OFALD Spotlight Archives

Social Clinical Research Specialist, Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research

DHSc, Campbell University
MS, North Carolina Central University
BS, Elizabeth City State University

Dr. Moses McDaniel’s professional journey reflects his dedication to his community and advancing clinical research. A graduate of the UNC System, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Biotechnology from Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) and a Master of Science in Biology from North Carolina Central University (NCCU). He also completed continuing education courses in entomology, toxicology, and cancer research at North Carolina State University (NCSU).

Dr. McDaniel began his tenure at East Carolina University (ECU) in 2017 as a Research Specialist in the Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology. His early work focused on investigating the role of galectin-1 in the progression of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), using both cell lines and mouse models. Following the completion of this project, Dr. McDaniel transitioned into a new position where he was instrumental in consenting patients and collecting both normal and cancerous tissue samples for the North Carolina Tissue Consortium.

In January 2025, following the completion of his Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degree from Campbell University, Dr. McDaniel advanced into a new role within the Division of Surgical Research in the Department of Surgery. In this position, he collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on a range of initiatives, including kidney transplant clinical trials, research on mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction in bariatric surgery and cancer patients, and trauma studies addressing gun violence in eastern North Carolina.

Beyond his research, Dr. McDaniel is deeply committed to mentorship and service. He has guided numerous students throughout his career, many of whom have successfully pursued advanced degrees, including PhDs, MDs, DDSs, and MS degrees. Within ECU, he is an active member of the Staff Senate, serving on the Staff Welfare Committee.

Originally from Enfield, Halifax County, North Carolina, Dr. McDaniel values spending time with his wife, Sabrina, traveling, hiking, and watching movies. Together, they are the proud parents of three adult children. They enjoy attending ECU events, especially football games and Freeboot Fridays.

Assistant Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology

BS, Exercise and Health Science, Alma College
PhD, Integrative and Biomedical Physiology, Pennsylvania State University

Dr. Nathan Garvin is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology (ACB) at the Brody School of Medicine. His primary teaching role revolves around using cadavers donated to ECU’s anatomical gift program (AGP) for hands-on learning of gross anatomy for the first-year medical students. He also has a role in teaching embryology to the medical students and participates in the anatomy courses for several of the allied health programs such as physical therapy, physician assistant, and nurse anesthetist.

Dr. Garvin’s service is centered on the medical student’s first-year education as well as evaluation of the BSOM learning environment. He is the chair of the contextual learning activity workgroup charged by the executive curriculum committee to create novel inverse case-studies that integrate material from the students’ (newly implemented) first-year curriculum, including anatomy, physiology, histology, and the molecular basis of medicine. In addition, he works under the Department of Academic Affairs to help monitor the learning environment by evaluating reports of student mistreatment.

As the Lab Director for the Neuroscience Lab, Dr. Garvin functions as the point-of-contact and specimen coordinator between the ACB teaching faculty, the AGP director, and Neuroscience course director. As such, he is also conducting a study in which medical students are trained to evaluate anatomical specimens to determine the efficacy of storage in a lower-formaldehyde solution.

With a varied background in anatomy and physiology, Dr. Garvin received his B.S. from Alma College in Exercise and Health Science and his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University in Integrative and Biomedical Physiology. After several years teaching in Arizona, Dr. Garvin joined the ECU faculty in the spring of 2023 at the same time as his wife and has thoroughly enjoyed his time here in eastern North Carolina. Outside of work, Dr. Garvin enjoys spending time with his wife and raising his two girls, cooking wild game, and generally being outside.

Clinical Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine

PhD, University of Georgia
MS, University of Miami
BA, University of Kentucky

Dr. Ashley Britton is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology, with a Health Psychology concentration from the University of Georgia and completed her Clinical Health Psychology residency at Henry Ford Health System. Afterwards, Dr. Britton completed a prestigious fellowship in Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, and has since specialized in Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology in academic medical settings.

Dr. Britton joined East Carolina University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in July 2019 as clinical faculty and was promoted to Clinical Associate Professor earlier this year. As a clinician in both inpatient and outpatient medical settings, she provides pre-surgical psychological evaluations, psychotherapy for individuals navigating health challenges and life transitions, and bedside psychological care for patients with acute and chronic medical conditions. She was recently recognized as an ECU Health 5-Star Provider for the 2024 fiscal year.

Dedicated to training the next generation of health psychologists, Dr. Britton serves as the Clinical Training Liaison for the department’s behavioral medicine division, supervising clinical psychology interns, psychiatry residents, and medical students. She also developed the department’s new Clinical Health Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship—the first of its kind in the region—and successfully recruited its inaugural fellow cohort to begin in September 2025, for which she serves as Program Director.

Dr. Britton’s research focuses on applied behavioral medicine interventions to improve quality of life in individuals with chronic illnesses and to address social determinants of health. Currently, she is examining how pre-surgical quality of life influences post-surgical outcomes, including hospital readmission risks, among transplant and bariatric patients.

