“The prestigious Audiology program has a wide network of alumni from the residential and online AuD program,” Comessotti said.
That it does. Beyond that, Comessotti has found a program providing opportunities for growth, interprofessional collaboration, and more.
“I really enjoy all of the events and opportunities to participate within the Audiology program and with other programs on campus,” she said. “I have been able to participate in the annual Spring Expo, Founder’s Day, E.A.R. Day, and a custom hearing protection presentation for dental students.
“Professionally, I would like to work in a hospital setting, and help cancer patients who are at risk for hearing loss due to the ototoxic nature of chemotherapy treatments. ATSU is helping to prepare me for this career by giving me exposure to many clinical settings and providing a well-rounded curriculum to help me have a detailed knowledge of the audiology field.”
In her free time, Comessotti volunteers at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, helping cardiovascular ICU patients with limiting the social impacts of their hospitalization. She also volunteers as a coach for a youth girls volleyball team, and likes to read, craft, and spend time with family.
Comessotti, originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has a bachelor’s of science in biomedical science degree from the University of Waterloo. She’s been a highly involved ATSU student, serving in the Student Academy of Audiology, with the Education and Recreation (E.A.R.) Day planning committee, Custom Earmold Hearing Protection Fundraiser Committee, and as a student ambassador.
“I became a student ambassador to share the amazing aspects of ATSU to prospective applicants,” she said. “I enjoy serving in this role because it allows me to share my journey to audiology and it helps me network with aspiring audiologists!”
A.T. Still University (ATSU) hosted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Forum in St. Louis on Tuesday, Aug. 20. The event gathered ATSU leadership, deans, and researchers to learn about NIDCR’s priority research areas and identify joint research initiatives. A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) Dean Dwight McLeod, DDS, MS, welcomed guests, delivered opening remarks, and introduced keynote speaker Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque, DDS, PhD, acting director of NIDCR.
NIDCR is the federal government’s lead agency for scientific research on dental, oral, and craniofacial health and disease. Its mission is to advance fundamental knowledge about dental, oral, and craniofacial health and disease and translate these findings into prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies that improve overall health for all individuals and communities across the lifespan.
Dr. Webster-Cyriaque, an accomplished clinician, researcher, and leader, presented “Oral Health for All: Realizing the Promise of Science,” which highlighted the state of oral health globally and in the U.S. She discussed oral disease as a universal challenge, affecting approximately 3.5 billion people – a $500 billion burden – with untreated caries in permanent teeth being the most prevalent of all conditions. She also discussed societal implications of oral disease and how it affects issues including workforce productivity and military readiness.
“People cannot be productive when they are in pain,” Dr. Webster-Cyriaque said. “Many people don’t have access to care, and that is something you are working hard at to address.”
Additionally, Dr. Webster-Cyriaque shared her own career journey using NIH’s pathways and discussed NIDCR’s programs for career development, re-entry, mentoring, and diversity.
“I was always very interested in what causes diseases,” Dr. Webster-Cyriaque said. “I also liked the opportunity to work with other people who wanted to know the answer, so we could work together to make a difference for others.”
The forum marked a milestone in the University’s ongoing efforts to engage in research addressing the needs of underserved populations and contribute to the overall advancement of oral and whole person health. Following the keynote, a panel discussion was led by Gaylah Sublette, MBA, interim president of ATSU’s Missouri campus and vice chancellor of research & grants; Ann Spolarich, PhD, RDH, assistant dean for research at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH); Hanan Omar, BDS, PhD, MSc, assistant dean for research at ATSU-MOSDOH; and Kim B. Perry, DDS, MSCS, chief partnership officer at ATSU.
Underscoring the University’s commitment to supporting a pipeline of researchers, the forum included a session with ATSU alumni researchers. Josh Coffey, DMD, ’18, ATSU-MOSDOH, and Samantha Yineman, DMD, MPH, ’20, ATSU-ASDOH, now an ATSU-ASDOH assistant professor and faculty researcher, shared their career stories and research experience as students.
The forum concluded with a Q&A session and open discussion with Dr. Webster-Cyriaque. She provided insight on available funding programs, strategies for pursuing research, and the importance of collaboration in addressing complex health challenges.
“We were privileged to host NIDCR’s acting director, Dr. Webster-Cyriaque, who provided a comprehensive update on NIDCR’s latest research initiatives and shared her own inspiring career pathway to oral health research and mentorship,” Sublette said. “Together, we discussed joint research initiatives and strategies to enhance patient care and oral health outcomes for all, and especially for the underserved.
