Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Bernadette Marie Calafell, Ph.D.

Spokane, Washington, United States of America
Chair and Professor, Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, Gonzaga University
Education

University of North Carolina

Ph.D., Communication Studies

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

Arizona State University

M.A., Hugh Downs School of Human Communication

Tempe

Arizona State University

B.A., Hugh Downs School of Human Communication

Tempe
Research Expertise
Performance Studies
Queer of Color Critique
Education
Gender Studies
Cultural Studies
And 1 more
About
I am the inaugural Chair and Professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at Gonzaga University and Editor of the Journal of International and Intercultural Communication. I was Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Denver from 2006-2019. I served as department chair, associate chair, and director of graduate studies at the University of Denver.  <br> In 2003 I graduated from the Department of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an emphasis in Performance Studies, and a secondary concentration in queer Latina/o literature and performance.  Prior to earning my doctorate at UNC-CH, I finished undergraduate and master's degrees in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication and Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. I have published articles in several journal including Text and Performance Quarterly, Critical Studies in Media Communication, Cultural Studies <=> Critical Methodologies, The Communication Review, Communication, Culture, and Critique, Journal of Communication Inquiry, Voces: A Journal of Chicana and Latina Studies (Now Chicana/Latina Studies), Latino Studies, Review of Communication, and the Journal of International and Intercultural Communication. My book Latina/o Communication Studies: Theorizing Performance was published by Peter Lang in 2007 as part of the series on Critical Intercultural Communication edited by Dr. Thomas Nakayama. In 2015 I published Monstrosity, Performance, and Race in Contemporary Culture. I have also co-edited several books. I was awarded the 2009 Lilla A. Heston Award for Outstanding Research in Oral Interpretation and Performance by the National Communication Association. In 2009 I was presented with the Out Through the Mind Award for tenure track faculty at the 4th Annual LGBTQIA Gala at the University of Denver.  In 2010, I was selected by the Latina/o Communication Studies Division and La Raza Caucus of NCA as the Latina/o Communication Studies Scholar of the Year. The same year I was also given the Outstanding Faculty Award by the Center for Multicultural Excellence at the University of Denver. In 2014 I was awarded the Provost's Champion of Change Award for my Social Activism and Advocacy for Inclusive Excellence at the University of Denver. I received the Lambda Award for outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ community from the Caucus on Gay and Lesbian Concerns of the National Communication Association in November 2017. I received the Francine Merritt Award from the Women's Caucus on NCA in November 2018. I received the 2018 Outstanding Article Award, Feminist and Women’s Studies Division of the National Communication Association for “From Failure to Allyship to Feminist Solidarities: Negotiating Our Privileges and Oppressions Across Borders,” a Presidential Citation for Exceptional Commitment to Social Justice and Activism within the National Communication Association, and the 2018 Monograph of the Year Award, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communication Studies Division of National Communication Association for “Queer Utopias and a (Feminist) Iranian Vampire: A Critical Analysis of Resistive Monstrosity in A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night,” co-authored with Shadee Abdi and published in Critical Studies in Media Communication. In November 2019 I received the Faculty Mentorship Award from the Rhetorical and Communication Theory Division of the National Communication Association.

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Dr. Katherine Thompson, Ph.D.

Maryland
Research clinical psychologist
Education

George Washington University

BA, Psychology / May, 2014

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MA, Clinical Psychology / December, 2017

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

PhD, Clinical Psychology / December, 2022

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
Research Expertise
Eating Disorders
Obesity
Women's Health
Body Image
Recovery
And 8 more
About
* Clinical psychologist with 9+ years experience conducting research (clinical trials, surveys, and longitudinal studies) * Published 25+ peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals * Presented 40+ times at national and international conferences * Expertise in conducting mental health assessments, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, ACT, and FBT) in adolescents and adults * Specialization in women's health (including eating behaviors, weight-related health behaviors, and reproductive psychology/mental health)

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Dr. David Siderovski, Ph.D.

