Early Career Achievement Award
Ilaria Palmisano, PhD
Since 2023, Dr. Palmisano has served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience. Dr. Palmisano’s research focuses on disentangling the plasticity of the epigenome in response to spinal and nerve injury, aging, and diabetic metabolic alterations, with the long-term goal of identifying key epigenetic and transcriptional pathways that can be targeted to reprogram neurons towards a regenerative/repair state. Department Chair, Dr. Popovich, shares that Dr. Palmisano exemplifies excellence in scientific research, mentoring, and leadership, making substantial contributions to the department and the broader academic community.
Dr. Palmisano credits much of her leadership development to participation in FAME’s Faculty Leadership Institute (FLI) 2023-2024 cohort, which has positively impacted three main areas of her role: research, teaching and mentoring, and service. Since her time in FLI, Dr. Palmisano has successfully grown her research team from 4 to 8 members and has fostered an environment where team members are thriving. Since completing FLI, Dr. Palmisano has demonstrated notable growth in overall productivity, particularly in scholarly output and grant writing. This includes multiple submitted and awarded grants, several published articles, and 2 invitations to speak nationally. In addition, Dr. Palmisano has emerged as a mentor and leader of junior trainees and has actively contributed to educational initiatives by developing workshops for both the department and the College of Medicine. Congratulations, Dr. Palmisano!
Austin Sim, MD
Dr. Austin Sim is a Radiation Oncology Specialist, specializing in Myelodysplastic Syndromes at the OSUCCC – James. In January 2023, just five months out of residency, Dr. Sim was appointed as the clinical lead of Hematologic Radiation Oncology at OSU after the departure of the previous faculty lead. It was at this pivotal time that Dr. Sim joined FAME’s 2023 FUEL leadership cohort. Following this experience, Dr. Sim was then selected to participate in FAME’s Faculty Leadership Institute (FLI) program in the fall of the same year.
Due in part to the skills gained in both cohort programs, Dr. Sim has become an instrumental leader and educator in his department. In just one year, Dr. Sim succeeded in growing the referral volume of Hematologic Radiation Oncology 90%, showcasing the essential role radiation therapy can play in the management of hematologic malignancies. As of July 1, Dr. Sim now serves as the official Director of Hematologic Radiation Oncology. Dr. Sim also serves as a key educator in the Radiation-Oncology residency program and as the departmental Director of Medical Education.
Dr. Sim credits his participation in FAME programs as an essential part of his growth and impact as a junior faculty member, allowing him to make a difference in the department as well as on several national committees. Congratulations, Dr. Sim!
Mid-Career Achievement Award
Abberly Lott Limbach, MD
Dr. Abberly Lott Limbach is an associate professor in the Department of Pathology. She is a board-certified pathologist with fellowship training in head and neck pathology and cytopathology. Additionally, Dr. Lott Limbach serves as the Associate Residency Program Director for the Department of Pathology.
Leveraging skills learned in FAME’s Faculty Leadership Institute (FLI) and a multitude of other FAME courses, Dr. Lott Limbach has served in leadership roles both within and outside of OSU, including a role as vice chair for the ASC Scientific Program Committee. This committee is responsible for planning the ASC’s Scientific Meeting, held annually for approximately 600 attendees.
Dr. Lott Limbach is also passionate as an educator and a mentor for both residents and faculty. In addition to her role as Associate Residency Program Director, she has also facilitated and provided expertise for FAME, including a session for the Everything P&T series and as a featured guest on FAME’s faculty development podcast. Dr. Lott Limbach also currently serves on FAME’s Mentorship Committee. Congratulations, Dr. Lott Limbach!
Lindy Weaver, PhD, OTR/L
Dr. Lindy Weaver is a Clinical Associate Professor and the Director of Academic Affairs in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). Dr. Weaver is clinically trained as an occupational therapist and specializes in mental health and developmental pediatrics. Her scholarship has centered on improving and providing evidence-based care that maximizes protective factors and facilitates personal growth among youth.
According to Department Chair, Dr Jimmy Oñate, Dr. Weaver excels as an educator and a mentor, offering support, guidance, and mentorship not only to students in the Occupational Therapy program, but also to fellow faculty and staff. Dr. Weaver has led or been a vital part of several mentoring centric programs including SHRS CARES, the HRS Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Community of Practice, and The Ohio State University / Columbus City Schools STEAMM Rising program. In 2025, Dr. Weaver received one of the highest honors for teaching at The Ohio State University as the recipient of the OSU Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Dr. Weaver attributes much of her development and confidence as a leader to the skills, lessons, and coaching she experienced in FAME programs such as FLI and FUEL. As the SHRS Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Weaver has been tasked with leading faculty and teams through an especially complex time in higher education, with changes that require both strategic thinking as well as deep care and human-centered leadership. Dr. Weaver shares that her experience in FAME leadership programs, including one-on-one coaching during the FLI program, have been instrumental to her growth and impact as a leader. Congratulations, Dr. Weaver!