YCAAD - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Communications, Senior Officer
Abby joined Yale School of Medicine in November 2017, from Yale School of Management, where she had spent six years as Special Assistant to the Dean. Prior to that, she was Director of Alumni Affairs at Yale Law School. Before returning to Yale, where Abby attended college and law school, Abby spent two years clerking for judges and eleven years as a lawyer for the federal government, predominantly focusing on firearms and explosives law and policy. Outside of work, Abby is on the board of the New Haven Preservation Trust, and also is active with the Safe Streets Coalition of New Haven and League of Women Voters.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Aja is the Senior Administrative Assistant in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement and Equity (DICE), where she supports leadership, serves as the primary contact to students and affinity groups, and assists with scheduling, planning, and coordinating various DEI programs, events, and conferences. Aja previously served as a Referral Specialist and Senior Administrative Assistant for the Yale Medicine Administration. She was born and raised in New Haven and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Anthropology. She's passionate about optimizing health for women and children and will become a certified doula.
Alexa Tomassi joined the Department of Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine in 2019. She currently serves as the department's Communications Officer. Before coming to Yale Pediatrics, she spent 5 years in the non-profit space working in digital communications, marketing, organizing, and development. Alexa graduated from UConn with a BA in Urban and Community Studies. In her spare time she enjoys advocacy and volunteer work, going to concerts, and meeting friends and family for hikes and walks.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Development Initiatives
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant, YSM Diversity Office
Job Titles:
- Neurology / Neurology & Dermatology Communications Officer
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant, YSM Diversity
Job Titles:
- Associate Communications Officer at the Yale Institute for Global Health
Alyssa Cruz is an Associate Communications Officer at the Yale Institute for Global Health, with a focus on Digital Communications. She has worked in Higher Education for over five years within various departments; including Academic Affairs, Education Programs, ITS, and Student Services. Through her roles and contribution to her Alma Mater, she was featured in the Alumni Magazine 'From the Hill' in the Spring of 2018 and covered the issue in the Spring of 2019. She also received recognition from the Public Relations Society of America - Connecticut Chapter for her work on the Coffee with the President series.
Job Titles:
- Director of Development, Alumni Affairs and Giving
Job Titles:
- Communications Officer
- Internal Medicine / Communications, Officer
Amy Anderson is a communications officer in the Department of Internal Medicine and has been with the department since July of 2019. She is passionate about creating content and highlighting the work of faculty-both in the department and across YSM-and organically growing Yale Internal Medicine's following on its social media platforms.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Professionalism and Leadership
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Communications Officer
Job Titles:
- Director of Software and Data Engineering
The daughter of Grenadian immigrants, Dr. Arthur was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She obtained a bachelor's degree in political science from Brown University before earning her medical degree at Yale. She then completed her internship at St. Vincent's Medical Center in New York City, her residency in the Department of Ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and her fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Arthur is currently the owner of the private practice, Park Slope Eye Care Associates, in Brooklyn, New York and performs surgical procedures at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. In addition to volunteering as a teacher and physician in the United States and abroad, she has established and acted as the founding board member for multiple student scholarships, co-chaired diversity and community engagement committees, served on the NYS Board for Professional Medical Conduct and held the role of PTA president for PS 11 in Brooklyn. Her passion is working at the intersection of healthcare, advocacy, equity, education, philanthropy and community building.
Job Titles:
- Co - Director
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant Program Assistant, Master of Health Science - Clinical Investigation Track ( MHS - CI )
Job Titles:
- Pathology and Professor of Medicine ( Medical Oncology )
- Professor of Pathology Chair, Pathology Chief, YNHH Pathology
Job Titles:
- Internal Communications Writer, Yale Medicine
Job Titles:
- Professor of Emergency Medicine
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant Yale School of Medicine Development
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Prospect Research
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Annual & Special Giving Programs
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Medicine ( Infectious Diseases )
Job Titles:
- Manager, Education and Outreach Programs
- Program Manager for the Yale Ciencia Initiative
Carolina Machado is the Program Manager for the Yale Ciencia Initiative and a Boston University Manufacturing Engineer by training. With three years of experience working with Giovanna Guerrero-Medina, her role encompasses Communication, Program Support, Logistics, and Optimization of systems and processes. Carolina facilitates communication between the team, program participants, and collaborators, ensuring everyone is well-informed about all steps of the program, fostering a supportive environment. She prepares and distributes program materials annually and assists with social media and blog posts on various websites. She provides logistical support for virtual and in-person meetings, including event planning, arranging venues, transportation, catering, and overall setup of sessions and workshops. Carolina has also implemented automated workflows to streamline the application, review process, and attendance tracking, delivering concise data summary reports. She has spearheaded the inclusion of AI tools in all appropriate processes which has allowed for real time analysis and improvement. Before joining Yale, Carolina spent 17 years in the education sector as a teacher and school manager. As an immigrant from Venezuela and a mother of four, she understands the challenges of integrating into a new society while being true to your cultural identity. This drives her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Medicine ( Occupational Medicine ) and of Environmental Health Sciences Director, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program / Research Interests
Job Titles:
- Office of Communications in 2016 As a Clinical Writer
- Senior Clinical Writer
Carrie MacMillan joined the Office of Communications in 2016 as a clinical writer for the Yale Medicine website. She writes feature and news stories for the patient-oriented site. Her coverage areas include the Departments of Pediatrics; Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Services; and the Child Study Center. Prior to Yale, Carrie spent 11 years as a feature writer for a daily newspaper, focusing on health, general interest and news topics. She also wrote and edited for a variety of consumer and business magazines and websites. Carrie has amassed more than 18 awards from local and national news organizations for her writing.
Chelsea Gomez (She/Her), MsEd, is a Program Manager at the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Chelsea is a first-generation Dominican-American from Queens, New York. She received her BA in Psychology from St. John's University and MS Ed from Long Island University. Prior to joining the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Chelsea was the Residency Program Coordinator for the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences here at Yale.
Cheri Lewis joined Yale School of Medicine in 2022. She is a New England native, a former broadcast reporter/anchor, and an alum of Boston University and the University of Illinois - Springfield.
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications for the Department of Psychiatry at Yale Sc
Chris Gardner is Director of Communications for the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. He promotes the work of the department's nearly 1,000 faculty members and trainees via the web, social media, and a monthly newsletter. He maintains the department's portfolio of over 70 websites and manages its messaging service and media relations. Prior to working at Yale, Chris enjoyed a 20-year career at the Republican-American newspaper in Waterbury, CT where he worked as Bureau Chief and Local News Editor. He received two first place awards for investigative reporting from the New England Newspaper & Press Association for uncovering wasteful spending in municipal government. He is the former Chairman of the Board of Newtown Youth and Family Services in Newtown, CT. He serves as Senior Burgess on the Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses and is an elected member of the Newtown Legislative Council, currently in his second term. Previously he served on the Newtown Board of Finance. He is also Newtown's "Keeper of the Flag," in charge of maintenance and upkeep of the town's iconic Main Street flagpole.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager Yale School of Medicine Development
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean for Gender Equity and Director of the Office for Women in Medicine and Science
- Professor of Psychiatry
Cindy A. Crusto, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry (Psychology Section), Yale University School of Medicine, is Associate Dean for Gender Equity and Director of the Office for Women in Medicine and Science and the Director of Program Evaluation and Child Trauma Research at The Consultation Center.Dr. Crusto has more than 20 years of experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating preventive interventions in schools and community agencies. She also has extensive experience providing training and technical assistance to schools and to community-based organizations on the evaluation of prevention programs. She is interested in culturally relevant interventions for children from racial/ethnic minority and low-income backgrounds and in school-based behavioral health services. Dr. Crusto's research examines the impact of family violence on children and the ecological influences on child and family well-being, and includes rigorous evaluations of community-based initiatives involving substance use and violence prevention, and the promotion of school readiness. Dr. Crusto earned a B.A. in psychology from Vassar College, an M.A. in clinical-community psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Ph.D. in clinical-community psychology from the University of South Carolina. She completed pre-doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships in clinical-community psychology at Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry.
