Trudy Mallinson, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FACRM, and Samar A. Nasser, PhD, MPH, PA-C, have been named co-program directors of the PhD in Translational Health Sciences Program (THS) in the Department of Clinical Research and Leadership at the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Nasser will lead the THS program's didactic portion which comprises the first two years of study, while Mallinson will direct the research and dissertation phase of study. In addition to her new position, Mallinson will continue in her roles as associate dean for research in health sciences and associate professor in CRL and the Department of Health Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences (HHFR). Nasser, associate professor in CRL, will also continue in her current roles as director of the Clinical and Translational Research (CTR) Program and director of the BSHS Clinical Health Sciences (CHS) Program. Nasser will also serve as section chief of academic programs in translational research.
Leslie Davidson, PhD, chair and associate professor in CRL, is pleased to have two experienced leaders directing the program. "Dr. Mallinson will bring her research expertise to the program as she will lead the dissertation phase of the PhD. As associate dean of research for Health Sciences (HS), she will offer students opportunities to partner with scholars across not only HS, but GW and GW affiliates for their dissertation. She is committed to doctoral student research and moving current faculty scholarship forward through the development of mentor-mentee research relationships."
"Dr. Nasser has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her role as program director for our BSHS program as well as our graduate programs in CTR and Clinical Research Professional," Davidson added. "In her new role as section chief for programs in Translational Research and her leadership in the PhD program, she will bring her expertise in academic administration, while ensuring the current innovative programming and quality continues to be cutting edge."
The PhD program in THS teaches students to synthesize and generate knowledge about the myriad processes shaping how knowledge in health sciences is translated into practice. Translational activities are developed and implemented in specific social, political, and organizational contexts that shape their outcome. The program draws on implementation science to prepare graduates to create, translate, disseminate, and integrate new knowledge across disciplines to improve health care practice, inform future health related research, and shape policies that impact personal, community and population health.
Mallinson is looking forward to working more closely with students in the program. "Being asked to serve as director of doctoral research for the THS program is a tremendous honor and opportunity," she said. "Research within the health sciences division is diverse, exciting, and growing. I see great opportunities for future collaborations between our doctoral students and faculty lines of inquiry. I am particularly excited to collaborate with the expertise of Dr. Alison Hall on workforce development and see more of our students applying for and receiving doctoral fellowships." Hall is associate dean for research workforce development with SMHS.
Nasser said, "I am very excited to collaborate with everyone on the PhD in THS program. In the short time that I have been on board, I have noticed and truly appreciate the support and collegial nature of our team."
Mallinson and Nasser succeed Mary Corcoran, PhD, who stepped down as THS program director this summer. "Dr. Corcoran led an innovative interprofessional team of academics who collectively established the THS program five years ago; her impact on the program has been tremendous," Davidson said.
"Dr. Corcoran has been instrumental in changing the way future translational scientists are trained and conduct research," said Davidson. "As we admit our fifth cohort into the program, it has become increasingly evident that this PhD is unique in its commitment to integrative course design as well as interprofessional team teaching models. Dr. Corcoran passes her legacy to two distinguished academic leaders who will ensure the PhD program in translational health research is a benchmark for excellence in this discipline across the country."
Corcoran is continuing in her role as professor in CRL and HHFR at GW Health Sciences.
Mallinson joined SMHS in 2013 as a visiting associate professor in CRL. She was named associate professor in 2015, with tenure in 2018. She became associate dean for research in 2019 and also received a faculty appointment that year to HHFR in addition to CRL.
Nasser joined SMHS in 2011 as an assistant professor. In 2016 she became the director of the BSHS in CHS program, then in 2017 she was named associate professor and director of the MSHS in CTR program. She has a master of public health degree from the University of Michigan, in addition to a master of science degree in physician assistant studies and a PhD from Wayne State University.
