Lewis School of Health Sciences Newsletter: May 2024

Message From the Founding Dean

Welcome to the May edition of our Earl R. and Barbara D. Lewis School of Health Sciences Newsletter!

headshot, Lennart Johns

Cohorts from our graduate Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies classes walked across the stage on May 9. The students received their white coats in separate program-based ceremonies. Respectively, the students earned Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degrees. The first four graduates of our new Bachelor of Science in Healthcare program also received their diplomas in our undergraduate ceremony two days later. Congratulations to all of our graduates, who will go on to help alleviate the lack of access to quality care for millions of Americans.

In this issue of our newsletter, you’ll read of an OT student and author who just penned her first children’s book as well as more news on our new paramedic program. We also have some stories from our affiliated programs. Please enjoy reading about our students and faculty and have a great summer!

— Lennart Johns, Founding Dean of Health Sciences

OT Student Authors Children’s Book (Video)

Book cover of “Finding My Rainbow” features a drawing of a young girl holding a journal with a rainbow over her head bookended by stars. Below the girl, a white box with “Finding my Rainbow” appears next to a box of colored pencils, on which “Written By: Shelbi Dufrane” and “Art by: Mechela Farella” is written.

Occupational Therapy Student Shelbi Dufrane has authored a children’s book that talks about anxiety and depression in a way that is understandable and relatable to children. Communications, media and design major Michela Farella illustrated the book, titled Finding My Rainbow. WATCH

PA Students in Nicaragua

A group of students and medical professionals stand in three rows, touching their knees as they pose for a photo wearing scrubs on the steps of a wooden gazebo.

A group of 19 second- and third-year Physician Assistant Studies students, along with a group of local medical professionals, recently completed a medical mission trip to Nicaragua. The students provided essential care to approximately 500 patients, addressing a wide range of medical needs and fostering improved health outcomes within the community. READ MORE

Aquatic Invasive Species Research

From left, one man and two women who work on Milfoil monitoring research, stand and smile for a photo inside a laboratory

New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has awarded Clarkson a three-year $69,904 grant to work on the “Milfoil Monitoring and Control Project.” Its main goal is to monitor two invasive aquatic watermilfoil species in upstate New York. The research team will study Eurasian Watermilfoil in Goose Bay and Broadleaf Watermilfoil on Norwood Lake. READ MORE

Researchers Hunt for Living Fossil (Video)

Four students wearing life vests ride in a boat on a sunny day

Biology Department researchers are partnering with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to find and track a rare fish on the Oswegatchie River. The mooneye fish is a very rare fish that seems to still be prevalent in parts of the Oswegatchie River. READ MORE

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