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor in Pharmacology
Our lab uses multidisciplinary approaches to understand the impact of RNA metabolism in development, health and disease. We are primarily focused in identifying the physiological and pathophysiological roles of RNA modifications and non-coding RNAs at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Claudio, a native of Chile, obtained his Ph.D. from Cornell University in NYC. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the Rockefeller University before joining Yale University in 2017.
Job Titles:
- All Media Inquiries / Director of Media Relations and Audience Development
- Copy Link
- Director of Media Relations
- Director of Media Relations and Audience Development
Colleen Moriarty serves as director of media relations and audience development for Yale School of Medicine. In this role, she oversees a team that works on media, social media and brand visibility for the school and medical practice, Yale Medicine, as well as Yale Cancer Center. Before coming to the Yale School of Medicine, Moriarty wrote for a variety of publications such as Marie Claire, Self, Shape, Teen Vogue, and Good Housekeeping and was a contributing writer to Fit Pregnancy, contributing editor to the former Walking Magazine, and editorial assistant at Self Magazine. She is the author of Shortcuts to Sexy Abs (Fair Winds 2001) and contributed to Your Body: The Science of Keeping It Healthy (Time Books). She has also worked for a variety of digital websites and is a veteran copywriter, who has created marketing and advertising materials, social media campaigns, digital apps, and video and radio scripts for major corporations and health care companies such as Cigna, Clinique and Ethan Allen. She is an award-winning writer, who has a master of science degree in magazine journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.
Job Titles:
- Assoc Director, Donor Relations
As Director of Communications for the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) and Department of Child Psychiatry, Crista guides departmental strategic communications, oversees related projects, and facilitates dissemination of the center's varied and complex research, clinical, and educational work. Crista serves as the department's vice chair for communications and a member of the YCSC strategy and stewardship team, meeting regularly with the department chair and other vice chairs. Crista also works to develop and sustain relationships and connectivity within and across the YCSC community. Prior to her current role, she served as a program manager and operations director for Minding the Baby™ (MTB) for 11 years, leading a variety of initiatives surrounding implementation, research, and training in the basic tenets of the MTB clinical model. Since she began working at Yale in 2002, she has served as a research associate, project director, chair of the YCSC web and social media committee, and member of the YCSC branding and networking committee. Crista holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications from Northeastern University; a Master of Arts in Teaching from Sacred Heart University; and a Master of Arts in Child Development from Tufts University, where she sharpened her expertise in developmental literacy and served as a home visitor for a school-based home visiting program with families of Kindergarteners in Somerville, Massachusetts. In addition to her work in teaching and academic research, Crista's professional background includes work in public relations, nonprofit management, web development, professional editing, grant facilitation, marketing, and job training.
Job Titles:
- Internal Medicine / Associate Communications Officer
Crystal Gwizdala joined Yale School of Medicine in 2023. She works within the Department of Internal Medicine (Geriatrics) on Patient Priorities Care, an approach to health care that aims to help patients, care partners, and clinicians focus decision-making and healthcare on what Matters Most: patients' own health priorities. Over the course of her career, Crystal has worked in a plethora of scientific fields such as toxicology, mental health and chemical manufacturing. Crystal's passion for learning and making science accessible led her to a career in science communication.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Biomedical Informatics & Data Science Vice Chair for Education, Biomedical Informatics & Data Science Professor, Biostatistics
Dana Haugh is Web Services Librarian & Coordinator of Marketing and Communications at Yale's Cushing/Whitney Medical Library where she leads the design and development of the library's web presence. Her research interests include web design & development, marketing & outreach in libraries, open access, and information literacy. She received her MLS from Queens College and BA in English from Stony Brook University.
Job Titles:
- Communications Officer for Yale Medicine
- Communications Officer, YM Audience Development and Social Media
- Media Contact for Clinical Topics / Yale Medicine / Communications Officer, YM Audience Development and Social Media
Danielle Perricone serves as the Communications Officer for Yale Medicine, the clinical practice of Yale School of Medicine.
Job Titles:
- Co - Director
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Deputy School of Medicine Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Latimore is Yale School of Medicine's first deputy dean for diversity and inclusion and its first chief diversity officer. He is devoted to increasing diversity within medical and academic spaces and to improving the climate of Yale School of Medicine's learning and working environments. He is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan for furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the school, which includes a focus on recruitment and retention of faculty and students from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in science and medicine. In his role, he has implemented a comprehensive program to improve faculty diversity and retention that focuses on policies, programs, and building community. He also oversees programs that support the outreach, recruitment, success, and retention of YSM students and postdoctoral fellows. He is co-chair of the YSM Program for Art in Public Spaces, which has commissioned new works of art featuring diverse YSM leaders and has hosted public exhibits that feature artwork by and about members of the YSM community. Dr. Latimore joined Yale in 2017 from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, where he was associate dean for student and resident diversity. After obtaining his medical degree at University of California, Davis School of Medicine and completing his residency in internal medicine at University of California, Davis Medical Center, he worked as a physician specializing in HIV care with The Permanente Medical Group in South Sacramento, CA where he also trained medical students and residents. His transition to academic medicine began with his appointment as associate program director for the UC Davis internal medicine residency program followed by his appointment as the inaugural director of medical student diversity at UC Davis in 2008.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Director for Leadership Development
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Assistant Professor in the Child Study Center; Director for Leadership Development and Coaching Initiatives, Offices of Academic & Professional Development (OAPD) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)
Daryn H. David, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, educator, and leadership development coach. At the Yale School of Medicine, Daryn is an Assistant Professor at the Child Study Center and serves as Director for Leadership Development and Coaching Initiatives in the Offices of Academic & Professional Development (OAPD) and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (ODEI). Through dynamic pedagogy, leadership development coaching, and innovative programming, Daryn leverages her expertise to help academics and health care providers actualize their fullest professional potential. She further promotes the educational mission of Yale University by coaching high-impact global leaders through the Yale Greenberg World Fellowship. In addition to her work in academia, Daryn maintains a small psychotherapy and coaching practice devoted to supporting women professionals. Daryn holds a Bachelor of Arts (AB) degree in Social Studies from Harvard University and a PhD in psychology from Yale University, where she also completed her predoctoral clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship. Following her formal academic training, Daryn pursued an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, she completed the Playing Big Facilitators Training with Tara Mohr and the Blue Mesa Transformational Coaching Program and is a certified facilitator of the Zenger Folkman Extraordinary Leader, Advancing the Extraordinary Leader, and Extraordinary Performer workshops.
Job Titles:
- Digital Marketing Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Business Systems Analyst & Web Producer
A graduate of Northwestern University, Denise Meyer has worked in public relations and communications for over thirty years, first in the arts, then as a consultant for a wide range of small businesses, non-profits and an international manufacturing company. She is the founding publisher of Eirini Press whose offerings on non-duality include titles by Lawrence LeShan, Jonathan Bricklin and others. Denise has a wide range of print, social media and web experience and was web coordinator at the Yale School of Public Health from 2008-2021. There she has created and developed editorial and video content for the school's websites, newsletters and other special projects. In November 2021 she moved to the Yale School of Medicine Communications Group where she is a business systems analyst and web producer.
