Congratulations go out to all of our College of Health Sciences 2021 Award Winners!

Our College is amazing because of our faculty and staff. Thank you for all you do. 

Senior Investigator Award

Chris Fry, PhD
Associate Professor in Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition
Center for Muscle Biology

Christopher Fry is a member of the faculty in the Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition. Chris completed a B.S. in Biology at Baylor University (2006), Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB, 2011) and postdoctoral training in muscle physiology at the University of Kentucky (2014). He established his research lab at UTMB in 2014. In 2019, Chris accepted a position as Associate Professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky, where he is also a member of the Center for Muscle Biology. Chris’s research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle plasticity to establish interventions to maintain skeletal muscle strength and mass during conditions of muscle wasting. Much of his current work involves studying the contribution of different progenitor cells to muscle adaptation, and his current work explores muscle quality and stem cells in the recovery of muscle mass and function following injury. Dr. Fry's lab utilizes several different experimental models, including transgenic rodent models, primary cell culture, as well as clinical subject research.  He has competed as an amateur bodybuilder and enjoys working out, traveling, cooking and spending time with his wife and son.
 

Junior Investigator Award

Nick Heebner, PhD, ATC
Executive Associate Director, Sports Medicine Research Institute
Assistant Professor in Athletic Training and Rehabilitation and Health Sciences PhD Program

Dr. Heebner joined the University of Kentucky in August 2015 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition. He is currently the Executive Associate Director of the University of Kentucky Sports Medicine Research Institute. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology / Athletic Training from the Pennsylvania State University and his Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Science. Dr. Heebner is currently the Director of the University of Kentucky’s Sports Medicine Research Institute and his current research activities focus on injury prevention and performance enhancement in military and collegiate athletes. His previous work has also focused on lower extremity injury and biomechanical and neuromuscular risk factors for musculoskeletal injury. His other research interests include injury prevention and performance enhancement in the ultra-endurance athlete and the application of portable/wearable technology for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
 

Award for Excellence in Teaching

Hanna Hoch, PhD, ATC
Assistant Professor in the Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition 
Program Director of the Professional Masters in Athletic Training

Dr. Johanna Hoch is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition, and Program Director of the Professional Masters in Athletic Training. Dr. Hoch graduated from the University of Kentucky with her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences in 2012. She completed her Master of Science from Ohio University and her Bachelor of Science from Ohio Northern University.

Dr. Hoch’s research focuses on improving the provision of patient-centered care in athletic training clinical practice through the utilization of patient-reported outcome instruments and improving health related quality of life for individuals with a history of musculoskeletal injury, primarily ACL reconstruction.
 

Staff Excellence of the Year Award, Exempt

Barret May
Information Technology Manager,
Office of Technology Services

Barret joined the College of Health Sciences in October 2015 as a Computer Support Specialist III. In this role, he provides technical support, troubleshooting and maintenance for CHS IT equipment. In addition, he provides general system administration for CHS faculty, staff and students.

Barret moved to Lexington from Hazard, KY in 2000 and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications with a minor in Computer Science. After college, he worked in broadcast television as a Master Control Operator with WKYT-TV, as well as in radio at the Appalshop in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Prior to coming to UK, Barret worked in the IT Operations Department at Churchill Downs as a Product Support Technician, providing problem and incident management for Twinspires.com and Brisnet.com.

In his free time, Barret enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and playing competitive basketball.
 

Staff Excellence of the Year Award, Non-exempt

Alex Abbott-Emen
Computer Support Specialist II,
Office of Technology Services

Alex joined the College of Health Sciences in September 2016 as a Computer Support Specialist. He transitioned into the role of Computer Support Specialist II in May 2017. In this role, he provides mentorship to students, faculty/staff and technical support, troubleshooting and maintenance for the CHS IT infrastructure. In addition, he assists in system administration for CHS.

Alex moved to Lexington from Seattle, WA in 2016 and is a graduate of the Seattle Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. After college, he worked in the medical device industry as a Systems Engineer with Cardiac Science Inc.

In his free time, Alex enjoys spending time with his family, creative writing, animating, and trading the financial markets.
 

Student Impact Award

Rebecca Serrano
Senior Academic Advisor,
Office of Student Affairs

Rebecca Serrano is a native of Spencer County, Kentucky and a proud alumna of the University of Kentucky, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Strategic Communication and a Master of Business Administration.

As the Student Success & Financial Wellness Coordinator, Rebecca assists CHS students navigate the many challenges surrounding the cost of education and financial wellness.  In addition, she is a certified Koru Mindfulness instructor.  

Prior to her position at UK, Rebecca worked for six years within admissions for Midway College, Kentucky’s only institution of higher education specifically for women. During her tenure at Midway she served in a variety of roles, mainly serving the non-traditional population of the college.   

In her free time, Rebecca enjoys practicing yoga, listening to live music, and exploring new cities. She resides in Lexington with her husband, Brandon,  son, William and cat, Cameron.