iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

⭐️ Research Spotlight ⭐️ Alexis Cox-Holmes and members of the McFarland Lab were recently published in Frontiers in Immunology for their article, "Microbial and metabolic signatures of humanized microbiome mice associate with Tlr2 expression and Th17 immune programming." buff.ly/1futwyI

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

We're proud to celebrate Ethan Thompson, a BSB Ph.D. student in the Van Sciver Lab, on his appointment to the KUH PRIME TL1 Training Grant. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Congratulations to Owen Leitzel on receiving an NIH F31 fellowship. His research investigates whether changes in astrocyte networks after traumatic brain injury contribute to increased seizure susceptibility and abnormal neural activity. Read more: buff.ly/pzYe3Wq

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Dr. Stefanie Robel has been selected as the next editor of The Neuroscientist. As only the second editor in the journal's history, Robel's appointment reflects her leadership in the field and will further strengthen UAB's presence within the neuroscience community. @journals.sagepub.com

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Congratulations to the 10 predoctoral trainees appointed or reappointed to competitive NIH T32 training grants for 2026-2027. These appointments reflect both the trainees' hard work and the strength of mentorship and training across CDIB. Read more: buff.ly/sLK6vtI

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Congratulations to Dr. HaoSheng Sun and Dr. Kirstie Cummings on receiving the 2026-2027 FCIDD McNulty Civitan Scientist Award! This 3-year award will help fuel their cross-field research in postnatal brain development. Read more: buff.ly/flMzx2X @mus-elegans.bsky.social @kacummings.bsky.social

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Dr. Zhiyong Liu is exploring how cells regulate their cleanup systems. Funded by an R35 award from NIGMS, his research is uncovering a link between calcium signaling and Rab GTPases, which help direct cellular recycling. Read more: www.uab.edu/medicine/new...

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Extreme heat puts cells under stress, triggering a survival response. Dr. Holly Chen explains what happens inside our cells—and what it could teach us about aging and disease. Read more: buff.ly/bJAxql4

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

In this installment of Meet the Minds of CDIB, Dr. George Green discusses his research on cancer immunology, neuro-oncology, and the gut-brain-tumor axis, as well as his passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Read more: buff.ly/TVEb1Vb

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Congratulations to UAB graduate student Jonathan Ross Folmar on his appointment as an NIGMS T32 trainee! Mentored by Dr. Sasanka Ramanadham, Folmar will investigate the role of lipid signaling in Type 1 diabetes. Read more: buff.ly/jNaRCXg

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Robert Van Sciver, recipient of the 2026 Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar Grant! 🎉 Learn more about his research: buff.ly/cBC6Ymg @asnkidney.bsky.social

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Reposted by UAB CDIB

ASNKidney @asnkidney.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 KidneyCure Grant Recipients! 34 new investigators join 22 continuing grantees in a cohort of 56 researchers. More than $4 million in research funding supports their work advancing kidney research and improving patient care. 🔗https://www.kidneycure.org/pages/qa.aspx

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Another successful Gross Anatomy for Teacher Education (GATE) workshop is in the books! Thanks to the @UABHeersink CDIB education faculty for making it possible.

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

⭐️ Research Spotlight ⭐️ Dr. Brittany Lasseigne and members from the Lasseigne Lab were recently published in Human Genetics for their article "AI in Variant Analysis: Fast Track to Genetic Diagnoses." 🔗 buff.ly/bbYJjQG

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

We are so excited to welcome Dr. Monica Vasiliu to the Department of Cell, Developmental & Integrative Biology as Executive Administrator! Read more about Vasiliu here: buff.ly/YhG8J72

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Congratulations to Megan Rollins on graduating from the Emerging Leaders Series! We’re proud of this accomplishment and look forward to her continued impact within CDIB. 🔗 buff.ly/JqvJv47

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

In this installment of Meet the Minds of CDIB, Anna Thalacker‑Mercer, Ph.D., discusses her research on identifying and understanding nutrients and their metabolism in skeletal muscle aging and chronic disease. Read more: buff.ly/H6SvGBJ

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Exciting opportunity ahead for McKay Freeman, a graduate student in the Lasseigne Lab, who was selected to participate in the PKD-InVent Summer Enrichment Program in Seattle! 👏

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Dr. Colleen Garnett and Dr. David Resuehr received an award for their poster presentation at the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society annual conference!

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Anna Thalacker-Mercer, who has been named a 2026 Excellence in Nutrition Fellow by the American Society for Nutrition for her exceptional contributions to the field!

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

CDIB Theme Week was a success! 🎉 Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to our winners for helping make the week so much fun.

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Alexa Mattheyses on receiving an O’Neal Invests Catalyst Grant for her project, “Sialylation-Dependent Changes in Cell-Cell Adhesion Facilitate Metastasis,” funded by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. Read more: buff.ly/uBHVPLX

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

In case you missed it: Dr. Inga Kadisha received the 2026 Dean’s Excellence Award in Teaching. Read more about her dedication to her students, her passion for anatomy education, and her leadership in advancing digital learning tools. buff.ly/T1aTMww

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Cheng (Jack) Song, who has been elected to the UAB Faculty Senate, representing the Heersink School of Medicine Joint Health Sciences!

