Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare
What We Do
The Institute partners with integrative healthcare organizations and educational institutions to advance systems change in healthcare; uplift traditional world medicines and indigenous healing systems; expand access and equity in IH for underresourced and vulnerable populations and innovate in education, research and health care delivery to enhance opportunities for students and faculty and enrich campus life.
Made possible through the largest single gift for endowment in the University's history, the anonymous donors sought to invest in Utica University's longstanding record of innovation and responsiveness to the changing landscape of the healthcare delivery system.
The Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare provides many opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate in professional research, as well as establish strong partnerships with healthcare providers in the community.
Integrative healthcare acknowledges the varied strategies that individuals choose to keep themselves healthy, including a broad range of evidence-based strategies and cultural and traditional health practices. In short, it is treating the ‘whole’ patient.
Through the Institute, student and faculty researchers learn more about healthcare strategies that may be common to other cultures and traditions (acupuncture, for example), so that they can be integrated into the paradigm of what it means to be healthy. These methods become particularly important in providing healthcare for immigrant and refugee populations and are increasingly sought by the larger population.
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The Meridian: News from the Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare
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Subscribe NowThe Institute will leverage technology to connect faculty, community members and students to examine the relationship between integrative healthcare, patient health and professional practice. Students in graduate programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing and healthcare administration as well as undergraduate programs such as psychology, communication and media, and dietetics and nutrition (to name a few) will engage in meaningful experiences related to their fields of study. Faculty associated with the Institute will take a cross-disciplinary approach to their study to directly prepare students for their intended careers.
Students will benefit from the opportunities provided by the Institute to apply their knowledge in meaningful and relevant ways at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Institute faculty will be charged with connecting their research from the Institute to their teaching with student experiences so that students engage in meaningful ways with their curricula, which will be a means to enhance persistence to graduation.
Mission
The stakeholders will collaborate to propose, support, critically evaluate, and disseminate research findings related to integrative practices to promote population wellness within our community and support equitable and inclusive community health access. Stakeholders will identify opportunities for and sponsor educational events that further The Institute’s goals.
Vision
The Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare provides an opportunity for many, varied, and matrixed (i.e. multi-dimensional stakeholders to integrate and investigate a range of practices that support the health and well-being of individuals and our community, including a critical examination of the cultural and sociological contexts of these practices.
Values
The Institute values are communicated using the acronym "SCORE."
- Service aimed to create value and support for overall health and well-being;
- Collaborative learning process as we study healthcare practices and the many determinants of health;
- Openness to learning about the range of practices used and to support overall health and well-being;
- Respect for multiple perspectives that come together for the benefit of all;
- Evidence-based practice and the development of an evidence base that supports a wide range of healthcare practices from different traditions.
Advisory Council for The Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare
Sharon Kanfoush, PhD, C-IAYT | Director
Dr. Kanfoush, a Distinguished Professor at Utica University, is an environmental scientist with research focuses in climate change and environmental health and justice. She received a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from Southampton College of Long Island University, a Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Earth and Environmental Science from SUNY Buffalo State University (then College), and a Doctorate in geological sciences with an emphasis in climate change and oceanography from the University of Florida. Dr. Kanfoush owns Sharon Kanfoush Wellness, LLC in Utica, NY and is a Comprehensive Yoga Therapist and Infinite Light Yoga teacher trained in Hatha yoga in the Kripalu lineage, a meditation teacher, rehabilitative qigong instructor, Clinical Somatic Movement educator and has completed training in Mind-Body Management of Chronic Pain through the Psychophysiologic Pain Disorders Association.
Nicole Scienza, Ph.D. | Associate Director
Nicole was appointed as Assistant Professor in Psychology Child Life in August 2021 after having been part of Utica University as a student, an adjunct professor, and then the Internship Coordinator for Psychology-Child Life. She graduated from Utica with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and then from Walden University with a Master’s in Early Childhood Studies before completing her Ph.D. with Walden University in 2019 in Education, with a focus on Early Childhood. Nicole gained experience working in a variety of child care programs and child care resource and referral agencies. Some of the honors she's received include the Excellence in Teaching Award, given to those who the students vote have engaged them with heart and passion, through the Utica University Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success in December 2019, and the Friends of Children Award, issued by the Child Care Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension in May 2008, nominated by parents and employers of those who devote their time and talent to ensure that the youngest citizens have the very best start in life. Nicole's research includes preschool expulsion and suspension, the impact COVID had on child care workers' distress and children's behaviors, and integrative healthcare methods used by families with children in child care.