Job Titles:
- Division Chief of Pain Medicine
Dr. Donna-Ann Thomas is the Division Chief of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Thomas received her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical Center in 1999. Following her General Surgery residency at Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia, she completed a residency in Anesthesia at SUNY Syracuse. She is co-chair of the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists and co-chair of the Pain Curriculum Committee at the Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Thomas is actively involved in public service, including her steady volunteer work for Abundant Life Christian Center and her contributions to medical missions in Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Job Titles:
- Director of Yale Ciencia Program Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Wu Tsai Institute
- Is Director of the Yale Ciencia Initiative
Dr. Giovanna Guerrero-Medina is Director of the Yale Ciencia Initiative in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Yale School of Medicine, and Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Yale's Wu Tsai Institute. Through these positions, Dr. Guerrero-Medina leads programs that broaden participation and increase inclusion and retention in STEM training pathways and careers. Programs such as Yale PATHS, the Yale Ciencia Academy, and Intersections Science Fellows Symposium empower scientists from historically excluded backgrounds and level the playing field. Until 2024, Dr. Guerrero-Medina was the first Executive Director of Ciencia Puerto Rico. Under her leadership, CienciaPR became one of the largest networked communities of Hispanic scientists in the world and was recognized for their work promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the areas of science communication, education, and careers by the Union of Concerned Scientists, the AAAS-Caribbean Division, and the White House. She is co-author of two National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine reports to promote advancement, diversity and inclusion in the STEMM workforce and her expertise has been sought by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, multiple NIH and NSF peer review panels, and several nonprofit and scientific Advisory Boards. Dr. Guerrero-Medina's work is funded by grants from the NIH and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, among others. Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Guerrero-Medina has a Bachelors in Science from the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras and a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a science policy fellowship with the National Academies and science policy work at the NIH and the Van Andel Institute. Hear how to pronounce my name.
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor
- Associate Professor of Surgery ( Plastic ), Vice Chair of Education and Inclusive Excellence Vice Chair Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Surgery
Dr. Paris D. Butler is an Associate Professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine. He is also the inaugural Yale Department of Surgery Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). After completing his undergraduate education as a student athlete (basketball) at Roanoke College, he attended medical school at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He completed a general surgery residency at the University of Virginia and subsequently completed his plastic surgery training at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). He is board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Butler has clinical interests in breast reconstruction, breast reductions, breast lifts, post bariatric body contouring, scar/wound management, breast implant removal, and aesthetic surgery (abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, etc.). During his general surgery training, he completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Stanford University where he studied keloid biology. Additionally, he obtained a Master's in Public Health (MPH) from Univ. of California-Berkeley in health policy and management with special certificate in minority health. Dr. Butler is nationally recognized for his dedication to reducing healthcare disparities along ethnic lines - something he has approached with research, policy, and teaching in mind. Prior to being recruited to Yale, Dr. Butler served for 6 years on the faculty as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to his clinical appointment, he also served as the Associate Designated Institutional Official (DIO) of Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) Affairs in UPenn's Graduate Medical Education office. He has received numerous teaching awards in addition to recognition for his work with mentoring residents, medical, undergraduate, and high school students aspiring to enter the field. Dr. Butler has authored over 75 publications in peer-reviewed journals and the lay press. He serves on the American College of Surgeons' (ACS) Committee on Healthcare Disparities, Society of Black Academic Surgeons' (SBAS) Membership, Financial, and Health Equity Committees, the American Board of Surgery's (ABS) Governance Committee, the Association of Academic Surgeons' (AAS) Diversity Committee, the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons' (ACAPS) DEI Committee, and is Chair of the American Society of Plastic Surgery's (ASPS) Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Associate Professor Term Director, Vascular Neurology Fellowship Program, Stroke Departmental Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Neurology
Dr. Reshma Narula is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology and the Program Director for the Yale Neurovascular Fellowship Program. She specializes in the care of patients with cerebrovascular disease. She is a graduate of New York University and New York Medical College. She completed both her residency training in Neurology and fellowship in Vascular Neurology at Yale New Haven Hospital.Dr. Narula has a particular interest in evaluating patients with cryptogenic strokes -or strokes of unknown etiology- and currently serves as the site primary investigator for ARCADIA a - NIH StrokeNet trial. During her residency training at Yale she completed a specialized training curriculum in education and continues to be interested in the development of medical education. She is also an elected member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and strongly promotes patient centered care.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science Chief of Ophthalmology, Yale Health, Yale Health Chief of Ophthalmology, Bridgeport Hospital, Ophthalmology & Visual Science, YNHH / BH
Dr. Vicente Diaz specializes in ocular inflammatory and infectious diseases. Dr. Diaz' practice also includes Comprehensive Ophthalmology, treating ailments such as Dry Eye Syndrome, Glaucoma, and Cataracts. His research interests include novel immunomodulatory therapies for the treatment of non-infectious inflammatory disease, management of Stevens Johnson's Syndrome, a potentially lethal autoimmune disease, and innovative therapies in glaucoma.Dr. Diaz is Chief of Ophthalmology at the Yale Health Plan, addressing the eye needs of the Yale faculty, students, employees, and their families. He is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at Yale University. Dr. Diaz is also Director of Ophthalmology for the Bridgeport Hospital Burn Unit, where he oversees the care of all patients with Stevens Johnson's Syndrome in the state of Connecticut.Dr. Diaz was voted among the top eye doctors in Fairfield County in the Fairfield Advocate's 2012 and 2013 reader's polls. After graduating from Ophthalmology residency at Yale University, he completed a fellowship in Ocular Immunology & Infectious Disease at The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary where he was recently on the clinical and research faculty. He is currently a co-investigator on several FDA clinical trials of novel immunomodulatory therapies for inflammatory diseases, sponsored by companies such as Abott, Novartis, and Lux Biosciences. Dr. Diaz is also active in the surrounding community, with a presence that has grown consistently throughout his tenure in the Tri-State, including an appointment as keynote speaker at the 2011 Puerto Rican Festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Dr. Diaz founded the La Unidad Latina Medical Guild and was the architect of their annual medical mission to the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Honduras where he performs surgery, teaches medical residents, and cares for patients in need; the team created by Dr. Diaz sees between 3,000 - 5,000 patients abroad annually. Dr. Diaz received his BA from Brown University, his MD from Yale School of Medicine, and his MBA at Yale School of Management.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant, YSM Communications
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant, YSM Diversity
Eduardo has experience working as a Medical Interpreter and Translator and as a volunteer at Yale New Haven Hospital. As a Health Navigation, Eduardo works collaboratively with team members to assess health needs, connect people with care and services, provide education, and use his translation skills. He has a passion for learn new things and his goals are to promote healthy lifestyles and the early detection of cancer to improve lives in our community.
Job Titles:
- Elizabeth Mears and House Jameson Professor of Comparative Medicine and Vice Chair for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Co - Director, Science Fellows Program
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Development, Principal Gifts
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Communications at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
Erin Brough is the associate director of communications at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. She holds an M.B.A. and is a Certified Project Management Professional. In her role, Erin is responsible for the Center's communication and branding strategy, including management of the RULER and YCEI websites, lifecycle communications for RULER schools, operational news and updates for YCEI staff and consultants, social media management, budgetary oversight and creation, and project management of various implementation projects. She maintains the working relationship with Yale OPAC and the YSM Office of Communications. Erin lives in Hamden, CT with her son, husband, and dueling cats.
