Press Release

June 1, 2006
Contact: Kaylyn Kendall Dines
(973) 972-3000
dineskd@umdnj.edu

UMDNJ Graduates Earn Academic and Clinical Honors

NEWARK—During last week's commencement ceremony, 1,476 students graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the largest class in the institution’s history.

Dr. Bruce C. Vladeck, interim president of UMDNJ, delivered a keynote address to graduates, family members, friends, faculty and staff. Prior to the university-wide commencement ceremony, administrators from UMDNJ’s eight schools presented academic and clinical excellence awards to graduating students.

Here is a listing of the award recipients:

ATLANTIC COUNTY

Dr. Rose Arone, of Hamilton Township, received an Outstanding Achievement in Family Medicine Award and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine.

BERGEN COUNTY

Dr. Kelly Corcoran, of Hasbrouck Heights, received a Stanley S. Bergen, Jr., M.D., Medal of Excellence and received a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the UMDNJ-Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Dr. William Cobb, of Hackensack, earned the Stanley S. Bergen, Jr., M.D., Medal of Excellence and received a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Claudia Garcia del Puerto, of Maywood, earned the Bernard D. Goldstein, M.D., Award, the Student Community Service Award and earned a Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Dr. Maryam Jowza, of Park Ridge, a received an Academic Achievement in Behavioral Science and Psychiatry Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Anuradha Lala, of Wyckoff, earned the Angelo P. Angelides, M.D., Award for Academic Excellence in Medicine, an Alumni Association Award, a Faculty Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Michael Lasser, of Ramsey, received an Academic Excellence in Surgery Award, an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award, the Gold Humanism Honor Society Award, and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Spencer Lin, of Glen Rock, received an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Eun-Suk Park, of Paramus, earned a certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Cytotechnology from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Sultan Eid Alanazy, of Hackensack, received an Academic Award in Biomedical Informatics and earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Jonathan Riess, of Park Ridge, received the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award, received the Excellence in Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Award, the Stanley S. Bergen, Jr., M.D., Medal of Excellence, and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Nandini Selvam, of Lyndhurst, earned the Stuart D. Cook, M.D., Student Public Health Research Award and earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Dr. Michael Zozzaro, of Emerson, received an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Barbara Zuccala, of Ridgewood, received a Student Excellence Award and earned a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree from a joint program between the UMDNJ-School of Nursing and Ramapo College of New Jersey.

BURLINGTON COUNTY

Dr. Scott Pello, of Moorestown, earned the Medical Genetics Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Fay Ann Trimor, of Marlton, earned the Sidney J. Sussman, M.D., Award for Academic Excellence in Pediatrics and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Sarita Warrick, of Mt. Laurel, earned the Student Outreach Program Award and received a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

CAMDEN COUNTY

Dr. Kelly Ann Bolkus, of Voorhees, received an Outstanding Achievement in Pathology Award and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Dr. Kelly Burke, of Voorhees, earned the Academic Distinction in Research Award, the Student Outreach Program Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Christina Elizabeth Fitch, of Voorhees, received an Alumni Association Leadership Award and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Dr. Scott Isaac Fuchs, of Lindenwold, earned the Outstanding Achievement in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Award and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Dr. Tabitha Isabel Jones, of Blackwood, received an Outstanding Achievement in Pediatrics Award and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Dr. Ralynne Maitland, of Cherry Hill, received a Stanley S. Bergen, Jr., M.D., Medal of Excellence and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Dr. Nisha Joseph Mathew, of Voorhees, earned the Camden Associate Dean’s Recognition Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Shauna L. McElrath, of Laurel Springs, received an Outstanding Achievement in Primary Care Award and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Brian C. Miller, of Sickerville, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Respiratory Therapy and received an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Sara Nicole Pagliaro, of Voorhees, received an Outstanding Achievement in Osteopathic Medicine and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Byron Andre Pugh, of Voorhees, earned the Student Government Association Student Award and a Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Dr. Shawn Michael Quinn, of Lindenwold, received a New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (NJAOPS) Award for Excellence in Osteopathic Medicine and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Sheryl Timpanelli, of Cherry Hill, received a Student Excellence Award and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree from a joint program between the UMDNJ-School of Nursing and Rowan University; Dr. Adrienne Brooks Williams, of Camden, received a Community Service Award and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Linda Wright, of Laurel Springs, earned a Student Excellence Award and received a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree from a joint program between UMDNJ-School of Nursing and Ramapo College of New Jersey.

