The Investigator - Spring 2023 Newsletter

NIH Data Management & Sharing Policy Now in Effect

Please be aware that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has started requiring more detailed data
management and sharing plans effective January 25th 2023.

PIs are advised to become familiar with the Final NIH Data Management & Sharing Policy.
(NOT-OD-21-013, initially released in October of 2020)

DMPTool is the primary resource recommended to compose an appropriate Data Management Plan in compliance with the new NIH-required elements.

A list of NIH-supported and generalist Data Repositories is publicly available.
NOTE: PIs are strongly encouraged to contact relevant societies or check their professional
organization websites for additional discipline-specific repository recommendations.

ECU Libraries have developed a Libguide dedicated to data management.

Thank you for your collective attention and timely response to this important policy change,
we will continue to share future updates and additional guidance as further information becomes available.

BSOM Research Hub-Temporary Changes

• Proposals must be FINAL and approval routing started seven (7) business days before the submission deadline. Only hub-required changes in proposals allowed.
• Some proposals in the work queue may be prioritized over others. In some cases, Karen Lombri may not be able to work on a proposal if the workload is too high. In these cases, the proposals can still be submitted but they may not be reviewed by pre-award before going to ORA for final review.
• Karen Lombri may be limited in the extent she is able to enter proposal information into eTRACS. Research teams are encouraged to enter as much information as feasible into eTRACS.
• Waivers for reduced F&A should be routed at least two (2) weeks before the submission deadline.
• The research teams will need to be more responsible for interactions with any subaward recipient entity on awards in which ECU is the prime awardee.

The BSOM Research Administration Hub is responsible for the development and review of grant and pre-award proposal budgets, support with eTRACS submissions, and monitoring of post-award activities and financial transactions. It also serves as a resource for helping to assure that grant spending and requests for funding are in accordance with federal, state, and private sponsor rules and regulations. 

Learn more by visiting:

BSOM Research Hub Site

A variety of data management and sharing resources have been compiled on the RGS Website!

Explore new DMS-related content here:

DMS Resources

RFA: Mark Foundation for Cancer Research invites applications for

Emerging Leader Awards – $750,000

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research invites applications for its Emerging Leader Awards program. Through the program, grants of up to $750,000 over three years will be awarded to outstanding early career investigators to support high-impact, high-risk projects distinct from their current research portfolio. Projects for this award must be centered on evidence-based laboratory, data, and/or medical science.

KEY DATES: Letters of intent are due May 1, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see:

Mark Foundation for Cancer Research Emerging Leader Award

RFA: William T. Grant Foundation Research Grants on Reducing Inequality – $600,000

The William T. Grant Foundation invites applications for its Research Grants on Reducing Inequality program, which supports research studies that aim to build, test, or increase understanding of programs, policies, or practices to reduce inequality in the academic, social, behavioral, or economic outcomes of young people ages 5 to 25 in the United States, along dimensions of race, ethnicity, economic standing, language minority status, or immigrant origins. Through the program, grants of up to $600,000 for up to three years will be awarded in support of descriptive studies that describe, explore, or explain how programs, practices, or policies reduce inequality; intervention studies that provide causal evidence on the effectiveness of programs or policies for reducing inequality; and measurement development studies that can enhance the work of researchers, practitioners, or policymakers to reduce inequality.

Key Dates: Letters of inquiry due: May 3, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. ET.

For complete program guidelines, application instructions, and descriptions of previously funded projects, see:

William T. Grant Foundation Research Grants on Reducing Inequality

Visit the RGS website to view recordings of recent “Research Resources 101“

and “What’s Under the Hood: Working in Clinical Trials“ educational presentations!

RGS Educational Programs

Is there an upcoming research-related event your department would like to promote? 

Let Us Know!

Congratulations to the following BSOM PIs on their Major New Awards and

Other Professional Recognitions in the past few months: 