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant, OAPD
Job Titles:
- Professor of Surgery ( Plastics )
Clinical Interests: Female urology, urodynamics, neurogenic bladder, male and female urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis; voiding dysfunction; benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, urologic cancers.Dr. Harris E. Foster Jr. is board certified in urology and has specialized interests in voiding dysfunction and female urology. Particular to this area include treatment of female and male urinary incontinence, neurogenic bladder, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), interstitial cystitis, urethral diverticula and vesicovaginal fisulae. In addition, Dr. Foster treats general urological conditions such as kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, superficial bladder cancer, and benign conditions involving the scrotum (hydrocele, epididymal cyst). He also performs circumcision and vasectomy in patients who desire these procedures. Dr. Foster has expertise in the evaluation of voiding dysfunction utilizing urodynamics.Dr. Foster earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He then graduated with honors from University of Miami School of Medicine, a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Dr. Foster subsequently completed his urology residency at the University of Michigan Hospitals and joined the faculty at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Foster is Chief of Urology for the Veteran's Administration Connecticut Healthcare System and is a urology consultant at the Gaylord Rehabilitation Hospital in Wallingford, Conn. and The Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, Connecticut. He also provides urological care at the Yale Health Services. Dr. Foster has received grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to perform clinical trials investigating the pharmacologic and phytotherapeutic treatment of BPH. He was also the chairman for many years of the NIH sponsored Interstitial Cystitis Collaborative Research Network. Dr. Foster was a member of the American Board of Urology Examination Committee and has functioned as an oral board examiner for this organization. He has written numerous research publications and textbook chapters and is a reviewer for many of the major urology journals including The Journal of Urology, Urology, and Neurourology and Urodynamics. Finally, Dr. Foster has been a member of the guidelines committee for the evaluation and treatment of BPH and overactive bladder (OAB) sponsored by the American Urological Association.Dr. Foster is dedicated to treating patients suffering from urological diseases with a particular focus on those who have voiding dysfunction. He recognizes that although most of these disorders do not affect duration of life, they can in many instances have significant if not devastating effects on quality of life. Despite being a urological surgeon, he fully understands that surgery is not frequently indicated nor is it always the best option for many patients.
Job Titles:
- Elizabeth Mears and House Jameson Professor of Comparative Medicine and Vice Chair for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Co - Director, Science Fellows Program
I am interested in the neural mechanisms underlying decision-making in humans, in individual differences in these mechanisms, and in the possible contribution of decision traits to pathological behavior. Our research focuses on decision-making under uncertainty, and on value learning and encoding. To study these topics we combine behavioral economics methods with functional MRI, as well as eye tracking and physiological measurements.
Job Titles:
- Associate Editor - Writer
Isabella "Izzy" Backman graduated from Saint Michael's College with a B.S. in biology and minor in creative writing. She would go on to join the UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Program, one of the country's most competitive journalism programs, which allowed her to combine her interests. She brought her love for telling stories about science to Yale School of Medicine in 2021 as a summer science writing intern, and in the fall, she joined the Office of Communications full-time as associate writer and editor. She has held previous positions at NASA Ames Research Center and Stanford University News. Her work can also be found in outlets including Science, Mongabay, Eos and the San Jose Mercury News.
Job Titles:
- Associate Research Scientist ( General Medicine )
- Associate Research Scientist at Yale University 's Department of Internal Medicine
Dr. Ishita Sunita Arora is an Associate Research Scientist at Yale University's Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Arora is a clinical and community psychologist who has worked with underserved and marginalized populations in the resource-limited settings of South Asia and the United States. Dr. Arora's research focuses on four core areas - (a) advancing health equity and evidence-based policy for women's and maternal health, (b) promotion of girl empowerment and prevention of gender-based violence, (c) advancing anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, and (d) equitable access and utilization of mental healthcare among historically minoritized communities. Dr. Arora has expertise in community-engaged participatory research, program development and evaluation, implementation science, and violence prevention and intervention in academic medicine, and community and not-for-profit organizations. Dr. Arora completed her predoctoral fellowship at Yale University's Department of Psychiatry - The Consultation Center (TCC) and Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC). Dr. Arora earned her Ph.D. in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of Maryland and a Master's in Liberal Studies and Leadership from Ashoka University, India. In India, she has worked as a therapist for street kids and unhoused families for the not-for-profit organization Salaam Baalak Trust. Dr. Arora's work is guided by anti-racist, anti-casteist, anti-oppressive, and decolonial praxis.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Pediatrics ( General Pediatrics ) Director of the Center for Medical Education, YSM Administration
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant, Donor Relations
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Medicine ( Cardiovascular Medicine )
Job Titles:
- Senior Communications Project Manager, YSM Comms
Jen joined the Yale School of Medicine in 2023 to help manage projects for both the Web Services team and the Office of Communications. She has a proven track record of building key relationships with project stakeholders, and over 15 years of experience in content creation, desktop publishing, and executing targeted projects and Internal Communication plans across diverse technical and non-technical environments.
Job Titles:
- Design Manager, YSM Director of Communications Design, Yale School of Medicine Brand Manager, Yale School of Medicine Brand Manager, Yale Medicine
Appreciating design from a young age, Jennifer attended the University of Connecticut, obtaining a BS in Graphic Design in 1997. From there she nurtured her talent as a young designer at the New Haven Advocate, moving up the ranks from mere graphic designer to Art Director. From there, she moved on to work at several design agencies-before striking out to start 'Canvas' with business partner Tara Cantor, media planner. Jennifer began at Yale in 2008 and began to make her mark on the School of Medicine design. She is slowly taking over the design world-bit by bit.
Job Titles:
- Writer, Yale School of Medicine
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
- Director of Medical Student Education
Dr. Bod is the Director of Medical Student Education and the Director of the Emergency Medicine Clerkship and Sub-internship.
Job Titles:
- Assoc Dir Development - Clin & Healthcare
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant Yale School of Medicine Alumni Affairs Sr. Administrative Assistant, YSM Alumni Affairs
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor
- Associate Professor of History of Medicine
Joanna Radin (Associate Professor) received her PhD in History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a historian of biomedical futures who cares about how people in the past imagined how science, technology and medicine would change their lives. This has led her to think and write about global histories of biology, ecology, medicine, technology, and anthropology since 1945; history and anthropology of life and death; biomedical technology and computing; feminist, Indigenous, and queer STS; and science fiction.All of these themes are present in her current book project, which reconsiders the history of science through the career of Michael Crichton.She is the author of Life on Ice: A History of New Uses for Cold Blood (Chicago 2017), the first history of the low-temperature biobank and co-editor, with Emma Kowal of Cyropolitics: Frozen Life in a Melting World (MIT 2017), which considers the technics and ethics of freezing across the life and environmental sciences.
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant Corp & Foundation Relations Development
Job Titles:
- Managing Editor, Yale Medicine
Job Titles:
- Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor of Cell Biology, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Professor of Physics Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Cell Biology
Joerg Bewersdorf is the Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor of Cell Biology and Professor of Biomedical Engineering and of Physics at Yale University. He received his Master's degree (Dipl. Phys., 1998) and his doctoral degree in physics (Dr. rer. nat., 2002) from the University of Heidelberg training with Dr. Stefan W. Hell at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Goettingen, Germany. Since 2009, after 4 years at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, he has been leading a research group at Yale University focusing on the development of new light microscopy techniques and their application to biomedical research. An optical physicist/biophysicist by training, Dr. Bewersdorf has been a long-time contributor to the field of super-resolution light microscopy development and the application of these techniques to cell biological questions.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Surgery ( Oncology )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Librarian for Medical History & Head of the Medical Historical Library
Melissa Grafe is the Head of the Medical Historical Library at Yale School of Medicine and joined Yale University in 2011 as the John R. Bumstead Librarian for Medical History at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library. She leads the Medical Historical Library team and manages the library's collections, including over 100,000 medical and scientific volumes from the 12th-21st centuries, as well as a growing digital collection. She also works with students and faculty on research and classes; develops grants and publications; oversees major digitization projects; curates and stages exhibitions; and manages gifts and donations, among other duties.Grafe received her Ph.D. in the History of Medicine from Johns Hopkins University and was a Council of Library and Information Resources (CLIR) postdoctoral fellow at Lehigh University Library followed by an appointment as the Humanities Librarian at Lehigh before coming to Yale. She is past president for the Medical Heritage Library (2018-2020) and Archivists and Librarians in the History of the Health Sciences (renamed Librarians, Archivists, and Museum Professionals in the History of the Health Sciences).
