Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Please note: Any residential program not listed here cannot offer F-1 Visas at this time.

Faculty and staff

Kellie C. Huxel Bliven, PhD, ATC
Chair and Professor
Email: kbliven@atsu.edu

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Kellie C. Huxel Bliven, PhD, ATC is the chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, where she is a professor and director of clinical anatomy. She also is a core faculty in the Physical Therapy Department and has an appointment in ATSU's Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health where she co-teaches musculoskeletal and head & neck anatomy courses. Dr. Bliven's current line of research on understanding and improving shoulder function and health addresses four areas: mechanisms of shoulder stability, muscle activation during rehabilitation, adaptations in the throwing shoulder, and health-related quality of life in throwing athletes. In addition to her faculty responsibilities, Dr. Bliven serves as the director of the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory and as the vice chair of the Institutional Review Board at the ATSU-Mesa campus. She is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation and serves on several professional committees. Dr. Bliven received her bachelor's degree in biology and physical education from Denison University in Granville, Ohio; master's degree in kinesiology from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.; and doctoral degree in kinesiology with an athletic training emphasis from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa.

Teaching area(s): Human anatomy
Research expertise: Overhead athletes, shoulder function and outcomes

R. Curtis Bay, PhD
Professor
Email: cbay@atsu.edu

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R. Curtis Bay, PhD, is a professor of biostatistics in the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. For 12 years prior to joining ATSU, Dr. Bay served as director of medical research support for the Department of Academic Affairs at the Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. He is a graduate of Arizona State University, where he received a doctorate in psychology, with an emphasis in statistical methodology. Dr. Bay teaches courses in research methodology, statistical analysis, and evidence-based practice. His current area of interest concerns the application of generalized linear models and generalized estimating equations to medical research questions. He is a co-author on more than 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts. He has been with ATSU for 18 years, and is currently chair of the Mesa Institutional Review Board and the ASHS Promotion & Tenure Committee.

Teaching area(s): Statistical methodology, research design, evidence-based practice
Research expertise: Application of statistical methodology to research questions

Kenny Lam, ScD, ATC, FNATA
Professor
Email: klam@atsu.edu

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Kenny Lam, ScD, ATC, FNATA is a professor of clinical research within the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences at ATSU. He received a Bachelor of Science in athletic training and a Master of Education in human movement from Boston University. He also completed his Doctor of Science degree from Boston University with a focus on movement sciences. Prior to becoming a faculty member at ATSU, Dr. Lam completed a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship within the Center of Clinical Outcomes Studies at ATSU with a focus on patient-oriented outcomes research. His current line of research seeks to understand the overall impact of sport-related lower extremity injuries on patient-oriented outcomes such as health-related quality of life. In addition to his faculty responsibilities, Dr. Lam serves as the director of the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN) and as the vice chair of the Institutional Review Board at the ATSU-Mesa campus. He also serves as a member of the Research Committee for the NATA Foundation, a member of the Athletic Training Research Committee of the NATA Foundation, and as an editorial board member for the Journal of Athletic Training and the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. In 2022, Dr. Lam was named a Fellow of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. Prior to earning his doctorate, Dr. Lam practiced as a certified athletic trainer at Boston University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Teaching area(s):research methodology, statistical analysis, healthcare informatics and technology
Research expertise: clinical outcomes assessment, practice-based research, sport-related lower extremity injuries

Kelsey J. Picha, PhD, AT
Associate Professor
Email: kpicha@atsu.edu

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Kelsey J. Picha, PhD, ATC is an associate professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences where she co-teaches clinical anatomy. Dr. Picha has previously taught functional anatomy and assisted with several other courses related to the human body and patient-centered care. Her research interests are in the areas of patient adherence to rehabilitation and social determinants of health in athletic healthcare. Dr. Picha has secured grant funding both internally and externally for her work. She currently serves on several professional committees including the AACA Branding, Promotion, and Outreach Committee, the NATA Education Advancement Committee, and the AZATA Governmental Affairs Committee. Dr. Picha also serves as a section editor for the Clinical Practice in Athletic Training Journal and serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. Dr. Picha earned her Bachelor of Athletic Training degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, her Master of Science degree in post-professional athletic training from A.T. Still University, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in rehabilitation sciences from the University of Kentucky.