CAPE MAY COUNTY

Deborah J. Buscek, of Cape May Court House, received the Stanley S. Bergen, Jr., M.D., Medal of Excellence and earned a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Nursing.

ESSEX COUNTY

Dr. Joanne Agnant, of Newark, earned an Essex County Medical Society Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Suzanne Anderson, of Newark, earned an AAN-Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology Award, an American Medical Women Association (AMWA) Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Citation, and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Linda Cassar, of Nutley, received a Student Excellence Award and earned a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree from the joint program between the UMDNJ-School of Nursing and Ramapo College of New Jersey; Dr. Miguel Coba, of Livingston, earned a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Deborah Dreyfus, of Short Hills, received the Gold Humanism Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Michael Ehrenreich, of South Orange, earned a Merck Manual Award and received a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Efua Louisa Essandoh, of South Orange, earned the Joan P. Liman, M.D., Pennies From Heaven Award and received a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. James Fausto, of Belleville, earned the Alexander Gordon, M.D., 98 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Award and received a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Cynthia Ann Galeota, of South Orange, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Nurse Midwifery from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Seth Heckman, of Short Hills, received an Academic Excellence in Obstetrics and Gynecology Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Felicia Frazer Jones, of Bloomfield, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Respiratory Therapy and received an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Irina Koreen, of Montclair, earned the New Jersey Medical Women’s Association Award and an AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Citation and received a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Rohini Mahajan, of Newark, received an AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Citation and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Guy Manetti, of Newark, earned a Merck Manual Award and the Dean Charles L. Brown Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Indroneil Mukerji, of Belleville, received the Department of Psychiatry Faculty Award and earned Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Luis Munoz, of Roselle, earned a New Jersey Cancer Commission Predoctoral Research Fellowship Award, a UMDNJ Office of Multicultural Affairs, Latino Heritage Award, and earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the UMDNJ-Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Dr. Stephen Nervi, of Maplewood, earned the Dr. Jacob Dreskin Award and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Jennifer Neumann, of Newark, was awarded an AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Citation and the Dr. Samuel F. DAmbola Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Brian Prystowsky, of Montclair, earned the David E. Ross Memorial Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Ami Raval, of Newark, earned the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Award and an AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Citation and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Smeeta Sinha, of Newark, earned the Dr. Jacob Bleiberg Award and the Faculty Organization Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Sarita Sonalkar, of Newark, won the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Sasha Steinlight, of Roseland, was awarded an AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Citation and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Janis Escalona Villanueva, of Nutley, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Cytotechnology from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Kellie Volcy, of East Orange, received a Student Excellence Award and earned a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Nursing; Dr. Matthew Wosnitzer, of Short Hills, received an Excellence in Research Award, an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award, and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY

Jodie Ann Bachman, of Turnersville, earned a Shop-Rite LPGA scholarship and a Master of Biomedical Sciences from the UMDNJ-Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Dr. Keith Baldwin, of Williamstown, was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, earned the Rudolph C. Camishion, M.D., Award for Academic Excellence in Surgery and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Katarzyna Cybula-Tahmazian, of Williamstown, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Health Sciences and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Joseph Jaworski, of Sewell, earned the Academic Excellence in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine award, the Academic Excellence in Pharmacology Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Sampaguita Quimpo Salvador, of Woodbury, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Respiratory Therapy and earned an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Agnes Sulewski, of Monroe Township, earned the Outstanding Achievement in Obstetrics and Gynecology Award and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine.

HUDSON COUNTY

Lenore Cappelluti, of Jersey City, earned a Student Excellence Award and received a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Nursing; Dr. Jillian Corbett, of Secaucus, earned the Academic Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Kara Della Torre, of North Bergen, earned an AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Citation, earned a Merck Manual Award, and received a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Marie-Laure Geffrard, of Jersey City, earned the Student Outreach Program Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Eduardo Iturrate, of Union City, received the Drs. Milton and Rose Prystowsky Award and received a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Lauren A. Klein, of North Bergen, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Rehabilitation Counseling and received a Master of Science (M.S.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Michael Lindy, of Hoboken, earned the Dr. Harold J. Jeghers Future Internist Award and received a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Ana Mayrene C. Cadenilla, of Jersey City, graduate, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Clinical Laboratory Sciences and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Christin Marie Moran, of Bayonne, was inducted into Delta Omega, the honorary society for graduate studies in public health, received the Bernard D. Goldstein, M.D., Award and earned a Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health.

HUNTERDON COUNTY

Dr. Kristijan Henry Kahler, of Flemington, was inducted into Delta Omega, the honorary society for graduate studies in public health and earned the Bernard D. Goldstein, M.D., Award and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Dr. Breelyn Wilky, of Glen Gardner, received a Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation for Academic Achievement award, an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award, the Gold Humanism Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

MERCER COUNTY

Dr. Andrew Amaranto, of Mendham, received an Academic Excellence in Emergency Medicine and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Paul Bornemann, of Yardville, received an Academic Excellence in Neurology Award, an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Vanita Gupta, of Princeton, earned a National Institute of Health, National Eye Institute Travel Grant and earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the UMDNJ-Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Dr. Joseph Guy Kotora, Jr., of Hamilton, received an Outstanding Achievement in Emergency Medicine Award; an Outstanding Achievement in Psychiatry Award, an Outstanding Achievement in Surgery Award, and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Meghan Elizabeth McBreen, of Princeton, was inducted into Delta Omega, the honorary society for graduate studies in public health and earned the Bernard D. Goldstein, M.D., Award and a Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Dr. Barbara Montana, of Holmdel, was inducted into Delta Omega, the honorary society for graduate studies in public health, earned the Bernard D. Goldstein, M.D., Award and received a Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Christine Eunyoung Han, of Princeton, earned the Bernard D. Goldstein, M.D., Award and received a Master of Science (M.S.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Dr. Lan Xue, of Princeton, received a Student Excellence Award and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree from an Accelerated Second Degree Program at the UMDNJ-School of Nursing; Megan Carpenter Advani, of Princeton, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance and earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Mahalakshmi Sathyaprakash, of Princeton Junction, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Vascular Technology and earned a Certificate from the Vascular Technology from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Sangita Verma, of Princeton Junction, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Physical Therapy from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Tetyana Bachynska, of North Brunswick, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Dental Hygiene from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Tin-Chun Chu, of Edison, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Performance as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Marie Camacho, of South Brunswick, earned the Sidney J. Sussman, M.D., Award for Academic Excellence in Pediatrics and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Julie E. Caruth, of New Brunswick, was inducted into Delta Omega, the honorary society for graduate studies in public health, and earned the Bernard D. Goldstein, M.D., Award and received a Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Dr. Julie Ciemnolonski, of Highland Park, received a Gold Humanism Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Eric Curcio, of Colonia, earned a Merck Manual Award and received a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Michelle Fariello, of North Brunswick, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Allied