Scientific Commission Emeritus Honorees

Jeffrey Cates graduated from Palmer College in 1983. Dr. Cates completed an orthopedic diploma from National College, a diplomat from the American College of Consultants, and a master's degree in health care administration with a concentration in biomechanical trauma from Lynn University. He has worked with the CCGPP/Clinical Compass for several decades and has published works that include several guidelines and medical journal articles on quality assurance and standards of care in healthcare. Dr. Cates is in private practice at 200 N 6th St., Oregon, IL.

Dr. Hawk received her DC in 1976 from the National University of Health Sciences and practiced full-time for 12 years. In 1991, she earned a Ph.D. in Preventive Medicine from the University of Iowa and became a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Dr. Hawk is a professor at Texas Chiropractic College and Chair of the Quality Enhancement Committee, which focuses on interprofessional education, communication, and collaboration. She is an author of over 120 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and the editor of 3 books. She has served as principal investigator for 75 research projects, 30 of which were grant-funded. She has been named "Researcher of the Year" by both the American Chiropractic Association (2003) and the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research (2005). She has been the author of more than a dozen chiropractic clinical practice guidelines and best practice recommendations. She served as Chair of the Scientific Commission of the Clinical Compass from 2007 through 2024.

Dr. Lawrence is the Senior Director of Faculty Development and Special Projects at Parker University; Dr. Lawrence was previously the Senior Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Palmer College of Chiropractic and, before that, was a member of the research department. Prior to coming to Palmer, Dr. Lawrence spent 23 years at the National University of Health Sciences. He is a past editor for several professional scientific journals, including the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, and is currently editor of the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic. Dr. Lawrence is a past member of the Board of Directors for the World Federation of Chiropractic.  

Michael Schneider practiced as a Doctor of Chiropractic for over 25 years before becoming a full-time academic researcher and professor at Pitt and now director of the Doctor of Chiropractic program. He received his PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 and a Certificate in Clinical Research from the Institute for Clinical Research Education in 2009. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications. Schneider brings existing NIH funding to the Doctor of Chiropractic program to lead chiropractic research and oversee postdoctoral researchers. Schneider has a strong record of NIH funding from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the Patient-Centered Outcomes and Research Institute (PCORI) as both principal investigator and co-investigator. Schneider has received both the Presidential Award and Researcher of the Year Award from the American Chiropractic Association. He also received the Distinguished Service Award from American Public Health Association, Chiropractic Health Care Section.