Alumni
’90, Ken Wilkins (BS Medical Communications) has patented his invention: a decelerator with internal structure for redirecting airflow for space launch organizations landing heavy loads. He is the President at White Bird Technologies, Inc. (published 2021)
‘91 and ’94 Christopher Mizer (BS Exercise Science Education and MS Allied Medical Professions) was chosen to join the medical staff for the U.S. Men’s Ice Hockey team during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Chris was also the athletic trainer for Team USA at the 2016 Youth Olympic Games and former Head Athletic Trainer for the Columbus Blue Jackets, from 2000-2008. Chris is currently the assistant director of sports medicine rehabilitation at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. (published 2018)
’91 and ’94 Christopher Mizer (BS Exercise Science Education and MS Allied Medical Professions) is headed to the 2022 Winter Olympics as an athletic trainer with the US Men’s Hockey Team. Chris is the Director of Regional Outreach at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. (published 2022)
’93, Doug Laher (BS Respiratory Technology) has been promoted to Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the American Association for Respiratory Care. He will work with the departments in the organization by leading with a respiratory therapy mindset, receiving this promotion after serving as the lead respiratory therapist on the staff. (published 2021)
’96, ’98, ’02 and ’04, Sarah (Meredith) Varekojis (BS Respiratory Therapy, MS Allied Medicine, MA Physical Activity & Exercise Science and PhD) received the Outstanding Contributor Award from the Ohio Society for Respiratory Care (OSRC). Sarah earned the society’s highest honor because of her dedication to the OSRC and the Respiratory Therapy program as an associate professor and director of Clinical Education at The Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. (published 2021)
’97 and ’06, Elizabeth (Liz) Weinandy (BS Medical Dietetics and MS Public Health) was recently quoted in an AARP article discussing key nutrition and fitness tips for weight loss. In the article, she talks about how eating breakfast and adding an hour of sleep at night can affect your weight. Liz is the lead outpatient dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. (published 2021)
’98, ’04 and ’05, Janelle Chiasera (MS Allied Medicine, MA and PhD Education Policy and Leadership) was recently appointed dean of the School of Health Sciences at Quinnipiac University. (published 2019)
’98, ’00, ’04, ’06, Georgianna Sergakis (BS Respiratory Therapy, BA Psychology, MS Allied Medicine, MA Education and PhD) was named the 2021 Specialty Practitioner of the Year from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). She is the program director and clinical professor of Respiratory Therapy at The Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. (published 2021)