The College of Nursing and Health Sciences is pleased to welcome the following new full-time faculty to the Departments of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, and Rehabilitation and Movement Science.
Biomedical and Health Sciences
Allison Dean, M.S., is a new lecturer in the Medical Laboratory Science program. With a master’s degree in animal science and over 25 years of teaching experience, Allison brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Known for her innovative teaching methods and passion for education, she has already made significant contributions to the Human Cell Biology curriculum and created an innovative Summer Academy course on Forensic Diagnostics. Awarded for her excellence in teaching, Allison is dedicated to shaping the next generation of medical laboratory professionals.
New lecturer Jaime Karnes, M.F.A., has over 15 years of college teaching experience, including teaching writing to science majors, and a background in fiction and non-fiction writing that brings a fresh perspective to the Public Health Sciences program. Jaime understands the importance of clear communication in the field of public health and her passion for both education and storytelling is apparent in her interactive teaching style.
Sefakor Komabu-Pomeyie, Ph.D., the new Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and a lecturer in the Public Health program, is an internationally celebrated advocate for disability rights, social justice activist, published book author, and educator. She is a Prelock Award winner here at ¶¶Òõ̽̽, where she taught in the College of Education and Social Services prior to joining the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. She brings years of teaching experience both at the international and local level.
Communication Sciences and Disorders
New Assistant Professor Sara Benham, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is a researcher focusing on phonological and lexical development in children with and without speech and language disorders. In her lab, she uses an array of methods to analyze speech sound production such as phonetic transcription, acoustic analyses, and motion tracking, as well as methods from network science to detect principles of word and sound organization in the developing child.
Nursing
Juliana Blais, M.S., RN, joined the Department of Nursing as a full-time clinical instructor. She previously worked as a pediatric clinical instructor as ¶¶Òõ̽̽, Vermont State University, and Norwich University, and as a Staff RN II at ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Children’s Hospital. Juliana was awarded the Pediatric Nurse of the Year Award in 2018.
With a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Connecticut and five years of experience in hematology, oncology and stem cell transplant nursing at Smilow Cancer Hospital, Assistant Professor Teresa Graziano brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the nursing program. Their research interests include mental health and pain experiences in sexual and gender minorities.
Rehabilitation and Movement Science
Boyi Dai, Ph.D., joined the College of Nursing and Health Sciences as a professor and Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science. Dr. Dai is interested in injury biomechanics and ergonomics, particularly investigating biomechanical injury mechanisms and risk factors to develop prevention strategies. His current research is focused on anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) risk during perturbed jump-landing tasks, exoskeleton and lower-back loading during occupational tasks, and perturbation and the risk of falls. Dr. Dai serves as an associate editor for Sports Biomechanics and the Vice President of Research and Projects for the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports. He also contributes to the field through editorial positions with Journal of Biomechanics, Research in Sports Medicine, and BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.
J.D. Sheppard, PT, D.P.T., is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Ohio University in 2012 and graduated from Duke's Faculty Development Residency in July 2024. Prior to joining the residency at Duke, Dr. Sheppard gained over 10 years of clinical experience with a focus on treating runners and individuals with foot and ankle musculoskeletal injuries. He currently serves as a member of the APTA's Public Policy and Advocacy committee as well as the Immediate Past-President of APTA Maryland. Dr. Sheppard's work with the APTA has focused on promoting evidence-based practice, advocating for the profession, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the association, profession, and society.
Christine Vatovec, Ph.D., is an interdisciplinary environmental health social scientist and the Planetary Health Lead at ¶¶Òõ̽̽'s Osher Center for Integrative Health, where she's pioneering efforts to align healthcare with the well-being of our planet. Her research and teaching are reshaping the understanding of the interconnections between human and planetary health. Her recent book, 'Dying Green: A Journey through End-of-Life Medicine in Search of Sustainable Healthcare,' challenges traditional healthcare models and inspiring meaningful change.
Assistant Professor Carissa Wengrovius, PT, D.P.T., Ph.D., is a new member of the Physical Therapy program faculty. With experience in pediatric settings and a passion for children's yoga, her research on mind-body practices is revolutionizing perspectives on whole health and paving the way for innovative approaches in physical therapy. Dr. Wengrovius's work focuses on enhancing understanding of interoception's crucial role in fostering healthy lifestyle behaviors — from improving sleep and physical activity to boosting self-regulation. Her vision includes creating impactful programs that can be easily implemented across schools, communities, and healthcare settings.