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UAB Sustainability wins national recognition and support for saving energy and money
The Green Labs and Rheaply programs at UAB have earned a Department of Energy Better Practice Awards honor — one of only two universities to receive the award. Another recognition brings pro bono consulting on electrification of Blazer Express.
How to use LinkedIn Learning to grow in your current role — or build toward a new oneOn May 6, join a virtual 30-minute session exploring the Career Goals feature in LinkedIn Learning, an online learning resource platform available at no cost to all benefit-eligible employees at UAB. Register today.UAB Learning & Development Learn to Win Challenge ReturnsThe Learn to Win challenge is a quarterly event that offers a curated learning path for UAB’s community of benefit-eligible learners. This quarter’s contest, “Learn to Win: Power Skills for Today and Tomorrow,” offers a chance to win prizes by completing a series of videos by May 31.Need new ideas? Try a walking meetingStarting small and making a plan with a crew can help Blazers with desk jobs stay active — and one employee from the School of Education says walking meetings have changed the game for her and her team.
Latest cohort graduates from Blaze Leadership AcademyMeet the 2023-2024 class of UAB’s flagship leadership academy for high-potential faculty and staff.At Sparkman Center for Global Health, Alonge is focusing on “what works and why”Olakunle Alonge, M.D., Ph.D., an expert in implementation science, joined UAB in 2023 as the center’s new director. In July, it will host an intensive implementation research institute with an emphasis on health inequities.Sheltering in place: UAB experts provide tips to help you stay safe during severe weatherUAB experts offer safety tips on when and how to properly shelter in place.Meet HR & Friends returns to Campus Green on April 19UAB Human Resources is hosting the third annual Meet HR & Friends on the Green on Friday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Campus Green. The annual come-and-go event is free and open to faculty, staff, students and members of the UAB community, and features outdoor fun, giveaways, games and prizes, music and more.Commission on the Status of Women honors 5 at 2024 Padma AwardsThe Commission on the Status of Women awarded Jesse Rattan, Ph.D., Mitzi Swift, Grace Jepkemboi Komol, Ph.D., Amanda Watts and Jewell Dickson-Clayton for their commitments to providing significant service to and advancing issues that primarily affect underrepresented populations.
In 50 years at UAB, life kept delivering surprises for DavisRichard O. Davis, M.D., will be honored for 50 years of service to UAB at the annual Service Awards Program Reception on April 10 in the Hill Student Center.Physical Security has moved to Medical TowersThe Physical Security, Radio Paging and ONE Card offices moved from the Burleson Building to new space in Medical Towers on April 1 and are now open in their new location, Suite 101 on the first floor of Medical Towers.
Town hall shares immediate actions, path to growth and next steps for Research Strategic Initiative: Growth with PurposeMissed the meeting? Find out about high-growth research areas, governance plans and more in this recap.UAB Human Resources announces new leadership in Benefits & WellbeingSheryl LeAnn Perkins, DHA, will join Human Resources May 6 from the Arkansas State University System, where she oversaw the system's $10 million self-insured health plan fund.
Andrews never thought she would stay, but 45 years later, here she isDonna Andrews came to UAB to keep a promise to her mother. Working here was just her path to that goal of getting her four-year degree. But two diplomas and countless students and events later, this longtime staffer in the University Honors Program has created a legacy that will outlast her — whenever she retires.More than 1,200 employees to be honored with annual service awardsMore than 300 employees with 20 or more years of service will be honored during a reception April 10. Richard O. Davis, M.D., will be honored for 50 years of service to UAB.Explore the future of VR/AR in Alabama at a free event April 5Beyond Boundaries: AR and VR in Alabama, a major gathering of tech thought leaders from UAB, UAB Medicine and companies nationwide, will be held at the Collat School of Business from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.After 45 years, Jordan is still chilling (and heating) at UABVictor Jordan, an Instrument and Control Technician in the Energy Management department of UAB Facilities, is one of three employees who will be honored for 45 years of service to UAB on April 10.Kayli Meek shares how UAB students can get the most out of volunteeringMeek, a junior majoring in entrepreneurship, also is training as a GivePulse ambassador in her role at the Office of Service Learning and Undergraduate Research.