“This forum also provided a platform for NIDCR to learn more about ATSU’s mission-focused research and culture while stimulating collaborative conversations within ATSU’s own research community. Moving forward, ATSU’s investigators gained a much better perspective on NIDCR’s funding mechanisms and pathways to improving oral health for all.”
Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of all workers. The contributions from our highly skilled and diverse faculty and staff continue to make ATSU a great place to learn and work. Thank you for all you do today and every day to further our mission.
In observance of Labor Day, ATSU offices on the Kirksville, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; and Santa Maria, California, campuses will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, with limited access to facilities.
Additionally, the St. Louis Dental Center, all ATSU patient care centers on the Mesa, Arizona, campus, and the Gutensohn Clinic and Thompson Campus Center on the Kirksville, Missouri, campus will also be closed.
Please click here to view library hours at each location.
The following trustees were elected as officers: Isaac R. Navarro, DMD, MPH, ’08, of Visalia, California, chair; Danielle Barnett-Trapp, DO, ’11, of Glendale, Arizona, vice chair; and Kimberly Perry, DO, MBA, MHCM, FACEP, FACOEP, ’91, of St. Louis, secretary.
The newly elected trustee is Renee Clark, MAcc, of the Washington, D.C., area.
Ms. Clark has spent her entire professional career in client service industries. She began as a public accountant for one of the Big Four accounting firms before she transitioned to pursue her passion in higher education and nonprofit fundraising. Ms. Clark currently serves as senior director of annual giving and membership strategy for individual giving at the National Geographic Society. In this role, she is responsible for growing and managing the Society’s mid-level giving program. Prior to this role, she served as the assistant dean for development and alumni relations at the law school of George Mason University. Ms. Clark earned her master of accountancy at the University of Virginia and her bachelor of accounting from North Carolina Central University.
“It is with great confidence and gratitude I announce our newly appointed board officers and elected trustee, Ms. Clark,” said ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84. “Their collective expertise and passion for education will guide ATSU forward, ensuring we remain at the forefront of academic achievements and innovation.”
“We are overjoyed Ms. Clark accepted her nomination to ATSU’s Board of Trustees, and we are excited to welcome her to the team,” Dr. Navarro said. “Her knowledge and experience will help strengthen the voice of the board as we seek to provide support in guiding the chancellor and his team in fulfilling the University’s mission.”
The following trustees will continue their service on the board: Reid Butler, JD, of Phoenix; Marco Clark, EdD, of South Bend, Indiana; Jonathan Cleaver, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, FASMS, ’08, of Kirksville, Missouri; Linda Eremita, MUA, of Pittsburgh; Herb Kuhn, of Lohman, Missouri; Michelle Mayo, PhD, of Marina, California; Alan Morgan, MPA, of Stafford, Virginia; Linnette Sells, DO, FAOASM, ’82, of Fernandina Beach, Florida; Floyd Simpson, CFA, CAIA, of Philadelphia; John R. Thurman Jr., DO, ’12, of Burlington, Iowa; Michael Torgan, MBA, NHA, of Los Angeles; and Felix M. Valbuena Jr., MD, DABFM, FAAFP, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
The next board meeting will be Oct. 18, 2024, in Kirksville, Missouri.
One of Morgan Kommer’s, D2, concerns as she pursued entry into dental school was adjusting to a larger academic environment. A graduate of Concordia College Moorhead with a major in biology and minor in chemistry, most of Kommer’s undergraduate classes had about 12 people.
“I was worried about going to dental school and not knowing my classmates and professors well,” she said.
“I felt very welcomed and at home,” the Fargo, North Dakota, native said. “I really wanted to have a sense of community like I did in college. I felt that immediately at ASDOH.”
Kommer has enjoyed her experience at ATSU-ASDOH so far, finding a school that truly cares about its students and provides ample opportunities to engage with the community.
“I really love going to ATSU and feel like I have a great school-life balance,” she said. “I like that ASDOH is pass/fail because I learn a lot, but I also have more time for the people and things that I love. One of my favorite events this year was Give Kids a Smile, where the D1 students got to dress up as any characters and play games with the kiddos and make them feel more comfortable (about going to the dentist).”
When she isn’t busy with course work, Kommer loves watching basketball (she played in college and coached girls basketball at her high school), particularly the Minnesota Timberwolves. She and her husband also enjoy staying active, doing things like CrossFit, running, hiking, and surfing. When they aren’t having fun at home with their dogs Banks and Berkley, they enjoy traveling and have a future trip planned to Greece.
