September Faculty and Staff Features

Dianne Jewell, P.T., Ph.D., D.P.T., School of Allied Health Professions
Jewell, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy’s School of Allied Health Professions, recently released the 2nd edition of her best-selling text, “Guide to Evidence-Based Physical Therapist Practice.” Jewell is the author of several peer-reviewed articles and has practiced in both inpatient and outpatient settings for 18 years. Her research interests include physical therapy practice variation, outcomes of physical therapy patient management and early mobility interventions for patients in critical care. A board certified specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, she received her Ph.D. in health services research and organization in 2003 from VCU’s Department of Health Administration and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2008 from the VCU School of Allied Health Professions.

Patricia Cummins, Ph.D., School of World Studies
Cummins, professor of world studies and coordinator of French, received the award Officier des Palmes Académiques by French Ambassador Pierre Vimont. The award recognizes distinguished contributions to French education or culture. Cummins has multiple publications that cover French civilization, language pedagogy and medieval literature. The award was presented during a ceremony in Philadelphia.

Michael A. McVoy, Ph.D., and Stuart P. Adler, M.D., Children’s Hospital of Richmond
McVoy, associate professor, and Adler, professor, in the Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, received a five-year grant to develop a new vaccine for cytomegalovirus or CMV, a form of herpes that is most frequently transmitted to a developing fetus. McVoy and Adler will work with the San Diego-based Vical Inc. to investigate the use of DNA vaccines, subunit proteins and inactivated virus particles as potential vaccine immunogens. By the end of the grant period the team anticipates having a vaccine candidate ready for clinical development.

Nancy New, R.N., Nursing Director, VCU Health System
New, director of nursing, was appointed to the Commonwealth Council on Aging. The council’s objective is to ensure the needs of older Virginians are being met. New assumed office on July 1 and will serve a four-year term.