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Fond Farewell to Dave
Fond Farewell to Dave
It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Dr. Dave Chapman, who is retiring later this summer. Dave’s service and commitment to the DPT Program and St Catherine University have earned him the esteemed title of Faculty Emeritus. He will be very missed and yet we are thrilled for him to start his next chapter! Dave is looking forward to spending more time with his family as he and his wife move to Iowa City, IA.
Some highlights of Dave's career while at St. Kate's include:
Leading the pediatric content of the DPT Curriculum
Serving as the DPT Director of Curriculum and Assessment for the past 5 years.
Willingly fulfilled the role of the DPT faculty preceptor for the St. Mary’s Health (SMAART) clinic.
Member of the University’s IRB Committee for 14 years, and has served as chair/co-chair for the past 10 of those years(!)
Long-term member of the APTA MN, he completed 4 years on the Board of Directors from 2019-2023.
Seven publications in peer reviewed journals and contributed six chapters to textbooks in the rehabilitation sciences. Additionally, Dr. Chapman has had over 40 peer-reviewed presentations at state and national rehabilitation science conferences.
Research work has primarily focused on two scholarly agendas: measuring and improving movement in babies with spina bifida and promoting interprofessional student collaboration via the St. Mary’s Health (SMAART) Clinic. Demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning, he has also recently initiated investigation into the use of artificial intelligence in physical therapy.
Manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Pediatric Physical Therapy and the Journal of Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair.
Welcome Becky Horton
Welcome Becky Horton
At the end of June, we will welcome another new faculty member, Dr. Becky Horton. Dr. Horton is a physical therapist and a board certified specialist in neurologic physical therapy. As a clinician, Dr. Horton specializes in neurodegenerative conditions, complex medical care and pediatric to adult transitions. She has already been teaching content related to multiple sclerosis in our program. We can’t wait to bring her on our team full time!
Welcome Steve Elmer
Welcome Steve Elmer
We have been so lucky to bring Dr. Steve Elmer on board as a new faculty member this past year. Dr. Elmer comes to us from Michigan Tech and holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology and has a strong background in research and scholarship. He is teaching the evidence-informed research content as well as exercise physiology and some kinesiology concepts within the program. He has already secured external grant funding for his ongoing work and is providing exemplary mentoring to junior faculty in this process. Welcome Steve!
(Dr. Elmer on far right pictured with St. Kate's President Dr. Marcheta Evans and Analisa Aragon, DPT '27 at a Youth with Stethoscopes event at Hennepin County Medical Center)
Dr. Kelli Nielsen will take on a new role as Simulation Coordinator in the DPT Program. Dr. Nielsen is our simulation expert and has done advanced training in the area of using simulation to promote learning for our students. She has also presented at local and national conferences on the development and use of simulation with Nursing colleagues.
In addition to her role as Director of Clinical Education, Dr. Christi Anderson will now also be the DPT Program’s Director of Curriculum and Assessment. Dr. Anderson’s Doctorate in Education, her deep knowledge of contemporary learning theories, and her organization skills will be significant assets in this role. We thank Dr. Dave Chapman, who fulfilled this role with dedication and passion.
Dr. Erin Schumacher will be taking on the role of Co-Chair of Admissions. Her experience on the Admissions Committee and her commitment to inclusivity will serve her well in this role. We express deep gratitude to Dr. Laura Gilchrist, who served so excellently in this role for many years!
Faculty Grants, Publications and Presentations
Faculty Grants, Publications and Presentations
Faculty Grants
Faculty Grants
Internal Grants/Awards
Erin Schumacher, PT, DPT, EdD received the Carol Easley Denny Award to carry out a project titled "A “Fair Approach” to Health and Wellness Screening Across Minnesota". Steve Elmer is also contributing to the project.
The Carol Easley Denny Award recognizes excellence in teaching, research, and community service. It is named for the late Carol Easley Denny, wife of the late Charles M. Denny, Jr., trustee emeritus and former chair of St. Catherine University’s Board of Trustees. The Denny Award is considered one of St. Catherine University's most prestigious faculty development awards.
Steve Elmer, PhD received a GHR Foundation Innovative Scholarship Grant to carry out a project titled "Blood Flow Restriction Exercise as a Home-Based Intervention to Improve Function after a Total Knee Replacement". DPT faculty Erin Schumacher and Hugo Klaers are also contributing to the project.
Hugo Klaers, PT, DPT, OCS received an HSSHS grant. Faculty Scholarship and Creativity Award for investigating the adoption of an asynchronous interview platform in promoting holistic admissions.
Jen Biggs, PT, PhD, MPH, CWS received a GHR Academic Excellence Grant with colleagues Ambria Crusan, PhD, MS, RD/LD and Kristen Maisano, OTD, MAEd, OTR/L.
This funding will help carry out the final phase of The Kafika House and St. Kate’s Academic Partnership: Finalizing outcome measures for a self-sustaining monitoring and evaluation plan.
External Grants/Awards
Steve Elmer, PhD received a subaward from Michigan Technological University to carry out a project titled "Investigating Lunar Bipedal Locomotion Mechanics and Predicting Human Musculoskeletal Health on the Moon". This project is part of a larger two-year NASA funded study.
Faculty Publications
Faculty Publications
DPT & PTA Faculty Posters, Presentations and Publications in Academic Year 2024-2025
DPT & PTA Faculty Posters, Presentations and Publications in Academic Year 2024-2025
Laura Gilchrist PT, PhD
Publications:
Vargo M, Gerber LH, Gilchrist LS, Fisher MI. Recommendations for Interventions to Improve Function in Patients With Lung Cancer: A Clinical Practice Guideline. Cancer Med. 2025 Jul;14(13):e70626. doi: 10.1002/cam4.70626. PMID: 40613665; PMCID: PMC12231241.
