Natalia Akopyants, joined the Department of Pediatrics as an Associate Professor in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine on October 31, 2022. Dr. Akopyants, earned her PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics at the Research Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry in the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia in 1988. In 1998, Dr. Akopyants completed post doctoral training in Microbiology with the Department of Molecular Microbiology at Washington University in Saint Louis, MO. Since 1999, Dr. Akopyants has continued her research career as faculty in the Department of Molecular Microbiology at Washington University School of Medicine. Welcome Natalia!

Congratulations to Wesley Jackson, MD MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Sue Tolleson-Rinehart, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics and Public Health, on their election to membership in the Society of Pediatric Research (SPR).

The Society for Pediatric Research encourages and supports pediatric research endeavors by creating a multi-disciplinary network of diverse researchers to improve child health. Collaboration among SPR members creates meaningful progress for the future of children’s health. Active Members are independent researchers conducting hypothesis-driven research in a field related to pediatrics that have been nominated and seconded by SPR members and approved by SPR Council.

Congratulations Sue and Wes!

Wesley Jackson, MD, MPH was promoted to Associate Professor of Pediatrics effective October 1, 2022. Since becoming a faculty member in 2018, Dr. Jackson has had a strong commitment to the Department of Pediatrics’ Research mission. Dr. Jackson has expanded his research interests to include clinical trials operations, pharmacokinetic modeling, and epigenetic analyses. Dr. Jackson’s goal is to combine these interests to improve the outcomes of infants through drug development for diseases with limited available therapies, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy.

Dr. Emiliee Lewis, Assistant Professor in the division of Hospital Pediatrics, has been asked to serve as UNC site lead for the American Academy of Pediatrics VIP Network Project: Learning and Implementing Guidelines for Hyperbilirubinemia Treatment (LIGHT). The project seeks to implement the AAP Clinical Practice Guideline

Congratulations to Megan Rebuli, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Allergy-Immunology, and Lauren Frazer, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, on their nomination and acceptance to participate in the American Pediatric Society (APS) – Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) Journeys & Frontiers in Pediatric Research program for 2022-2023.

Congratulations to Dr. Misty Good on her election as Pediatrics Council Representative for the Perinatal Research Society (PRS).

Dr. Melissa Bauserman, Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine has been invited to join the 2022-23 Women ADVANCE Leadership program. She will be one of a diverse and brilliant group of researchers, clinicians, teachers, and leaders from across the University.

We are pleased to announce that, Dr. Matt Laughon began his tenure as Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs on July 1, 2022, serving as the Chair’s designate for one of the most important parts of the academic pediatric enterprise.   For 11 years, Terry Noah has been the Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs in the Department of Pediatrics. We thank Terry for his years of fiercely dedicated advocacy for pediatrics faculty

We are excited to recognize our faculty and trainees for their recent Academy of Educator (AOE) accomplishments.  We are so grateful for their enthusiasm, dedication, and talents as UNC AOE educators. Founded in 2006, the Academy of Educators is designed to emphasize teaching and support faculty development both in Chapel Hill and across the state.

Jenny Miedema joined the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine on February 1, 2022. Ms. Miedema received her BA from Washington University in St. Louis in 2001 and her MSN form the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 2005. She completed her training as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Duke University in 2010 where she continued to work in NICU through 2017. Jenny will be working in the UNC Newborn Critical Care Center on a part-time basis.  Welcome Jenny![