Two Health Sciences Faculty Receive Awards for Research

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 6, 2011) – Patrick Kitzman, associate professor in the Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, and Rita Patel, assistant professor in the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Health Sciences, have been named 2011 recipients of the UK College of Health Sciences Award for Excellence in Research.

The Award for Excellence in Research is given in recognition of research and scholarship endeavors that have made significant and lasting research contributions in the investigator’s discipline. Although a single award is typically given each year in one of the two categories, Distinguished Research Award and Young Investigator Award, these candidates are so exceptional that the Research Advisory Committee voted to give two research awards this year.

“Both awardees’ research programs have real potential to benefit the lives of Kentuckians,” said Charlotte A. Peterson, College of Health Sciences Associate Dean for Research. “Applied research is one of the strengths of the College of Health Sciences research enterprise, exemplified by these very deserving investigators.”

Patel, who was the recipient of the Young Investigator Award, joined the Division of Communication Sciences in the College of Health Sciences as a faculty member in 2008 and currently serves as the director of the UK Clinical Voice Center. Her research focuses on use of high-speed digital imaging to investigate vocal physiology disturbances caused by severe dysphoniain children and adults with a condition called spasmodic dysphonia.

Kitzman, who received the Distinguished Research Award, joined the Division of Physical Therapy in the College of Health Sciences as a faculty member in 2000. His research involves spinal cord injury, spasticity, secondary impairments, plasticity, community participation and long-term healthcare for persons with neurological conditions. Kitzman also serves as the director of the Kentucky Appalachian Rural Rehabilitation Network (KARRN).