UCF Student Named Florida’s Outstanding Physical Therapy Student of the Year

By Angie Lewis

On March 27, physical therapy graduate student Dayna Browman received the award for Outstanding Student of the Year from the Florida Physical Therapy Association. The award is given to only one student in the state who exhibits exemplary service, research and dedication to the association and profession.

“Dayna is a great student and is very deserving of this award,” Associate Professor Eileen Hamby said.

Browman, along with fellow graduate student James Namvar, will present their Structural Model of a University Exercise Program for Students with Disabilities at the American Physical Therapy Association’s national conference in Chicago, which will take place June 30–July 3.

Thanks to Browman and Namvar, the UCF Recreation and Wellness Center now provides an exercise program for students with disabilities. Two physical therapy students manage the program each year, which gives disabled students, who would be unable to exercise otherwise, access to the center and an opportunity to receive assistance in flexibility, cardiovascular and strength training.

In addition to the continued commitment and cooperation of the physical therapy program, Browman said she hopes their project leads to future growth of the exercise program that includes American with Disabilities Act–approved equipment.

Alumnus Nick Haffey, the college’s 2004 Rising Star, is the only previous UCF winner of the award.