We are exhilarated to welcome Dr. Nii Addy from Yale University
In a momentous event filled with pride and admiration, the 2023 annual Curtis Harper Lecture paid tribute to Dr. Curtis Harper, the pioneering African American tenured professor of our esteemed department. This significant lectureship celebrates the remarkable contributions of scholars from diverse backgrounds and strengthens our commitment to diversity and innovation.
Dr. Curtis Harper was the first African American tenured professor at UNC Pharmacology. Beyond his groundbreaking contributions to academia, he was a cherished brother, devoted son, caring uncle, nurturing mentor, loyal friend, and a man of unwavering commitment to both science and faith. With the blessing from his family, we celebrate the indelible mark he left and the wider academic community.
This year, we were thrilled to welcome Dr. Nii Addy, a distinguished academic, as the esteemed speaker for the lectureship. Dr. Addy is the Albert E. Kent Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology at Yale University. His groundbreaking research in substance use and mood disorders has extended far beyond the confines of academia. His passion for mental health advocacy has led him to create the widely acclaimed Addy Hour podcast, promoting approaches to mental well-being that has earned recognition from platforms such as the National Public Radio (NPR), Newsday, and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA).
Dr. Nii Addy’s captivating lecture underscored the vital role of neuroscience in addressing societal issues, emphasizing the values of fairness and justice in academia and beyond. It was an inspiring event that left a lasting impact on all attendees, reinforcing our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable academic environment.
The Harper family’s generosity knows no bounds, as they established the Harper Family Graduate Student Award, a testament to their commitment to supporting exceptional scholars in their academic journey. This year, we proudly recognize the outstanding achievements of Tania Bellinger, a dedicated 3rd year Ph.D. student from the Department of Pharmacology, and Aleah Bailey, an accomplished 3rd year Ph.D. student from the Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine. Their exemplary work and dedication have earned them the prestigious honor of being recipients of the Harper Family Graduate Student Award. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the Harper family for their continued support and belief in our students.
The lectureship also celebrated the outstanding achievements of our students. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to undergraduates Jasmine Ferguson and Salma Youssef from the UNC Pharmacology Carolina Summer Fellowship Program, recipients of the prestigious 3rd annual Dr. Curtis Harper Fellow’s Summer Research Award.
As his family stands alongside us through Dr. Addy’s captivating presentation, we are deeply moved by the enduring legacy of Dr. Curtis Harper, which not only lives on through the accolades and awards but also in the hearts of those he touched with his kindness, wisdom, and indomitable spirit.
