Scientists, epilepsy centers, children’s advocate commended
Published on Monday, April 21, 2025
By: Gary Pettus, gpettus@umc.edu
Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide.
Alexander, Shawky take top research honors
Two University of Mississippi Medical Center faculty members, Dr. Barbara Alexander and Dr. Noha Shawky (Elsayed), are among this year’s recipients of the American Physiological Society’s most prestigious awards.
Alexander, Billy S. Guyton Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, received the Bodil M. Schmidt-Nielsen Distinguished Mentor and Scientist Award for her outstanding contributions to physiological research and for her commitment to mentorship.
For her lifelong dedication to research, she was also named this year’s Bodil M. Schmidt-Nielsen Distinguished Mentor and Scientist Lecturer and the Water & Electrolyte Homeostasis Section Ernest H. Starling Distinguished Lecturer. Shawky, assistant professor of pharmacology/toxicology, is the winner of the Lazaro J. Mandel Young Investigator Award, which recognizes a researcher in the field of epithelial or renal physiology. Awardees will be recognized for their achievements at the APS’ flagship annual meeting, April 24–27, 2025, in Baltimore.
“I am very honored to be receiving these awards from the American Physiology Society, a professional society that has been my science home for over 25 years,” Alexander said.
“Although I entered a career in research because of my love for science and discovery, I also found a passion for mentoring. Thus, receipt of these awards is a true honor.”
Alexander received her PhD from the Department of Biochemistry and completed postdoctoral training at UMMC. In the area of women’s health research, she has made major contributions to the understanding of the link between birth weight and blood pressure.
Throughout her career, she has earned a number of notable commendations, including those from the American Heart Association, the Consortium for Southeastern Hypertension Control and many more.
Shawky, who received her PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology from the School of Pharmacy at Mansoura University in Egypt, was the winner last year of the APS Dean Franklin Young Investigator Award.
“I am thrilled to be recognized by a scientific society that I consider as home for my research,” Shawky said. “I am grateful for my mentors at UMMC who trusted me and supported my career journey.
“I am also thankful to my lab members, colleagues and collaborators; and last, but not least, I am forever indebted to my family for their love and continuous support.”
As this year’s APS honorees, Alexander and Shawky are in the company of award recipients or distinguished lecturers from such prominent institutions as Harvard University, Stanford University and others.
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Epilepsy centers win reaccreditation at highest level
Children’s of Mississippi’s Pediatric Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and the adult Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center have been reaccredited at Level 4, the highest level of care, by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.
As stand-along programs, they are the state’s only two accredited NAEC epilepsy centers.
UMMC has long been accredited by the NAEC as a Level 4 center, combining adult and pediatric programs, but in 2024, Children’s of Mississippi sought and received the designation on its own.
Reaccreditation “reflects the countless great things that each of you are doing every single day of the year,” said Dr. Brad Ingram, chair of neurology at UMMC, noting that the centers not only offer state-of-the-art care but also are an essential part of the Medical Center’s education and research missions.
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Fischer acclaimed as advocate for young victims
Brandi W. Fischer, RN care coordinator for the Department of Pediatrics’ Division of Forensic Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, is the 2025 Outstanding Service to Crime Victims Award winner.
The honor from Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi was presented on April 8 to Fischer who was nominated for the award by Catherine McPhate, executive director of Natchez Children’s Services, a child advocacy center, and its staff.
“We nominated Brandi because of the vital role that she plays in our multidisciplinary team, in several counties, and with a neighboring child advocacy center, Southwest Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center,” McPhate said.
“Brandi is someone who cares deeply about not only the victims we serve but also their parents, caregivers, siblings and all members of their support systems. Brandi is someone who strongly advocates for the best possible outcome for these child victims.
“Families have stated that she is able to make them and their child comfortable during their time at the Children’s Safe Center and is able to ease any anxiety or worry about the forensic medical process. She embodies and exemplifies our mission to provide justice, hope and healing.”
Fischer said she shares the honor with “the amazing team at the Children’s Safe Center for all the great work they do for the children of Mississippi.”