Fort Worth
Professor of Computational Pharmacology; Chair of HSC SBS Dept. of Pharmacology & Neuroscience
Experience

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Professor / January, 1999 — June, 2012

West Virginia University School of Medicine

E.J. Van Liere Endowed Medicine Professor and Chairman / July, 2012 — February, 2020

Chair of the Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology

University of North Texas Health Science Center

Professor & Chair / March, 2020 — Present

Research Expertise
Regulator of G protein Signaling (RGS) proteins
Pharmacology
Molecular Biology
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Molecular Medicine
And 21 more
About
Dr. David Siderovski is a renowned scientist and academic, with a career spanning over two decades. He received his Ph.D. in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto in 1997, where he specialized in signal transduction and cellular signaling pathways. After completing his doctorate, Dr. Siderovski held various faculty positions at prestigious universities, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, West Virginia University School of Medicine, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center. At these institutions, Dr. Siderovski has made significant contributions to the field of pharmacology through his research on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and RGS proteins, which are key regulators of GPCR cellular signaling. His work has helped to advance the understanding of RGS proteins and their roles in various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders. In addition to his research, Dr. Siderovski is also a dedicated educator and mentor. He has taught and mentored numerous undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, and has served as a mentor for postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty members. He is known for his passion and enthusiasm for science and his ability to inspire and guide the next generation of scientists. Dr. Siderovski has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the scientific community. He was the recipient of the Abel Award in 2004 from the American Society of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics for his pioneering discoveries of the RGS proteins and the GoLoco motif. He has also served on editorial boards of several scientific journals (including a decade at *J.Biol.Chem.*) and has been a member of various scientific committees, NIH study section panels, and pharma/biotech advisory boards, including for Inspire, Wyeth, and BellBrook Labs. Overall, Dr. David Siderovski is a highly accomplished and respected scientist and educator, whose research has had a significant impact on the field of pharmacology. His dedication and passion for science continue to inspire and influence the next generation of researchers in this field.

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Maite DiLorenzo

Cary, North Carolina, United States of America
Ph.D. Professor, Microbiome Researcher & Molecular Biologist
Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

B.S., Environmental Science, Marine Science & Biology Minors / May, 2015

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

University of Georgia

Ph.D., Environmental Health Science & Microbiomes / August, 2020

Athens, Georgia, United States of America
Experience

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Biology Professor / August, 2022 — Present

• Develop and conduct high-level molecular genetics, cellular & molecular biology, and evolution courses for high school juniors and seniors. • Prepare and teach molecular biology labs (i.e., gel electrophoresis, cloning, and transformations). • Utilize and teach microbiology techniques (i.e., aseptic techniques, culturing, selective plating). • Lead data science projects using R/RStudio for several simultaneous projects. • Participate in professional development 12 hours annually including Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity training and online tools training (such as Canvas, Canva, and Lucid). • Participate in the hiring committee for the Biology Department.

Environmental Protection Agency

Environmental Microbiologist & Lab Manager / November, 2021 — August, 2022

• Investigated presence of aquatic, bacterial and viral emerging pathogens. • Utilized DNA extraction and qPCR to process samples for identification of emerging pathogens. • Managed laboratory (oversaw lab activity and collaborations, mentorship, orders, general maintenance).

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Postdoctoral Researcher & Lab Manager / August, 2020 — March, 2021

• Investigated the response of the coral microbiome under favorable and extreme environments. • Utilized DNA extraction, purification, PCR (16S rDNA), normalization/pooling, and amplicon sequencing. • Analyzed genomic data using R/RStudio and including the following packages: DADA2, phyloseq, vegan, RVAideMemoire, DESeq2, dplyr, ggplot2, rmarkdown. • Involved in increasing diversity by increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in biology. • Managed laboratory (i.e., lead lab meetings, set up lab virtually, general maintenance, mentorship).