On campus, Kommer is active with the American Student Dental Association and as a student ambassador.
“I became an ambassador because I love helping students that were in my position,” she said. “In college I had a hard time finding information on applying to dental school, pre-requisites, etc. My college was small and there was no nearby dental school, so there were not many pre-dental students or current dental students as a resource. I love being a resource for pre-dental students to ask any questions they may have.”
After completing her education, Kommer wants to become a general dentist, possibly owning her own practice either back home in North Dakota or near ATSU-ASDOH in Mesa, Arizona.
“ATSU will make me feel very equipped for this,” she said. “I love that we get to do external rotations because I think being in several different work settings will push me outside my comfort zone and help me grow.”
“ATSU-CHC is providing the clinical and network to do those things,” Smith said. “I’m committed to addressing healthcare disparities and promoting health equity through my work as a future PA and I am super grateful the school’s mission aligns with mine. I believe that ATSU will help me bridge the gap between underserved communities and healthcare, while inspiring others along the way.”
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Smith has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in medical sciences.
“I chose ATSU-CHC because it felt like the perfect place to foster my passion for community service with medicine,” she said. “ATSU is big on community health and I feel that the school provides the space for me to be actively involved in gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to impact my community.”
Smith is secretary of the Black Student Association and member of the Medical Spanish Club, while also serving as a student ambassador.
“I became an ambassador to share the ATSU community with others. I enjoy interacting with new people, whether it’s helping new students acclimate to campus life, or supporting high school students on their journey to PA school. I love mentorship and want to provide guidance for students that I wish I had in high school,” she said.
Outside of class, Smith said she enjoys cycling and spending time with her husband and their two daughters.
“You’ll probably catch us walking on the beach with a latte in my hand,” she said.
But that family time doesn’t end when she’s in the classroom, as Smith described a very close group of students in the CCPA program.
“Being part of ATSU feels like family,” she said. “My voice is heard and I love the connections I’ve built within the cohort, and can’t wait to work with such an amazing group of providers.”
“I chose to attend ATSU-ASDOH for my dental education due to various compelling factors, including exceptional faculty, a welcoming atmosphere, and a commitment to holistic healthcare,” Epuna said.
“However, what truly sets this institution apart is the unparalleled clinical exposure students gain, preparing them thoroughly for real-world practice. Thus far, my experience here has been immensely gratifying, as I’ve had the opportunity to connect with fellow students, dedicated faculty, and staff. The faculty’s genuine concern for student success is evident, as they consistently go above and beyond to support individuals grappling with academic or clinical challenges.”
Epuna, from Los Angeles, has a bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental studies from Creighton University, and a master’s degree in biomedical science with a concentration in medical physiology and pharmacology from the University of Florida College of Medicine.
At ATSU-ASDOH, Epuna is a member of the American Student Dental Association, Students United for America’s Toothfairy, Student National Dental Association, Special Care Dentistry, and more, including a role as a student ambassador.
“I took on the role of a student ambassador with the aim of offering assistance to pre-dental students preparing to apply or currently undergoing the application process,” he said. “My goal is to help them address any queries they may have, offer moral support, and guide them through the application journey. Having experienced the lack of guidance during my own pre-dental student days, I feel strongly about supporting those who find themselves in a similar situation. I enjoy the interactions I have with the students and the look on their faces when I clarify questions they have.”
Being so highly engaged says something about Epuna’s enjoyment of the ATSU-ASDOH experience, something he speaks about in glowing terms.
“My favorite part about being an ATSU-ASDOH student is the conducive environment we are trained in, and the faculty has got to be the nicest people I have had the opportunity to come across,” he said. “The faculty here radiates such positive energy, which makes being a student here and learning so easy and enjoyable.”
Epuna would like to specialize in oral surgery, and is confident ATSU-ASDOH will provide him with the tools to reach his goal.
“Through ATSU-ASDOH’s emphasis on early clinical exposure and fostering strong student-faculty relationships, I am certain that I will graduate as a well-rounded practitioner ready to tackle the challenges ahead,” he said.
“I chose ATSU-ASDOH because I truly valued the school’s mission of whole person healthcare,” she said. “This really resonated with my values as a future dental professional, as I believe dentistry can be incredibly transformative for a person’s overall health and well-being. Having witnessed and experienced that transformation, I seek to do that for others so they can live a life they best see fit.”
Charnvitayapong is from Palm City, Florida, and has a bachelor’s in microbiology and cell science with a minor in sociology from the University of Florida.
At ATSU-ASDOH she serves as pre-dental co-chair for the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and as webmaster for the American Dental Student Association (ASDA).
