Laura Beane Freeman, investigator, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute. Beane Freeman received an M.S. in preventive medicine in 1999 and a Ph.D. in epidemiology in 2003 from The University of Iowa. Her research focuses on cancer and the environment. She currently serves as the principal or co-principal investigator on several studies, including a cohort of workers in formaldehyde industries and the Agricultural Health Study cohort. She earned awards in 2005 and 2007 from the National Cancer Institute for research excellence, is a member of numerous advisory panels and committees, serves as a reviewer for professional journals, and participates in teaching and mentoring activities.

Christina Freese-Decker, vice president, system strategic planning & development, and executive director, Regional Hospital Network, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, Mich. Freese-Decker earned master’s degrees in health administration and industrial engineering from The University of Iowa in 2002. She is responsible for the strategic planning process for Spectrum Health System, including evaluating and communicating the progress made toward objectives; analyzing satisfaction surveys; and developing system-wide growth strategies and business plans. As executive director of the Regional Hospital Network, she coordinates and implements initiatives that provide value to members. Freese-Decker is also the vice chair of the David D. Hunting YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and a member of the UI Department of Health Management and Policy’s Alumni Board. She is a long-time member of the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, and the Michigan Society for Healthcare Planning and Marketing. She also is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Frank Lisella, health and safety consultant, Watkinsville, Ga. Lisella received a Ph.D. in Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health from The University of Iowa in 1970. His distinguished career in public health practice spans more than 50 years. In 1964, he began his career in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, retiring in 1987 with the rank of captain. During his years in the Public Health Service, he worked in many capacities, primarily at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. His achievements included developing the CDC’s first training courses on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of pesticide poisonings; overseeing issues related to testing, transportation, and disposal of biologic and chemical warfare munitions; planning, coordinating, and evaluating national programs associated with the prevention of unnecessary morbidity and mortality in humans; and providing technical input on proposed federal laws and regulations pertaining to chemicals in the environment. After retiring from the CDC, Lisella directed environmental health and safety programs at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. Since his retirement from Emory University, Lisella has continued to work as a health and safety consultant. He has authored numerous scientific papers and reports and has consulted for various organizations, including the Pan-American Health Organization and the World Health Organization.

Presentations

The 2010 award recipients presented the following seminars on the UI campus May 14.