Health Technologies from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Foluso Fakorede, of Kendall Park, earned the Camden Associate Dean’s Recognition Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Charlene Antoinette Flash, of Plainsboro, earned The Promise Clinic Recognition Award, an Academic Excellence in Primary Care Medicine award, the Gold Humanism Honor Society, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Student Award and a dual Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Jillian Garai, of Highland Park, received a Student Excellence Award and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree from an Accelerated Second Degree Program at the UMDNJ-School of Nursing; Ravneet Gill, of Piscataway, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Biomedical Informatics from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Elizabeth Guzman, of New Brunswick, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Treatment from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Martin Halum, of East Brunswick, received a Joan P. Liman, M.D., Award, a Pennies From Heaven Award, and received a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Ian Hoffman, of Highland Park, earned the Award for Exemplifying Human Values and Academic Excellence in Family Medicine Award, the Student Outreach Program Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Manuel Jimenez, of Edison, a Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, an Alumni Award, The Promise Clinic Recognition Award, an Academic Excellence in Pediatrics Award, the Gold Humanism Honor Society, and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Bryon Lauer, of East Brunswick, received a Gold Humanism Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Josephine Lontok, of Highland Park, received Gold Humanism Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Adam Joshua Mandel, of Edison, received a Humanities Award and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Dr. Naureen Memon, of Piscataway, received an Academic Achievement Award, the Glasgow-Rubin Certificates of Commendation for Academic Achievement Award, an Academic Excellence in Cell and Systems Biology, an Academic Excellence in Physiology Award, the Gold Humanism Honor Society Award, an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award, and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Tasneem Mohammedshah, of Edison, received a Student Excellence Award and earned an Associate of Science in Nursing (A.S.N.) degree from a joint program between the UMDNJ-School of Nursing and Middlesex County College; Nandita Mukherjee, of North Brunswick, was inducted into Delta Omega, the honorary society for graduate studies in public health at the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Mindy Lynn Niepielko, of Edison, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance as a Physician Assistant from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Dr. Bijal Parikh, of North Brunswick, received an Outstanding Achievement in the Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy degree program and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Dr. Priti Patel, of Spotswood, was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Sri Ram Pentakota, of Fords, earned the Bernard D. Goldstein, M.D., Award, the Student Government Association Student Award, the Stanley S. Bergen, Jr., M.D., Medal of Excellence and a Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Suzanne Richman, of Highland Park, received a Student Excellence Award and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree from an Accelerated Second Degree Program at the UMDNJ-School of Nursing; Dr. Jason Savage, of Edison, received an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award, the Gold Humanism Honor Society Award, and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Magadalena Sayed, of Kendall Park, received a Student Excellence Award and earned an Associate of Science in Nursing (A.S.N.) degree from a joint program at the UMDNJ-School of Nursing and Middlesex County College; Dr. Scott Shaffer, of East Brunswick, received an Academic Excellence in Psychiatry Award, the Gold Humanism Honor Society Award, and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Megan Smith, of East Brunswick, was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Subha Sundararajan, of Edison, received the Glasgow-Rubin Certificates of Commendation for Academic Achievement, an Academic Excellence in Biochemistry Award, an Academic Excellence in Internal Medicine Award, an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Gilbet Siu, of Kendall Park, won first place poster prize in the UMDNJ-Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences ninth annual research day; Dr. Niti Tank, of Edison, won an AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Citation and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Esben Vogelius, of Highland Park, earned a Joan P. Liman, M.D., Award, a Pennies From Heaven Award, and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Nicole Whalen, of Metuchen, received an Academic Excellence in Family Medicine and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