5 things to know about Alice McNeal, M.D.In honor of Women's History Month, a remembrance of Alice McNeal, M.D., founding chair of UAB's Department of Anesthesiology (now the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine) in 1948 and first woman anesthesiologist to be named to the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame.3 chosen as UAB VIPs for first-quarter 2024Vern Bush, Kevin Davis and Brittany Martin are the first-quarter 2024 honorees of the UAB Values in Action Program. Nominations for second-quarter 2024 honorees are open through April 24.
Tita is 2023-2024 Distinguished Faculty LecturerAlan T.N. Tita, M.D., Ph.D., has led some of the most notable clinical trials in recent years in obstetrics and gynecology. Now he has been selected for the academic medical center’s highest faculty honor.Four things to know about operating drones at UABFlying unmanned aircraft systems, also known as drones, requires a permit from Campus Safety for UAB-related reasons and recreational drone use is not allowed. Here is what you need to know.A message of gratitude on National Employee Appreciation DayChief Human Resources Officer Janet May and President Ray Watts express their thanks to all UAB employees, who continue to exemplify their commitment to UAB’s mission and shared values.Meet new provost Janet Woodruff-Borden, Ph.D.Woodruff-Borden, who joined UAB as senior vice president of Academic Affairs and provost on Feb. 1, shares how UAB’s bold culture attracted her to Birmingham, outlines her priorities and points to several opportunities for growth.UAB research community input leads to enhancements as part of Research Strategic Initiative: Growth with PurposePresident Watts will share an important update on planning during a town hall on March 20. Several areas for improvement identified by stakeholders during the data collection phase last summer were immediately actionable and have already led to significant gains.How the HSF’s General Endowment Fund awards help UAB compete on a national stageOver its 28 years, this signature program has awarded grants totaling almost $60 million. Meet recipients and see how the HSF-GEF grants make UAB “a place where, if you have a good idea, you can find the support to make it a reality.”Advancing faculty careers through the UAB Academy of Health Professions EducatorsCarolina Harada, M.D., professor in the Department of Medical Education, received HSF-GEF grants to provide mentorship and recognition for junior faculty clinician educators at all six health professions schools at UAB. Participants have been promoted, published research, taken on leadership roles and won teaching awards.Building immuno-imaging at UAB through specialized technologyAnna Sorace, Ph.D., core director and associate professor in the Department of Radiology, has leveraged HSF-GEF grants to help grow UAB’s nuclear imaging program.Turning a pilot project into the standard of careDaniel Chu, M.D., division director of GI Surgery, leveraged an HSF-GEF grant to help Enhanced Recovery Programs reach widespread use at UAB and establish himself as a leader in the field.Making the leap from one hospital to another through UAB’s STEP ProgramCarlie Stein Somerville, M.D., an associate professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine, turned an HSF-GEF grant into a nationally recognized program that provides multidisciplinary support to help young adults transition to adult care. Four years later, “we have been able to show the impact that we can make with patients and families,” she said.
As people with Down syndrome live to late middle age and beyond, new symptoms are appearing. This new clinic is built to help.A partnership between pediatrician Snehal Khatri, M.D., and program director Betsy Hopson will focus on care for patients across the lifespan, including addressing palliative and memory challenges. The unique approach was made possible through an HSF-GEF grant.Building a health system that can learn calls for “team science to the max”Michael Mugavero, M.D., professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, received HSF-GEF funding to launch the UAB Learning Health System project, where the people setting the research questions are not individual investigators with their own niche interests, “but the people in the trenches.”Using geographic information systems in patient-oriented researchGabriela Oates, Ph.D., director of UAB’s institutional Social Determinants of Health Core, is leading a project funded by an HSF-GEF grant to improve care by combining patient records with their residential information. The goal: “to improve patient care and people’s health.”Blazer Kitchen is powered by volunteers. What powers these employees who volunteer each week?Meet Candi Mosley and Shali Zhang, M.D., two regulars at UAB’s on-campus food pantry. The work helps her feel “useful outside my job… and it is fun,” Zhang said. Added Mosley: “You get to meet so many people.”What’s in that corridor outside your office?Take note: To protect occupants and meet fire and building codes, furniture and equipment may not be used or stored in hallways. Need an exception? How do you dispose of unneeded equipment? Read on.