Helen Blouet, Ph.D. | President of the Advisory Council
Dr. Blouet received her B.A. in anthropology from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in anthropology from Syracuse University in 2006 and 2010 respectively.
Helen’s dissertation research examined the ways in which people in 18th and 19th century Caribbean communities utilized burial practices and commemorated the dead. She is most interested in how, given identities and categories of race, class, and religion, people created commemorative similarities and differences through their access to funerary resources.
At Utica University, Dr. Blouet continues to research death, burial, and commemoration in Caribbean history. In addition, she teaches several courses, including Introduction to Anthropology (ANT 101), Introduction to Archaeology (ANT 267), Caribbean Anthropology (ANT 243), Social Science Research Methods (ANT/SOC 312) and Cultures, Health, and Healing (ANT 415).
Patrice W. Hallock, Ph.D. | Ex-Officio Member, Founding Director
Dr. Patrice Hallock, Professor of Education, studied social studies secondary education at State University College, Oneonta, NY, and at Plymouth State College, Plymouth, NH.
Dr. Hallock studied early childhood special education at the University of Tennessee and at the University of New Hampshire, where she obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Previously, she served as Dean of Health Professions and Education at Utica University.
Jennifer Barlow Gagnon, MBA
Ms. Barlow Gagnon is Executive Vice President of Behavioral Health Services with Upstate Caring Partners where she applies her expertise from over 20 years in Over 20 years of leadership experience in health and human services, program development, and grant procurement. She served as a board member for the Mental Health Association of Jefferson County, Watertown Sunrise Rotary, and the New York State Regional Planning Consortium where she also served as Chair of Children and Family Services Subcommittee. Ms. Barlow Gagnon has performed extensive volunteer activities, including with the Alzheimer’s Association in Watertown, New York and the Harborlights Rescue Mission, Portland Youth Project, and Habitat for Humanity in Oregon. She holds a Masters in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management Concentration from Marylhurst University and a B.S. Business Management Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix. And she was named among the 20 Under 40 by Northern New York Business Magazine in 2016.
Maxime Berube, MD
Maxime is currently an Emergency Medicine Physician as well as the Transitional Year Residency Program Core Faculty and Department Chair for the Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica, NY. In addition, Maxime is a faculty member and student supervisor for St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, teaches courses in Emergency Medicine at SUNY Upstate and Lake Erie College of Medicine, and is the Assistant Regional Dean at UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine. His related research interests include pathophysiology of addiction and reducing the use of narcotics in order to reduce the harmful effects on the body.
Damian Chase-Begay, Ph.D.
Damian is the Director and Health Officer of the Missoula City-County Health Department in Missoula, MT. He recently earned a PhD in Public Health from the University of Montana after previously earning a Masters in Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership from the University of California San Francisco. Damian’s passions for healthcare and for the Native American culture is demonstrated in his work history at the Native American Health Center and the Inter-tribal Council of California. He currently teaches courses at the University of Montana on Native American Studies as well as Public and Community Health Sciences. Damian’s research background focuses on traditional ceremonial practices to prevent and reduce substance abuse in Native American communities.
Audrey Cross, MS, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate
Audrey Cross is a construction manager who is certified as a LEED Green Associate, and WELL Accredited Professional. She is a 2012 graduate of Utica University (then College) with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. She received her Masters of Science in Construction Management from Drexel University. She served as an assistant superintendent with The Hayner Hoyt Corporation for five years and specialized in the healthcare industry working primarily at Saint Joseph’s and Crouse hospital in Syracuse. She also served in other roles as Director of Facilities for Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the owner's project management representative for the Mohawk Valley Health System. She began adjunct teaching for Utica’s Construction Management Department in the Fall of 2017 and has been a full-time Professor of Practice since January of 2019.