• Dr. Shehabaldin Alqalyoobi in the Department of Internal Medicine for receiving clinical trial funding from United Therapeutics Corporation
• Dr. Cynthia Christiano in the Department of Internal Medicine on receiving clinical trial funding from Frenova Renal Research
• Dr. Paul Cook and Dr. Shaw Akula in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology on receiving clinical trial funding from  Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC
• Dr. Doyle Cummings in the Department of Family Medicine on receiving a grant from PCORI
• Dr. Alessandro Didonna in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology on receiving a grant from DHHS/NIH-NINDS
• Dr. Kelsey Fisher-Wellman in the Department of Physiology on receiving a grant from UNCCH
• Dr. Brandon Garcia in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology on receiving a grant from TAMU
• Dr. Carlos Anciano Granadillo in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences on receiving clinical trial funding from the Foregut Research Foundation
• Dr. Darla Liles in the Department of Internal Medicine on receiving clinical trial funding from AbbVie Inc, NeoImmune Tech Inc, IQVIA RDS Inc, & UMBC
• Dr. Alexandra Stang in the Department of Internal Medicine on receiving clinical trial funding from Pharmaceutical Research Associates
• Dr. Rukiyah Van Dross in the Department of Pharmacology on receiving a grant from Claradele Pharmaceuticals, Inc
• Dr. Li Yang in the Department of Internal Medicine on receiving a grant from UNCCH
• Dr. Yaolin Zhou in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine on receiving funding from Eli Lilly
• Dr. Kathryn Verbanac in the Department of Surgery has recently been appointed Interim Director of ECU-BSOM’s Center for Health Disparities

Please join us in congratulating the 2023 recipients of the Brody Brothers Endowment Research Grants:

Have you or your team received an award recently?

  Let Us Know!

The Brody Graduate Association recently hosted their 12th Annual “Science Crossroads” event! This panel style forum was developed to highlight diverse career paths outside of academia that may be of interest to future graduates. The event included a panel discussion with questions from the audience, followed by a social event with hors d’oeuvres & refreshments, which allowed trainees to have the opportunity to interact with the panelists in a more personal roundtable discussion.

SAVE THE DATE:

“Pirates Vs. Cancer” is a local charity event created and led by our medical students that benefits young patients and families at our very own Maynard Children’s Hospital.

This year the celebration and haircutting event will be on April 27th, 2023.

Thank You, Donors!

Thank you to all who donated and helped surpass our unit goal at the latest BSOM Red Cross Blood Drive–a special thank you to our Brody Graduate Student Association for sponsoring the drive!

Are your graduate students celebrating a recent accomplishment?

  Let Us Know!

Where Are They Now? Alumni Check-In!

Tell us a bit about the journey to your current role:My l Upon completing my pharmacy degree, I managed a large sterile production facility in Egypt before accepting a position at Alexandria University. In 2000, I was awarded a full scholarship to pursue my PhD in the US, which brought me to ECU. Following the completion of my PhD in Cardiovascular Pharmacology, I continued my research at Wake Forest’s Hypertension and Vascular Research Center for the next 18 years. Currently, I conduct extensive research on the renin-angiotensin system and autonomic regulation which have a significant role in various pathological conditions, including COVID-19 infections.

How did your graduate education help prepare you for this important work? My PhD equipped me with the essential knowledge and skills that paved the way for my success at Wake Forest, where I am highly funded for my research endeavors. Pharmacology’s graduate program provided me with extensive research experience including designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, writing research papers and grant proposals. These skills have been instrumental in conducting independent research and mentoring students in their own projects. Additionally, my graduate program helped develop communication skills which are essential for presenting complex research concepts to both knowledgeable and non-scientific audiences.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at BSOM? During my time at BSOM, I had the privilege of representing ECU at a meeting with a group of Nobel laureates in Charlotte, NC. This unforgettable experience deepened my passion for science as I had the opportunity to hear their remarkable stories. Witnessing their enthusiasm for science and how their research transformed the world was inspiring. It fueled my determination to work hard towards achieving y own goals and aspirations. 

Any advice for our current & future graduate students? Graduate school can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it: Stay organized, network to build relationships and prioritize self-care. Graduate school can be stressful, so it’s essential to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Stay focused, enjoy the journey and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. With hard work, passion, and a positive attitude, you can make the most of your experience and achieve your goals. 

Dr. Lisandra de Castro Bras, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Physiology

Why is your research important? 

My laboratory investigates new treatments to stop or reverse progression to heart failure.

Since cardiac disease is the number one killer in western countries, finding novel tools to diagnose, prevent, or cure heart failure is highly significant. 

What is your favorite book? 

One of my favorite books is One by Richard Bach, it has so many messages within. I read it the first time as a teen and it blew my mind, it still does!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

Traveling with family and friends is always my first choice, either abroad or locally. If we cannot leave the house, we normally spend most of our time in the kitchen cooking together as a family and trying new recipes.

What do you like most about BSOM?

My colleagues; I’ve found truly engaged colleagues that care about their students and have a passion for research.

What is a fun fact about you? 

I’ve lived in 4 countries, and I would love the opportunity to increase that number – maybe during retirement!

“The Investigator” is brought to you by the Brody School of Medicine’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies.