August 2026
RESEARCH RESOURCES
THE SVP’S COLUMN Dear Meharrians, Partners, and Friends,
• Learn about the Office for Research & Innovation at meharry.edu. You can find information about our structure, regulatory committees, grant submission requirements, core facilities, and more.
As Meharry Medical College advances through its 150th year, we are entering an important moment for both our institution and the future of science. The research environment is changing rapidly. Federal priorities, funding models, technologies, regulatory expectations, and partnerships are evolving. Our responsibility is not simply to respond, but to position Meharry to help shape what comes next.
• For comprehensive regulatory and compliance information, refer to the link of Annual Research Advancement, Regulatory and Compliance summit 2026 booklet Link
• 70th Annual Meharry Research Symposium 2026 Abstract booklet Click Here
• Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved (JHCPU): Link
• The Together for CHANGE (T4C) Great Study is coordinated by the Diaspora Human Genomics Institute (DHGI). The goal of this study is to create a genomic database of people of African ancestry, which may lead to discovery of new gene association with diseases or help with new treatments especially of people of African ancestry. The study will be beneficial to the health and well-being of people of African ancestry and future generations.
This issue of The Research Digest reflects that momentum. Across our research enterprise, investigators are securing competitive extramural funding, including important Early-Stage Investigator successes. Our scientists and trainees are advancing genomics, precision health, cancer research, cardiometabolic science, computational science, and emerging technologies while expanding collaborations and training pathways. Meharry’s recognition among the nation’s top 150 institutions in the CURE Innovation Index during our sesquicentennial year marks this progress, reflecting growing research capability, entrepreneurial readiness, translational potential, and national visibility. Our partnerships are strengthening that capacity. Through initiatives with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Biohub, the John Lewis Endowment, and other collaborators, we are expanding scientific expertise, technology, infrastructure, and opportunities for discovery. At the same time, scientific opportunity must be matched by rigor and institutional readiness. Emerging guidance reinforces the importance of careful study design, responsible stewardship, strong regulatory systems, and clear pathways from discovery to human impact. Yet our most important research infrastructure remains our people— investigators pursuing difficult questions, students bringing curiosity, staff sustaining quality and integrity, mentors developing future leaders, and partners who believe in the possibilities of Meharry science. As we look toward our next 150 years, our ambition is clear: to build a research and innovation enterprise that not only participates in the future of science, but helps define it in service to humanity. Thank you to President Hildreth, our Board of Trustees, faculty, students, staff, collaborators, supporters, and friends for sustaining this journey together. The path ahead will demand innovation, discipline, collaboration, and courage. It is a path Meharry was built to travel. Forever on the Path,
Anil Shanker, M.S., Ph.D. Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation Professor of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology Meharry Medical College
FUNDED INVESTIGATORS Congratulations to all Meharry investigators who have received extramural funding!
Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology Adunyah, Samuel E. Chaudhuri, Minu Chirwa, Sanika S. Ramesh, Aramandla Stewart, LaMonica V. Ivanova, Alla Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research Dash, Chandravanu Dong, Xinhong
Center for Health Policy Nabaweesi, Rosemary Samuels, Adrian D. Dental Dean's Office Farmer-Dixon, Cherae Dental Public Health Thompson, Machelle F. School of Applied Computational Sciences Cao, Aize Gary, Todd Levin, Eugene Wallace, Timothy Chatterjee, Puspita Ghosh, Uttam Mhlanga, Fortune Singhal, Ashutosh Family & Community Science Cooper, Robert L. Im, Wansoo Ogunde, Bolanle Smith, Amanda
Graduate Dean's Office Gaye, Amadou Lindsey, Merry L. Martin, Pamela Thounaojam, Menaka Graduate Studies Barnett, Whitney Brown, Vanisha L. Kas Osoka, Chioma Martin, Pamela Nde, Pius N.
Internal Medicine Berthaud, Vladimir Fremont, Richard Hildreth, James Singh, Rajbir Medical Dean's Office Harris-Haywood, Sonja Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology Chaudhuri, Minu Liu, Bindong Song, Byeongwoon
Early Stage Investigator Success: Aligning Meharry Talent with NIH Priorities
Congratulations to our Meharry Investigators who have received extramural funding continued Oral Biology & Research Gangula, andu R. Xie, Hua Psychiatry Millet, eter Surgery
On April 7, 2026, on a visit to Meharry Medical College, NIH Director Dr. Jay
Miller-Hughes, Stephania
Bhattacharya discussed changes to the NIH peer review process outlined in Notice
Central Administration Sciences Arnold, Terrica Hildreth, James Shanker, Anil
NOT-OD-26-069. Explaining the new Unified Funding Strategy, he highlighted stronger infrastructure support and multi-year funding opportunities for Early Stage Investigator (ESI) / New Investigator (NI) Awards. The fact that Meharry assistant professors received
Please submit a RedCAP form in to share news of your awards with us. We look forward to celebrating your achievements!
