Honoring a legacy: the 2024-2025 L.C. Dorsey Research Honor Society inductees
The L.C. Dorsey Research Honor Society, a cornerstone of the Jackson Heart Study Graduate Training and Education Center (GTEC) at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, welcomed eight new members during its 2025 recognition ceremony. Established in 2019, the Dorsey Society honors exceptional contributions to research in minority health, health disparities, and the social determinants of health in Mississippi.
Named for Dr. Lula C. "L.C." Dorsey – a trailblazing civil rights activist and community health advocate – the Society celebrates those whose research and service reflect her tireless pursuit of equity for underserved communities. Born in the Mississippi Delta, Dr. Dorsey rose from modest beginnings to become a transformative force in Head Start, community health, and health policy across the state.
This year’s ceremony included recognition of both the 2024 and 2025 inductees, whose public acknowledgment was delayed last year due to scheduling conflicts.
Class of 2024 Inductees:
Dr. Fazlay Faruque – Professor in the Departments of Preventive Medicine and Population Health Science at UMMC; Director of the GIS and Remote Sensing Program.
Dr. Kisa K. Harris – Completed her PhD in Population Health Science at the Bower School of Population Health in May 2024; Biostatistics/Epidemiology Instructor-Researcher at Jackson Heart Study Undergraduate Training and Education Center.
Dr. Asoka Srinivasan – Professor Emeritus at Tougaloo College and founding director of the Jackson Heart Study Undergraduate Training Program.
Class of 2025 Inductees:
Dr. Stamatis Agiovlasitis – Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Mississippi State University.
Dr. Harish Chander – Associate Dean of Research and Innovation at UMMC’s School of Health Related Professions.
Dr. Douglas McLaurin – Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, UMMC School of Medicine.
Dr. Rodney Washington – Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health Science and GTEC faculty member.
Dr. Wendy White – Director of the Jackson Heart Study Undergraduate Training and Education Center at Tougaloo College.
These eight inductees exemplify the Dorsey Society’s mission: to champion research that addresses deep-rooted health disparities and uplifts communities too often left behind. Their work honors the spirit of Dr. Dorsey and helps shape a healthier, more equitable Mississippi.