Teaching area(s): Human Anatom
Research expertise: Social determinants of health, self-efficacy, patient outcomes, patient adherence

Amy J. Spies, PhD
Assistant Professor
Email: amyspies@atsu.edu

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Amy J. Spies, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Dr Spies has taught clinical anatomy, osteology, and forensic anthropology to numerous student groups both in the United States and in South Africa. Dr Spies received her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, her Honours in Health Sciences in human biology, her Master of Science (Medicine), and her Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr Spies completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. Dr Spies volunteers in the Forensic Anthropology Laboratory at the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, where she performs forensic casework and conducts research. Dr Spies’ research interests are primarily in the forensic anthropology realm and include analyses of trauma using virtual imaging, assessments of facial and postcranial fluctuating asymmetry, and sex and population-affinity assessments using geometric morphometrics.

Teaching area(s): Human anatomy
Research expertise: Forensic anthropology, osteology, geometric morphometrics, human variation

Alex Wong, MS
Instructor and Anatomy Lab Manager
Email: alexwong@atsu.edu

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Alex Wong is an instructor and the anatomy lab manager for the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences at ATSU. He received a Bachelor of Arts in biological anthropology from the University of Connecticut and a certificate in applied forensic anthropology from the University of Hawai'i - West Oahu. Additionally, he completed his Master's of Science in human biology from the University of Indianapolis. Prior to joining ATSU, Alex helped teach gross anatomy at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Indianapolis College of Health Sciences, and the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine. Outside of the anatomy realm, Alex has an extensive background in the field of forensic anthropology, which includes time spent interning at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency assisting in the identification of missing soldiers from World War II and the Korean War. Furthermore, he has conducted forensic anthropology casework in Hawaii, Texas, and Indiana. His areas of research include human biological variation, osteology, skeletal population affinity, musculoskeletal stress markers, and non-metric cranial traits.

Teaching area(s): Human anatomy
Research expertise: Osteology; Forensic anthropology

Kaylynn Schmitt
Program Manager
Email: kaylynnschmitt@atsu.edu

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Kaylynn Schmitt is the program manager for both the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and the Department of Athletic Training. Mrs. Schmitt joined A.T. Still University in 2016 and brings 12-plus years of administrative and clerical experience to her roles. Mrs. Schmitt works closely with department chairs, program directors, and faculty within the Doctor in Athletic Training and Master’s of Science in Athletic Training programs, clinical anatomy, and biostatistics units.

Valerie Hill
Administrative Assistant
Email: valeriehill@atsu.edu

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Valerie Hill began working at A.T. Still University in December 2022 as the administrative assistant for the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and the Department of Athletic Training. Valerie joined ATSU's team with over 30 years of administrative experience from another institution of higher education.

Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health

The below guidelines will be followed when reviewing international students for admission to ATSU-ASDOH.

1. International students applying for admission to ATSU-ASDOH must meet all general requirements for admission as stated in admissions publications.

2. International students must take all prerequisites courses in the United States. Equivalency courses will not be considered.

3. Applicants who have graduated from a foreign college or university should submit acceptable evidence of U.S. degree/course equivalency. All course work taken at the foreign institution must be evaluated by one of the following services:

   World Education Services P.O. Box 5087 Bowling Green Station New York, NY 10274-5087 212.966.6311 212.739.6139 FAX info@wes.org wes.org	Foreign Consultants, Inc. Credential Evaluation Services 3000 Dundee Road, Suite 2019 Northbrook, IL 60062 773.761.000 foreignconsultants.com
   Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. P.O. Box 514070 Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470 414.289.3400 ece.org	GCE, Inc. P.O.Box 9203 College Station, TX 77842 1.800.707.0979 gceus.com

4. Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English when applying to A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. Written and spoken proficiency in the English language may be demonstrated by one of the following options:

   Option 1

   English is your first language

   Option 2

   Graduated from a regionally accredited four-year university or college in the United States (minimum B.A. or B.S.)