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Medicine ( Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine ) Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health / Research Interests
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Neurosurgery Clinician Yale Neurosurgery, Lawrence Memorial Hospital - New London
Interests include minimally invasive spine procedures with one day surgery specialty
Job Titles:
- Interventional Radiologist
Juan Carlos Perez Lozada, MD, is an interventional radiologist who says he enjoys the minimally invasive aspect of his work that allows patients to recover rapidly."The extensive variety of pathology each day makes this field my passion," Dr. Perez Lozada says. "My favorite part of interventional radiology is the scope and breadth of clinical conditions and procedures that I can treat and the constant innovation of my field. I love that I still am able to guide and counsel patients in clinic and be part of their treatment team." He says he always lets his patients know that their well-being is his priority. "I want them to be safe regardless of the procedure. I want the best treatment possible regardless of the specialty that will take care of them," he says. "The best patient is the one that has knowledge of their options." Dr. Perez Lozada offers uterine fibroid embolization, spine interventions, pain management and nerve blocks, dialysis interventions, management of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and interventional oncology.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director Yale School of Medicine Faculty Affairs
- Copy Link
Job Titles:
- Communications Officer, YSM Development and Alumni Affairs
- Development and Alumni Affairs / Communications Officer, YSM Development and Alumni Affairs
Julia Chianelli joined Yale University in February 2023 as the inaugural communications officer in the School of Medicine's Office of Development and Alumni Affairs and Office of Communications. She has 26 years of experience in marketing communications and has won numerous awards for innovation and excellence in communication. Prior to joining Yale, she served as director of development and alumni affairs communications at Quinnipiac University, director of advancement communications at Trinity College-Hartford, and manager of alumni communications at The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc. She also held communications roles at Fortune 500 companies and was managing editor of a special-interest consumer magazine. Julia earned two bachelor of arts degrees at the University of Connecticut and studied at the Universität Mannheim and Goethe-Institut Mannheim in Mannheim, Germany. She holds a master of science in interactive media and communications at Quinnipiac University. While a graduate student at Quinnipiac, Julia was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, the official honor society of the National Communication Association.
Job Titles:
- Internal Medicine / Director, YSM Communications
Julie Parry joined Yale School of Medicine and the Department of Internal Medicine in August 2018. She has outlined a communications strategy for the department to highlight its exceptional clinicians, educators, researchers, and staff. Julie and team create and write for 11 publications, showcasing a variety of topics to a range of internal and external audiences, along with creating and managing the department's social media accounts and website. Julie created the department's first annual report to accentuate the department's excellence in its tripartite mission, along with revitalizing the monthly newsletter, D[IM]ensions, and launching the department's alumni publication, D[IM] Digest. During her 24+ years of experience in communications, public relations, and marketing, Julie has worked in a number of industries such as sports and entertainment, technology, and healthcare.
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, and of Cell Biology
Julien Berro was initially trained in Applied Mathematics, Physics and Computer Sciences at the Institut National Polytechnique of Grenoble, France. He obtained his Ph.D. in Mathematical Modeling in Biology at Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France, where he worked with Jean-Louis Martiel and Laurent Blanchoin on mathematical models for actin filament biochemistry and mechanics. After a brief tenure as an assistant professor in the department of Mathematics at Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France, he decided to further his training by learning cell biology and quantitative microscopy in the laboratory of Tom Pollard at Yale University. Since he started his own laboratory in 2013, he has combined experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches to uncover the mechanisms of molecular machineries that produce forces in the cell, with a particular focus on the actin cytoskeleton and endocytosis.
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Genetics Vice Chair Diversity, Genetics
Job Titles:
- Director / Senior Director, Communications Strategy and Technology
- Senior Director, Communications Strategy and Technology
Justin leads the product innovation and communications technology efforts at Yale School of Medicine, focusing on integrating cutting-edge AI solutions into core business processes, product development, and automation. He directs the teams responsible for ideating, designing, managing, and supporting the systems and infrastructure that power the school's academic and clinical websites (medicine.yale.edu and YaleMedicine.org), while aligning the school's various communication mediums-web, print, digital, and social-to streamline tools, reduce time to market, and boost operational efficiency. Under Justin's leadership, AI-driven products and automation have increased operational efficiency by over 100% and reduced time-to-market across communication platforms. His work has resulted in the creation of several enterprise-level products, including AI-first solutions, that have transformed business operations and optimized communication strategies. He has spearheaded AI integration since 2018, leveraging predictive models, natural language processing, and generative AI to support new produce development. Justin oversees offshore developers, vendor relationships, budget management, and resource allocation, ensuring technology initiatives are aligned with the school's strategic goals and growth. His cross-functional leadership brings together teams from design, engineering, and product strategy, aligning the efforts of leaders across the institution to achieve high-impact outcomes. Since joining the Office of Communications as a founding member of its web group in 2006, Justin has been instrumental in shaping the school's long-term digital transformation. He led the development of the school's first standardized web templates and now manages the fifth iteration (T5), which transitions the school to an audience-centric communications model, enhancing user engagement and effectiveness. Justin also spearheaded the purchase and implementation of the school's first content management system (SDL Tridion) and oversaw the creation of Beatrix, an enterprise-grade dynamic content platform supporting over 32,000 profiles and 100,000 calendar events and news articles. Beatrix also enables faculty to import and generate standardized CVs, easing academic challenges and enhancing reporting. Additionally, he introduced standardized digital signage across the school's campus. Residing in Seattle with his partners Rudy and Randy, and their child Felix, Justin is passionate about CrossFit, home renovation, traveling to visit family in Australia, and exploring new technologies to continue driving innovation in his field. Revised September 2024
Job Titles:
- Assoc. Director Professionalism & Leadership
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean, Diversity and Inclusion Programs
Dr. Gonzalez Herrera comes to Yale after most recently operating as Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) in the Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) and in the Division of Medical Sciences based at Harvard Medical School. There, she oversaw members of the Griffin GSAS EDIB team and was responsible for working in partnership with faculty, students, and staff to plan and develop strategies to support equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging for graduate programs at Harvard. Dr. Gonzalez Herrera developed and directed the GSAS Life Sciences Summer Institute, a pre-matriculation program with the goal of easing the transition into graduate school for entering PhD students. Dr. Gonzalez Herrera co-directed and helped to expand the Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program (SHURP), as well as the Research Scholar Initiative (RSI) post-baccalaureate program at Harvard. She serves as an academic advisor to current graduate students, SHURP, and RSI participants. In addition to leading and coordinating recruitment efforts, Dr. Gonzalez Herrera also focused on graduate student support through implementation of DEI workshops for faculty, students, and staff, in partnership with graduate student diversity and inclusion fellows. She has served as an advisor and supported multiple graduate student affinity groups. Dr. Gonzalez Herrera received her PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Harvard University in 2016, where she was also an active member of the Minority Biomedical Scientists of Harvard student group and participated in the Harvard Latino Leadership Initiative. Prior to her time at Harvard, she completed her Master of Science in Biological Sciences at California State University San Marcos in 2010, and her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (with a minor in Chemistry) at the same institution in 2008, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Gonzalez Herrera has been committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields. She has been recognized for her work with several prestigious awards, including a National Institutes of Health Pre-doctoral Fellowship, the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, the Harvard Medical School Sharon P. Clayborne Staff Diversity Award, and was named as an inspiring Hispanic/Latinx scientist in America in a Cell Mentor article in 2020. She has also served as a mentor and advocate for underrepresented students in science, and has been an active member of several diversity and inclusion committees and organizations. As the Associate Dean for ODEI at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Gonzalez Herrera will lead the implementation and tracking of outcomes of the student section of the Diversity Strategic plan. She will also work closely with leadership and other stakeholders across the institution to develop and implement strategies to recruit and retain diverse biological and biomedical sciences (BBS) graduate student learners.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Biomedical Engineering and of Physics
- Professor of Cell Biology
Kathy Katella is a writer and journalist who has specialized in health and medicine for more than 20 years. She is a senior clinical writer for Yale Medicine, where she has produced articles on a variety of topics, including such areas as cardiology, cancer, and surgery. She has written extensively about Covid-19 and other infectious diseases. Kathy previously served as Yale Medicine's communications manager, a position that involved providing general support for the CEO and other senior administrators, and producing newsletters and year-end reports, in addition to other responsibilities. Before joining the Yale School of Medicine, Kathy was a general assignment feature reporter and editor for two daily newspapers in Connecticut. As a freelance writer, she published articles in the New York Times and other publications, and provided editorial services for such clients as University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University, Masonicare, New Reach, and Yale New Haven Hospital. She is the author of two books in a series for middle schoolers called "Celebrity Activists."
