Dr. Rebecca Lopez with Dr. Doug Casa, chief executive officer of the Korey Stringer Institute. Dr. Casa presented Dr. Lopez with the 2023 Rebecca L. Stearns Korey Stringer Institute Alumni Award at the KSI Annual Award Ceremony in May.

Rebecca Lopez, PhD, ATC, CSCS, professor and director of Post-professional Graduate Advanced Athletic Training Program in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, recently earned the 2023 Rebecca L. Stearns Korey Stringer Institute Alumni Award.  The award is presented by the University of Connecticut for graduates who demonstrate exceptional dedication and work in carrying forward the mission of the Korey Stringer Institute.

Dr. Lopez, who joined USF Health in 2010, received the award for her service roles that contributed to positive changes in the profession, including her work on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee and its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Task Force. She was recognized and presented with the award in May at the Institute’s annual awards ceremony.

The Korey Stringer Institute, named after a Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman who passed away from exertional heat stroke, provides research, education, advocacy and consultation to maximize performance, optimize safety and prevent sudden death for the athlete, warfighter and laborer.