Lucia Everlyn Corriette, DPT, MBA
Dr. Corriette is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in providing services to inpatient facilities and home healthcare and licensed both in the Commonwealth of Dominica and the State of New York. Currently owner and physical therapist at Physiotherapist Services in the Commonwealth of Dominica, she previously held positions at Cayman Islands Hospital in the Cayman Islands and Peebles Hospital in the British Virgin Islands. Dr. Corriette received a diploma in physiotherapy from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, a masters of business administration from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, and a doctorate of physical therapy from Utica College (now Utica University).
In addition to her professional practice, Dr. Corriette serves as an adjunct lecturer teaching courses in diagnostic imaging, pharmacology and pathophysiology, prevention and wellness, and global healthcare in the Utica University Physical Therapy graduate program. She also performs many volunteer activities, including providing physical therapy related talks to community groups and writing articles for public news outlets. One such example, an educational article in DaVibes: The Caribbean News Portal explaining the general role of physiotherapists in reducing pain, can be found here https://www.dominicavibes.dm/readers-208548/. Another, about the causes of cerebrovascular accident or stroke and the subsequent role of PT in managing the condition, can be found here https://www.dominicavibes.dm/readers-210906/. In addition to her work in hospitals and home healthcare, Dr. Corriette has an interest and experience working with amateur and professional athletes and particular interests in the study and research of amelioration of back pain and rehabilitation of the hand. You can read her LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lucia-corriette-721790b1/?originalSubdomain=dm.
Jeremy W. Earl, MHA, PT
Mr. Earl is currently the Executive Vice President of Education Services at Upstate Caring Partners, a company with which he has spent most of his career, beginning in 2000 as a Physical Therapist, then Director of Therapy Services in 2005, moving to Associate Vice President of Therapy Services in 2010 for five years, and returning in 2018 to take the role of Senior Vice President turned Executive Vice President in 2023. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy and Master's Degree of Healthcare Administration and Management from Utica University in 1999 and 2013 respectively. From September of 2015 to the end of 2018, Mr. Earl was the Executive Director of The Root Farm, a non-profit organization that is committed to helping people of all ages and abilities through agricultural, equine, and recreational experiences, in Sauquoit, NY.
Angelica Martin, MS, PA-C
Ms. Martin is formerly a Physician Assistant with the Mohawk Valley Health in Primary Care and the System Sleep Disorders Center in Utica, New York and a Physician Assistant with Integrative Medicine of Central New York. She also worked as a Community Habilitation Aide with Upstate Cerebral Palsy and Direct Support Professional with the Arc of Quinebaug Valley. Ms. Martin holds a bachelors degree in biology and masters in liberal studies from Utica College (now Utica University) within which she conducted research on the effects of artificial light at night on the nocturnal activity of juvenile salamanders and research on the perceptions of currently practicing PAs on the expansion of PA programs and its effect on the PA job market, respectively. She has a masters in physician assistant studies from LeMoyne College.
While keeping her PA license current, Ms. Martin is now owner/operator of Madonna a Wass Transformations, LLC. within which she works as a life coach and Reiki & EFT practitioner – self-describing as “science-grounded, spirit led” and explaining that she loves and recommends Reiki but would also recommend antibiotics as needed. As creator and host of the podcast FEMboldened, Ms. Martin and guests try to normalize bold decisions and life changes among female subscribers and clients in the U.S. and internationally, enabling some of them to successfully establish their own businesses and thrive within their family and work relationships. Ms. Martin uses her podcast platform to not only inspire and empower but explains evidence-based medicine and how to assess reputability of sources of health and wellness information on social media. You can listen to her free podcasts at https://www.amazon.com/FEMboldened/dp/B08JJS6JC3.
Trista Richardson, OTD, MS/OTR/L
Trista is currently the Director of Academic Fieldwork and a Professor of Practice in the Occupational Therapy department at Utica University in Utica, NY. She recently earned her Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Utica University after previously earning her Masters from Utica College. She also currently works as a private practice Occupational Therapist. Trista’s research interests include Health and Wellness, Mind-body Interventions, and Craniosacral therapies as stress management and resiliency.
