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A graduate of the West Virginia University School of Medicine is building on her educational experience in her new job. An Occupational Therapy Doctorate graduate, Taylor Grout partnered with the Country Roads program at the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities — now her employer — for her capstone project, developing a workbook for volunteer peer mentors to better assist the program’s students who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Jeanette Garcia, a West Virginia University kinesiologist and health psychologist, is a community-based researcher who studies how children with neurodivergences, like autism, can benefit from judo and jujitsu classes, along with their caregivers.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice recently presented Dr. Elizabeth Scharman, professor emerita at the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, with the 2024 Distinguished Mountaineer Award. This award is the highest honor the Governor can bestow upon a non-native West Virginian and was given to Scharman following 32 years of service to the West Virginia Poison Center.

The West Virginia University College of Law continues to prepare graduates to provide legal services in communities throughout the state with 62% of graduates staying in West Virginia after graduation.

Guy Hornsby, assistant professor for Coaching and Performance Science in the West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences, has been named Educator of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Hornsby was one of seven recipients of the organization’s 2024 Peer Awards recognizing professionals for outstanding achievements in the field.

Shatika Jones, a new Faith Community Nurse who received training from the West Virginia University School of Nursing, is working with West Logan Church to build a nurse-led access to care point within her community.

West Virginia University Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources teaching assistant professor Akua Oppong-Anane is this year’s Thriving Women Program award recipient. Oppong-Anane plans to develop a mentorship program for BIPOC and women students in engineering fields.

Monongalia County native Spencer Hession is a new West Virginia University graduate who is leaving the University better prepared than when he arrived because of his time in the Country Roads Program, designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Erin Goodykoontz, teaching professor in the West Virginia University Eberly College School of Mathematical and Data Sciences, has been named the 2023 Professor of the Year by the Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia. The award is given annually to instructors working in the state’s public and private colleges to recognize their innovation and creativity in teaching.

A team of West Virginia University students from the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, the WVU Reed College of Media and the WVU College of Law participated in one of the world’s premier cybersecurity competitions. Locked Shields, now in its fourth year, is an exercise created by NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, with participation from over 40 nations.