Two UAB School of Medicine women were named among Birmingham Business Journal's 2018 Women to Watch. Lori McMahon, Ph.D., and Alana Nichols, J.D., were recognized at the BBJ Women’s Summit on Friday, Sept. 21, with other outstanding local women who are making a difference in the Birmingham community.
Lori McMahon, Ph.D., is a professor of cell, developmental and integrative biology; dean of the UAB Graduate School; and director of UAB’s Comprehensive Neuroscience Center. McMahon, who joined UAB as a faculty member in 1998, has since held many leadership roles throughout the university.
“Dr. McMahon has been instrumental in her role as director of the Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, particularly in implementing the Neuroscience Café series,” said Etty “Tika” Benveniste, Ph.D., senior associate dean, Research Administration. “This series of lectures has brought vital information about a number of prominent neurological diseases to the Birmingham community.”
Alana Nichols, J.D., is a third-year medical student and member of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). SNMA is a national organization that promotes the advancement of all persons—but especially underrepresented minorities—in medicine. “Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to get word that I was receiving this honor,” said Nichols. “Typically, these accolades go to women who I read about in awe and women I look up to. It has been an amazing year, and I'm hoping it only gets better!”