“Find the passion and it is easy to do the rest”: What makes Brigitte Vola go above and beyond.Brigitte Vola, wound, ostomy and continence nurse in Trauma Services, is the 2023 winner of the President’s Award for Excellence in Shared Values.New class enters UAB Developing Emerging Administrative Leaders ProgramMeet the 2024 cohort of the DEAL Program, which exposes promising staff members to the essential components of administrative and management positions across UAB.How Environmental Health and Safety works to keep campus safe, compliantLed by Executive Director Lee Stone, EHS works to keep employees safe by providing services and knowledge needed to protect themselves, the UAB community and the environment.UAB Forging Ahead with new strategic planFollowing a deliberate and inclusive process, UAB has launched its new strategic plan — Forging Ahead. President Ray Watts thanks everyone who contributed to the process that began in early 2022.
My Health Rewards incentive program making updates in 2024Participants can now earn double the points for physical activity. This past year, more than 5,200 employees activated their My Health Rewards account, and more than 3,900 logged enough healthy behaviors to receive a payout of $50 or more.-
12 honored for excellence in teaching
Twelve faculty have been selected to receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, which honors those who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in teaching. The 2023 honorees represent each school, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Honors College, and the Graduate School.
9 faculty elevated to Distinguished, University professorshipsThe UA System Board of Trustees awarded the rank of Distinguished Professor to Ravi Bhatia, Heith Copes, Craig Elmets, Denise A. Gainey, Jeffrey D. Kerby, Farah D. Lubin, Jean-François Pittet and Martin E. Young and the rank of University Professor to Peter S. Hendricks during its meetings in April and June 2023.3 chosen as UAB VIPs for second-quarter 2023Kayla Evans, Damian Schwartz and Brigitte Vola are the second-quarter 2023 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future’s shared values. Nominations for third-quarter 2023 honorees are open through Aug. 23.4 honored with Provost's Awards for Faculty ExcellenceJie Gao, Camerron Crowder, Ken Marion and James B. McClintock demonstrated extraordinary commitment to engaging undergraduate students in service learning, undergraduate research and education-abroad experiences.
9 years running: UAB again honored as Tree Campus USAFor the eighth year, UAB is recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation for its work to nurture more than 4,400 healthy trees and engage students and employees in conservation. UAB also was honored for the fourth time with a Tree Campus Healthcare designation, which recognizes health institutions that make a mission-aligned impact on community wellness through tree education, investment and community engagement.
3 chosen as UAB VIPs for first-quarter 2023Toby W. Tripp, Andrew B. Crouse and Carin Mayo are the first-quarter 2023 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future’s shared values. Nominations for second-quarter 2023 honorees are open through May 24.
UAB authors can publish open access in Wiley, Cambridge journals at no costTwo agreements between UAB Libraries and Wiley and Cambridge University Press will enable university-affiliated authors to publish open access at no cost in more than 2,000 journals.
UAB recognizes 2023 diversity championsFive individuals and one student organization were honored with the 2022 President’s Diversity Champion Award during a ceremony at the Alumni House March 2.
3 chosen as UAB VIPs for fourth-quarter 2022Tatyana Gavrikova, Sherry Polhill and Aparna Tamhane are the fourth-quarter 2022 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future's shared values. Nominations for first-quarter 2023 honorees are open through Feb. 28.
