USF Health faculty, staff and students are making an enduring impact across the state and nation through their commitment to research, education, patient care and community service. Congratulations to the outstanding Bulls being recognized for their achievements this spring!
Meet our award winners:
FACULTY
H. Joseph Bohn, Jr., PhD, MBA, associate professor in the USF Health College of Public Health’s Department of Health Sciences, received the COPH Excellence in Teaching Award from the Public Health Student Association. The annual award recognizes faculty members who have made significant contributions to student development and the quality of education within the department and the college.
Michelle Canale, DNP, assistant dean and director of the USF Health College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Program and Nurse Anesthesiology Program, received the 33rd Annual Program Director of the Year Award from the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. The award recognizes those who demonstrate significant contributions to nurse anesthesia education, commitment to advancing the profession and dedication to preparing future CRNAs for excellence in patient care.
Michael Francis, PhD, associate professor of orthopedic surgery and sports medicine at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, was inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. Dr. Francis is the chief executive and founder of Asante Bio, a Florida-based biomanufacturing company focused on advancing regenerative medicine and orthopedic medical devices. Dr. Francis holds 25 U.S. patents and is a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
James Grichnik, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, was named the Practitioner of the Year by the Florida Academy of Dermatology in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the highest quality of patient care and dedicated leadership in this pursuit.
Ganesh Halade, PhD, associate professor at the USF Health Heart Institute, received a University of South Florida Outstanding Research Achievement Award. Dr. Halade is known for his pioneering work in inflammation-resolution biology that connects lipid profiling in heart failure, cancer and lifestyle factors to enhance the understanding of chronic inflammation dynamics in human health and disease.
Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, was named a University of South Florida Distinguished University Professor, the highest academic honor awarded by USF. The designation recognizes senior faculty whose careers have exemplified academic excellence and impactful leadership both within and beyond the university.
Subhra Mohapatra, PhD, professor in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of Molecular Medicine, was inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. With an interdisciplinary background in chemistry, immunology and molecular engineering, Dr. Mohapatra is a leading expert in stem cell-targeted therapeutics and developing rapid diagnostic technologies. Dr. Mohapatra currently holds 27 U.S. patents. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and the National Academy of Inventors.
Krishna Nallamshetty, MD, chair of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine’s Department of Radiology, was named one of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives by Modern Healthcare. The program honors licensed clinicians in executive roles for their exceptional achievements in driving innovation, improving outcomes, serving their communities and demonstrating exemplary leadership both within and beyond their organizations. Dr. Nallamshetty also serves as the chief medical officer at Radiology Partners. Since taking on the role in 2022, he has championed all aspects of the organization’s clinical agenda of patient care, clinical value and physician leadership, ensuring each are effectively nitrated and prominently represented within the business strategies of Radiology Partners.
Duellyn Pandis, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CTM, AFTM, assistant professor and director of clinical practice at the USF Health College of Nursing, was named a 2025 fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. The program is dedicated to the global advancement of nurse practitioners (NP) and the high-quality health care NPs deliver.
Elimarys Perez-Colon, MD, associate professor and associate director for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency program, received the MPPDA Brendan P. Kelly, MD, Award from the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine. The annual award is presented to a med-peds associate program director who demonstrates teaching excellence, collaborative leadership and compassionate patient care.
Dr. Perez Colon also received a USF Health Culture Coin in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to global health, mentorship and service. Dr. Perez-Colon spearheaded a medical mission trip to Medellin, Colombia as part of the International Health Services Collaborative, a USF Health student organization dedicated to promoting sustainable health in communities worldwide. Under her leadership, her team of pharmacists, public health students, medical students and nursing students worked alongside health care professionals from Universidad CES to provide community specific education and care including internal medicine, pediatrics and OB-GYN services tailored to what's accessible in Colombia.
Jason Salemi, PhD, MPH, FACE, professor and interim chair of the USF Health College of Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology, received the COPH Excellence in Teaching Award by the Public Health Student Association. The award is presented annually to recognize faculty members who have made significant contributions to both student development and the quality of education within the department and the college.
Alexander Staruschenko, PhD, professor in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine’s Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, received a University of South Florida Outstanding Research Achievement Award. Dr. Staruschenko is the director of the Hypertension and Kidney Research Center and a leading researcher in kidney and cardiovascular physiology. He is known for securing major grants, publishing extensively and mentoring future scientists.
Xingmin Sun, PhD, professor in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine’s Department of Molecular Medicine, received a University of South Florida Outstanding Research Achievement Award. Dr. Sun has made pioneering contributions to C. difficile research by advancing infectious disease therapeutics through innovation, leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Ana Velez, MD, FACP, professor in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine’s Division of Infectious Disease, was selected as a 2025 fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). The designation recognizes individuals who have achieved professional excellence and provided significant service to the profession.
STAFF
Kaitlin Brandt, a department administrator for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, received a USF Health Culture Coin for her contributions to advancing the highest quality education, research and patient care. Brandt has implemented processes that enhance efficiency and professional development while maintaining the department’s fiscal health by evaluating financial priorities and allocating resources to optimize clinical revenue. Her efforts have helped drive faculty recruitment, retention and workforce planning while balancing compliance and departmental goals.
Joanne Sullivan, assistant vice president of community engagement for USF Health, was named the Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Icon during the Women Who Win Awards. The prestigious honor recognizes her incredible career of service, mentorship and impact in the Tampa Bay community.
Students
Jose Malavet, MD, graduate of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine’s class of 2025, received the Chair’s Recognition Award from the Florida Board of Medicine. The award recognizes a third- or fourth-year medical student who exemplifies the professionalism, moral character, compassion and intellect essential to a future leader of the medical profession.
Lauren Olzinski and Sapna Patel, both level-four USF Health College of Nursing students, received Golden Bull Awards. The award is one of the highest honors recognizing students who embody the spirit and values of the University of South Florida through outstanding leadership and service.
The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine’s School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences awarded several members of the class of 2025 for excellence in physical therapy and athletic training.