David Roberts, LMSW
Mr. Roberts is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology Child-Life at Utica University, as well as an author and podcast host, and co-authored and published When The Psychology Professor Met The Minister with Reverend Patty Furino in 2021 on Amazon. Dave has been a national and local workshop presenter on grief and loss and a keynote speaker. His commitment to helping others navigate grief is a result of the challenges that he experienced following the death of his 18-year -old daughter Jeannine in March of 2003 due to cancer. He completed his Masters of Social Work in 2002 from the University at Albany, and is licensed in the state of New York, and has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Utica University. Dave's contributions can be found in the Huffington Post, Open to Hope, The Grief Toolbox, Medium, Recovering the Self Journal, Thrive Global, Mindfulness and Grief and other online platforms. Dave has also appeared as a guest on several radio and television shows and other podcasts outside his own, "The Teaching Journeys" and was part of a panel in December of 2016 for the BBC podcast, "World Have Your Say" with other grief experts, discussing the death of Carrie Fisher. Roberts' other specialties include chemical dependency counseling, group facilitation, and grief counseling.
Christine Sotmary M.S., L.Ac., CPC
Christine is currently the CEO and co-founder of Anodunos: a training program for certifying both Pain Navigators and Care Team providers to work collaboratively with people experiencing high-impact chronic pain as well as advocating on a state level to have insurance coverage for an integrative approach to managing pain. She also has a private practice in Classical Acupuncture and Functional Nutrition specializing in pain, immune/autoimmune and hormonal Issues. She is licensed in acupuncture and massage therapy in addition to earning her Masters degree in Classical Acupuncture specializing in pain and hormonal/autoimmune disorders. Christine has also been mentored in classical Chinese medicine.
Theresa Strassburger, DPT, CLT-LANA
Theresa is currently the manager of rehabilitation for long term care at the MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Utica, NY. In addition to practicing Physical Therapy, Theresa also taught courses at Utica University for Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, Medical Conditions, and Caring for the Community. She is a longstanding member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and previously served as a member of the Mohawk Valley Breast Cancer Advisory Board, the National Lymphedema Network, and a secretary of the Mohawk Valley Orthopedic Study Group.
Colleen Sunderlin, Ph.D.
Colleen is currently a Professor and the chair of the Occupational Therapy Program at Utica University in Utica, NY. She earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Counseling after earning her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Colleen’s research background has focused on resilience and transition challenges for the military population and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. She collaborates with construction management and health professional faculty to provide interprofessional education and experiences.
Dr. Kenneth Visalli, Jr., DO, MPH, FAAP, FACP
Dr. Visalli is an experienced physician with a demonstrated history of working in the medical practice industry, especially skilled in pediatrics, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), general medicine, and Basic Life Support (BLS). He has been with Slocum Dickson Medical Group in New Hartford, NY since June of 2016 when he began as Medical Director of the Hospitalist Program until he took the position of Physician for Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in November 2017. In addition to being a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics, he was a Resident Physician at Tampa General Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, and Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, and eventually held the Chief Resident position at University of South Florida. He went to the University of New England to receive his Master of Public Health and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine after completing a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Utica University in 2008.
Barbara M. Wesson, Ph.D., RSMT/E
Barbara has been teaching mindful movement dance since July 28, 1997, before mind/body fitness classes were cool. After many years, she decided to move into the somatic movement therapy and education world and is currently looking for the perfect way to be of service with these skills, witnessing the power of Awareness in all realms and stepping further into this type of healing. In 2017, she finished her final degree, a PhD in Natural Health, extending her love of data, on a quest to create an open source data center dedicated to all the natural health options. Early in 2021, Barb completed the registration process for ISMETA, the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association, and now has completed over 1000 hours of somatic movement training since 1997, providing individual and small group sessions in Milwaukee, WI and surrounding areas. Somatic movement invites a deep attention to the signals of the body. Sometimes trauma and challenges get stuck in the body; awareness while moving is an effective way of moving this information, of feeling the emotions in the body, and using imagery to create a new path. She believes in the power of community based research and retrospective analysis that allows practitioners to do what they do best without interference. Barb also believes that to bring natural health practices into the mainstream, we do need to know more about what these services do, we need practitioners of natural health to want to participate in data collection.