University of Georgia

Doctor of Philosophy Candidate / August, 2015 — August, 2020

• Earned 8 research grants and scholarships (totaling more than $34,000 in research funds). • Investigated impacts of Saharan dust nutrient influx on water- and coral-associated microbiomes. • Described microbiome signatures of disease in coral during a multi-species, multi-disease outbreak in FL. • Studied the potential of Vibrio species to bloom and pose a threat to human health in recreational waters. • Investigated microbiome interactions (i.e., competitive exclusion) in poultry litter and published results. • Studied the effect of wastewater effluent on Vibrio sp. and an estuarine microbiome. • Utilize and teach microbiology techniques (i.e., aseptic techniques, culturing, selective plating). • Utilized DNA extraction, purification, gel electrophoresis, PCR (16S rDNA), normalization/pooling, and amplicon sequencing. • Analyzed genomic data using R/RStudio (i.e., packages DADA2, phyloseq, vegan, RVAideMemoire, DESeq2, dplyr, ggplot2, rmarkdown).

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Laboratory Technician Assistant / August, 2014 — May, 2015

• Conducted DNA extraction, PCR based genotyping, and gel electrophoresis to confirm genotypes of mice. • Maintained several colonies of experimental mice and collected specimen samples for processing.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Undergraduate Researcher / August, 2013 — July, 2014

• Designed, conducted, and analyzed an experiment to investigate the effect of storage time on Vibrio spp. and fecal indicator bacteria in an autosampler. • Utilized microbiology techniques (i.e., aseptic techniques, culturing, selective plating). • Transformed project into UNC Honors Thesis (received Highest Honors) and published results.

Research Expertise
Molecular genetics
Environmental microbiology
Marine biology
Host-microbe interactions
Bioinformatics
And 3 more
About
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY PhD level molecular biologist with over 10 years of work experience in qualitative, quantitative, and investigational microbiome research within academia and government agencies. Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theory with significant laboratory expertise and great ability to mentor others. Strong organizational, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Quick learner and able to understand complex topics. Self-motivated with a great work ethic and works well independently under minimum supervision. Superior collaborative and teamwork skills. Excellent written and verbal communication, with a keen eye for detail. Bilingual: English and Portuguese. SKILLS Molecular biology (i.e., DNA extraction, purification, primer design, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, microbiome analysis, R/RStudio), microbiology (i.e., aseptic technique, culturing, selective plating, plate reading, membrane filtration, BSL2, flow cytometry, environmental monitoring), molecular genetics (i.e., cloning, transformations, gene editing), scientific communication (formal and informal), critical thinking, public speaking, mentorship, Microsoft Office & Google Suite, organization, time-management, flexible, forward-thinking, and motivated.

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Dr. Andrew Raij, Ph.D.

Orlando, Florida, United States of America
Principal Research Scientist and Lab Director | VR, AR, MR, XR, Spatial Computing, Immersive Technologies
Education

University of Florida

Ph.D., Dept. of Computer & Info. Science & Engineering / May, 2009

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

M.S., Computer Science / December, 2003

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

Northwestern University

B.S., Computer Science / June, 2001

Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
Research Expertise
Human-Computer Interaction
Virtual Reality
Augmented Reality
Human Factors and Ergonomics
Artificial Intelligence
And 9 more
About
Dr. Andrew Raij, Ph.D. is a principal researcher at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, where he leads research on human-centered computing and virtual / augmented / mixed reality. For over 20 years, Dr. Raij has been helping companies unlock the transformative power of immersive technologies through **rigorous user research, strategic guidance, and creative problem-solving**. With a deep understanding of human behavior in immersive environments, he bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world needs. His career began in academia, where he was an Assistant Professor and Director of the Powerful Interactive Experiences (PIE) Lab at the University of South Florida. Later, he joined Universal Creative, where he applied his expertise to the challenge of using immersive, wearable technologies in the theme park environment. At Draper Labs, his research focuses on applying immersive technologies to training and situational awareness. Dr. Raij earned his Ph.D. in the Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering from the University of Florida in 2009. Prior to this, he completed his M.S. in Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003 and his B.S. in Computer Science at Northwestern University in 2001.

