Kristine Hallisy | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kristine Hallisy | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

University of WI-Madison | United States

Dr. Kristine Hallisy, PT, DSc, is an accomplished scholar at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, United States, recognized for her impactful contributions to orthopedic and geriatric physical therapy, as well as integrative health practices. Her research focuses on the integration of Tai Chi–based movement interventions into evidence-based rehabilitation for older adults, chronic pain management, and fall prevention. Through her innovative approach, Dr. Kristine Hallisy bridges traditional rehabilitation science with holistic, culturally sensitive wellness strategies that promote health equity and social inclusion. Her scholarly portfolio, reflected in Scopus (ID: 55829701700), includes peer-reviewed works in journals such as The Gerontologist, Current Geriatrics Reports, and the International Journal of Family & Community Medicine, accumulating 37 citations across 36 documents with an h-index of 2. She has authored influential publications including the Tai Chi Fundamentals® Adapted Program and the APTA-Geriatrics monograph Tai Chi for Physical Therapists and Assistants Working with Older Adults. Her research leadership has been recognized through awards such as the APTA Global Health SIG Blue Ribbon Recognition for Social Responsibility and the Institute on Aging New Investigator Award. Dr. Kristine Hallisy’s current research emphasizes the dissemination of Tai Chi Prime™ through “Train the Leader” community-based models that empower African American/Black and Latinx populations. Her sustained contributions as a mentor, reviewer, and academic innovator continue to shape the fields of physical therapy education, geriatric health, and culturally responsive rehabilitation science.

Profiles: ScopusORCID | Staff Page

Featured Publications

  • Reicheter A., Boissonnault W. G., Chesbro S., Williams B., Steinkamp L. A., Wilson S., & Hallisy K. M. (2007). Enhancing cultural competence of physical therapy students: a shared diversity project between Howard University and UW-Madison. JBPHPD: Research, Education and Policy, 1(1), 25–39.

  • Hallisy, K. M. (2015). Tai chi enhances biopsychosocial management of chronic low back pain (Abstract). International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-9096.S1.011

  • Hallisy, K. M. (2018). Tai chi beyond balance and fall prevention: health benefits and its potential role in combatting social isolation in the aging population (Review). Current Geriatrics Reports, 7, 37.

  • Hallisy, K. M. (2018). Health benefits of Tai Chi: potential mechanisms of action (Commentary). International Journal of Family & Community Medicine, 2(5), 261–264.

  • Hallisy, K. M. (2019). Tai Chi: An exercise that promotes optimal aging and well-being. International Journal of Family & Community Medicine, 3(6), 243–246. https://doi.org/10.15406/ijfcm.2019.03.00164

Zhiwei Zhong | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhiwei Zhong | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University | China

Dr. Zhiwei Zhong’s research focuses on molecular oncology, nanomedicine, and biomarker discovery in complex diseases such as pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, thyroid eye disease, and venous thromboembolism. His studies integrate bioinformatics, molecular biology, and nanotechnology to uncover therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Zhong has contributed to several high-impact publications in PLOS One, Cancer Cell International, Oncology Reports, Digestive Diseases and Sciences, and SN Applied Sciences. His notable works include identifying key extracellular proteins (EGFR, CD44, and CXCL8) as potential biomarkers in thyroid eye disease, elucidating the regulatory role of lncRNA FTX in suppressing NAFLD progression to hepatocellular carcinoma via Kupffer cell polarization, and exploring nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for targeted thrombolysis and cancer therapy. He has also investigated tumor suppressor mechanisms involving KLF9 and CHD1L in pancreatic cancer, providing insights into tumor proliferation, invasion, and survival pathways. His research contributions advance the understanding of molecular pathogenesis, precision diagnostics, and targeted nanotherapeutic strategies in human diseases.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. He, S., Nie, H., Yin, X., & Zhong, Z. (2025, April). Identification of key extracellular proteins as the potential biomarkers in thyroid eye disease. PLOS ONE, 20(4), e0322415. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0322415