Faculty Fellowship Call for Submissions
- Form opens FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
- Deadline is WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025
- Fellowships will be awarded for Fall ‘25 and/or Spring ‘26
Description
The Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare invites proposals for faculty research and creative professional accomplishment that is related to integrative health/healthcare and meets the criteria below. While a typical award is expected to be in the form of a 6-credit course release, faculty are encouraged to be innovative and submit proposals for creative professional accomplishment that yields outcomes related to the understanding of integrative health/healthcare. For our purposes, “integrative health” is defined as “…a state of well-being in body, mind and spirit that reflects aspects of the individual, community, and population. It is affected by: (1) individual biological factors and behaviors, social values, and public policy, (2) the physical, social, and economic environments, and (3) an integrative healthcare system that involves active participation of the individual and the healthcare team in applying a broad spectrum of preventive and therapeutic approaches. Integrative healthcare encourages individuals, social groups, and communities to develop ways of living that promote meaning, resilience and wellbeing across the life course.”
Witt, C. M., Chiaramonte, D., Berman, S., Chesney, M. A., Kaplan, G. A., Stange, K. C., Woolf, S. H., & Berman, B. M. (2017). Defining health in a comprehensive context: A new definition of integrative health. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 134-137. http://doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2016.11.029
Departmental Obligations
If awarded a fellowship, Faculty Fellows will serve a joint appointment with their home department (primarily) and with the Institute (secondarily) as Faculty Fellows for the duration of their fellowship period. Those who are granted resources from the Institute will be required to provide research updates when solicited by the Director of the Institute and present at an Institute sponsored educational event. Faculty Fellows will be subject to the approval of the Provost/SVPAA in consultation with the Dean for the School that is the home of the applicant’s primary department and, if approved, will be granted course release via access to Institute resources, but will not be permitted to teach “overload” (e.g. one cannot receive a 3-credit course load reduction and also accept a 3-credit overload in the same semester—the Institute recognizes the need for faculty time to conduct research).
Let it be noted that funding from the Institute will be separate and apart from funding given by the Faculty Resources Committee (FRC). Faculty may apply to the FRC to support work conducted as a Faculty Fellow (e.g. apply for a small grant to support work being completed during a Fellowship year).
Proposed Awards
- Full-time faculty may apply for a 6-credit course load reduction (3-credits across 2 semesters or 6-credits for 1 semester).
- Part-time faculty may apply for a monetary award of $3,000 to be awarded upon completion of a published manuscript or peer-reviewed conference presentation.
Application Process
Applications for Institute funding are competitive in nature and are reviewed by a committee established for the sole purpose of evaluating proposals. Priority is given to collaborative proposals. Funding decisions are based on the strength of the proposal and the degree to which the proposal meets the Institute mission and objectives, including the following criteria:
- Relevance to integrative healthcare
- Epistemological innovation
- Pedagogical innovation
- Student experience
- Technological innovation
Application Materials Include:
- Proposal questions for scholarly activity that address all criteria in the rubric below;
- Letter of support from School Dean of each faculty member;
- Letter of commitment on business letterhead from collaborative healthcare, social service providers, and/or government agencies;
- Copy of IRB letter indicating approval or exemption of proposed study, if needed.
Be sure to gather all application materials before starting the form, as there is no option to save and return at a later time. It is suggested that the applicant write out answers and use the copy and paste functions when all materials are ready to be submitted.
Click here to view the Faculty Fellowship Proposal Review Criteria
Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Chronic Neck Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Co-principal investigators are Michael Kowalski, A.P., 5 Element Institute, Jacksonville, FL; Paul Mongan, MD, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, and Cynthia Love-Williams, RN, DNS, Utica University. This study will measure the effectiveness of “usual care” for chronic neck pain, compared with usual care plus acupuncture for chronic neck pain. The research hypothesis is that combining acupuncture with usual care will show a clinically relevant increase in the effectiveness of the integrated therapies, compared with usual care alone. This study will also measure the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for chronic neck pain. The hypothesis is that in economic evaluation terms, integrating acupuncture with usual care will not create significant overall costs, relative to the benefits which study patients obtain.