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Francisco Santibanez

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
Ph.D. in Physics with extensive experience in the development of experimental solutions for wave mechanics and ultrasound imaging.
Experience

Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

Associate Professor / June, 2013 — August, 2017

Faculty

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Research Assistant Professor / March, 2018 — Present

Research Faculty

Research Expertise
Mechanical wave propagation in complex media
non linear physics
Experimental Physics
High Performance Computing
Digital Electronics
And 1 more
About
Francisco Santibanez is a highly educated and experienced physicist with a Ph.D. from Universidad de Santiago de Chile. He obtained his degree in 2010. After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Santibanez joined Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso as an Associate Professor. During his time there, he has taught various courses in physics and supervised numerous graduate students. His dedication to teaching and mentorship has been recognized by his students and colleagues alike. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Santibanez has also been actively involved in research. He spent several years as a Research Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he conducted groundbreaking research in the field of Medical Ultrasound Imaging. His work has been published in top scientific journals and has been presented at international conferences. Dr. Santibanez's research interests lie in the areas of nonlinear physics, experimental mechanics, wave propagation, and materials science. Apart from his academic pursuits, Dr. Santibanez is also a passionate advocate for science education. He has been involved in various outreach programs to promote STEM education among underprivileged communities. He believes that science has the power to change the world and is committed to making it accessible to everyone. Overall, Francisco Santibanez is a highly accomplished physicist with a strong passion for education and research. His contributions to the field of physics have been significant, and his dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists is commendable. He continues to inspire and make a difference in the scientific community through his work.

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Koushyar Rajavi

Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Empirical Marketing Researcher Specializing in Branding and Digital Piracy
Education

University of North Carolina

PhD, Kenan-Flagler School of Business - Marketing / August, 2018

Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina

MS Marketing, Kenan-Flagler School of Business - Marketing / May, 2015

NC, North Carolina, United States of America

University of Tehran

BS in Information Technology Engineering, Computer and Electrical Engineering / July, 2012

Tehran
Research Expertise
Digital Piracy
Entertainment Industry
Branding
Marketing Mix Effectiveness
Causal Inference
And 1 more
About
Koushyar Rajavi is an empirical researcher with PhD in Marketing from Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina, where he also received his Master of Science in Marketing. Prior to his time at UNC, Koushyar earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Engineering from the University of Tehran. Since 2018, Koushyar has been an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In this role, he teaches courses on business statistics and analytics. He is also involved in various research projects, with a focus on marketing mix activities and consumers' perceptions of brands. He also conducts research on digital piracy of entertainment goods, focusing on strategies that can mitigate digital piracy. His methodological expertise encompasses a wide range of empirical techniques in econometrics and machine learning.

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Lisa Marie Nelson, Ph.D.

Portland, Oregon, United States of America
PhD scientist with 17+ years drug development experience in biotech/pharma industry
Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Ph.D., Pathology / May, 2005

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

Oregon Health & Science University

MD, Gen Surgery / June, 2026 (anticipated)

Portland, Oregon, United States of America

Oregon State University

BS, Zoology / June, 1999

Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
Research Expertise
Parasitology
Market Assessment
Rare Genetic Disease
Cancer Pathogenesis
Pathology
And 2 more
About
Lisa Marie Nelson, Ph.D. is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in the fields of pathology, drug discovery and commercialization across all phases of development. She received her Ph.D. in Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2005, where she specialized in parasitology and drug discovery research. Dr. Nelson is pursuing an MD in General Surgery from Oregon Health & Science University and holds a BS in Zoology from Oregon State University. After completing her doctorate, Dr. Nelson began her career as a Scientist/Senior Scientist at Shire Human Genetic Therapies. She then went on to hold various roles at the company, including Associate Director of Preclinical Discovery and Senior Medical Science Liaison. During this time, she gained extensive experience in drug development and medical affairs. In 2014, Dr. Nelson joined BIO Ventures for Global Health as a consultant, where she focused on developing and implementing global health programs. She then moved on to work as a Portfolio Development Manager at Ascendis Pharma, where she was responsible for identifying and evaluating potential drug candidates. Most recently, Dr. Nelson serves as the Global Medical Lead and Engagement Manager at Syneos Health, a leading healthcare consulting firm. In this role, she worked with pharmaceutical companies to develop and implement strategies for bringing new drugs to market. She also served as a consultant at The NemetzGroup LLC, providing expertise in medical affairs and drug development. Dr. Nelson is a dedicated and passionate professional with a strong commitment to improving global health. She is constantly seeking new opportunities to use her skills and expertise to make a positive impact in the healthcare industry.

