OFALD Spotlight Archives

PhD Candidate, Biomedical Sciences
BS, Exercise Science

Everett Minchew is a graduate research assistant in the lab of Dr. Espen Spangenburg which is located within the East Carolina Diabetes & Obesity Institute (ECDOI). Spangenburg’s lab investigates the cellular & molecular regulation of skeletal muscle function.

Minchew’s research is focused on defining mechanism(s) of skeletal muscle hypoxia resistance through which he hopes to identify novel therapeutic target(s) for the treatment and/or prevention of hypoxic myopathy. In addition to this work, he contributes to other active research projects of the ECDOI that are enabled by the collaborative environment of the other labs on the floor.

Outside of the lab, Minchew is a motivated advocate for graduate & professional students within the University of North Carolina System. He spearheaded the first ever NC Graduate & Professional Student Day of Advocacy in April 2021, which has since been expanded into an ongoing initiative called the North Carolina Graduate Student Coalition. His efforts are aimed at increasing graduate student representation within NC State legislature through working closely with the office Representative Brain Farkas.

Minchew’s personal time is dedicated predominantly to music and strength training. He is a vocalist and auxiliary percussionist for a wedding & corporate band that is based in Eastern NC. He was a former goalkeeper trainer for the ECU Varsity Women’s Soccer Program and the Pitt-Greenville Soccer Association. He loves a good game of pickle ball!

Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine Education
PhD, Clinical Psychology: West Virginia University
Internship & Fellowship: Health Psychology/Primary Care: South Texas Veterans Healthcare System

Dr. Brandon Kyle is the co-director for medical student education in the department of psychiatry and behavioral medicine, as well as the chair for the health sciences campus sexual and gender diversity committee.

He educates students across all years of the medical school curriculum, as well as psychiatry residents in the department.

Dr. Kyle provides clinical services as a clinical psychologist, primarily seeing patients for pre-surgical and pre-treatment evaluations.

Dr. Kyle lives in Greenville with his spouse, his two children, and his two cats. He enjoys reading, writing, playing board and card games, and spending time with his family.

BSOM Instructional Technology Consultant
BS, Elementary Education
MAEd, IT Specialist

Prior to coming to ECU BSOM, Melissa Tedder taught K – 5 for 15 years in the Pitt County Schools system. She has been in her role at Brody for three years and serves as the liaison for Brody/ITCS. Tedder was part of the ECU Elentra Implementation Team and is a resource member of the curriculum committees. She works closely with OFALD, OSA, OME, AA, and the Office of Admissions on teach support and training for meetings and events. She designs e-learning modules and manages lecture capture and Canvas for non-medical courses. Tedder provided instructional training and support for faculty, staff, and students.

Melissa Tedder is a member of St. James UMC Worship Team as a Tech Booth Volunteer and singer in the band. She is also a member of an a capella singing group. She grew up in Wilson, NC.

BSOM M.D. Candidate

Michael Denning is a current M1 student at BSOM. Throughout his time at Brody, he has developed a keen interest in the areas of medical education, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement. As the M1 Curriculum Representative, Michael strives to create impact and change, not only on the peer-to-peer level, but on a systemic – policy level. From creating student engagement surveys to advocating for student success on several curriculum committees and working groups, his belief in Brody’s mission of increasing access to medical education for underrepresented and disadvantaged students stands at the forefront of all his work.

Michael’s passions extend to community service and mentorship. As an NC Albert Schweitzer Fellow, he developed and executed a health education and mentorship program with the adolescent black males of Building Hope Community Center. Michael hopes to foster environments that promote the thought of “if you can see it, you can believe it; therefore, you can achieve it!,”.

Michael is the son of Michael and Renita Denning, Sr., and is a native of Garner, NC. He loves baking, watching Grey’s Anatomy, and connecting with classmates and friends.”

Teaching Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
School of Dental Medicine Pharmacology Department Liaison
Clinical Professor, Department of Advanced Nursing Practice &
Education, College of Nursing

Teaching
In addition to her primary appointment duties, which involve teaching Pharmacology across the Health Sciences campus (BSOM, SoDM and CON), Dr. Leffler has recently participated in the University Writing Program’s Faculty Book Club “Small Teaching Online” and serves on the Brody School of Medicine Admissions Committee. Dr. Leffler is also serving as the Basic Sciences Representative on the Executive Curriculum Committee at BSOM. Later this month, Dr. Leffler will be a guest speaker for this year’s AHEC Adult Mental Health Conference. Dr. Leffler resides in New Bern with her husband and four children.

BSOM Student Development & Academic Counseling
Interim Assistant Dean

Education
North Carolina State University –
Ph.D. in Counselor Education with a minor in Psychology (2009)

Teaching
Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Professions, ECU College of Education where she teaches and mentors graduate students completing degrees in student affairs/college counseling, school counseling and clinical mental health counseling.

Dr. Acheampong (Dr. A) leads the OSDAC team to develop & implement learner support interventions that are innovative, evidence-based & provide learners with tools & inspiration for managing challenges & reaching their goals during medical training.

Although the OSDAC office is small in terms of staff size, Acheampong believes the office provides large-scale support, & she considers the OSDAC office to be one of BSOM’s valuable treasures.

OSDAC includes Dr. Jacques Robidoux, Alley Richardson, Dr. Shawn Moore, & Alysha Gray. Dr. A credits her team for their above & beyond efforts, student-centered perspectives, & ability to bring their collective expertise to positively impact BSOM students’ academic & personal success.

Dr. Acheampong (Dr. A) leads the OSDAC team to develop & implement learner support interventions that are innovative, evidence-based & provide learners with tools & inspiration for managing challenges & reaching their goals during medical training. Although the OSDAC office is small in terms of staff size, Acheampong believes the office provides large-scale support, & she considers the OSDAC office to be one of BSOM’s valuable treasures.OSDAC includes Dr. Jacques Robidoux, Alley Richardson, Dr. Shawn Moore, & Alysha Gray. Dr. A credits her team for their above & beyond efforts, student-centered perspectives, & ability to bring their collective expertise to positively impact BSOM students’ academic & personal success. Acheampong resides in her hometown of Ayden with her two children, Kofi (11), Cassee (12), & a one-year-old Yorkie, Caesar Lee.

BSOM Department of Pediatrics
General Pediatrics Assistant Professor

Education
Dr. Shaundreal Jamison is a general pediatrician and assistant professor. She received her medical degree from Wake Forest School of Medicine in 2013. After her Pediatrics residency, she went on to receive a Master of Public Health Degree and complete training in Preventive Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill. She has been on faculty at BSOM since 2018.

Dr. Jamison currently serves as the Department Outpatient Medical Director for General Pediatrics. In this role, she works to improve health outcomes for children in Eastern NC by ensuring high quality patient – centered care within the medical home. Her research thus far has centered on reducing health disparities, particularly in the pediatric population, and on workforce diversity. In her free time, Dr. Jamison enjoys spending time with her family and binge-watching her favorite shows.

BSOM Department of Internal Medicine
Pulmonary & Critical Care Assistant

Education
Dr. Ogugua Ndili Obi, is a pulmonary & critical care physician, & an assistant professor. She received her medical degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 1998 & her Master’s in Public Health & Master of Science in Epidemiology degrees from Harvard University School of Public Health in 2002 & 2004.Since joining the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, & Sleep Medicine in 2013, Dr. Obi has distinguished herself in her academic pursuits, resident & fellow teaching, & in service to BSOM & VMC. Dr. Obi was recently awarded the 2021 Department of Internal Medicine teaching recognition Award for Excellence in Teaching & Medical Education.

As clinical director of the sarcoidosis program, Dr. Obi worked extensively to establish the ECU Sarcoidosis Clinic as a WASOG recognized Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence. She also established the ECU Sarcoidosis Registry (ECUSaR) to better understand & characterize the disease here in Eastern NC.

Dr. Obi loves to travel with her family. They enjoy being in new places and seeing new things. She is married to Dr. Reginald Obi. They have three wonderful sons – Nnamdi, Ozioma, and Chigozie.

“Sarcoidosis disproportionately affects people (especially African Americans) in Eastern NC, and I would like to be a part of the solution for sarcoidosis”.

-Dr. OGUGUA NDILI OBI,  BSOM Department of Internal Medicine

Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Director of Undergraduate Education
M3 Clerkship Director

Education
East Carolina University^®
Residency: East Carolina University

Dr. Sutton was recently honored by Class of 2021 String of Pearls, as well as recognition by the BSOM class of 2022 for the Physician Recognition award.

Dr. Sutton recently mentored OB/GYN students headed into their first year of Virtual Residency Interview Season.

She serves nationally for APGO’s Undergraduate Medical Education Committee.

“If you are passionate about the work – you will find ways to do it – even if it seems impossible! My passion for my students, my clerkship, and my daily work of Obstetrics and Gynecology has certainly carried me through this season. “

-Dr. Sutton, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology