2025 Award Winners
The Rowan University Department of Health and Exercise Science is honored to present the 2025 Department Award recipients. These students are nominated by faculty and departments for their outstanding academic excellence and achievements.
Stephanie Sam
DOSA Health and Exercise Science
Stephanie Sam is a senior honors student majoring in Exercise Science. Throughout her time at Rowan, she has been actively involved in multiple organizations, including Health and Wellness Career Clubs, Rangeela, SASA, and others, which have enhanced her experience and given her a strong sense of community. Outside of school she loves to play team sports, listen to music, and travel with her family. In May, she will be applying to graduate schools as she aspires to become a Physician Assistant, with the long-term goal of specializing in dermatology! She is incredibly grateful to her professors, especially those in the HES department, her family, and friends for their support and guidance in helping her achieve this award!
Sponsor: The Department of Health and Exercise Science
Jillian Ryan
Evelyn M. Reade Heath and Exercise Science Award
Jillian Ryan is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. She has been thoroughly involved in the Department of Health and Exercise Science, volunteering for the Get Fit program and assisting in Dr. Kim’s research lab. She has presented research at local and regional conferences and spent her final semester interning as a research coordinator in the Health Assessment Lab, mentoring the next group of research assistants. After graduation, Jillian will work as a clinical data abstractor for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Penn, with goals to build her career in clinical research.
Sponsor: The Department of Health and Exercise Science
Miguel Rocha
Public Health and Wellness Medallion
Miguel Rocha majors in public health and wellness. He participated in the GetFIT program in spring 2023 and has been serving on the Public Health Club E-Board as an SGA Representative since summer 2024. Miguel has been on the Dean’s List five times throughout his college career and has been nominated for the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award in the EOF Program. His plans after college are to find work related to public health and wellness and to attend graduate school.
Sponsor: The Department of Health and Exercise Science
Nicholas Barton
David R. Biren Award in Exercise Science
Nicholas Barton is a Senior majoring in Exercise Science. He has had the opportunity to be a member of the E-board for Exercise is Medicine club as the event coordinator for the last 2 years. Over the past year, he has also contributed to research on the growth of muscle and how individuals respond to exercise. He recently finished a rewarding internship with Project Walk NJ, a paralysis recovery center. Following graduation from Rowan University in May he will begin at Jefferson University’s ABSN +1 nursing program to continue to pursue his career of becoming a vital part of the healthcare system.
Sponsor: The Estate of David Biren
Maya Jones
3B Orthopedics Athletic Training Student Excellence Medallion Award
Maya Jones will graduate with her Master’s in Athletic Training. Her extracurricular activities include being a graduate research assistant, being a peer tutor at Rowan, serving on the NATA Foundation D2 Student Council and chairing the Education and Engagement Subcommittee. She was awarded the Richard Malacrea Scholarship by the ATSNJ, got first place in the ATSNJ Quiz Bowl, and third place in the EATA Quiz Bowl. She plans to fulfill a career as an athletic trainer at the collegiate level or in a clinical setting.
Sponsor: Dr. Arthur Bartolozzi and 3B Orthopedics
Camille Marin
Outstanding Nutrition Student of the Year
Camille is a Dietetics major with a passion for nutrition, powerlifting, and research. Throughout her undergraduate career at Rowan University, she has been actively involved in research, working alongside Dr. LoBuono and Dr. Klein. As a future Registered Dietitian, she plans to use her knowledge to help others enhance their lives, whether it's by improving overall health, optimizing athletic performance, or managing medical conditions. To achieve these goals, Camille has maintained good academic standing, being recognized on the President's and Dean's Lists. Outside of academics, she enjoys competing in powerlifting and baking desserts for friends and family.
Sponsor: Gourmet Dining
Kelsey Pio
Chuck Wedon Scholarship
Hi I’m Kelsey and I am an Athletic Training major in my first year of the Master’s Program. I transferred into Rowan University after completing my Associate’s degree at RCSJ and was later accepted into the Master’s Program for Athletic Training. I have had the opportunity to work clinically with Rowan’s Field Hockey team and I am now at Vineland High School working with their spring sport athletes. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in Athletic Training and hopefully become an AT for the NFL. In my free time I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, and watching Philly sports
Sponsor: Rowan University Athletic Training Program
Molly Green
Dr. John Giannini Scholarship
The Dr. John Giannini award is presented to a student who demonstrates leadership within the Department of Health & Exercise Science - Athletic Training Program
My name is Molly Green and I am a rising 4th year in the Rowan Athletic Training Program. I have a minor in Psychology of Sport and a CUG in Sport Management. I am also currently a senior midfielder and captain for the Rowan Women’s Lacrosse team. I will be entering the RUAT graduate program this summer and am super excited to get started! Upon graduating I plan to work in the collegiate or professional setting. I am very honored to be receiving this scholarship!
Henry Le
Dr. Paul C. Davidson Scholarship
The Paul C. Davidson Scholarship is awarded annually to recognize the academic achievement, leadership, and service contributions of an outstanding student from the Health and Exercise Science Department who aspires to enter the field of Chiropractic or Physical Therapy.
My name is Henry Le and I’m currently in my sophomore year. I major in exercise science with a plan on pursuing a career in physical therapy. After I graduate, I want to go to grad school to continue pursuing this career. I’ve worked as a PT aide for quite some time at a facility called Breakthru Physical Therapy in Pennsauken, NJ. It’ll be a year in August. Academically, I have an overall GPA of 3.75 and a GPA of 3.90 for my major, enough for the Dean's List.
Shannon Leusner
Dr. Michael Briglia Scholarship
My name is Shannon Leusner, and I am an Exercise Science major at Rowan University with a 4.0 GPA. I’m actively involved in the Exercise is Medicine Club, Med Life Club, and the Get Fit volunteer program, where I work closely with young adults with mental and physical disabilities to promote strength and wellness. As a research assistant at Rowan, I’ve contributed to studies focused on resistance training adherence and affective responses to exercise. After graduation, I plan to attend physical therapy school to earn my Doctorate of Physical Therapy, specializing in working with children with disabilities.
Sponsor: The Estate of Dr. Michael Briglia
Daniel Giovinetti
Outstanding Exercise Science Student of the Year
Dan Giovinetti is a senior in Exercise Science graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. He has been an active member of the Health and Exercise Science Department in various roles. He has been a volunteer for the Get Fit Program, served as a research assistant for Dr. Kim, and has presented at multiple research conferences. Dan is currently working as a physical therapy aide and also volunteers at Jefferson hospital. He is applying to physician assistant schools next month aiming to pursue a career in an orthopedic or cardiology specialty.
Sponsor: Department of Health and Exercise Science
Spencer Leiby
Athletic Training Outstanding Student of the Year
Spencer Leiby is pursuing his M.S. in Athletic Training with a minor in Italian Studies. He is currently in a clinical rotation with the University of Pennsylvania's football program, with past stops at Lindenwold High School, Kingsway High School, and Rowan's women's soccer team. Outside of class, he is involved with the Rowan rugby team and the Rec Center. Post-graduation, he plans to become an athletic trainer in the collegiate, high school, or performing arts setting..
Sponsor: Department of Health and Exercise Science
Angelina Nicolini
Public Health and Wellness Outstanding Student Scholar
Angelina Nicolini will be graduating with a BS in Public Health and Wellness, with two minors in Biology and Chemistry. She is currently serving as Treasurer for the American Medical Women’s Association, as well as President for the Pre-Health Society. Angelina has been on the Dean's List every semester at Rowan University, and is humbled and honored to be receiving this award! Angelina is planning to pursue medical school in Fall 2025 with ambitions to become a Geriatrician. Preventative health is her passion and her goal is to incorporate public health into her clinical career.
Sponsor: Department of Health and Exercise Science
Lorezno Dubon
Public Health and Wellness Outstanding Student of the Year
Lorenzo Dubon, my major is Public Health and wellness and some of my extra curricular activities include being a part of the Rowan Wrestling club and being a part of the executive board being the risk manager. I am also on the executive board for the public health club as my position is the SGA representative. In the past I served as a manager for the GetFit program here at Rowan for three semesters. I also have been part of the President's Scholars of Excellence list and Dean's list every semester that I have been at Rowan highlighting my passion for education. Lastly I am also a two time National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) Academic All American showing that I am a student first before an athlete. My career plan is to work in the healthcare field, I have always had a passion to help others and working in healthcare will allow me to live out my goals on a daily basis, as for what specifically I think I would like to become a nurse.
Sponsor: Department of Health and Exercise Science
Kaitlin Burton
Roland Esbjornson Scholarship
My name is Katelin Burton, and I'm a junior exercise science major with a minor in psychology. I'm also a BLAST mentor for Rowan's John H. Martinson Honors College where I mentor incoming honors students and participate in think, thrive, and share events each semester. This past year, I finished up my term serving as the President of an SGA club called Circle K which is community service based. I plan on continuing participation in the club throughout my senior year. I am also a current GetFIT Session manager for Rowan's GetFIT program. Off campus, I volunteer for a Parkinson's Exercise Program called UNSHAKEN, and I work as a physical therapy aide and substitute teacher. I currently plan to attend graduate school to become an Occupational Therapist after completing my degree next Spring of 2026.
Sponsor: The Estate of Leone E. Esbjornson