Job Titles:
- YSM Alumni Director of Development
Kimberly Conner started at YSM in 2017 as a video producer and was promoted to Senior Video Producer in 2022. As the Senior Video Producer, Kimberly plays a pivotal role in leading the strategy and creation of videos that highlight the research, education, and clinical missions of YSM for internal and external audiences. Kimberly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Stanford University in 2011. She then served in the Peace Corps for two years in Madagascar as a Community Health Educator. Upon returning to the U.S., Kimberly earned her Master's in Journalism from the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism in 2015. Prior to her position at Yale, Kimberly worked in national broadcast journalism at MSNBC, CBS, and 48 Hours, where she contributed to numerous high-profile projects.
Job Titles:
- Research Analyst
- Senior Associate
Job Titles:
- Communications Support Specialist
Laura joined Yale School of Medicine in 2000 and has had held many roles since then. Her current position as Communications Support Specialist allows her to showcase her skills in survey design, data storytelling, and pitch deck creation.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Medicine ( Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine ) Associate Director, MD / PHD Program Director, Newington VA Pulmonary Clinic, Medicine, VA Connecticut Health System
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator, Alumni Affairs & Giving Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Senior Program Leader and Relationship Manager
Lena is the Senior Program Leader & Relationship Manager for YSM Communications. She started out as a Internet Specialist in communications for Yale Medicine in 2004, and in 2006 was promoted to have purview over the web for all of YSM. Within months she created the first iteration of the brain trust dedicated to the mission of a "world-class" web presence for YSM, which has now grown to a full web team. The group is dedicated to these goals: Beautiful, useful, consistently branded websites that as a unit speak to the excellence of YSM All faculty and organizations being able to promote their important work, regardless of whether or not they have resources Ease of accessibility for users and web editors Excellent communication with clients and administration Efficient use of accurate data across websites In 2016, Lena was promoted to be the Operations Director for the Yale School of Medicine Office of Communications, and in 2021 again to Senior Program Leader & Relationship Manager for YSM Communications.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, YSM Diversity Office Director of Educational Outreach Programs
- Director of the Yale School of Medicine Office of Diversity
Linda V Jackson, Director of the Yale School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement, and Equity (DICE), received her Bachelors of Science in Human Services from Springfield College and Masters of Science in Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University. Linda is an active member of the National Association of Medical Minority Educators, Inc. (NAMME), where she currently hold the position of regional director and the National Association of Advisors of the Health Professions, Inc. (NAAHP). Linda manages various programs from elementary school through medical school for underrepresented students and those from disadvantaged back groups interested in or pursing a career in the field of medical or biomedical research. She is involved in the recruitment and retention of students from disadvantages background for the School of Medicine and supports student affinity groups. "I love working directly with students - watching them flourish from undergraduates to medical students to doctors is a great joy for me. I can say that I am friends with some of the smartest people in the medical field." Linda has been a licensed foster parent for over 20 years and enjoys mentoring teen aged girls. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling to the Caribbean Islands.
Lindsey Leger is a video producer, working to create original video content highlighting innovative research and care at YSM. Prior to joining Yale, she was a freelance photographer and videographer working with editorial and humanitarian clients, including the Associated Press, UNICEF and USAID. She completed her BFA at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and is completing a MA at the University of Münster in Germany.
Job Titles:
- Business Systems Analyst & Web Producer
Liz joined the Yale School of Medicine Web Group October 2011. After being with the team for over 10 years she was promoted to her current role as Business Systems Analyst & Web Producer. She manages all Web Support Help Desk Tickets submitted to ysm.editor@yale.edu for the entire School of Medicine and YaleMedicine.org. When she is not assisting in building or maintaining websites, she is programming the usability tests used for future enhancements to YSM websites and applications. Liz provides preliminary and basic support for staff using SDL Tridion and all YSM web applications, as well as providing support with utilizing the News and People Profile System. Liz lives in the shoreline community of Guilford with her wife Carissa, and when not hiking somewhere in New England or traveling abroad, she can be easily found working on her next home project.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Development Information and Donor Services
Job Titles:
- Administrative Director, Master in Health Science Program, YSM
Job Titles:
- Director, Product and Web Services
Mark began working with Yale School of Medicine Communications in 2010 as the Manager for Web Training and Support. In this role, Mark fielded website editors' questions concerning YSM's content management system, SDL Web, along with other web applications used in conjunction with Tridion to maintain the school's web presence. In addition, with the help of the Web Group student team he created a library of support documentation for editors to learn the basics of SDL Web and how to create specific templates. Over the years, his role transitioned from being focused on supporting editors making website updates in the YSM environment to the development of the website applications themselves. Now, as Product and Web Services Director, Mark defines requirements and facilitates the development of web applications, leads the UI/UX design process for those applications to ensure they are user-friendly and accessible, and directs the Web Services team, a centralized group of professional editors who make the vast majority of the updates needed for the Yale School of Medicine and Yale Medicine websites.
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean for Communications
- Yale School of Medicine ( YSM ) Administration in 2000 As Director of Strategic Planning and Marketing
Mary Hu joined the Yale School of Medicine (YSM) administration in 2000 as Director of Strategic Planning and Marketing for Yale Medicine. In 2004, she took on the responsibility of directing school-wide communications, including print and online publications, and managing the Yale School of Medicine brand. Mary serves as liaison between the Dean's Office and relevant university and hospital offices, including the Yale University Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Affairs and Communications, Office of Development, Alumni Affairs, Yale Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital and Yale New Haven Health System.
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing, YSM
Matthew O'Rourke leads marketing efforts for the Yale School of Medicine and its clinical practice, Yale Medicine. Prior to his current role, he worked in Orthopaedics. he spent five and a half years at the Yale School of Management working in international communications, collaborating and coordinating communications efforts with 30 schools in 25 countries through the Global Network for Advanced Management. A journalist by training, he oversees all of the department's web and social media strategies. Previously, O'Rourke worked as a reporter at the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper, covering two towns and developing an outdoors/environmental beat for six and a half years. While there, he was part of a team that won the national Society of Professional Journalists Sunshine Award, highlighting excellence in Freedom of Information Act requests and reporting. His work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and Boston Globe.
Maya joined as Visual Design Specialist for Yale School of Medicine in 2017. She provides design support for YSM Communications and their print publications.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Epidemiology
Mayur M. Desai, PhD, MPH, is a Professor of Epidemiology and the inaugural Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at the Yale School of Public Health. Professor Desai received both his MPH in health policy and his PhD in epidemiology from Yale. He then served for two years as an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer at CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, before returning to New Haven to join the Yale faculty. Professor Desai's expertise is in the application of epidemiologic methods to clinical and health services research. The overarching goal of his work - across various content areas - is to improve health equity in access, quality, and outcomes of care in a broad range of populations and settings. Professor Desai has extensive experience (1) conducting studies at the interface of mental health and primary care; (2) developing risk-adjusted quality-of-care measures for the Medicare program; (3) determining the incidence, trends, and outcomes of surgical procedures; (4) examining the health, health beliefs, and healthcare utilization of marginalized and stigmatized populations, including immigrants, refugees, and incarcerated individuals; (5) contributing to numerous projects in low- and middle-income settings on a range of topics, including child health, prisoner health, diagnosis and treatment of both non-communicable and infectious diseases, and health systems strengthening; and (6) examining DEIB-related issues in the biomedical workforce. Professor Desai directs the accelerated, 11-month Advanced Professional MPH Program and is a core faculty member in Yale's National Clinician Scholars Program and Global Health Leadership Initiative. He has a long and sustained history of global public health capacity-strengthening, having developed and taught innovative short courses and workshops on a range of topics - including epidemiology, biostatistics, monitoring and evaluation, strategic problem solving, and research mentorship and leadership - in over a dozen countries. He received the 2022 Drs. Anvar and Pari Velji Global Health Award for Teaching Excellence from the international Consortium of Universities for Global Health and is a 4-time recipient of YSPH's Distinguished Teaching Award.
