Nicholle Lewis received the Jan Gwyer Student Recognition Award for Academic, Clinical, and Scholarly Excellence at a ceremony honoring the 2023 graduates.
Her passion for research and prior experience in basic science and publications and presentations led her to be selected for a Graduate Research Assistantship in Dr. Timothy Faw’s lab. Dr. Lewis assisted with numerous projects focused on the neurobiology of brain and spinal cord injury and the mechanisms of rehabilitation-induced recovery. In addition, she completed literature reviews and assisted with manuscript production.
Her work resulted in two peer-reviewed publications in Neurospine in 2022 with one as a first author, entitled “Effect of Acute Physical Interventions on Pathophysiology and Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature,” and another as a second author titled, “Surgical Considerations to Improve Recovery in Acute Spinal Cord Injury.”
“Her ability to immediately engage with tasks and ask high-level questions demonstrates not only preparation but also excellent comprehension of complex and unfamiliar material. She has extraordinary potential to be a highly successful clinician, scientist, and leader in the profession,” the nomination states.
In February, she presented “Effects of Physical Activity Timing in Acute Spinal Cord Injury,” at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting, held in San Diego, California. She will soon begin the Atrium Health Women’s Health PT Residency in Charlotte, NC. The award is presented in honor of the professor emeritus and fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association.