   Option 3

   You are demonstrating your English proficiency by submitting acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

   Acceptable minimum scores for ATSU-ASDOH applications are:

   The Computer Based Test (CBT), Internet Based Test (iBT), or the Paper Based Test (PBT) are accepted. The following are the minimum required score based on test type:

   Test	Reading Skills	Writing Skills	Total Score
   CBT	22(minimum)	26(minimum)	213(minimum)
   iBT	22(minimum)	24(minimum)	80(minimum)
   PBT	57(minimum)	61(minimum)	550(minimum)

   The TOEFL is administered by

   TOEFL Educational Testing Services
   P.O. Box 6151
   Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
   609.771.7100

   A.T. Still University’s institutional code is 0339. Please be sure to include this information when you submit your application packet.

   • Credit for advanced standing will not be given for any work completed in foreign graduate or medical schools. All students must apply for first-year status.
   • International students must have permanent residency status (green card) to be eligible to receive any type of federal financial assistance.
   • International students not having permanent residency status must provide written proof of ability to finance their Dental education prior to matriculation.
   • Applicants must submit Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores that are not older than three years.
   • International students seeking to enter a program of study at ASDOH must hold a F-1 (student) visa issued by the U.S. Government. ASDOH is approved to issue a U.S. Department of Homeland Security For I-20. Upon receiving the completed Form I-20 from ATSU, you will be able to apply for an F-1 (student) visa.

College of Graduate Health Studies

The below guidelines will be followed when reviewing international students for admission to ATSU-CGHS.

1. Application:
   • Completed and signed admissions application along with a nonrefundable application fee.
2. Academic:
   • An accredited Masters degree from a university recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Applicants who received their qualifying degree from a university outside the United States will have to provide a degree equivalency evaluation.*
   • Official transcript from the qualifying degree-granting institution. For students using VA benefits transcripts for all institutions attended are required.
   • Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) at the qualifying degree institution.
3. Elements of Success:
   • A current resume
   • Completion of an essay
   • English Proficiency **
   • Meet technology requirements***

*Applicants who have graduated from a foreign college or university should submit acceptable evidence of U.S. degree/course equivalency. All course work taken at the foreign institution must be evaluated for American institution equivalence by one of the following services:

**Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English when applying to A.T. Still University’s College of Graduate Studies. Written and spoken proficiency in the English language may be demonstrated by one of the following options:

• Option 1

  English is your first language

  Option 2

  Graduated from a regionally accredited four-year university or college in the United States with a B.A. , B.S., or graduate degree.

  Option 3

  You are demonstrating your English proficiency by submitting acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

  Accepted test types for CGHS are:

  The Computer Based Test (CBT), Internet Based Test (iBT), or the Paper Based Test (PBT) are accepted. The following are the minimum required score based on test type:

  Test	Reading Skills	Writing Skills	Total Score
  CBT	22(minimum)	26(minimum)	213(minimum)
  iBT	22(minimum)	24(minimum)	80(minimum)
  PBT	57(minimum)	61(minimum)	550(minimum)

  The TOEFL is administered by TOEFL/TSE Services, PO Box 6151, Princeton, NJ, 08541-6151, USA 609.771.7100. A.T Still University’s institutional code is 0339. Please be sure to include this information when you submit your application packet.

  TOEFL Educational Testing Services
  P.O. Box 6151
  Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
  609.771.7100

*** ATSU technology requirements

Apply to any of the College of Graduate Health Studies (CGHS) programs online through ATSU’s application system.

Apply Now

Review application deadline dates

For additional information contact an Enrollment Counselor:
877.626.5577
cghsonlineadmissions@atsu.edu

Programs and services

Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory (IRL)

The Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory (IRL) is housed within the DIHS. The goal of the IRL is to foster an interdisciplinary research culture through shared resources and collaborative relationships. The IRL provides funding to support new and ongoing research activities and includes a physical space (~2,900 square feet) for meeting and research activities, shared equipment to collect data and answer research questions related to a spectrum of human functions.

