Uniformed Services University Honors Medical Educators at 2026 Winter Faculty Assembly

University leadership and the Faculty Senate recognized clinical and scientific innovation, emphasizing the crucial role of military medical educators in driving academic excellence.

March 27, 2026 by USU External Affairs

The Uniformed Services University (USU) Faculty Senate convened the 2026 Winter Faculty Assembly on March 10 in Rice Hall. The assembly centered on faculty development, ongoing educational initiatives, and the formal recognition of instructors advancing the university's academic standards. By focusing on the continuous improvement of the educational pipeline, the event highlighted the direct correlation between instructional excellence in Bethesda and the overall strength of the Military Health System.

President Jonathan Woodson opened the assembly with remarks that reinforced the faculty's role in the broader military mission. Addressing the gathered educators and clinicians, he linked their daily academic output directly to the capability of the Military Health System.

"You all are the foundation of this institution," Woodson said. "Our faculty are deeply engaged, intellectually active, and committed to advancing military medicine through education, research, and service."

Woodson noted the busy academic schedule for university staff over the past several weeks. He cited recent faculty participation at the AMSUS Annual Meeting, where USU personnel presented research and contributed to panel discussions alongside federal health leaders.

Across the university's departments and centers, faculty are actively maintaining a dynamic intellectual environment through grand rounds, seminars, and workshops. He pointed to the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program Symposium, the Fundamentals of Global Health Engagement course, and several distinguished lecture series as evidence of this sustained academic momentum.

Looking forward, Woodson identified upcoming events such as the Packard Lecture, Research Days, and Education Day as critical opportunities to highlight faculty and trainee work. He also outlined the university's Academic Freedom Policy, establishing the structural guidelines governing scientific inquiry and curriculum development.

Strategic Governance and Faculty Development

Following the address, the assembly transitioned to strategic faculty development and institutional governance. Amy Laczek delivered a briefing on coaching and professional development, outlining actionable frameworks to enhance instructional effectiveness across the university's medical pipelines.

Dr. Randy Howe, Faculty Senate President, then led the governance updates. Howe provided a comprehensive briefing detailing key initiatives currently underway for the spring semester and highlighting ongoing areas of faculty engagement. He also introduced the committee reports, which included operational updates from the Communications, Comparability and Faculty Welfare, Constitution and Bylaws, Education, Grievance, Nomination and Election, and Research Policy committees.

Recognizing Academic Excellence and Innovation

The assembly officially recognized faculty members who have demonstrably optimized the university's educational pipeline. By developing new instructional technologies and clinical science frameworks, these educators directly shape the competency of future military medical providers. Woodson, Howe, and Dr. Nabil Tahan presented the Faculty Senate Certificates of Appreciation to Dr. Bolanle Olapeju, Dr. Emily Ricotta, and Tahan for their foundational academic work.

The event also recognized the Education Day Presentation and Poster Award winners, highlighting merit-based advancements in basic and clinical sciences. The Basic Science Innovation in Education Presentation Award went to a team comprising Dr. Justin Peacock, Dr. Kim McLeod, Dr. Beth Marcellas, Dr. Dina Kurzweil, Dr. Linda Macaulay, Dr. Kelly Vo, Dr. Keith Ober, and Dr. Michael Lang.

In the clinical application sphere, the Clinical Science Innovation in Education Presentation Award went to Dr. Lydia Hellwig, Dr. Austin Pagani, Dr. Joaquin Villar, Dr. Clifton Dalgard, and Dr. Kevin O'Donovan.

Advancing the integration of modern systems into medical training, the Teaching with Technology Award was presented to Dr. Seth Schobel-McHugh, Dr. Matthew Wilkerson, Dr. Andrew Frank, Dr. Ninh Vu, Dr. Sreya Mukherjee, and Ms. Yoland Victor. Implementing advanced technological frameworks in the classroom accelerates the acquisition of critical medical skills.

Poster awards further demonstrated the meritocratic drive within the university's research departments. Dr. Alyssa MacMahon and Dr. Kristan Madison secured the Basic Science Innovation in Education Poster Award. The Clinical Science Innovation Poster Award was presented to a multidisciplinary team that included Dr. Erin Barry, Dr. Yen Lee, Dr. Melissa Myers, Lt. Col. Leslie Vojta, Col. Cynthia Shen, Ms. Hannah Kleber, and ENS Bryce Pierce.

These innovations in both laboratory research and clinical education are critical links in the educational development pipeline. After the presentation of these honors, Howe delivered the closing remarks. The assembly formally concluded, transitioning the faculty into a networking session in the Hall of Flags and marking the continuation of their spring academic rhythm.