MONMOUTH COUNTY

Jamie Crist, of Howell, received a Student Excellence Award and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree from a joint program between the UMDNJ-School of Nursing and Ramapo College of New Jersey; Dr. Brett Gertsman, of Marlboro, earned the Academic Excellence in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Award, the Camden Associate Dean’s Recognition Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Jill Marie Giordano, of Holmdel, received an Outstanding Achievement in Geriatrics Award and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Dr. Christina Levchook, of Freehold, received an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Oliver Ferrer Lontok, of Hazlet, earned the Student Government Association Student Award and a Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Danielle Burdo, of Manalapan, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Clinical Performance as a Physician Assistant and earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; John Michael Garafano, Jr., of Howell, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Psychology and earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Donna Marie Lawson, of Asbury Park, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Dental Hygiene and earned an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions.

MORRIS COUNTY

Dr. Rondi Gelbard, of Chester, was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, received the Student Outreach Program Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Christopher Jockel, of Kinnelon, was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Elise Elizabeth Kumar, of Florham Park, earned the Bernard D. Goldstein Award and a Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Dr. Yuki Mukai, of Chatham, was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, received the Academic Excellence in Psychiatry Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Alexandra Tuluca, of Rockaway, was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, received the John L. Gaines, M.D., an Award of Academic Excellence in Obstetrics and Gynecology and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Laura Goglas, of Randolph, earned an AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Citation, the Dr. Ruy V. Lourenco Deans Achievement Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Camille Miller, of Parsippany, received the Emergency Medicine Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Michelle Nicole Dominy, of Lake Hiawatha, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Physical Therapy and received a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Melissa Bittner Jewell, of Morris Plains, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Clinical Nutrition and earned a Master of Science (M.S.N.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Lauren DAcquino, of Long Valley, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Physical Therapy and earned a Master of Physical Therapy degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Heather Margaret Wheeler, of Parsippany, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Dietetic Internship from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Niveditha Gangam, of Parsippany, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions.

OCEAN COUNTY

Erin Carlson, of Brick, received a Student Excellence Award and earned a Bachelor of Science of Nursing (B.S.N.) degree from an Accelerated Second Degree Program at the UMDNJ-School of Nursing; Dr. Erin Rebele, of Toms River, won the Alexander Gordon, M.D., 98 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dena Marie McCall, of Toms River, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Physical Therapy and earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Susan Ballantyne Lowenberg, of West Creek, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Rehabilitation Counseling and earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions.

PASSAIC COUNTY

Dr. Samuel DeMaria, Jr., of Haledon, an Academic Achievement Award, an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award, the Gold Humanism Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medicine School; Dr. David Christopher de Vinck, of Pompton Plains, received a Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement, an Outstanding Achievement in Cell Biology Award, an Outstanding Achievement in Molecular Biology Award, an Outstanding Achievement in Internal Medicine Award, and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine; Dr. John Robertson, Jr., of North Haledon, earned the Alumni Association Award and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Danielle Courtney Catalano, of Wayne, earned Certificates of Excellence for Outstanding Academic and Clinical Performance in Dental Assisting from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Mayuri Bhavik Rana, of Passaic, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Medical Laboratory Science from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions.

SOMERSET COUNTY

Marija Borjan, of Hillsborough, earned the Stuart D. Cook, M.D., Student Public Health Research Award and a Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Dr. Ken Kaminski, of Somerset, received an Academic Excellence in Microbiology and Immunology Award, an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Rimma Kagan, of Branchburg, earned a Student Excellence Award and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree from an Accelerated Second Degree Program at the UMDNJ-School of Nursing; Dr. Daphne Remy, of Somerset, received a Student Leadership Award, the Gold Humanism Honor Society Award, and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Beatrice Shu, of Basking Ridge, earned an AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Citation and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School graduate; Dr. Jennifer Tan-Billett, of Somerset, received The Bruce Fisher Award, The Promise Clinic Recognition Award, the Glasgow-Rubin Certificates of Commendation for Academic Achievement award, an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award, the Gold Humanism Honor Society Award, and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Praveen Yalamanchili, of Somerset, received an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

SUSSEX COUNTY

Michael Coco, of Newton, received a Student Excellence Award and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree from an Accelerated Second Degree Program at the UMDNJ-School of Nursing; Andrea M. Greco, of Hamburg, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Treatment and earned an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions.

UNION COUNTY

Dr. John Babineau, of Summit, received The Bruce Fisher Award, The Promise Clinic Recognition Award, the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award, the Gold Humanism Honor Society Award, and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Robert Paul Beswick, of New Providence, was inducted into Delta Omega, the honorary society for graduate studies in public health, and earned a Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health; Dr. Shannon Dodge, of Westfield, was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, the Student Outreach Program Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Jennis Pae, of Westfield, received an Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dr. Estelle Docteur, of Roselle, earned a Joan P. Liman, M.D. Pennies From Heaven Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Shirley Hanna, of Union, earned the Alexander Gordon, M.D. 98 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Award, an AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Citation, and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Diego Reino, of Elizabeth, earned a Joan P. Liman, M.D. Pennies From Heaven Award and earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Melissa M. Roberts, of Plainfield, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Performance in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions; Andrea J. Brown, of Union, earned a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Psychology and earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.)degree from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions.

WARREN COUNTY

Maria Garcia, Old Bridge, earned a Student Excellence Award and received a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree from the UMDNJ-School of Nursing.