Research

UConn DPT White Coat Ceremony

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White Coat Milestone for UConn’s DPT Class of 2026

Earlier this year, the University of Connecticut’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program celebrated a major milestone with its annual White Coat Ceremony for the

a student physical therapist and his professor

 Class of 2026. This meaningful tradition, widely observed across medical and health professions, marks the transition from classroom learning to hands-on clinical practice. It’s a moment that symbolizes both responsibility and readiness. When students officially don the white coat they are taking a significant step toward becoming licensed clinicians.

Among those honored was our very own Jessah Doctor, who proudly represented our community as part of the cohort. Jessah stood alongside faculty mentor Dr. Colón-Semenza, a reminder of the strong support system that helps shape the next generation of physical therapists.

As Jessah and his classmates begin their clinical journeys, we celebrate their dedication and look forward to the positive impact they will make in the world of rehabilitation and patient care. Congratulations to the UConn DPT Class of 2026!

Passing of Dr.Stephen Leach

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Dear Parkinson’s disease community members and supporters,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of a passing of a member of our Parkinson’s disease exercise and support community. As many of you know Stephen had been declining in these last few months and he passed away this past Friday, May 23rd. His presence will be sorely missed amongst our lab and exercise community. His fighting spirit was inspirational through to his last times spent with us. His wife, Denise, shared that our community was very impactful and meaningful to them both.

You can read more about Stephen and his lasting impact on his patients, athletes, and loved ones here as well as donations to our group in his honor.

Sincerely,
Cristina Colon-Semenza, PT, MPT, PhD
Principal Investigator, Movement for Life Lab

Dr.Colon-Semenza Receives Emerging Faculty Community Impact Award

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Each year, the Provost’s Awards for Excellence in Community-Engaged Scholarship (PAECES) recognize the outstanding contributions of faculty, staff, students, teams, and community partners who collaboratively address critical societal challenges through the creative and reciprocal exchange of knowledge and resources. To read about Dr.Colon-Semenza’s unwavering effort in the community click here.