USciences' Alyssa Reiter (Sewell, N.J.) Selected as Albert Schweitzer Fellow

PHILADELPHIA, PA (04/09/2012)(readMedia)-- The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (ASF) program identified Alyssa Reiter, a University of the Sciences' 2014 doctor of occupational therapy candidate, as one of just 12 fellows for 2012-2013. Her project, which will provide healthy lifestyle education and programming to children and parents in Philadelphia's Kensington section, attracted ASF whose mission is to, "Develop Leaders in Service: individuals who are dedicated and skilled in meeting the health needs of underserved communities, and whose example influences and inspires others."

Reiter has chosen KenCrest Head Start in Kensington, where 98 percent of preschool-aged students fall below the poverty line, to address limitations in nutrition, physical activity, and community resources. Her ideas will be narrowed based on parental expectations. No matter the product of her specific plan, Reiter will provide the children with healthy lifestyle routines they can use to be successful as they move through their lives.

"The occupational therapy department at USciences challenges its students to think outside the box," Reiter explained. "OT is broad and with the department's emphasis on program development, we are encouraged to look with a societal view in mind where we can use our skills and be creative."

Reiter chose to work with KenCrest because her previous service learning coursework there opened her eyes to the health disparities in the area, and she claimed to have seen potential for success. USciences has a long-standing relationship with KenCrest, and Reiter will only enhance the efforts of the many who have made an impact there.

"She and I have been examining these issues for the past year and this project builds upon what we have looked at during that first year," said Dr. Roger Ideishi, associate professor of occupational therapy, who will serve as Reiter's academic mentor.

Reiter hails from Sewell, N.J. Her parents are David and Annette Reiter. Visit http://bit.ly/HvCsJb to learn more about Reiter's accomplishments and the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (SchweitzerFellowship.org) program.

At University of the Sciences, students embark on a challenging learning experience in a proving ground for successful professionals in the science and healthcare-related fields. A private institution dedicated to education, research, and service, and distinguished as the nation's first college of pharmacy, the University has produced leaders in the science and healthcare marketplaces since its founding in 1821. Students in USciences' five colleges learn to excel in scientific analysis and to apply their skills to improving healthcare in the lives of people worldwide through such disciplines as pharmacy, biology, physical therapy, healthcare business, and health policy. For more information, visit usciences.edu.

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