2025
Jackson-based architecture firm Wier Boerner Allin is supporting research efforts at Children’s of Mississippi.
Thanks to the firm’s philanthropy, medical students and residents are able to spend a year pursuing research at Children’s of Mississippi focused on providing optimal patient outcomes for children with craniofacial differences.
Samantha Morin, a native of Miami and an MD candidate at Tulane University School of Medicine, is the inaugural Wier Boerner Allin Clinical Research Fellow. Morin’s commitment to medicine and research began when she was an undergraduate at Tulane University, where she majored in neuroscience and dance.
While pursuing her medical degree, Morin volunteered at Ochsner Health System’s emergency department and served as a clinical researcher at LSU Health Sciences Center. She also found time for her other passion, dance, performing at New Orleans Saints football games as a professional NFL cheerleader.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to focus on research, learn from world-class plastic surgeons at Children’s of Mississippi and make a lasting difference in the lives of children in the state,” Morin said.
The craniofacial team at Children’s of Mississippi is the only group of providers in the state accredited by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association.
The multidisciplinary team includes specialists in plastic surgery, neurosurgery, genetics, speech therapy, dentistry, oral surgery, psychiatry, social work and audiology, who work together to see more than 200 patients a year with craniofacial conditions, cleft lips, cleft palates and other craniofacial differences.
“Not only do Mississippi children and families rely on the advanced medical care provided at Children’s of Mississippi, but also the research. Research can lead to discoveries which significantly advance treatment options and care,” said Michael Boerner, principal of WBA Architecture. “We are excited to play a role in supporting the amazing work of our state’s only children’s hospital.”
In just eight months, Morin is on track to have authored a total of 10 publications. She has already presented two projects at the Southern Regional Meeting for Clinical Investigation in New Orleans. In May, she will give three oral presentations at the Plastic Surgery Research Council annual meeting in St. Louis, one presentation and one poster and the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association’s annual meeting in Palm Springs, California, and one oral presentation at the American Association of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting in Austin, Texas.
“Research is a critical component of the work we do at Children’s of Mississippi” said Dr. Ian Hoppe, director of the Morris Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Research and Innovation. “We are grateful for WBA Architecture’s generosity and investment in our work to continue advancing pediatric health care in our state.”
To support Children’s of Mississippi contact Victoria Stein, gifts officer, at (601) 984-1135 or vstein1@umc.edu.