Outside of work, Dr. Britton adores chasing after and cuddling her rambunctious and curious 14-month-old son, Sean. She is also endlessly amused—and occasionally exasperated—by the antics of cat siblings, Ellie and Teddy Roosevelt-Harper, and her delightfully chunky terrier mix, Sofi! Dr. Britton also enjoys life on the water (poolside, at the beach, or boating), great food, pampering herself with regular massages, immersing herself in epic fantasy or fiction reads or movies, standup comedy, and waterfront walks with her husband and their son, Sean.

Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

PhD, Iowa State University
MS, BS, Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Morgan Milton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Brody School of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate bacterial biofilm formation, particularly in Vibrio species. Her lab is currently investigating biofilm regulatory pathways in Vibrio fischeri, a relative to the human pathogens V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus that are rising threats to the eastern North Carolina coastline. The Milton Lab’s studies aim to uncover how Vibrio species coordinate multicellular behaviors with the ultimate goal of identifying novel targets for antimicrobial therapies. Her team uses a range of biochemical, biophysical, and microbiological techniques to address important fundamental questions regarding bacterial survival, persistence, and pathogenesis.

In terms of service, Dr. Milton is a member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee and Brody’s Community and Connection Committee. She is also actively involved in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in her laboratory, with an emphasis on developing technical skills and scientific independence. She recently developed a science communication course to provide the space and training for graduate students to learn to communicate their research with a broad audience.

Dr. Milton grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, earned her PhD from Iowa State University in Biochemistry, and joined the faculty at ECU in 2022. Outside of the lab, she enjoys calligraphy, reading, and going on adventures with her husband.

Clinical Associate Professor, Family Medicine

MD,  Brody School Of Medicine
MS, BS, NC State University

Dr. Matthew Rushing is a graduate of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. After graduating from medical school, he stayed at ECU Health (then Vidant Medical Center) for his residency in Family Medicine, serving as a Chief Resident during his time. Since completing residency, he has been on faculty in the Department of Family Medicine where he is a Clinical Associate Professor and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Originally from Wilmington, NC, he completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at North Carolina State University. Dr. Rushing arrived to medicine as a second career, starting out as a Software Training Specialist and Operations Consultant for over 15 years before moving to Greenville to begin his medical training.

He currently enjoys wearing many different hats in both the Department of Family Medicine and at The Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Rushing serves as an Assistant Residency Director for the Core Residency Program and as the Associate Program Director of the Rural Residency Program with locations in Ahoskie, Beulaville, and Roanoke Rapids. He maintains a weekly procedures clinic as well as his continuity clinic where he serves as a clinician, preceptor, and teacher to residents, fellows, and medical students. In addition to his clinical duties, he is also a Course Director for the Foundations of Doctoring course for both the M1 and M2 students at Brody.

He has received multiple teaching and student advocacy awards from Brody during his tenure and is frequently chosen by the students to give advice to the graduating students and residents during their String of Pearls lectures that occur just before graduation and match day.

Outside of Brody, Dr. Rushing serves on the Advocacy Committee for the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians which aims to strengthen the influence of Family Medicine with health systems, government agencies, and payers to improve access to full-scope family medicine for the people of North Carolina.

He enjoys spending free time playing piano, guitar, banjo, and trumpet (poorly), playing golf (even worse) and traveling with his wife, daughter, and son.

Senior Director, Office of Medical Education

B.S. in Business Administration, Southern New Hampshire University

Dawn joined ECU in 2019, bringing over fifteen years of higher education experience to her role in the Office of Medical Education. She started her career as an ophthalmic technician working with a satellite retina specialist team, Lasik surgery team, and ocular plastics team.  During her time working in ophthalmic surgery, Dawn became interested in how the skin healed and why some patients bruised and scarred while others had alternate outcomes.  This thirst for knowledge led her to become a licensed aesthetician in North Carolina.  After owning a spa and teaching continuing education to other licensed professionals. Dawn found her passion for supporting learners on their journeys in higher education.

In her role in the Office of Medical Education, Dawn has streamlined processes, expanded support services, and spearheaded many initiatives that have led to optimizing faculty support and successful curriculum delivery.  Dawn enjoys evaluating operational processes and increasing operational efficiency while fostering a strong team environment, finding great satisfaction in witnessing Brody students succeed in their passion for medicine and pursuit of being a physician.

Dawn and her husband, Jeff, live in Clayton with their two children, Grayson (12) and Grier (10), and two rescue huskies, Emmy and Aspen.  As a family, they enjoy traveling and adventure.  Dawn loves to garden and cook for friends and family every chance she gets.

Ph.D. Candidate, Brody School of Medicine

MS, Biomedical Sciences, Brody School Medicine

BS, Chemistry & Mathematics, UNC Chapel Hill

Jude Kinkead is a fourth-year graduate student at the Brody School of Medicine. He grew up in the British Virgin Islands prior to moving to the United States. Jude attended UNC-Chapel Hill, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics.

