Countdown to Commencement
Alicia Correa has had military designs since she was a child. But it was while serving in the U.S. Air Force and volunteering for the Wounded Warrior Project, that her future truly revealed itself to her.
Observing the critical role that physical therapists play in rehabiliation and recovery, the first-generation doctoral student (did we mention she’s also her family’s first high school and college graduate?) was inspired to a career in physical rehabilitation.
“While the DPT program has definitely come with its own challenges, I feel strongly that my military background helped me get through those tougher moments,” Alicia says.
And while her first-generation student story could serve to inspire other prospective students in the future, it has already inspired her family to further their own educations.
Read more about Alicia’s journey at the link in bio.
Fight on, Dr. Correa! ✌️
Celebrating extraordinary leadership, service, and achievement 🎓✨
Congratulations to Dr. DaNya Horne, Dr. Ezinne Nwadiogu, Dr. Jasmine Stanley-Haskins, and Dr. Serena Stephens on their induction into the Order of the Arête, and special congratulations to Dr. Natalie Slim on receiving the Order of the Laurel and the Palm, USC’s highest graduate student honors.
These remarkable graduates exemplify USC’s unifying values through their impact, dedication, and leadership within the community and beyond. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and all that lies ahead for each of them. Fight On!
Countdown to Commencement
When DaNya Horne DPT ’26 walks across the stage this Friday, she will do so with an added distinction. She will be the first official graduate of the Division’s Early Assurance Program (EAP) with the HBCU Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), which is known to produce more Black healthcare professionals than any other educational institution.
The program gives XULA students early acceptance into USC’s top-ranked physical therapy program as well as mentorship and summer research opportunities. To successfully complete the EAP, XULA students must maintain a certain GPA and complete all the required courses and clinical experiences for admission.
“It feels like a responsibility, a legacy and a proof of concept,” DaNya says of being the first official EAP graduate. “There is something powerful about stepping into a program where there is no ‘previous version of you’ to model the experience after.”
Learn more about DaNya’s journey at the link in bio.
Fight on, Dr. Horne! ✌️
Countdown to Commencement
When master’s in biokinesiology graduate Jordan Cass discovered she was facing a rare medical condition that only impacts 1 or 2 out of every million people worldwide every year, she could’ve given up her educational aspirations. But, thanks to an iron-strong work ethic and the flexibility and care offered by Division faculty, she will be walking across the stage this Friday as part of the Division’s Commencement ceremony.
For prospective master’s students, Jordan has some advice. “Really talk to the professors,” she says. “Try to get involved in as much research as possible, and just really have an interest in what you do — it will show.”
Read more about Jordan’s journey at link in bio.
Fight on, Jordan! ✌️
Countdown to Commencement
It was a faulty tumbling pass that first landed Arik Abulon in the office of a physical therapist. After an awkward landing on his left leg, the longtime gymnast and one-time cheer squad member began to receive physical therapy treatment, inspiring him to earn a DPT degree and treat athletes much like himself. “Since I’ve gone through it myself, I can relate,” he says “There’s a lot of empathy that comes from understanding the process firsthand.”
Read more about Arik’s journey at the link in bio.
Fight on, Dr. Abulon! ✌️
Countdown to Commencement
Desiree Cuizon’s path to the physical therapy profession wasn’t a straightforward one — after completing her undergraduate education, she stepped away from academia for nearly a decade to dance professionally and work in movement-based fields.
But, that time away from academia was an education in itself, giving her insight into the patients — performance artists, professional athletes and amateurs, alike — she hopes to one day serve.
As she looks ahead to a move to New York City and a wedding, she knows one thing for sure. “Once I’m gone, I still have my community at USC that’s super strong,” she says.
Read more about Desiree’s journey at the link in bio.
📸: Nyah Rodriguez
Fight on, Dr. Cuizon! ✌️
Countdown to Commencement
Meet PhD gradute in biokinesiology Matt Heindel, who represents a “prototype” for the esteemed clinician-scientist, a highly trained professional who can move seamlessly between the clinic and the lab, applying research findings to patient care and discovering new research questions based on clinical care.
“[Clinician-scientists] let patients shape the questions they ask in research, and they let their experiments change how they approach the next patient,” Heindel says. “It’s a loop, and the tighter you can keep it, the better.”
Read more about Matt’s journey at the link in bio.
Fight on, Dr. Heindel! ✌️
![Countdown to CommencementMeet PhD gradute in biokinesiology Matt Heindel, who represents a “prototype” for the esteemed clinician-scientist, a highly trained professional who can move seamlessly between the clinic and the lab, applying research findings to patient care and discovering new research questions based on clinical care.“[Clinician-scientists] let patients shape the questions they ask in research, and they let their experiments change how they approach the next patient,” Heindel says. “It’s a loop, and the tighter you can keep it, the better.”Read more about Matt’s journey at the link in bio.Fight on, Dr. Heindel! ️](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6727413050515949336848_0_13537f96f13c19ab28b6915ecb8071c8.jpg?o=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&h=6228402461c9c2bbb8b727c842385f08)