15-minute online training shares tips on how to best support students with disabilitiesEmployees can learn about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities and Rehabilitation acts, explore best practices for engaging with students with disabilities, and access key resources during a new online training from UAB Disability Support Services.
2022 in review: A banner Blazer yearPrograms across the university, from athletics to academics to patient care and more, were recognized on the national and international level in 2022, highlighting UAB’s continued commitment to excellence and achievement as outlined in Forging the Future, UAB’s strategic plan.
2022 in review: UAB’s gold-medal performanceDay after day during the World Games, contributions from Blazers made it possible to make athletes’ dreams come true and entertain fans while giving them a peek at the wealth of talent and creativity nurtured on UAB’s campus.
4 honored with Provost’s Awards for Faculty ExcellenceAna Oliveira, Sami Raut, Lisa McCormick and Meena Nabavi demonstrated extraordinary commitment to engaging undergraduate students in service learning, undergraduate research and education-abroad experiences.
What you need to know about the new NIH data management and sharing policyBeginning Jan. 25, 2023, the National Institutes of Health will implement a new data management and sharing policy, which will increase the rigor, reproducibility and transparency of research and create open access to data.
12 honored for excellence in teachingTwelve faculty have been selected to receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, which honors those who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in teaching. The 2022 honorees represent each school, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Honors College and the Graduate School.
4 ways to honor service members this Veterans DayAttend the annual wreath-laying, donate to a blanket and clothing drive, read stories from UAB veterans and leave a message of thanks.
Volunteers needed to build UAB’s Habitat House — build extended through Nov. 19Help complete the 2022 Habitat House, built for Eddie Mae Hopkins in Ensley, just in time for Thanksgiving celebrations. Sign up for a volunteer slot on BlazerPulse.
5 chosen as UAB VIPs for third-quarter 2022Amber Anderson, Kristen Campbell, Jamye Hester, Kevin Speed and Donna Williamson are the third-quarter honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future's shared values.
13 campus resources to help students beat the mid-semester slumpDuring the first few months of a semester, students can accumulate more questions about life as a Blazer than they had when they started. Discover resources for students spanning financial aid assistance, mental health, career prep and more.
3 walking trails show off UAB’s outdoor public art collectionUAB’s campus is home to more than 35 statues or sculptures, and each trail takes about 30 minutes or fewer to walk. The trails can be viewed on a specialized Google Map, created by the UAB Reporter to provide additional details about the art and artists.
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“Find the passion and it is easy to do the rest”: What makes Brigitte Vola go above and beyond.Brigitte Vola, wound, ostomy and continence nurse in Trauma Services, is the 2023 winner of the President’s Award for Excellence in Shared Values.12 honored for excellence in teaching
Twelve faculty have been selected to receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, which honors those who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in teaching. The 2023 honorees represent each school, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Honors College, and the Graduate School.
Did you know? Improperly parking scooters can make campus inaccessible for some BlazersMicromobility vehicles like rentable electric scooters and bikes make getting across campus quickly a breeze. But parking them improperly can prevent Blazers from accessing sidewalks, ramps, accessible doorways and more, according to Disability Support Services.
5 things to know before you order UAB swag for fallIf your school or unit wants new branded promotional items and apparel for fall semester, these guidelines can help you avoid delays.
9 faculty elevated to Distinguished, University professorshipsThe UA System Board of Trustees awarded the rank of Distinguished Professor to Ravi Bhatia, Heith Copes, Craig Elmets, Denise A. Gainey, Jeffrey D. Kerby, Farah D. Lubin, Jean-François Pittet and Martin E. Young and the rank of University Professor to Peter S. Hendricks during its meetings in April and June 2023.3 chosen as UAB VIPs for second-quarter 2023Kayla Evans, Damian Schwartz and Brigitte Vola are the second-quarter 2023 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future’s shared values. Nominations for third-quarter 2023 honorees are open through Aug. 23.Annual performance evaluation cycle open now: Here’s what you need to knowEligible employees in workgroup A will complete self-evaluations in the Performance App. Managers must have conversations with employees and complete evaluations by Sept. 30. Check your workgroup here and visit the Performance Management site for tools, FAQs and training.