Kinkead moved to Greenville in 2021 to begin his Masters Degree in Biomedical sciences. He says that working under both Dr. Cavanagh and Dr. Zeczycki gave him the opportunity to pursue an exciting project that combined neurodegenerative elements with the field of bacterial response regulators. Continuing in the PhD program, he currently studies bacterial transition state regulators in the Cavanagh Lab.

Outside of his studies, Jude enjoys taking care of his plants, cooking, brewing kombucha, making soap, and spending time with his two cats.

He has received teaching awards for the past two years at the University of Florida before joining ECU Health in the summer of last year. Furthermore, he has successfully licensed intellectual property related to esophageal protection during ablation of atrial fibrillation, with a patent granted in Japan and additional patents pending in Europe and the United States. His scientific interests also encompass regenerative medicine and subcutaneous defibrillation. He continuously mentors numerous trainees including pre-med students, medical students, residents, and fellows.  As a Program Director, Dr. Catanzaro is committed to lifelong learning in a field that is constantly evolving due to new technological advancements.

In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, cooking, exercising with his son, and traveling.

Medical Director East Carolina heart and vascular Institute service line

Chief Division of Cardiology Department of Cardiovascular Sciences

MBA, University of Florida

MD, State University of New York

Dr. Catanzaro earned his medical degree from the State University of New York. He completed his residency and fellowship training at North Shore University Hospital, specializing in clinical cardiac electrophysiology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Catanzaro holds fellowships in several prestigious organizations, including the American College of Cardiology, the European Heart Rhythm Association, the European Society of Cardiology, and the Heart Rhythm Society. Additionally, he has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida, focused on Entrepreneurship.

Currently, Dr. Catanzaro serves as the John “Jack” Rose Distinguished Professor, Chief of the Division of Cardiology, Medical Director of East Carolina Heart and Vascular Service line and program director for a newly established fellowship in clinical cardiac electrophysiology. He is a prolific researcher with over 70 publications and has secured continuous funding from the NIH R01, international professional societies, and pharmaceutical companies since 2016. He actively participates in various committees at the local, national, and global levels including the Heart Rhythm Society.  Recently, he was appointed as a designated Councilor for the region of Eastern North Carolina by the American College of Cardiology.

He has received teaching awards for the past two years at the University of Florida before joining ECU Health in the summer of last year. Furthermore, he has successfully licensed intellectual property related to esophageal protection during ablation of atrial fibrillation, with a patent granted in Japan and additional patents pending in Europe and the United States. His scientific interests also encompass regenerative medicine and subcutaneous defibrillation. He continuously mentors numerous trainees including pre-med students, medical students, residents, and fellows.  As a Program Director, Dr. Catanzaro is committed to lifelong learning in a field that is constantly evolving due to new technological advancements.

In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, cooking, exercising with his son, and traveling.

MD Candidate, Brody School of Medicine

BS, Chemistry, UNC Pembroke University

Kathryn Flax is third year medical student at Brody School of Medicine and is currently interested in pediatrics.

Originally from Wilmington, NC she attended UNC-Pembroke University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and played for the Women’s golf team. After graduating, she moved Greenville to work as a MedServe fellow at ECU Pediatric Outpatient clinic where she helped with day-to-day tasks as well as coordinated an annual “Wellness Clinic Day” where kids could come and get school and/or sports physicals before starting school.

Flax says she loved her time at Brody and getting to be a part of the Brody family. She has served as co-coordinator for the Happy Hearts program where expectant parents or caregivers can gain hands-on experience in infant and child CPR and choking rescue. She’s served as the summer co-coordinator for PCCC, a local free clinic run by medical students, doctors, and pre-med students. And she’s served as event coordinator for the Pediatric Interest Group and helped organize a simulation event for medical students to get hands-on experience with pediatric specific cases.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Dan, and going on walks with our 1.5-year-old golden retriever, Ruby. She still dusts off the college golf clubs for an occasional round or two of golf and loves DIY projects, baking, and is an avid nacho connoisseur!

Director, Physician Compensation & Data Analytics

B.S. in Economics, East Carolina University

Trish Sawyer, an ECU Alumni, joined ECU in 2011 in ECU Pharmacy Services. She now proudly serves as the Director of Physician Compensation & Data Analytics. In this role, Trish works with a variety of clinical and non-clinical faculty, staff, and executive leadership to develop key analytics used for strategic decision making. Trish is a true “data chomper” who has a passion for analyzing and organizing data to provide a consolidated final product for consumption by the end user.  She loves to help others automate manual processes to save time and effort.

Trish and her, husband, Anthony are the parents of 4 young children: Carter (10), Alex (9), Savannah (6) and Lily (4).  She finds joy in spending time with her family, baking (especially desserts!), completing a good puzzle, and playing the piano.