Dr. Jeanette Ricci Receives the Louis Osternig Clinical Educator Award from the University of Oregon
When a university honors someone for shaping the next generation of healthcare and human physiology professionals, it’s more than a recognition—it’s a statement about the kind of educator, mentor, and innovator that person is. This spring, the University of Oregon’s Human Physiology faculty selected Dr. Jeanette Ricci, Product Developer at Pocket PE, as the recipient of the Louis Osternig Clinical Educator Award, one of the department’s most meaningful distinctions.
The award is given “in honor of the work you have done to support our students… to clinicians and others in the community who make a major contribution to the education of Human Physiology students desiring careers in health care.” Named after former faculty member Lou Osternig, a respected educator and clinician known for his commitment to student learning, the award highlights individuals who elevate the educational experience far beyond the classroom.
For those who know Dr. Ricci, this recognition feels not only deserved but inevitable.
A Career Built on Evidence‑Based Practice and Student‑Centered Learning
Dr. Ricci’s work has always lived at the intersection of clinical expertise, research‑driven practice, and human‑centered education. Before joining Saavsus and developing Pocket PE, she spent years mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in human physiology, athletic training, and pre‑health pathways. Her approach has consistently emphasized two things:
- Deep scientific understanding
- Practical, real‑world application
Students who worked with her often describe her as the mentor who “connects the dots”—the one who helps them see how physiology becomes practice, how theory becomes care, and how curiosity becomes a career.
Her clinical background, paired with her academic training, has made her a trusted guide for students navigating the complexities of healthcare professions. Whether she was supervising clinical hours, coaching students through research projects, or helping them prepare for graduate programs, Dr. Ricci built a reputation for being both rigorous and deeply supportive.
A Legacy of Impact at the University of Oregon
The Human Physiology faculty’s decision to honor Dr. Ricci reflects the lasting imprint she has made on the program. Her mentorship has helped countless students:
- Discover their professional identity
- Build confidence in clinical environments
- Strengthen their scientific reasoning
- Prepare for careers in physical therapy, medicine, athletic training, and beyond
Her influence extends well beyond the students she directly supervised. Dr. Ricci has contributed to curriculum development, clinical partnerships, and the broader culture of excellence within the department. Her work embodies the spirit of Lou Osternig himself—an educator who believed that clinical learning should be immersive, evidence‑based, and grounded in genuine care for students.
Bringing Clinical Expertise Into Product Design at Pocket PE
Today, Dr. Ricci brings that same philosophy to her role as Product Developer at Pocket PE, where she leads the design of evidence‑based, developmentally appropriate physical education content for K–8 schools.
Her transition from clinical educator to product innovator wasn’t a departure—it was an expansion. She now channels her expertise into creating tools that help teachers deliver high‑quality PE instruction, regardless of space, equipment, or staffing constraints.
Her background in human physiology gives PocketPE a unique advantage:
- Activities are grounded in motor‑learning science
- Lessons support healthy movement patterns
- Curriculum aligns with child development research
- Teachers receive clear, practical guidance that reflects real‑world needs
In many ways, Dr. Ricci is still teaching—only now, her classroom includes thousands of educators and students across the country.
Why This Award Matters
The Louis Osternig Clinical Educator Award is not simply a recognition of past contributions. It is a reflection of the values Dr. Ricci continues to bring to every project she touches:
- Commitment to student success
- Dedication to evidence‑based practice
- Passion for improving health and movement education
- Leadership that elevates both learners and colleagues
For Pocket PE, her award reinforces the foundation on which the platform is built: research‑driven, student‑centered, educator‑empowering design.
For the University of Oregon, it celebrates a clinician‑educator whose influence will continue to shape the field for years to come.
And for the students she has mentored—past, present, and future—it is a reminder that great educators don’t just teach content. They change trajectories.
A Well‑Deserved Honor
Dr. Jeanette Ricci’s receipt of the Louis Osternig Clinical Educator Award is a testament to her unwavering dedication to education, her deep clinical expertise, and her belief that learning should be both rigorous and joyful. Her work has strengthened the University of Oregon’s Human Physiology program, enriched the lives of countless students, and now fuels the innovation behind Pocket PE’s mission to transform physical education nationwide.
It is an honor well earned—and one that reflects the profound impact she continues to make in every community she serves.