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

At the 2026 Graduate School Dean’s Award Ceremony, Dr. Alexa Mattheyses received the GBS Faculty Teaching Award, recognizing her outstanding dedication to graduate education.

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Rishab Samant and Neha Singaravelan, B.S./MPH students in cancer biology and public health, have been named National Goldwater Scholars! www.uab.edu/news/campus-...

uab.edu

Three UAB students honored as Goldwater Scholars

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

A recent @wsfa12news segment features insights from @UABHeersink expert Dr. Braden McFarland on the scientific evidence surrounding energy drinks. Watch here: www.wsfa.com/video/2026/0... @UABNews

wsfa.com

UAB energy drinks study

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Ever wonder if energy drinks are linked to cancer? Dr. Braden McFarland breaks down what the science says and what it means for your health. Learn more: buff.ly/MPtJkY9

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Carmel McNicholas-Bevensee, who has been elected to the UAB Faculty Senate, representing the Heersink School of Medicine Joint Health Sciences!

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Congrats to Alexis Cox-Holmes, graduate student in the McFarland Lab, on receiving the 2026 Outstanding GBS/JHS Student Award! 🎉

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

⭐️ Research Spotlight ⭐️ Dr. Braden McFarland was recently published in Nutrients, exploring how nutrition may play a supportive role for patients with glioma. Her research highlights how diet can impact the immune system, treatment experience, and overall recovery. www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18...

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Last month, Dr. Brittany Lasseigne was featured in the Research Spotlight series by the PKD Foundation, highlighting her impactful work. Check it out here: www.instagram.com/p/DVysAZNiLZ...

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Last week, we gathered to celebrate Ashley Davis, JHS Administrative Director II in CDIB, as she begins her next chapter. We are grateful for her many contributions and wish her all the best in what’s ahead!

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

🎉 Congratulations to two of our faculty members on completing leadership development programs this spring!

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Congrats to Nitesh Sharma, Ph.D., and Ksenia Matlawska-Wasowska, Ph.D., on their new publication in the NIH National Library of Medicine! 🎉 Their study shows QKI downregulation drives major splicing changes in pediatric T-ALL and may represent a promising therapeutic vulnerability. buff.ly/FcXDIom

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

QKI dysregulation induces extensive splicing changes in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia - PubMed

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is essential for developing more effective therapeutic strategies. Despite therapeutic advances, the role…

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Congratulations to Tika Benveniste, Ph.D., who has been named a 2026 Distinguished Fellow of the American Association of Immunologists. Read more about her exceptional scientific achievement, leadership, and service in immunology. @aai.org 🔗 buff.ly/VlGqGgJ

uab.edu

Benveniste named 2026 Distinguished Fellow of AAI | Heersink School of Medicine News

Etty (Tika) Benveniste, Ph.D.Etty (Tika) Benveniste, Ph.D., senior vice dean at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, has been selected as a 2026 Distinguished Fellow of the American Association of…

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

@UABheersink CDIB presented awards during its State of the Department to recognize excellence and contributions across the department. Here are a few photos from the awards portion of the event. Congrats to everyone recognized!

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Happy holidays from all of us at UAB CDIB!

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Congratulations to Tika Benveniste, Ph.D., for earning the Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award, honoring her commitment to collaboration across campus. Read more about her accomplishment below. www.uab.edu/provost/news...

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

The CDIB Lab Olympics brought science and fun together! Hosted by the Sun Lab, faculty, staff, trainees, and students competed in scientific games. Thanks to everyone who joined in making November’s event a success! www.uab.edu/medicine/new...

uab.edu

Cell, Developmental & Integrative Biology | Heersink School of Medicine News

Each month, faculty in the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology (CDIB) come together for a social event that invites all faculty, staff, trainees, and students to foster…

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Join us Wednesday, Dec. 10 for our next Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology Seminar Series. Bryan Luikart, Ph.D., professor in the Department of @UNeurobiology will present "The Pten mouse model for autism spectrum disorder."

calendar.uab.edu

CDIB Seminar Series: December

Dec. 10

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

A reminder during this week of gratitude: Blazers Against Hunger is happening throughout November. Support Blazer Kitchen as it provides healthy meals and resources to UAB students, employees, and patients www.givecampus.com/schools/Univ...

givecampus.com

Blazers Against Hunger 2025

Join me and make a gift to Blazers Against Hunger 2025

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

“Meet the Minds” of CDIB features Susan Campbell, Ph.D., who is uncovering the ways the gut microbiome shapes brain health and seizure treatment. Dive into her research and journey in our latest feature: www.uab.edu/medicine/new...

uab.edu

Cell, Developmental & Integrative Biology | Heersink School of Medicine News

The UAB Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology (CDIB) continues its article series Meet the Minds of CDIB. The series spotlights the diverse faculty who power the department’s…

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Dr. Matlawska-Wasowska, was published in the @jci.org for her study, “T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia exploits a neural proinflammatory pathway to colonize the meninges.” Learn more: www.jci.org/articles/vie...

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UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

As the temperature drops, cold weather affects the body down to the cell. Holly Chen, Ph.D., explains how cells sense the cold, adapt to lower temperatures, and ways to help support cellular health through the winter.

uab.edu

Cold comfort: What cells do to survive winter

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