Job Titles:
- Deputy School of Medicine Title IX Coordinator
Megan received her B.A. in Biochemistry from Brandeis University working with Dr. Susan Lowey and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from the University of Pennsylvania working with Dr. Mark Lemmon. During her postdoctoral training with Dr. Günter Blobel at Rockefeller University, she discovered new mechanisms for the targeting and function of integral inner nuclear membrane proteins. Since founding her own group in 2009, Megan has continued to investigate the broad array of biological functions that are integrated at the nuclear envelope, from impacts on DNA repair to nuclear and cellular mechanics. Megan was named a Searle Scholar in 2011, is a recipient of the NIH New Innovator Award and is currently an Allen Distinguished Investigator.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Head of the Medical Historical Library at Yale School of Medicine
Job Titles:
- YSM Senior Associate Director
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- Director of Development for Alumni
Michael Fitzsousa is director of development for alumni. He joined the School of Medicine in 1994 as a writer and editor in the Office of Public Information. He served as editor of Yale Medicine magazine from 1997 to 2010 and various other communications roles, including director of publications and communications director. From 2010 to 2015 he was director of strategic communications, with a focus on digital media, internal communications, and project management. Since 2015 he has worked with alumni/ae and friends of YSM to build support for student financial aid and medical education.
Job Titles:
- Digital Analytics and SEO Specialist
Job Titles:
- Communications Officer, YCC Media Relations & Audience Development
- Media Contact for Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital / Communications Officer, YCC Media Relations & Audience Development
Job Titles:
- Director of AI Development and Systems Architecture
Mike Friscia joined the Yale School of Medicine in April 2017 as the Lead Technical Architect with responsibilities for systems and software design.Previously he worked in the Yale University Library for ten years managing a team of software engineers focused on digital asset management and discovery systems with emphasis on open source, community driven development. Prior to Yale, Mike was the lead software developer at Connecticut College where he worked primarily with student and alumni information systems. Mike enjoys collecting and programming vintage computers from the 1970's and 1980's and is an active participant in the International Game Developer Association working as a consultant on several open source projects.
Nancy J. Brown, MD, joined Yale School of Medicine as Jean and David W. Wallace Dean of Medicine and C.N.H Long Professor of Internal Medicine in February 2020. As dean, she oversees one of the world's leading institutions for biomedical research, education, and advanced clinical care.
Job Titles:
- Associate Analyst, Development
Job Titles:
- Director of Product Development and Implementation at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
Nicole (Nikki) Elbertson is the director of product development and implementation at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. In various research and training roles at the Center for over 20 years, she has managed and coordinated several projects focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of RULER from early childhood through high school. Nikki has contributed to the design and publication of the Center's research studies and curricula, and she is the co-author of several scholarly articles, papers, and book chapters. Currently, she focuses on the strategic development, alignment, and distribution of the Center's content and serves as a RULER trainer and coach. Outside of her work at the Center, she is a certified group fitness instructor .
Job Titles:
- Executive Editor
- Chief Communications Officer Senior Director for Content Strategy & Development, Office of Communications
- Senior Director of Content Strategy & Development for the Yale School of Medicine
Nicole Wise, Senior Director of Content Strategy & Development for the Yale School of Medicine, and Chief Communications Officer for Yale Medicine, its clinical faculty practice, is responsible for establishing content strategy and standards across all digital and print properties for the organization. She leads four teams - editorial, multimedia, marketing and reputation and audience development (comprising media relations, social media and content partnerships), focused on three strategic goals: elevating reputation, supporting revenue generation, and metrics-driven leadership in academic medical communications. Nicole joined Yale as Executive Editor, Yale Medicine, in 2016, initially focused on building and executing a content marketing strategy to support the new Yale Medicine brand. The vision was to develop a health and medicine site that provides patient education primers on the full range of treatments and services offered by Yale Medicine clinicians, while also engaging readers in conversational features and videos on trending topics in health - all utilizing YSM experts as sources. The Yale Medicine site currently has monthly traffic of approximately 3 million, regularly achieving top search positions for competitive health topics. In the works at present is an audience-based content strategy to engage a wide range of stakeholders (scientists, students, media, donors, etc.) in the exciting scientific discoveries taking place at YSM. AI is playing an ever more vital role in building out content across Yale School of Medicine and its digital (and print) properties - including for ideation, audience development, scaling production and search engine optimization. Nicole has been a journalist and author, a healthcare marketer and an entrepreneur, with a consultancy focused on producing content for healthcare providers around the U.S. She lives in New Haven.
Job Titles:
- Video Post - Production Specialist
- Video Producer / Editor
Noah Golden is a video producer/editor who has been at Yale School of Medicine since 2013. Over that time, Noah has produced hundreds of videos for Yale School of Medicine and Yale Medicine, including the 4 Things series, The Exam Room series, profiles of the Second Year Show, the Yale Medical Orchestra, Match Day and a large number of Yale Medicine physician bios. He ran Yale School of Medicine's Facebook page for two years and continues to work on social media strategy. His work has won an award from LabTV and been featured in the New Haven Documentary Film Festival. In his spare time, can often be found playing music, creating/watching/writing about theater or eating.
Job Titles:
- Assoc Dir. Development Initiatives, Alumni Affairs and Development
Dr. Kavathas studies the T cell co-receptor CD8ab and the functional significance of four isoforms of the human CD8b protein that exist in humans and great apes but not mice. More recently she is studying the basis for acquired resistance to immunotherapy of human lung cancer tumors.Dr. Kavathas is currently Vice Chair of Diversity for both the Departments of Immunobiology and of Laboratory Medicine. She is on the board of Status of Women in Medicine, SWIM, and of the Women's Faculty Forum, WFF, (Chair from 2013-2017). She played a role in diversifying portraits at Yale including commissioning a portrait of the first women PhDs located in the nave of Sterling library. Other activities include co-organizing a conference entitled "Gender Rules," publication of The View (a demographic analysis of women and URMs at Yale), expansion of the Phyllis Bodel Childcare Center, and changes in parental leave policies.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Kavli Institute for Neuroscience and Director, Scientific Operations, Department of Neuroscience
Job Titles:
- Communications Officer, YSM Administration
Job Titles:
- Internal Medicine / Communications Officer
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant Yale School of Medicine Development
Job Titles:
- Project Coordinator, Center for Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Director of Content Strategy, YSM
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Physician and Community Engagement
Job Titles:
- Deputy Dean for Professionalism and Leadership
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Associate Director
- Director
- Director, Research Education
- Physician Associate Program
Job Titles:
- Deputy School of Medicine Title IX Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs
Job Titles:
- Center for Medical Education, Director of Programs
Job Titles:
- Director, YSM Exec. & Internal Communications
Sara joined Yale School of Medicine in March of 2023 as senior director, executive and internal communications. In addition to providing executive communication support to the leadership team, she is responsible for amplifying YSM's strategic goals and priorities and informing and inspiring the medical school community. Prior to joining Yale, Sara worked for more than 20 years in the healthcare and financial services industries, holding a variety of communication roles at a Connecticut-based health system and multiple Fortune 200 and Fortune 500 companies. Throughout her career, she has led comprehensive communication strategies that have driven measurable results in connecting employees to organizational cultures, brands and business goals. Sara holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a master's degree in corporate communication from DePaul University.
