Faculty, trainees cop biology awards; educational units earn IEP kudos

UMMC faculty, trainees earn experimental biology awards

Several UMMC faculty and trainees received awards at the 2018 Experimental Biology Conference April 21-25 in San Diego.

The annual meeting of five societies representing 14,000 scientists focuses on research in anatomy, biochemistry, molecular biology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology.

UMMC attendees who received special recognition at the event included:

Dr. Michael Lehman, professor and chair of neurobiology and anatomical sciences, received the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Council of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. The award recognizes accomplished scientists for their leadership, contributions to the SEBM and seminal accomplishments in biomedical research.

Dr. Merry Lindsey, professor of physiology and biophysics, received the American Physiological Society Bodil M. Schmidt-Nielsen Distinguished Mentor and Scientist Award. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to physiological research and dedication to the training of young physiologists through mentorship, scientific outreach or other approaches to fostering an environment exceptionally conducive to physiology education.

Gwen Davis, graduate student in physiology and biophysics, received the APS Porter Physiology Development Fellowship, which provides a stipend for underrepresented minorities pursuing full-time Ph.D. studies in physiology.

Dr. Jeremy Duncan, postdoctoral fellow in physiology and biophysics, received the APS Juan Carlos Romero Water and Electrolyte Homeostasis Section Postdoctoral Research Recognition Award for best submitted abstract and oral presentation.

Dr. Kristen Edwards, postdoctoral fellow in physiology and biophysics, received an APS Cardiovascular Section Research Recognition Award for meritorious research from a junior investigator.

Dr. Edgar Torres Fernandez, postdoctoral fellow in cell and molecular biology, received the APS Endocrinology and Metabolism Section Mead Johnson Award for best abstract submitted by a trainee for the conference. His poster was also one of 50 selected for the conference’s Scientific Highlights welcome session.

The following graduate students and postdoctoral trainees received travel awards from the American Association of Anatomists to attend the conference:

Clinical Anatomy: Sara Klender, Caroline Mueller and Sutton Williams

Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences: Dr. Aleisha Moore

The APS also granted travel awards to the following students and fellows:

Physiology and Biophysics: Dr. Samuel Adeosun, Dr. Jeremy Duncan, Dr. Alan Mouton and Ashley Newsome

Medical Pharmacology: Olivia Travis and Ramana Vaka

Assessment committee honors units for exemplary reports

Each year, members of the Institutional Assessment Committee review the Effectiveness Plans and Reports of various units related to the Medical Center’s educational mission using a rubric that represents the best national assessment practices. The committee identifies the top units for administrative and educational support and instructional programs.

Those honored by the committee at the annual Institutional Assessment Committee Meeting April 18 include, from left, Dr. Gaarmel Funches, representing the Office of Health Career Opportunities (Matriculated and Preprofessional), which received first and second place for Administrative and Educational Support; Dr. Eva Bengten, representing Microbiology and Immunology, which received first place for Instructional Program; Dr. Beckie Barry, representing Dental Hygiene, which received second place for IP; and Kathy Pipitone, representing Faculty Affairs, which received third place for AES. Not pictured is Dr. Michael Ryan, representing Physiology and Biophysics, which tied for second place for IP.