Children, Families, and Integrative Healthcare Practices. Co-principal investigators are Patrice Hallock, Ph.D., Nicole Scienza, Ph.D. (Psychology-Child Life) and Laurah Klepinger, Ph.D. (Anthropology). The goal of this work is to positively impact child health and family well-being by raising awareness of and teaching others about integrative healthcare practices. Families may engage in practices such as yoga and mindfulness already but may not report them to their child care providers and/or healthcare providers because they may not be deemed important. The curriculum and training aimed at families will help families to recognize the importance of their integrative healthcare practices and why they should share these practices with their child care and healthcare providers. Researchers will measure the impact of this training for research purposes. This specific project is aimed at improving the health outcomes of families and young children in Central New York.
Cross-Cultural Study of Herbal Remedy Use. Co-principal investigators are Lucia Corriette, DPT (Physical Therapy), Patrice Hallock, Ph.D., and Maryam Hashemian, M.D., Ph.D. (Biology). Researchers are interested in how herbal remedies are used across cultures and the experience of those who seek herbal remedies, especially among those with cancer and neuro-muscular diagnoses. What are some differences between herbal remedy use in the US, the Caribbean, and Iran? Herbal supplement use in Iran is estimated among 60-70% of the population and in the Caribbean as high as 80-90% of the population. Herbal supplement use in US, however, is estimated at about 20% of the population (with increased use associated with diagnoses; it may be as high as 63% for patients with cancer). This is a cross-cultural study of herbal remedy use in across three diverse environments and healthcare settings.
COVID-19 Impact on P-12 Educators. Investigators for this study are associated with the Intermountain COVID-19 Impact Consortium (ICIC), a collaboration of five research organizations west of the Hudson Valley region: Bassett Research Institute, SUNY Cobleskill, Utica University, SUNY Oneonta, and Zogby Strategics. Utica University faculty researchers are Margaret Hemstrought, M.Ed. (Wellness and Adventure Education) and Patrice Hallock, Ph.D. The consortium organizes research projects that seek to identify broad systemic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region, and this specific study is aimed at understanding stressors associated with COVID-19 in our local public schools.
- Management Committee
- Faculty Fellows Committee
- Conference Planning Committee
- Educational Events Committee
- Nominating Committee
Subscribe here to receive the newsletters
- Volume 1: Issue 1 - September, 2024
- Volume 1: Issue 2 - December 2024
- 2019 - Integrative Healthcare Strategies
- 2022 - Community Health and Healing
- 2025 - Preventive and Restorative Whole-Person Care, Saturday, September 13, 2025, Utica NY & Virtual
- Please check back in November for the Call for Presenters
Two student scholarships will be awarded annually to full-time students annually during the University's scholarship application season. Preference will be given to undergraduate students entering their junior or senior year with high academic promise (GPA of 3.0+) and a demonstrated interest in integrative healthcare. The award amount can vary, but is expected to be no less than $2,000 per award.
Applications will be open each March and awards will be given each May. Click here to apply: https://utica.scholarshipuniverse.com/
Faculty members can also nominate a student using this short nomination form. The Institute will confirm the student's eligibility and, upon confirmation, send a personalized email to the student, inviting them to complete the application process at the nomination of their faculty.
2024 Scholarship Winners
Olivia D'Ambro '26
Health Sciences, Junior
Community Involvement: I interned at The Upstate Family Health Center where I contributed to streamlining online patient health access. I helped design pamphlets for the clinic and translated them into the common languages used by the patients in order to educate their clientele on how to use their online portal app. I am also involved in the organizations Sleep in Heavenly Peace where I assisted in building beds for families in need in Utica NY, the Utica Food Pantry during their Thanksgiving turkey giveaway to the homeless in Utica NY, and AmeriCorps where I assisted in handing out blankets and gift cards to those in Utica NY.