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Elizabeth Groff

Professor, Criminal Justice, Temple University
Education

University of Maryland, College Park

PhD, Geography / 2006

College Park, Maryland, United States of America

University of Maryland, College Park

MA, Criminology and Criminal Justice / 2005

College Park, Maryland, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MA, Geography / 1994

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

BS, Geography / 1992

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
Research Expertise
crime and place
crime prevention
policing
agent-based modeling
Law
And 14 more
About
Elizabeth Groff is a professor of Geography and Criminology at Temple University. She holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Maryland, College Park (2006), and MA degrees in both Geography from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1994) and Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland, College Park (2005). Her expertise combines detailed analysis of physical landscapes, geographical research, geographic information systems analysis, and popular culture. Her research interests include urban security and crime mapping, the social and economic aspects of urban development, the socio-political dynamics of aging and changing metropolitan regions, and the intersections of race, gender, and place. She has published numerous articles and has presented at various conferences throughout the country.

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Laura Jackson Young

Associate Professor of Economics, Bentley University
Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

PhD, Economics / December, 2014

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MS, Economics / December, 2013

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

Bentley University

BS, Economics / May, 2010

Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
Research Expertise
Economics
Macroeconomics
Econometrics
Economics and Econometrics
Analysis
And 6 more
About
Laura Jackson Young graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in December 2014 with a PhD in Economics. She is now an Associate Professor of Economics at Bentley University.  ​ Founder and co-advisor for [WEB: Women in Economics at Bentley](https://webentley.weebly.com/). Faculty Research Director for the [Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business](https://www.bentley.edu/centers/center-for-women-and-business) **Research Interests:** Macroeconomics, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Financial Economics, Business Cycles, Econometrics

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VIJAYASSHEKAR MANUKONDA

Biotechnologist with core competence in biochemistry/cell-biology/molecular biology
Experience

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL

Research Expertise
Alzheimer
Type I and Type II Diabetes
Cancer
Neurobiology
Structural Biology
And 11 more
About
At UNC, I worked on type 1 diabetes, particularly the regulatory role of AIM2, a DNA sensor inflammasome molecule associated with autoimmune disorders. NOD mice deficient in AIM2 do not develop diabetes, indicating a potential beyond host defense. My research involves mapping AIM2's functional binding partners using various methods. During my time at FIU, I worked on characterizing glycan structures in ovarian cancer and developing a peptide and glycan array for identifying potential biomarkers. At BIIR in Dallas, I researched nuclear hormonal transcription factors implicated in autoimmune disorders and cancers, utilizing various methods. Additionally, my work at UTMB in Galveston involved studying cell adhesion molecules linked to neurological disorders, using biochemical and biophysical techniques. My academic background includes extensive knowledge of molecular and biochemical techniques gained at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad, India.

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Morgan Edwards

Assistant Professor at University of Wisconsin--Madison and Director of the Climate Action Lab
Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Data, Systems, and Society / June, 2017

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

S.M., Technology and Policy / June, 2013

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

B.S., Environmental Science and Economics / December, 2010

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
Research Expertise
Climate Policy
Energy Systems
Industrial Ecology
Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
And 12 more
About
Morgan Edwards is an Assistant Professor at the La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin--Madison and affiliated faculty with the Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment, Energy Analysis and Policy Program, Holtz Center for Science and Technology Studies, Institute for Research on Poverty, and Data Science Institute. Her research focuses on modeling the role of technology in addressing the threat of climate change and assessing policies to accelerate equitable energy transitions. Her current projects include modeling the role of climate-tech in meeting net zero targets, evaluating the equity impacts of building electrification policies, and assessing pathways to transition natural gas infrastructure. She holds a PhD in Data, Systems, and Society from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a SM in Technology and Policy from MIT, and a BS in Environmental Science and Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to coming to Madison, she was a President’s Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland.