Equipment in the following areas includes, but is not limited to:

Neuromuscular and cognitive function, including:

• 12-camera Vicon™ Motion Analysis System with Motion Monitor™ software and high-performance computer to capture kinematic data
• EMG unit, the Noraxon Wireless TeleMyo DTS 16-channel system, for assessment of neuromuscular performance characteristics
• GaitRite gait analysis system
• NeuroCom Smart Balance Master with a long forceplate and the Dynavision system, for measuring postural stability and vestibular function
• RealEyes™ binocular XDVR video goggles and camera for assessing and recording eye movements
• LigMaster computerized stress device, available for assessment of ankle, knee, elbow, and glenohumeral joint force-displacement characteristics
• 2 GE LOGIQ e diagnostic ultrasound units
• 4 desktop and laptop computers dedicated to data analysis and writing
• Custom made joint stiffness device
• Electrogoniometers, accelerometers, and hand-held dynamometers

Exercise and metabolic function, including:

• CosMed portable metabolic system
• Treadmill
• Load electronically braked adult and pediatric cycle ergometers
• Monark cycle ergometer

Biometric function, including:

• iMotions software
• Eye tracking
• Galvanic skin conductance
• Polar monitors

Bioinstrumentation function, including

• Biopac equipment and software
• Diagnostic imaging devices
• EMG
• Blood flow
• Note: This equipment is part of the ATSU-SOMA space in the IRL.

Policies and procedures

Coming soon

How to reserve the IRL

The IRL can be reserved, by space or equipment, using ATSU's EMS Rooms Booking Software (portal login required). The IRL is located on Mesa's campus in Building 5845, Interdisciplinary Research Lab.

Equipment (inventory, catalog)

Coming soon; This will also be available in the Interdisciplinary Research component of the FAME program

Gross anatomy laboratories

The gross anatomy laboratories are a shared space for several schools on A.T. Still University's Mesa campus. The labs provide a multi-modal hands-on, interactive learning space for students and faculty to advance their knowledge of the human body. The space includes two gross anatomy laboratories outfitted to support dissection and prosected cadavers (24 cadaver cooler capacity), anatomic models, a brain bank, atlases, and computer workstations with various applications, including 3D anatomy software.

Safety training

Everyone must complete the annual Lab Safety Training before learning in the gross anatomy labs. This training is good for one (1) calendar year from the date of completion; it does not need to be completed every July 1. If you are unsure when you (or your students) completed the training last, please reach out to the following email for confirmation: ashsanatomy@atsu.edu.

Request use of models for teaching

Anatomy models may be checked out from the labs by faculty and staff for teaching purposes. If you would like to check out any models from the lab for teaching purposes, please fill out the Anatomy Model Check-Out Request Form. Within the form, there is a link to the current inventory of models - you will use that document to identify the numbers of the model(s) you'd like to request. After you submit the request, the models will be sanitized and a DIHS faculty member will reach out to you to identify a good day/time for you to pick it/them up.

Faculty Advancement and Mentoring for Excellence (FAME) program

The mission of the Faculty Advancement and Mentoring for Excellence (FAME) program is to facilitate faculty success so that faculty members can develop a long, productive, and fulfilling career in academia. To achieve this mission, the faculty advancement program offers content and services related to faculty onboard, faculty development, research consultation, and interdisciplinary research.

Faculty onboarding

The aim of faculty onboarding is to welcome new faculty and provide them with fundamental information (eg, resources, services) about our school and institution so that they have a solid foundation to build upon.

Faculty development

The aim of faculty development is to support faculty success by assisting new faculty in the transition into academia, supporting faculty in developing and implementing an actionable career plan, and providing contemporary and important knowledge and skills to all faculty.

Research consultation

The aim of research consultation is to assist in increasing scholarly productivity by supporting faculty-led research projects, facilitating the research process for faculty, and offering technical expertise in research projects.

Interdisciplinary research

The aim of interdisciplinary research is to foster an interdisciplinary research culture by supporting faculty research through resource sharing (eg, physical space, funding) and encouraging and coordinating collaborative relationships within our school.