Dr. Marco Brotto has been formally appointed and installed as the 2026 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Advisor. The ASBMR is the leading global scientific society dedicated to advancing bone, mineral, and musculoskeletal research and care. 

"This role is a privilege because it allows me to contribute directly to the international community of scientists and clinicians working at the interface of muscle and bone," Brotto says. "For me, recognitions like this are less about personal achievement and more about an opportunity to be of service, and supporting colleagues, trainees, and, ultimately, the patients who may benefit from our work." 

Brotto was also appointed as an ambassador for the International Federation of Musculoskeletal Research Societies (IFMRS), which serves and helps to connect researchers across countries, disciplines, and career stages so that we can accelerate progress in musculoskeletal science.

"As a member of the Bahá’í Faith, I view service to humanity as the highest expression of our work, and this appointment gives me a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a global effort aimed at reducing the burden of musculoskeletal disease," he adds.

The appointment reflects many years of work in skeletal muscle and bone biology. He also credits his team and collaborators for remaining focused on how these systems interact and influence health over a person's lifespan.

The Arlington Study of Healthy Aging (ASHA), consisting of investigators and research assistants led by kinesiology Professor Dr. Michael Nelson, aims to collect as much data as possible on the aging population of Tarrant County, with the ultimate goal of helping people live longer, healthier lives. 

Read more in UTA's Inquiry Magazine

Pictured above: Bianca J Gamez and Clinical Assistant Professor Brad Heddins

The speaker for CONHI's annual Anderson Lecture Series was Bianca J. Gamez, Senior Director of Communications and Media Relations, United Football League. Faculty, staff and students came together to listen on the subject "Building Up a Start Up Brand in Sports".

The UTA Bachelor of Science in Public Health Program celebrated National Public Health Week (April 6–10, 2026) with a series of engaging, student-centered events. Highlights included a Career Exploration Fair connecting students with public health professionals and the interactive student led “Big Bash: This is Public Health” event at Brazos Park.

A 2025 REP proposal by Dr. Rhonda Winegar, a CONHI Assistant Professor, titled "Pilot Study, Phase 1: Improving Sleep Quality in Cancer Survivors Through Behavioral Interventions and Objective Sleep Monitoring” was selected for funding in the amount of $15,000. This award will aid in research efforts and help increase competitiveness for external funding in the future.

Congratulations, Dr. Winegar!

Endowed Chair in Gerontological
Nursing Excellence

CONHI professor Dr. Barbara Schneider has been reappointed by Provost Tamara Brown as Endowed Chair in Gerontological Nursing Excellence.

Congratulations, Dr. Schneider!

Rural Health Center Manager Invited to Participate in National Rural Research Mentorship Network Program

Aspen Drude, CONHI Rural Health Center Manager, was recently invited to participate in the National Rural Higher Education Research Center’s inaugural cohort of the Rural Research Mentorship Network. Drude's experience and potential to contribute meaningfully to a collaborative rural research community led to her selection. The mentorship with take place this summer.

Congratulations, Aspen!

Kia Kolumbi Receives Administrative Award

Congratulations to Kia Kalumbi, a CONHI Administrative Assistant I, on receiving the award for Best Producer of Productivity!

"Kia consistently demonstrates a proactive mindset, identifying opportunities to streamline processes and implementing solutions that have a lasting, positive impact on both staff and students. Kia is a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented professional whose contributions continue to elevate our operations. She exemplifies the spirit of the Administrative Professional and why she was chosen as the Producer of Productivity Award by UTA for 2026," Felicia Chamberlain, CONHI manager for Academic Online Programs in graduate nursing, says.

Learn more about the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Rural Health

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Alumna Ansah Mirza is the newest Gunnin Fellow. This status is a graduate-level public health student selected for the Gerry C. Gunnin, Ph.D. Public Health Memorial Fellowship at Texas Health Resources. The fellowship is designed to support and develop future public health leaders by providing both financial assistance and a structured, hands-on internship experience. The selection process is highly competitive and several factors are weighed.

Congratulations, Ansah!

The Kinesiology department hosted the 3rd Annual CONHI Research Expo in the Maverick Activities Center, with oral presentations and posters from students. Representatives from Cook Children’s Hospital were also present, sharing research initiatives and opportunities for collaboration. Attendees were able to view over 70 research posters.

Student Sigma Scholarship recipients and faculty pose at the Symposium.

CONHI faculty, staff and students participated in an Interprofessional Education (IPE) Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) simulation. 

The Smart Hospital team share VR technology at the Fort Worth Art Festival.

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