4 honored with Provost's Awards for Faculty ExcellenceJie Gao, Camerron Crowder, Ken Marion and James B. McClintock demonstrated extraordinary commitment to engaging undergraduate students in service learning, undergraduate research and education-abroad experiences.
9 years running: UAB again honored as Tree Campus USAFor the eighth year, UAB is recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation for its work to nurture more than 4,400 healthy trees and engage students and employees in conservation. UAB also was honored for the fourth time with a Tree Campus Healthcare designation, which recognizes health institutions that make a mission-aligned impact on community wellness through tree education, investment and community engagement.
3 chosen as UAB VIPs for first-quarter 2023Toby W. Tripp, Andrew B. Crouse and Carin Mayo are the first-quarter 2023 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future’s shared values. Nominations for second-quarter 2023 honorees are open through May 24.
UAB recognizes 2023 diversity championsFive individuals and one student organization were honored with the 2022 President’s Diversity Champion Award during a ceremony at the Alumni House March 2.
3 chosen as UAB VIPs for fourth-quarter 2022Tatyana Gavrikova, Sherry Polhill and Aparna Tamhane are the fourth-quarter 2022 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future's shared values. Nominations for first-quarter 2023 honorees are open through Feb. 28.
15-minute online training shares tips on how to best support students with disabilitiesEmployees can learn about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities and Rehabilitation acts, explore best practices for engaging with students with disabilities, and access key resources during a new online training from UAB Disability Support Services.
2022 in review: A banner Blazer yearPrograms across the university, from athletics to academics to patient care and more, were recognized on the national and international level in 2022, highlighting UAB’s continued commitment to excellence and achievement as outlined in Forging the Future, UAB’s strategic plan.
2022 in review: UAB’s gold-medal performanceDay after day during the World Games, contributions from Blazers made it possible to make athletes’ dreams come true and entertain fans while giving them a peek at the wealth of talent and creativity nurtured on UAB’s campus.
4 honored with Provost’s Awards for Faculty ExcellenceAna Oliveira, Sami Raut, Lisa McCormick and Meena Nabavi demonstrated extraordinary commitment to engaging undergraduate students in service learning, undergraduate research and education-abroad experiences.
5 ways to protect your personal propertyFollow these tips to reduce the risk of stolen personal items, and alert UAB Police or UAB’s Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management team if someone in a public area is behaving suspiciously.
An artistic focus in astronomy courses creates community and creativity for science studentsStudents in Michelle Wooten’s AST 101, 102 and 103 courses discovered unique connections to course material by creating artwork as part of class assignments.
12 honored for excellence in teachingTwelve faculty have been selected to receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, which honors those who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in teaching. The 2022 honorees represent each school, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Honors College and the Graduate School.
4 ways to honor service members this Veterans DayAttend the annual wreath-laying, donate to a blanket and clothing drive, read stories from UAB veterans and leave a message of thanks.
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How many more COVID variants will we see?
Two UAB researchers — a SARS-CoV-2 expert and a vaccine researcher — discuss the prospects for future mutations.
How an epidemiologist uses social media to build trust and communicateBertha Hidalgo, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology, explains how she is using WhatsApp and Facebook in two current studies and shares advice on using social media for research.How does COVID-19 affect patients with cancer? Largest U.S. study shares first results.Assistant Professor Noha Sharafeldin, MBBCh, Ph.D., presented cancer-related findings from the massive N3C database of records from COVID-positive patients at 55 institutions nationwide, including UAB. Results — including a significant increase in risk of death among patients who recently had chemotherapy — were published simultaneously in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
When COVID-19 came calling, UAB researchers were preparedResponding to a challenge like none other, investigators made crucial discoveries, developed new treatments and went above and beyond to serve the campus community and beyond.