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Dana Walsh, Ph.D.

Senior Microbiome Scientist at CosmosID
Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Ph.D., Toxicology / May, 2016

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

Concordia College - Minnesota

B.A., Biology / December, 2009

Moorhead, Minnesota, United States of America
Research Expertise
microbiome
microbiology
gut health
infant microbiome
maternal microbiome
And 6 more
About
Dana Walsh is a Senior Microbiome Scientist at CosmosID, a leading company in microbial genomics and bioinformatics. With a PhD in Toxicology and more than five years of experience in microbiome research, she manages the bioinformatics team and assists clients with design, analysis, and interpretation of multiomics data. She has a strong background in both wet bench and computational research, and has applied novel analysis methods to derive meaning from microbial taxonomic, functional, and metabolomic data. In her previous role at Rebiotix, she supported the development of microbiome-based live biotherapeutic drugs for various diseases. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Mayo Clinic, where she investigated the role of the microbiome in cancers of the reproductive tract. She is passionate about exploring the microbiome dynamics and applications in the industrial sector, with a current emphasis on maternal and infant health.

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Esteban Terzo

Principal Scientist, Eloxx Pharmaceuticals
Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Ph.D., Genetics and Molecular Biology / December, 2015

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
Research Expertise
Cell Biology
Oncology
Cancer Research
Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Genetics
And 6 more
About
Strategic thinker and cross-functional communicator showcasing nearly 6 years of biotech industry experience leading projects as a specialist in early drug discovery, platform development, and oncology. Proven track record of establishing research laboratories, conceiving and executing cell-based assays, leading external projects in collaboration with CROs and academic partners. Passionate about mentoring and enabling opportunities for the next generation of scientists. Committed to finding solutions to complex challenges and seeking new ways to push the boundaries of discovery.

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Prateek Jain

Research Associate, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Experience

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Research Associate / June, 2023 — Present

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Postdoctoral Research Associate / August, 2018 — Present

National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute

Research Associate / February, 2018 — August, 2018

Senior Research Fellow / August, 2014 — January, 2018

National Agri Food Biotechnology Institute

Junior Research Fellow / August, 2012 — August, 2014

University of Delhi

Project Trainee / January, 2012 — May, 2012

Project Trainee / May, 2011 — July, 2011

Sungro Seeds

Project trainee / May, 2008 — August, 2008

Research Expertise
Molecular biology
Biochemistry
Plant Biology
Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Condensed Matter Physics
And 9 more

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Sheldon Lawrence II, PhD

Research Molecular Biologist, Assistant Professor of Biology
Experience

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Emory University Oxford College

About
I earned my PhD in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Florida (2018). I then worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. I am currently an Assistant Professor and Molecular Biologist at Emory University-Oxford College. My past research includes studies of protein signaling in plants. My current research focuses on the use of biochemical, molecular and genetic tools to study interactions between the germ cells and somatic support cells of the model organism *C. elegans*. My research articles have been published in research journals such as the *International Journal of Molecular Sciences*, *Journal of Proteomics* and the *Journal of proteome research*.