“I joined ADEA and ASDA because these organizations place much value on lifelong learning and growth, like myself,” Charnvitayapong said. “I wanted to provide more educational resources for dental and pre-dental students to help guide and support them along their dental journey.”
Charnvitayapong also serves as a student ambassador, having greatly appreciated the peace of mind, advice, and encouragement she received from the student ambassadors who helped her along the way to ATSU-ASDOH.
“I wanted to pay it forward for future students, welcoming them with that and more,” she said. “I thoroughly enjoy helping incoming students by giving them insight into our program’s curriculum, culture, and providing them with words of encouragement as the application process can be very stressful.”
“I genuinely enjoy the support and remarkable connections I have made here at ATSU-ASDOH,” she said. “My mentors and classmates have all come from such unique backgrounds that have shaped them into the people they are today. It is such a wonderful experience learning from and working with each other to grow as people and professionals.
“Some examples of student life that I can detail are joining and participating in organizations that cater to your interests. If you are interested in a dental speciality, there is an organization for that specialty that can provide opportunities that you can dive into. If there isn’t, you can start one!”
The entire experience is preparing Charnvitayapong for a career serving patients in her community.
“I hope to become the compassionate, competent dentist that patients respect, love, and trust,” she said. “I believe ATSU is preparing me to become the clinician I aspire to be with a comprehensive, rigorous curriculum of evidence-based learning, clinical and simulation labs, and early clinical exposure. With all of this, I have become more confident in my critical thinking abilities and hand skills.”
A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) Dreamline Pathways program received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). ATSU’s Dreamline Pathways program will be featured in the Sept. 2024 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
This is the fourth consecutive year ATSU’s Dreamline Pathways program was recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity.
Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.
“We are grateful to INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for this recognition, and congratulate Clinton Normore, MBA, chief diversity officer, and his team for their continued success with ATSU’s Dreamline Pathways program,” said ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84. “Providing support and guidance to young students interested in pursuing an education and career in health sciences is vital in realizing a future with more diverse and inclusive networks of healthcare professionals.”
“ATSU’s Dreamline Pathways program works with community partners, parents, colleges, school districts, teachers, and campus constituents to introduce the health professions to K-12 students, nurture their journey towards a health profession, and support an atmosphere of mentorship for those who have achieved their dream of becoming a health professional,” Normore said. “Receiving the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award highlights the significance of such initiatives and recognizes the dedication of Stephanie McGrew, MHA, assistant director of diversity and inclusion, along with many others. ATSU is honored to receive this recognition.”
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected ATSU’s Dreamline Pathways program because of its unique approach to introducing K-12 students to graduate health professions programs. ATSU partners with school districts and community-based organizations, offering experiential learning opportunities to students. These collaborations introduce young minds to career opportunities in healthcare, and nurture students through campus and graduate student engagement opportunities.
“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”
For more information about the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.
“I enjoy the close-knit community ATSU-SOMA provides,” she said. “I like the various events the school hosts for opportunities to interact with students from other programs, like playing flag football, or through various interprofessional education events. There are many events on campus like Founder’s Day, Diversity Festival, and Spring Expo where there is an opportunity to have fun, take a study break, and there’s usually free food or energy drinks, which most students usually take advantage of!”
Heinemeier is from Macomb, Michigan, and has a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with a minor in Spanish from Saginaw Valley State University, and a master’s degree in microbiology from the University of Florida.
“I chose ATSU-SOMA because when I toured the campus during the Spring Expo, I could see myself attending this school. The faculty and students I met on that day were all very welcoming and they seemed to care about the students here,” she said.
Heinemeier is president of the Student American Academy of Osteopathy and member of the Association of Women in Surgery and Internal Medicine Club. She also serves as an ATSU-SOMA student ambassador.
“I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and figured that being an ambassador was a way to do that,” she said. “I enjoy answering questions from prospective students and providing them with the information they need to make their decisions. It’s also fun to connect with other individuals and to meet ambassadors from the other programs.”
She likes to stay active and relax outside of the classroom, taking Pure Barre classes, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
It all coalesces around the idea of becoming a well-rounded, compassionate osteopathic physician who can provide high quality patient-centered care, Heinemeier said, though her exact future path is to be determined.
“I do not know what specialty I want to go into just yet, but I do enjoy procedure-based medicine and hope to also be doing research in the cancer or dementia fields in the future,” she said. “ATSU-SOMA is helping me become a well-rounded osteopathic physician through various interprofessional education events and simulations done with standardized patients.”
