Faculty members usually recommend students for accolades. In a notable about-face, an Einstein student has honored a faculty member.

At the 2015 Staff Service Recognition ceremony, Alyson B. Moadel-Robblee, Ph.D., an associate professor of clinical epidemiology & population health and of clinical medicine at Einstein and Montefiore, received a first-for-Einstein award. Colonel Mary Lynch Westmoreland from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented Dr. Moadel-Robblee with its Patriot Award, which is given to supervisors or managers who have supported a Reserve service member or his or her family during the service member’s deployment. Staff member Damaris Santiago-Singer, who serves with the Air Force National Guard, had recommended the unsuspecting Dr. Moadel-Robblee for the award.

“Damaris wrote a compelling letter about the support Dr. Moadel-Robblee provided over a lengthy period and noted that her mentor’s example also helped her to excel during her service to the Air Force,” Col. Lynch Westmoreland said

From left, Col. Mary Lynch Westmoreland; Alyson B. Moadel-Robblee, Ph.D.; and Damaris Santiago-Singer.