Alicen Whitaker, SPT | 3rd Year DPT Student @ University of Kansas Medical Center

Alicen Whitaker, SPT

Whether it's being involved in research, within the APTA, or outside of the classroom, Alicen is a proven leader. She has been awarded numerous honors and is dedicated to improving herself as a student through KU's PhD courses and being involved with a research lab. Check out below why she has been nominated and chosen as our latest SPT Spotlight!
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The following has been shared with us from a fellow student about our Spotlight, Alicen:
"When the SSIG shared that they were looking for students who deserved to be recognized, I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than Alicen Whitaker. Alicen sets the standard for students seeking to push the physical therapy profession forward. Her commitment to excellence is visible through her involvement with the APTA and her leadership roles in the KPTA SSIG and on the campus of KUMC. Additionally, Alicen is highly involved in research, an interest developed through being awarded the NIH summer T32 Neurologic Research Grant. It was this opportunity that allowed her to connect to a faculty mentor, Dr. Sandy Billinger and opened the doors to her enrollment in the DPT/PhD dual-degree program.
 
So not only does Alicen put in countless hours to excel in the DPT curriculum along with her classmates, she also has a full commitment to PhD courses and current research.
 
When asked about this immense workload, Alicen shares, “It is worth it. I have loved every minute of it. It gives me a new perspective both in research and in the physical therapy program. My eyes have been opened to critically evaluating evidence in physical therapy and how to adapt research, so it reflects what happens in the clinic.”
 
This work ethic has shined through in the awards and honors she has received. Most recently being awarded Best Research Platform Presentation at KPTA Fall Retreat. Furthermore, Alicen has already been listed as an author on 1 published manuscript and 2 more that are currently being submitted!"
Twitter: @Alicen_Whitaker
Facebook Research Lab: @KUReachLab