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Jonathan VanRyzin, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of North Carolina with a PhD in Neuroscience and a research focus on investigating how drugs of abuse interact with the neuroimmune system to shape brain development and behavior.
Experience

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Postdoctoral Fellow / December, 2018 — May, 2022

University of North Carolina

Postdoctoral Fellow / June, 2022 — Present

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DD Lewis

Ph.D student in media and communication interested in eating disorders, media, and culture at UNC.
Education

Elon University

BA, Strategic Communications / May, 2020

Elon, North Carolina, United States of America

Elon University

BA, Arts Administration / May, 2020

Elon, North Carolina, United States of America

Northeastern University

MS, Corporate and Organizational Communication / July, 2021

Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

PhD, Media and Communication / May, 2028 (anticipated)

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
Experience

PowerSchool

Field Marketing Lead / January, 2022 — February, 2024

Moore Strategies

Communications Consultant / June, 2020 — August, 2024

Workbar

Community Manager / August, 2020 — May, 2021

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Research Assistant / August, 2024 — Present

About
DD Lewis is a highly educated and experienced communications professional with a passion for media and culture. She obtained her BA in Strategic Communications and BA in Arts Administration from Elon University in 2020. During her time at Elon, she honed her skills in crafting effective communication strategies and managing the business side of the arts industry. After graduation, DD continued to expand her knowledge and expertise by pursuing a MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication from Northeastern University, which she completed in 2021. DD is currently earning her PhD in Media and Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is expected to graduate in 2028. Through her doctoral studies, DD delves deeply into the world of media and communication, conducting extensive research and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the field. Throughout her education, DD also gained valuable hands-on experience in the communications industry. She worked as a Field Marketing Lead at PowerSchool, a leading education technology company, where she developed and executed marketing strategies to promote the company's products and services. She also served as a Communications Consultant at Moore Strategies, providing strategic communication guidance to various businesses and organizations. DD's passion for community engagement and management led her to work as a Community Manager at Workbar, a coworking space in Boston. In this role, she fostered a vibrant and collaborative community among members and organized events and initiatives to enhance the overall experience. DD's diverse education and experience have equipped her with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of communications. She is driven, dedicated, and always seeking new opportunities to use his expertise to make a positive impact.

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Zhibin Guan

Professor of Chemistry with expertise in polymers and sustainable plastics, University of California, Irvine
Education

B.S., Chemistry / July, 1987

Beijing

M.S., Polymer Chemistry / July, 1990

Beijing

UNC-Chapel Hill

Ph.D., Organic/polymer chemistry / July, 1994

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
Research Expertise
materials chemistry
polymer
biomaterials
catalysis
sustainable materials
And 1 more

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Jonathan Todd

Portland, Oregon, United States of America
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Ph.D., Epidemiology / May, 2016

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
Research Expertise
HIV and chronic comorbidity epidemiology
Cystic Fibrosis Epidemiology
Data Visualization
Machine Learning
Ensemble Learning
And 6 more

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Kate Giffin

Ph.D. candidate in neuroscience studying mechanisms of brain dysfunction after critical illness.
Education

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

Ph.D., Neuroscience / August, 2026 (anticipated)

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

B.A., Biology / May, 2020

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

Beaufort County Community College

A.S. / May, 2018

Washington, North Carolina, United States of America
Experience

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

PREP Post-Baccalaureate Fellow / May, 2020 — May, 2021

About
I'm a Ph.D. candidate with expertise in neuroimmunology.

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Misty Crooks

New York, New York, United States of America
Ethnographer using participatory research to study electoral politics and access to political participation.
Education

The Graduate Center, CUNY

Ph.D., Anthropology / December, 2023

New York, New York, United States of America

University of Massachusetts Boston

M.A., Applied Linguistics / May, 2015

Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

B.A., Anthropology / May, 1997

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

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Shekar Rao

Experience in PM and capture of large, complex R&D and other programs
Education

Oregon Health Sciences University

Ph.D, Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics / May, 1991

Portland, Oregon, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MBA, Business / June, 1999

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

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Shantell McLaggan

MD Candidate with research experience in the subjects of maternal health and public health
Education

East Carolina University

MD / May, 2025 (anticipated)

Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

BA, French and Francophone Studies / May, 2017

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

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Tom Single

Education

North Carolina State University

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

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Clyde Ray

Education

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

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Darrell Cleveland

Education

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

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Robert Andrews, Ph.D.

Education

University of South Carolina

Ph.D., Chemistry / December, 1986

Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

B.S., Chemistry / June, 1981

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

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Cole Vita

Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Computer Science

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America

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