Job Titles:
- Women 's Health Research / Communications Officer
Sara joined the Women's Health Research at Yale team as Communications Officer in early 2024, bringing more than 15 years of experience in communications roles of increasing responsibility in both nonprofit and agency settings. Notably, Sara led media relations efforts for the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in 2011 and authored Growing Up Rural in America during her time as Director of Media and Communications for U.S. Programs & Advocacy at Save the Children. At Save the Children, Sara served as an inaugural member of the organization's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. At WHRY, Sara works closely with the Director and Senior Program Officer to inform audiences of the center's work to change the landscape of medical and behavioral research, professional and personal practice, clinical education, and health policy to advance women's health.
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Internal Medicine ( Medical Oncology )
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Associate Professor of Dermatology. Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Dermatology
Job Titles:
- Communications Officer, YSM Social Media and Audience Development
- Media Contact for Research, Education, and General Topics / Communications Officer, YSM Social Media and Audience Development
Job Titles:
- Communications Officer for the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale
- Internal Medicine / Communications, Officer
Serena Crawford is a communications officer for the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale. Prior to joining the department, she served as director of communications for the Liman Center at Yale Law School, where she led the production and coordination of the center's e-newsletters, website content, and annual report, among other projects. She holds a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from the University of Oregon.
Dr Gupta is a clinician-educator with expertise in clinical virology, and diversity, equity and inclusion in healthcare education. Her primary interests are in clinical research, medical education, and enhancement of equity for learners, faculty, as well as patients. She is an Associate Program Director for Yale Internal Medicine residency program, and Vice-Chair and Director of DEI at VA Connecticut. She is faculty leader for the Race, Bias and Advocacy in Medicine, a Distinction Pathway track in Internal Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Gupta has been serving as research supervisor, thesis advisor and mentor to students, residents, fellows and faculty for more than a decade, and is passionate about career development for her mentees. She completed her fellowship training at Yale in 2008, and currently divides her time between providing patient care for veterans admitted to the VA hospital, education for trainees, administrative efforts for DEI enhancement, and clinical research. View Full Profile
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator 2, Expert Resource
Sharon Fitzpatrick has over 20 years experience in administrative management. She is an organized and results-driven professional with a tech savvy side. She has been in her current role at Yale for almost 4 years. Sharon completed her bachelor's degree in Hotel and Business Management at Post University.
Job Titles:
- Assoc. Dir. of Development, Brain and Child Health
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Susan began her career at Yale in the Department of Pathology, where she served as the Residency Program Coordinator for 6 years. She then moved to the Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, in Internal Medicine, where she worked as the Human Resource and Operations Manager for four years. Upon the advice of her Lead Administrator, she shifted to the Geriatric Medicine section in order to gain a couple of years of accounting experience. However, Susan found she preferred interacting with people, rather than crunching numbers, so she accepted a position in the Chair's office in the Department of Neurology. In Neurology, Susan served as an Assistant Administrator for nine years. During this time, she managed the Chair's Office, the Education Office, and Faculty Affairs for the department. The faculty tripled in number during her time there and she gained critical supervisory experience during this phase of her career. In 2020, she embarked on a new role as an Administrative Assistant in the YSM Department of Communications.
Job Titles:
- AVP Development, Cancer Fundraising
Job Titles:
- Director of Development, Yale Cancer Center
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate Director of Development, YSM Corporate and Foundation
Job Titles:
- Assistant Clinical Professor of Social Work Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Child Study Center Associate Director of Youth Services, Child Study Center
Tara Sanabria Davila is a Puerto Rican, bilingual (Spanish), multiracial clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing identity- tailored care to Connecticut's historically underserved youth and families. Tara earned her BA n Psychology from The University of Massachusetts at Amherst, her MSW at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work, and a Certificate in Advanced Clinical Supervision from the Graduate School of Social Work at Smith College. Tara's clinical expertise is in supporting youth and family who have been impacted by trauma via her training and expertise with evidence-based practices. She is a Nationally Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP),and is a state trainer for the Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Conduct Problems (MATCH-ADTC). Tara is also skilled in treating depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and behavior and in supporting diverse families in tapping into their strengths to support their child(ren). As Associate Director of Youth Clinical Services, Tara supports the operation of the office- cased clinical services through administrative tasks and as a clinical supervisor and mentor. Tara has a passion to help support others to develop in their ability to understand and mitigate the impact of structural and interpersonal racism and discrimination on one's mental health. She mentors and teaches and supervises using a culturally humble lens. Through her role as the inaugural Vice Chair for Diversity of Equity and Inclusion at the Child Study Center, works to enhance the Child Study Center's commitment to equity and inclusion to support a diverse department. She also works to support and disseminate best practices to address and mitigate the impact of racism and other forms of discrimination on people with identities that have been historically marginalized. Tara is an avid reader, enjoys cooking cultural dishes, baking and spending time with her husband, their children and dog. She also derives great joy from supporting the development of Latine leaders and philanthropy as Co- Chair of the Progreso Latino Fund.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Communications Officer
Terry Corcoran is an Associate Communications Officer working mostly with the Department of Pathology and also with the Yale Cancer Center, producing written, photographic and videographic content. Among his responsibilities are producing a monthly internal newsletter for the Pathology Department, managing its social media accounts, and assisting faculty, students and staff with their communications needs. Before coming to Yale, Terry worked for more than two decades in daily journalism in Connecticut and New York. He also served as an assistant to Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary, a writer and editor for the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, and a senior staff writer for the Hartford Business Journal.
Job Titles:
- Associate 2, Development Yale School of Medicine Development Communications Manager, Alumni Affairs
Job Titles:
- Physician Marketing Manager, Yale Medicine
Job Titles:
- Lead and Technical Project Manager
Job Titles:
- YSM Alumni Director of Development
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- YSM Biobank Assistant Director / Assistant Professor Director of Informatics, Laboratory Medicine Director, CORE Center for Computational Health, Center for Outcomes Research & Evaluation ( CORE )
Job Titles:
- Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
Wendy Gilbert is a Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. Her work focuses on regulatory elements in messenger RNA that control the cellular expression of the information stored in the genetic code. She earned her PhD at UCSF with Christine Guthrie, studying mRNA export and being fascinated by the exquisite mechanisms that couple export-competence to completion of RNA processing. As a postdoc in Jennifer Doudna's lab at UC Berkeley, she uncovered a non-canonical mechanism of translation initiation. Her lab's current work ranges widely across RNA biology with the unifying theme of elucidating the molecular mechanisms of RNA regulatory elements controlling mRNA biogenesis, translation and decay. Most recently, this has been in the area of RNA base modification. Notable awards include the RNA Society's Early Career Award (2017) for her "paradigm-altering contributions to the field of post-transcriptional gene regulation" and the RNA Society Award for Excellence in Inclusive Leadership (2023) for her efforts to promote the training and professional development of underrepresented scientists.
Job Titles:
- Business Systems Analyst & Web Producer
Job Titles:
- Communications Officer / Communications Officer, Diversity & Inclusion
- Communications Officer, Diversity & Inclusion
Zoe Keller leads communications for Yale School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (ODEI). She is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing a dynamic communications strategy in support of ODEI as it seeks to build and sustain a diverse community. She also supports other YSM organizations in their DEI efforts, including building and improving inclusion and equity for women and others underrepresented in medicine and science, and addressing systemic barriers to health care that affect the most vulnerable.Zoe has served Yale in communications roles since 2008, including as communications director at the Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, and at the Yale University Office of Public Affairs & Communications, where she managed Yale's top social media accounts and created communications around the organization's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She earned the Linda Lorimer Award for Distinguished Service in 2020.Zoe earned a BA from Smith College and an MS in public relations from Quinnipiac University. Her volunteer leadership includes serving on the Board of New Haven's Edgerton Park, developing a new community garden, and in tackling healthcare equity issues through Yale's LGBTQ staff affinity group. She grew up in Alaska and has lived in New England her entire adult life.
Job Titles:
- Yale School of Medicine, Senior Director of Development