Rutgers Alumnus Is Honored for Research Into Transgender Health Care Barriers

Rutgers School of Health Professions alumnus Saren Nonoyama's peer-reviewed research on transphobia in health care has broken barriers and earned him the Stanley S. Bergen Medal of Excellence

Saren Nonoyama had his sights set on becoming a practicing physical therapist as early as his high school years in Jersey City, N.J.

What he couldn't predict is the impact he'd have on the culture of the Rutgers School of Health Professions (SHP) and doctor of physical therapy program as an LGBTQ+ advocate and community builder.

Nonoyama originally wanted to work as a surgeon, but as he got older and struggled with the sight of blood he began to research other career paths in health care.

"I did mixed martial arts as a kid and was pretty active growing up, so I was always interested in the science of how we move our bodies," he said. "When I looked at potential career paths heading into college, physical therapy felt like the right fit."

Nonoyama studied health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston before joining the school's first accelerated 2.5-year doctor of physical therapy cohort in 2023, attracted by the opportunity to enter the field more quickly.

It didn't take long to distinguish himself academically. As an intern at Northeastern, Nonoyama conducted research on health care experiences of the transgender population by analyzing social media posts and what health care professionals can do to mitigate barriers and improve access to health care.

After coming to Rutgers, a peer-reviewed health journal published his research on transphobia and health care barriers for transgender and nonbinary people. Nonoyama also took the initiative to present a systematic review of the effects of yoga on patients with Parkinson's Disease at the 2025 SHP Student Research & Scholarship Symposium.

Nonoyama also worked as a research assistant for a doctoral degree student researching the relationship between patients with diagnosed serious mental illness receiving PT services and their therapeutic providers, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He was recognized with doctor of physical therapy program awards for both Excellence in Research and Academic Performance as a result.

The recognition did not end there, as Nonoyama was also an active participant in SHP's Community Participatory Physical Therapy Clinic, clinic where he provided pro-bono neurological services through the Synergy program. His creativity and respectfulness in developing and implementing treatment plans were particularly impressive to the faculty. For his service to patients at the clinic as well as during four challenging clinical rotations, Nonoyama also received program awards for Excellence in Service and Clinical Performance.

Now a January 2026 graduate and practicing physical therapist at the Kessler Rehabilitation Center in Lodi, N.J., Nonoyama has added another milestone to his already impressive résumé: receiving the Stanley S. Bergen Medal of Excellence from the Rutgers University School of Graduate Studies. The award acknowledges his leadership and advocacy during his time at the school, excellence in research and academics, and service to both the university and local service.

"Saren is that special kind of student who not only excelled in all areas but also changed the culture of well-being at our school," said Nancy Kirsch, professor and chair of the Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences Department. "He is an extraordinary example of a student who is highly deserving of this award."

Saren is that special kind of student who not only excelled in all areas but also changed the culture of well-being at our school.

Nancy Kirsch

Professor and Chair, Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences Department, Rutgers School of Health Professions

One aspect of physical therapy that Nonoyama enjoys most is the opportunity to build a long-term relationship with patients and witness their progress firsthand. So, it's no surprise that he prioritized finding community at the school.

An openly queer and transmasculine individual himself, Nonoyama was a founding member and served as vice president on the executive board for Prideful Future of Healthcare, SHP's first ever LGBTQ+ organization celebrating people and allies in health care. He also served as secretary on the executive board of Multi- I.D.E.A. (Multicultural Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Actions), a student organization that works to promote and encourage cultural competency in the health professions.

In addition to planning the School of Health Professions' first and second annual Pride events and creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals at the school, it was important to Nonoyama to highlight different elements of the LGBTQ+ community. This also provided an opportunity to share joy while educating the broader school faculty and student body.

"Our most successful event was a Black History Month voguing lesson with a dance instructor based in Newark," Nonoyama recalled. "It was amazing to see faculty on the floor dancing with the students. I loved being a part of that organization."

Outside of extracurricular events, his professors acknowledge Nonoyama's impact on students and faculty, driving real behavior change by vocally educating on the challenges of the transgender community, raising awareness of misgendering and advocating for trans rights.

As rewarding as his experiences were, they didn't come without unique stressors as a visible and outspoken transgender student. At times he was proud to pave the way for future students, but the reality of breaking new ground could be exhausting. Nonoyama leaned on faculty like Kirsch and Nancy Minglegreen, assistant professor, for support.

"I very much appreciate their support, formally and informally," he said. "Whenever I had struggles, with misgendering or anything else, they were always willing to welcome me into their offices to talk or even just listen."

Nonoyama also found relief by leaning into other avenues of leadership that did not revolve around his gender identity, whether through Multi-I.D.E.A. or contributing as a neuroscience teaching assistant.

His experience working as a teaching assistant opened his eyes to academia as a potential career path. Nonoyama said he sees teaching as another way to give back to the profession and hopes to return to the classroom as a clinical instructor in the future.

In some ways, he knows the pressures of being a transgender health care professional will be a lifetime challenge to overcome.

"Even now, there's still pressure to change workplace culture or policy based on my personal experiences," he said. "I think it will be a forever journey to continue to change the systems around me."

At Kessler, he works with patients with a variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions, including stroke, Parkinson's Disease, and limb loss. And he continues to find and build community in his new role

"Hearing colleagues use my correct pronouns within the first week of being there was, unfortunately, surprising," said Nonoyama. "Having that support in a workplace has made a huge difference in how safe and welcomed I feel and I'm excited to see where it takes me."

Whether the next step on his journey is in the classroom or the clinic, Nonoyama will continue to think about how he can change things for future students, patients, or professionals.

"I feel like I can safely do this at SHP," he said, "and how lucky am I to even be able to advocate for myself and my community?"