iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Stefanie Robel, who has received an R21 award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) for her project, “Revealing astrocyte-endothelial signaling that regulates adult blood-brain barrier integrity.”

000

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

We're proud to celebrate Hayden Haupt on his selection for a predoctoral position on the Deep South KUH PRIME Training Core (TL1). This opportunity will support his continued research training and professional development.

000

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

110

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.

001

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

000

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

010

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

000

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

091

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...

010

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

000

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

000

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

000

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

010

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.

000

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

000

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

000

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

000

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

011

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! 👏

010

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!

000

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!

000

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.

000

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

010

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

010

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!

000

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.

000

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

000

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!

000

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! 🎉

000

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...

000

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!

000

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

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

100

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!

000

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

Happy holidays from all of us at UAB CDIB!

000

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...

000

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...

052

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

🌙 Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, set your clocks back an hour and enjoy a little more rest. Check out these tips for a smooth transition: www.uab.edu/medicine/new...

000

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Yanling Wang, M.D., Ph.D., explores “Alzheimer’s Disease at the Interface: Mechanisms in Brain Parenchyma and Borders” in the upcoming CDIB seminar series on Nov 5 at noon CST. Register here: uab.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

000

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

How do stem cells turn into neurons even amid noisy signals? Researchers at UAB uncovered a “bistable toggle” switch in olfactory progenitors, revealing how small groups of cells coordinate fate commitment and neighborhood assembly to sustain neurogenesis. www.uab.edu/news/researc...

020

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

🎓 Last month, CDIB’s undergraduate researchers took center stage at our annual poster session, sharing their work, ideas, and discoveries with peers, faculty, and staff.

000

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

🎉 Congrats to Dr. Mark Bevensee on his new role as Associate Dean of the UAB Honors College! On August 1, he transitioned from Assistant Dean and continues to support students across the college with leadership and dedication.

020

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

👏 Congrats to Dr. Michael Herr II, associate professor in CDIB, on becoming an official IAMSE Fellow! The fellowship recognizes his commitment to advancing curriculum design, teaching, and leadership in medical education.

000

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Congrats to CDIB’s Dr. Colleen Garnett on being elected Senator for Joint Health Sciences, and Dr. Michael Herr II on his election as Associate Chair of the Faculty Senate! Proud to see our faculty stepping into key leadership roles across campus. 👏 www.uab.edu/facultysenat...

000

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

🧬 Dr. Braden McFarland, assistant professor in @uabheersink CDIB, breaks down how UVA and UVB rays go far beyond sunburn, damaging DNA, accelerating aging, and increasing cancer risk. Check out our “Beyond the burn” article to learn more about skin safety! www.uab.edu/news/news-yo...

010

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 28/06/2025

👩‍🔬🔬 #MeetTheMinds of CDIB kicks off with Dr. Yoon, assistant professor in the Department of CDIB! From St. Jude to UAB, she’s advancing research on drug-resistant tumors and inspiring the next gen of scientists. Read more: www.uab.edu/medicine/new...

120

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

Don’t miss our summer CDIB seminar! 🧠 Dr. Eduardo Leyva Díaz from Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante will present “Programming and reprogramming the nervous system via CUT homeobox genes.” Join us for this exciting talk!

010

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

🧠🦠 Big news from the McFarland Lab! Their latest study dives into how gut microbes shape the immune response in brain tumors. Could your gut hold clues to better glioblastoma treatments? Published in @tandfresearch.bsky.social‬! Read more: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

121

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

🎓 Blazing new trails in leadership! Congrats to Dr. Carmel McNicholas-Bevensee on graduating from the Blaze Leadership Academy! 👏🔥 We’re proud to see CDIB faculty shaping the future of academic leadership. Read more: www.uab.edu/reporter/peo...

000

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Field Day fun in the sun! ☀️🧠 Thanks to everyone who joined us May 9 for food, games, and good vibes with CDIB. We had a blast and appreciate everyone who helped make it a success! #UABCDIB #FieldDayFun

021

UAB CDIB @uabcdib.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

🎉 Big congrats to Abigail Williamson from the Thalacker-Mercer lab! 🏆 She earned a research excellence award at the Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center meeting and will present at the 53rd American Aging Association meeting in Alaska!

030