Campus Involvement: I am currently Secretary for the Health Science Student Society where I organize and review the minutes for each meeting. I was also one of three group members leading my internship project at Upstate Family Health Center. I additionally have four years of experience as a camp counselor leading and mentoring children, and Utica Student Occupational Therapy Association.
Integrative Healthcare interest: My interest in integrated healthcare stems from my career interest in pursuing physician assistant studies as well as my passion for advocacy directed toward patient-centered care. It also stems from my goal to learn more about integrative/holistic functional medicine. I am especially interested in how integrated healthcare combines multiple approaches of medicine in order to treat patients as individuals rather than as symptoms. This aligns with my commitment and passion for patient-centered care and making an impact in the healthcare field. My advocacy for patient-centered care inspires me to become a Physician Assistant where I can directly influence how care is delivered to my patient. Integrated healthcare along with meeting patients' individual needs allows me to provide care that responds and respects each unique experience that I will encounter in my future. My interest in learning more about holistic and functional medicine will allow me to become an empowering physician assistant who will integrate the physical, emotional and societal factors into their treatment plan. Promoting the overall well-being of the patient rather than their symptoms is my goal. Working as a patient care technician has taught me so many meaningful values in not only treatment but patient comfort. At my degree level I provide patients with a satisfactory level of comfort and varying levels of support not only to them but to their family members as well. This is also what drives my passion for advocacy and encourages me to view my patients as single individuals. My aspiration to become a physician assistant as well as my passion for advocacy and patient-centered care will not only provide a better outcome for the patient but also guide me in learning the best approach for who I am treating. Integrated healthcare provides the structure that supports the values, respect, and intelligence that are needed in order to make a meaningful impact on patient care.
Katherine Mattes '26
Biochemistry, Junior
Community Involvement: Pioneer Pitch-In, Roman Catholic Church, Habitat for Humanity, Franklin Community Center, St. Mary's Ballston Spa, St. Clement's & St. Peter's Saratoga, Caroline Street Elementary School, Shelters of Saratoga, Code Blue.
Campus Involvement: American Chemical Society Utica Chapter, Asa Gray Biological Society, Utica University Women's Volleyball Team, Vice President of Literature Society, Co-Founder & Secretary of Science Research Club
Integrative Healthcare Interest: When I wrote my admissions essay for Utica University I referred to myself as a jack of all trades. I talked about how I had always wanted to study the sciences that I have been interested in understanding how our genes can be malicious to the body's health in order to figure out how to help aid the body. I wanted to begin pursuing my interests as a biochemistry major however I also wanted a creative writing minor. I have always loved telling stories; I enjoy evoking emotion and understanding in others. I believed that this combination made me a jack of all trades. It did however this combination was also an integration of the different facets of my mind to help me become a unique asset in helping to change the system of healthcare. I am interested in integrated healthcare because I believe it is the way forward for creating a longevity to human health and happiness. I want to understand and help fix the root of what is wrong, not just rip out whatever will eventually grow back on the surface. My passion for integrated healthcare recently became further strengthened by watching my grandfather cope with Parkinson's disease. He is currently taking a trial medicine much like one I hope to contribute to creating in my career one day. However he is also going to physical therapy and acupuncture to aid his changing body. He is telling stories to us of his early days as the oldest of seven of meeting my grandmother and of the days when my mom was little. These work to keep him the best he can be just as much as the modern medicine he takes. This is what I believe integrated healthcare to be and my interest is in advocating for this type of healthcare to become systematically normalized.
Contact Us
Patrice Hallock, Ph.D.
Patrice Hallock, Ph.D.
Founding Director, Dean of Health Professions and Education
(315) 792-3162
Sharon Kanfoush, Ph.D.
Sharon Kanfoush, Ph.D.
Institute Director
(315) 792-3134
Nicole Scienza, Ph.D.
Nicole Scienza, Ph.D.
Associate Director
(315) 792-3862
Bethany VanBenschoten, M.S.
Bethany VanBenschoten, M.S.
Program Manager
(315) 792-5294
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