OFALD Newsletter Q1-2026
Join us in celebrating the many accomplishments across BSOM so far in 2026, highlighting the people and milestones that continue to drive our success. This issue also offers a look ahead at our upcoming initiatives, programs and exciting developments!
Collaborations
OFALD Annual Advisory Board Meeting
OFALD’s Advisory Board convened in January to provide feedback and receive updates on new initiatives for dissemination within their respective offices.
MeRG Cohort
The fourth cohort of MeRG has kicked off. MeRG is designed to empower participants by developing the specific and technical skills essential for success in the research-publishing process. Through guided mentorship and collaborative learning, participants will create a personalized plan to overcome potential barriers, build research capacity, and identify clear pathways to success in academia.
MAP Program
The MAP Program is underway and halfway through the programming. The mentees attended a WAG session given by MAP alums. The attendees learned about a full range of writing support available to them as faculty. The next call for applications will be released this summer.
Lab Database
DCM has created a new tissue- and strain-sharing resource to help connect researchers to promote collaboration and maximize the use of animals. All principal investigators with an active IACUC protocol have been initially invited to the team. Faculty and senior staff seeking access should email DCM@ecu.edu.
Teaching Academy of Medical Educators (TEAME)
Dr. de Castro Braz performs a virtual cholecystectomy in the Simulation Lab during the most recent TEAME session on educational technology. The inaugural cohort will present their culminating portfolios in June.
SHAPES Session
In March, individuals from the BSOM community gathered to attend SHAPES, a combination of power yoga, pilates and barre, to unwind, stretch and recharge at a session designed for all levels. OFALD reminds you to move mindfully, breathe deeply, and enjoy a moment of calm. See you at the next session!
Special Recognitions
Master Educators
Master Educators were awarded at the February full faculty meeting:
- Dr. Matthew Parker: Category of Educational Leadership and Administration
- Dr. Suzanne Lea: Category of Educational Leadership and Administration
- Dr. Tim Powell: Category of Outstanding Teaching or Mentorship Contribution
RISE Participants
Sebastian Vega and Mackenzie Morgan were nominated for and accepted into the 2026 AAMC RISE Leadership Development program. RISE: Developing Future Leaders in Academic Medicine & Science is a seminar developed specifically for graduating fourth-year medical students to equip them with the leadership skills and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities that await them as residents.
Service Award
The Office of Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development now distributes the ECU service awards. Dr. Anagha Malur poses proudly with her 20-year certificate. Congratulations on this milestone!
Woodworking Crafts Feature
We are proud to announce that Dr. Joe Chalovich, professor emeritus, and a few of his woodworking projects were featured in issue 98 of Woodworking Crafts magazine (2026).
Antioxidants Article
The article “Environmental Exposures and Oxidative Stress in Retinal and Optic Nerve Diseases: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Therapeutic Opportunities,” by Jacob K. Roberson, Anais N. Bauer, Anahy Lopez-Ramirez, Daniel B. Jenness, Sebastian Cruz Zayas, Jessica N. Cooke Bailey and Tracey L. Woodlief was published in MDPI’s 2026 Antioxidants journal. Jake Roberson is a MS student in biology and is first author, the RDT students, Daniel and Anais, are now M3s!
Congratulations on this outstanding collaborative effort!
BSOM Mission Champion
Aaron Hinkle from the Department of Comparative Medicine was selected as the most recent BSOM Mission Champion.
Cast your nomination for a BSOM employee whose daily contributions and dedication to the Brody mission deserve to be celebrated.
Mission Ambassador
Erika Taylor, behavioral health clinical instructor, spent time on Capitol Hill during the March of Dimes annual March for Change Advocacy Summit. She serves on the March of Dimes North Carolina Board of Directors. As part of that volunteer commitment, Erika attended the summit’s Congressional Reception as a Mission Ambassador, sharing her story of preterm birth with those in attendance. The audience included Cindy Rahman, March of Dimes CEO, and Dr. Michael Warren, Marches of Dimes chief medical and health officer.
Brody Brothers Endowment Grant Winners
Congratulations to the principal investigators:
- Dr. Ahmed Elamir: Radiation Oncology
- Dr. Alexandra Garvin: Physiology
- Dr. Kyle Mansfield: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Dr. Karen Mruk: Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Dr. Morgan Milton: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Dr. Espen Spangenburg: Anatomy & Cell Biology
- Dr. Nasreen Vohra: Surgery
Innovations
Lending Library
Browse our spring selection at the lending library. Titles span multiple genres, including medical education, leadership development, writing, communication and medical nonfiction.
SAGES General Research Grant
Dr. Tracey Woodlief and Dr. Maryna Chumakova received a two-year grant from the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). The general research grant is for their project titled Environmental PFAS Exposure and Bariatric Surgery Outcomes: Linking Serum, Urine, Tissue and Metabolic Mechanisms.
Celebrating Success
Seminar Speaker
Dr. Linda May spoke recently at the Parker Seminar, providing sessions focused on women’s health, pregnancy and postpartum. She remains instrumental in advancing critical research initiatives at ECU.
OFALD Game Day
In March, OFALD hosted a Game Day featuring favorites such as chess, Jenga, Candy Land and Sorry! The event was so well received that it will be offered again in the near future.
Team-Building Session
The Office of Student Affairs recently participated in a dynamic team-building session hosted by OFALD. The experience provided a valuable opportunity for the team to strengthen collaboration, enhance communication, and reflect on shared goals in the service of the student community. It reinforced their collective commitment to excellence at BSOM as well.
Research Library Session
Jamie Bloss, research librarian with Laupus Library administration, met with scholars at BSOM as part of OFALD’s Teaching, Research and Leadership Development series to provide an overview of the resources she and her team offer to assist with a wide range of research needs.
On the Horizon
Therapy Dog Session
Back by popular demand, Deputy Barkley from the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office will be visiting the school with his handler, Deputy Chris Curtis, on April 28. Take a “paws” from your busy day for a little wellness.
12th Annual Medical Education Day
Save the Date
Thursday, April 30, 12:30–5:00 p.m.
Keynote Presentation
Dr. Taj Nasser — “Detours, Dead Ends, & Plot Twists: If I Can Do It, Anyone Can”
Brody’s Medical Education Day is an annual half-day event highlighting the medical education research and innovation of the Brody School of Medicine community. The event underscores the Brody School of Medicine’s commitment to ongoing improvement in medical education. Lunch will be provided for attendees who register in advance.
Nicholas H. Benson Lecture
Save the Date
Wednesday, May 27, Noon–1:00 p.m.
The Honorable Jack Jenkins (retired) will deliver “Leadership: Leo Jenkins Style,” sharing lessons he learned growing up on campus as the son of Leo Jenkins, the sixth president and chancellor of what is now East Carolina University. Under Leo Jenkins’ leadership, the institution transformed from East Carolina Teachers College to East Carolina University and established the Brody School of Medicine. Drawing from his father’s legacy and his own career in public service, Jack Jenkins will offer insights into leadership, service and mission.
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