Studies highlight 'unprecedented and unique dangers' for children during COVID-19Research led by Professor Christina Rodriguez, Ph.D., documents increase in abuse risk and psychological aggression following the economic devastation, isolation and school closures brought on by the pandemic.Interdisciplinary data science workshop moves from San Diego to spare bedrooms, but science continuesLearn how UAB bioinformaticist Jake Chen, Ph.D., and computer scientist Da Yan, Ph.D., shifted their venerable gathering online and aided the fight against COVID-19.
Study testing drug to protect lung cells from ARDS in COVID-19With funding from UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research grants, researchers are testing penehyclidine to halt the acute respiratory distress syndrome seen in seriously ill patients by defending crucial cell barriers.
Your ZIP code is a risk factor for COVID-19: Study will identify where testing, therapies are needed mostUsing extensive testing, diagnosis and clinical data from across the Deep South, this project will be the first to analyze multiple dimensions of inequality to clarify contributions to COVID-19 disparities.
Better tests, cheaper vaccines: Antibody expert turns to COVID-19Moon Nahm, M.D., has identified the crucial antibodies for pneumococcal vaccines and helped lower prices from $100 per dose to $2. With pilot funding from UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research initiative, Nahm is adapting his proven techniques to SARS-CoV-2.
Studying an alternative steroid treatment to calm cytokine storms in COVID-19In a new trial funded through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research program, investigators are comparing the widely available steroid methylprednisolone with dexamethasone, which lowered risk of dying by one-third in a U.K. trial this summer.
Data wizards join fight against COVID-19 in UAB hackathonThis summer’s COVID-19 Data Science Hackathon spurred many creative applications and several ongoing projects, including an automated genomic epidemiology pipeline and a machine-learning based viral transmission simulator.
Hijacked mitochondria could induce COVID-19, study saysIn a new paper, Keshav Singh, Ph.D., outlines the case for the “powerhouse of the cell” as a hideout and unwitting ally for SARS-CoV-2.
Machine-learning tools find targets old drugs can exploit against COVID-19Researchers from UAB’s Precision Medicine Institute have used AI to identify hundreds of potential treatments, which are now being tested through the COVID-19 research fund that the institute helped launch.
Glow-in-the-dark coronavirus testing is first project of new hireNew microbiology faculty member Nicholas Lennemann is transforming the fluorescent virus assay he developed into a new tool against coronavirus in work supported through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research fund.
Researchers model COVID-19 infection in 3D human lung tissueBioreactors built to offer new insights on lung cancer are being adapted to study coronavirus infection and test new treatments in this project supported through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research fund.
Tackling his third pandemic, UAB researcher gets up close with coronaviruses in order to kill themVirologist Kevin Harrod, Ph.D., is the institution’s resident expert on SARS viruses. His lab is handling biological validation for innovative drug-repurposing studies supported by the School of Medicine’s Urgent COVID-19 research fund.
Researchers are creating a coronavirus showdown to settle pressing antibody problemsMicrobiologists Troy Randall and Frances Lund are building key proteins from several coronaviruses to study antibody cross-reactivity and other crucial questions in this project supported through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research fund.
A philosopher explains how to balance rationality, scientific uncertainty in coronavirus claimsUncertainty can fuel scientific endeavors, leading to more and better discoveries and understanding. But what happens when the public misinterprets that uncertainty? Associate Professor Kevin McCain, Ph.D., says education, rational thinking and trust in experts can help protect citizens from being misled.
Where are the good antibodies against COVID-19? UAB project aims to find outIn this project supported through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research fund, Professor Randall Davis aims to identify antibodies that block SARS-CoV-2 from entering human cells — information that could guide convalescent plasma therapy and more.
Helpful viruses may unlock the secrets of coronavirus antibodiesIn this project supported through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research fund, Assistant Professor Benjamin Larimer, Ph.D., adapts his lab’s work on phage display — normally used to identify new cancer treatments — to overcome limitations of antibody and vaccine testing.