhighqualityworkforclass, completedresearch,attendedconferences,andservedthecommunity Weareproudtonotethattheyaregraduatingfromthe MPAprogramaswecelebrateits25thanniversaryandthesuccessfulobtainmentofourinternationalreaccreditation Theclass of2022containsfuturescholarsheadingtoPhDprograms,leadersineconomicdevelopment,andlocalofficialsincriminal justiceintheAugustacommunity Theyareamazingpublicservants,andwelookforwardtowatchingtheircareersprogress Thankyouclassof2022!WeareproudofyouandwearehonoredyouarePamplingraduates Wewishyousuccess,whichwe knowyouwillaccomplish!"

HANNAH MICHELE

JOHNS

CHARLES HENRY LYONS

JASON MANUEL PAYNE

JONATHAN THOMAS CROZIER ANDREW CORY EVERETT

HEATHER DIANE HENLEY

JEFFREY SCOTT PEEBLES

KAYLEE KEY SNEAD

KimberlyDavies,Ph.D.,Dean,PamplinCollegeofArts,Humanities,andSocialSciences

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

"Congratulations! You have worked hard to earn your degree, and I commend you on your commitment, tenacity, and dedication to such an important endeavor I wish you much success as you enter the next chapter of your journey and hope that you go forward with a strong sense of self and pride to face the public health challenges of today and tomorrow "

Jennifer Sullivan, Ph.D., Dean, The Graduate School

WOO JIN YI

MASTER OF SCIENCE with a major in Computer Science

“We are excited to celebrate the first student to complete the M S in Computer Science at Augusta University! This is just the beginning of a new and exciting master’s program and we know our rigorous curriculum prepares our graduates to enter jobs in the industry or continue into Ph D programs We look forward to hearing about your professional successes and accomplishments Congratulations!”

Alexander Schwarzmann, Ph.D., Dean, School of Computer & Cyber Sciences

JEFFERSON PATRICK WOOLARD

MASTER OF SCIENCE with a major in Data Science

"Holt Thomas is the first MS data science student from the Biostatistics and Data Science Division His MS capstone project is about "Network Intrusion Prediction Tool," where he developed a sophisticated app that identifies cyber threats to any organization The app is effective at identifying threats on a more personal scale As a data scientist, he has excellent computational skills in R and Python Congratulations!"

Santu Ghosh, Ph.D., Program Director

HOLT GARDNER THOMAS

MASTER OF SCIENCE with a major in Information Security Management

“CongratulationsongraduatingwithyourMasterofScienceinInformationSecurityManagementfromtheSchoolofComputer andCyberSciences Yourhardworkanddedicationhaveearnedyouadegreeinoneofthemostinterestingandimportantfields oftechnology.StudentsthathavecompletedtheMS-ISMprogramhavebeenpartofauniqueopportunitytotakeclassesonline asynchronouslyandreceivemaster'slevelexposuretotheknowledgeandskillsrequiredtoprotectanenterprise'sinformation assets.ThefieldofITisgrowingatanunprecedentedratewithanincreasingneedfortalentedandwell-preparedleaders,such asthosewhohaveearnedourMS inInformationSecurityManagement Congratulationsclassof2022!”

Dean,SchoolofComputer&CyberSciences

EMILY AMANDA BAILEY THADDEUS MONTRELLE KOENIG

RYAN JAMES MAITLAND

JAMES DEAN RABY

ALAN AARON TODD

GREGORY WILLIAMS

AlexanderSchwarzmann,Ph.D.,

MASTER OF SCIENCE with a

major

in Kinesiology

"OnbehalfofthefacultyandstaffintheCollegeofEducationandHumanDevelopment,andmorespecificallytheDepartmentof Kinesiology,wewouldliketoofferoursincerecongratulationstoourMasterofScienceinKinesiologygraduatesandwishthem allthebestastheybeginthenextchapteroftheirpromisingprofeseandsportsscience,alliedhealthsciences,fitness,coaching andacademiaarerightaroundthecornerforallofyou Weareveryproudofyourachievementssofarandareexcitedtohear moreaboutthepositiveimpactsyouwillhaveonthediversepopulationsyouserveinthefuture!"

JudiWilson,Ed.D.,Dean,CollegeofEducationandHumanDevelopment GraemeConnolly,Ph.D.,ProgramDirector

AARON ANTHONY ALLEN

ANA N. ANDERSON

HANNAH LILY BEACH

NAKIRA

BELL JORGE MAURICIO HERRERA A . HOELL

BREYANNA

DAVIDLEE BRAZ STAPLES, JR.

MARIAN ZI'KIA WARE

SHAYNE SCOTT WOODARD

MASTER OF SCIENCE with a major in Oral Biology

"My heartfelt congratulations on reaching this important milestone I hope that your experience at Augusta University has both inspired you and provided the foundation for a rewarding career in the field of dentistry Best of luck!"

Jennifer Sullivan, Ph.D., Dean, The Graduate School

JENNINE E. JARRETT

JOSHUA LANE BENJAMIN

ASHLEY

KAITLYN

ALLISON KATHRYN

MASTER

OF

SCIENCE IN NURSING

with a major in Clinical Nurse Leader

LEAH WRIGHT

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE GRADUATE SCHOOL!

To Our Graduates:

When you began this journey, we know your minds and hearts were full of excitement, hope, and perhaps a little trepidation.

Throughout your journey - each unique in its own way - there may have been speed bumps, and wonderful surprises, but you kept going, applying the tenacity, work ethic, and intellect that we always knew you possessed. We are honored to have been here to cheer you on, hold your hand, and listen to your challenges and wins. Together, we overcame the hurdles, and we feel lucky to have supported you along the way. Today, we celebrate your endeavors, and congratulate you on obtaining your goal.

Graduation is not the end. It is a milestone and an invaluable step towards the rest of your life. We encourage you to keep learning and to keep steadily moving forward with trademark integrity. We hope your time at Augusta University was an experience like no other, and we hope what you have learned here will continue to help you reach your dreams and aspirations. We have enjoyed getting to know you, and supporting you through your graduate career. You have become part of the AU family, and your accomplishments inspire and motivate us.

We thank you for your dedication and wish you continued success as you apply the principles you learned at Augusta University to your professional and personal growth. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." We have watched you all become polished, accomplished representatives of Augusta University and The Graduate School, and we are proud of each of you.

Emily Crider

The Graduate School Administrative Staff

Patricia Cameron, Ph.D.

Jennifer Sullivan, Ph.D. Dean, The Graduate School

Christian Middleton

Matthew Brocato