Nielsen KA, Foley M, Croarkin E, Runde P, Prinster S, Gilchrist LS. Accuracy of Falls Screening Tools in Adult Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review. Phys Ther. 2025 May 12:pzaf068. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzaf068. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40353566.
Gilchrist L, Levenhagen K, Davies C, Koehler. Effectiveness of CDT for upper extremity cancer-related lymphedema: A Review of Systematic Reviews. Med Oncol. 2024; 41(11):297.
DiCecco S, Davies C, Gilchrist L, Levenhagen K, Letellier ME, Rivera A, Weiss J, Klose G, Hodgkins L, Anderson E, Cheville A, Moore K, Koehler L. Complete Decongestive Therapy Phase 1: An Expert Consensus. Med Oncol. 2024;41(12):304.
Presentations:
Harrington S, Stevens-Lapsley J, Sidelinker J, Wadsworth A, Stout N, Gilchrist L. Collaborative Partnerships for Advancing Physical Therapy Research: Insights from Successful Clinician-Researcher Collaborations. American Physical Therapy Association, Feb 15, 2025.
Gilchrist L, Franco L, Heinen MM, Holm C, Weightman MM. Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the Courage Kenny Fibrosis Grading Scale. Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Feb 14, 2025.
Hugo Klaers, PT, DPT, OCS
Presentations:
Gozzi Benson M, Kaiser J, Press P, Schutte A, Klaers H. “Changes in Rotator Cuff Muscle Strength Resulting from a Clinically-Based Fatigue Protocol and Recoverability Over Time.” Poster Presentation at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. February 2025.
Kelli Nielsen, PT, DPT, NCS
Publications
Nielsen KA, Foley M, Croarkin E, Runde P, Prinster S, Gilchrist LS. Accuracy of Falls Screening Tools in Adult Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review. Phys Ther. Published online May 12, 2025:pzaf068. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzaf068
Presentations:
Nielsen K, Broughten R, Beman S, de Sam Lazaro. Framework for Interprofessional Competencies. Midwest Interprofessional Conference. St. Catherine University, May 22nd, 2025
Nielsen K, Gilchrist LS, Association Between Laboratory Values, Adverse Events, and Exercise Type in Adult Stem Cell Transplant Inpatients. Combined Sections Meeting, Houston, TX Feb 14th, 2025
Nielsen K, Gilchrist L. Diagnostic Accuracy and Predictive Capacity of Falls Risk Screening Measures for Cancer Populations. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dallas, TX November 2nd, 2024.
Jen Biggs, PT, PhD, MPH, CWS
Publications:
Hepperlen R, Biggs J, Rabaey P, Mwandilya W, Mwansa M, Hearst MO. Training Community Health Workers to Support Families of Children with Disabilities: Lessons Learned and Practical Recommendations. Health Promotion Practice. February 2025.
Hayward L, Joyce C, Biggs J, Scholl J, Berry J. Intraprofessional Collaborative Practice: Curriculum, Content, and Teaching Strategies to Educate Students about Effective PT-PTA Teams. Journal of Allied Health. June 2025.
Hearst MO, Lunda E, Mwandilya W, Hepperlen R, Biggs J, Rabaey P. Hygiene Practices
among Families Living in Lead Endemic Area near Kabwe, Zambia. International Journal of Nursing & Health Care Science. September 2024
Presentations:
Ernie-Steighner J, Tyler M, Venegas C, Biggs J. “Antiracism Efforts In Physical Therapy Education In The United States: A Pilot Study.” Poster Presentation at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. February 2025.
Biggs J, Berry J, Hayworth L, Scholl J. “Effective PT/PTA Teams Enhance Public Protection.” Education Session at the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) Annual Education Meeting. October 2024
David Chapman, PT, PhD
Publications:
Coss, D., Persons, K., McElyea, E., Turk, M., Chapman, D., & Fleming, J. (2024). Quality and quantity of occupational and physical therapy services in a free primary care clinic. [Poster Abstract]. National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, And Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) Advanced Rehabilitation Research and Training (ARRT) Fellows Symposium. Atlanta, GA. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 105(4), e177.http://doi-org.pearl.stkate.edu/10.1016/j.apmr.2024.02.
Presentations:
Coss, D. Persons, K. Green, G. Fleming, J. Chapman, D. Collaborative Clinical Student Supervision. In review for presentation at the Midwest IPE Conference, Minneapolis, MN (2025).
Chapman, D. Chapman, R. Chapman, C. The Integration of Artificial Intelligence into Physical Therapy Education and Clinical Practice. Paper presented at the Mississippi APTA Conference, Jackson, MS (2024).
Persons, K. Chapman, D. Kelly, A. Fleming, J. Crusan, A. Wonderful, L. Collaborative Interdisciplinary Education in a Student-Run Free Clinic. Paper presented at the Midwest Interprofessional Conference 2024. St Paul, MN (2024).
Holly Clynch, PT, DPT, MA
Presentations
“Fairwinds and Following Seas: A Nautical Survival Guide for PTA Program Directors”
Co-presenter
Oakland, CA
October 2024
“Strengthening Community Voice in Strategic Planning through Needs Assessment and Table Talks: Taking Next Steps”
Co-presenter
Oakland, CA
October 2024
Cort J. Cieminski, PT, PhD, ATC, LAT
Presentation:
The Use of Feedback in the Acquisition and Retention of a Manual Therapy Skill in Doctor of Physical Therapy Students.
Gilchrist M, King G, Korngable L, Nafzger N, Montouri S, Klaers H, Cieminski CJ
Poster presented at 2025 APTA Minnesota Meeting.
April 12, 2025.
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