the award reflects the strength of the institution’s faculty and the growing impact of its research community. he Research Digest A G ST
Muthukumar Balasubramaniam, Ph.D Assistant Professor Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology School of Medicine NI: 1R56AI200599 Awarded 05/07/2026–04/30/2027 $613,261
Edition
ditor allavi Mukherjee, h.D. Science Communicator pallavi.mukherjee
mmc.edu
ditorial Advisors Anil Shanker, h.D. SV , Research and Innovation ashanker
mmc.edu
uan A. McGruder, h.D. SV , Institutional Advancement jmcgruder
Ashley Mutchler, Ph.D Assistant Professor Department of Biomedical Sciences School of Graduate Studies ESI/NI: 1R01EY039212 07/01/2026–06/30/2031 $3,634,225 Impact score 30, percentile 6
mmc.edu
olene utts Freeman, MS Associate Vice resident, Communications & Marketing jolene.freeman
mmc.edu
en Morris Director, Communications and Marketing kmorris
mmc.edu
aren Smith Executive Associate Office for Research and Innovation ksmith
mmc.edu
MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE Dr. D. . Todd r. lvd. Nashville, TN
AWARD SPOTLIGHT
Meharry SA S Innovator avi oc ett ins H e o ay or Ha ar etection rone enture
I
David Lockett | Ph.D. Data Science Student and Innovator
David oc ett is demonstrating how emerging technology can be used to protect people and improve public safety. A Ph.D. data science student and grants specialist at Meharry Medical College’s School of Applied Computational Sciences, oc ett recently won first pri e at the HBCU Founders Initiative Demo Day for AeroSense, a drone-mounted safety device designed to detect heat signatures associated with toxic gases. The technology could help first responders assess chemical spills and gas lea s remotely, reducing the need to enter dangerous environments. AeroSense grew from oc ett’s wor with drones, NASA datasets, remote sensing, and immersive technologies, as well as his experience as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at NASA.
Selected from a cohort representing more than 0 HBCUs, oc ett received funding and product-development support to move AeroSense beyond the prototype stage. His long-term goal is to place the technology in the hands of first responders, federal agencies, and other organi ations wor ing on the front lines of public safety.
oc ett has also been selected for the Mason NSF I-Corps NextGen Technology Cohort, focused on uantum technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space communications. He will also attend the uantum orld Congress, further expanding his exposure to emerging technologies and innovation networ s. His achievements reflect the power of interdisciplinary thin ing, persistence, and purpose in transforming ambitious ideas into technologies with meaningful real-world impact.
Meharry A rica Progra to Enhance olla orative Intercontinental esearch PE I
The Meharry–Africa Program to Enhance Collaborative and Intercontinental Research (PECIR), an initiative of Meharry Medical College’s Together for Change (T4C) Program, is expanding Meharry’s global research footprint through sustainable partnerships with African institutions focused on genomics and precision health. PECIR pairs Meharry principal investigators with counterparts at partner African institutions to advance collaborative research, training, multi-institutional grant submissions, and extramural funding opportunities. These partnerships aim to accelerate scientific discovery while addressing health challenges that disproportionately a ect populations of African ancestry. The program also supports research and training opportunities for students, postdoctoral fellows, and unior faculty, strengthening wor force capacity and research excellence across participating institutions. Under the direction of Sarrah idatalla, M.S., Ph.D., Executive Director of DHGI-MMC Global Research and Training Initiatives, PECIR is helping expand international collaborations, funding opportunities, publications, and research talent pipelines while supporting Meharry’s continued growth as a research-intensive institution.
r. Sarrah , Program irector o P CIR
The DHGI–Meharry High School Internship Program gives young scholars an early window into the world of research, discovery, and health sciences. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, students gain exposure to scientific in uiry while building confidence, curiosity, and critical-thin ing s ills.
Widatalla
By investing in students early, Meharry is helping inspire and prepare the next generation of researchers, innovators, and health leaders. ohort
artici ant o the D durin their
I eharr i h Schoo Intern hi Pro ra u er re earch e erience.
Meharry's 150th Milestone
According to the CURE National Innovation Index, which draws from more than 12 national and public databases, Meharry Medical College is ran ed No. 106 in research capabilities, No. 169 in entrepreneurial readiness, and No. 1 5 in mar et translation. Overall, Meharry is ran ed among the top 150 U.S. research institutions, among the top five institutions in Tennessee, and recogni ed as a leading HBCU in biomedical innovation. This recognition carries special meaning as Meharry celebrates its 150th year. To be ran ed among the nation’s top 150 research institutions during its ses uicentennial year is more than a numerical milestone it is a powerful reflection of Meharry’s enduring legacy, rising research strength, and growing national visibility. The institution’s identification among the top 20 organi ations punching above their weight further underscores how Meharry continues to expand its influence, achieve beyond expectation, and shape the future of biomedical innovation with purpose and distinction. Forever on the Path. Source: CURE Innovation Index, 2026
Meharry
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Creativity has found a home at Meharry .... hat began with co ee, coo ies and conversation has grown into a lively forum for ideas, collaboration and connection across Meharry Medical College’s research community. In 2025, the O ce for Research and Innovation launched Innovation Happy Hour C3
Co ee, Coo ies, and Conversations, drawing
strong participation from faculty, students, fellows, researchers and sta . The monthly gathering is designed to create an informal space where members of the Meharry community could step outside the laboratory, share perspectives and explore ideas across disciplines. Participants used the gatherings to discuss, exchange stories and identify new opportunities for collaboration. The relaxed setting helped create space for conversations, creativity and open dialogue in advancing research and innovation. Over the past year, the Innovation Happy Hour series combined informal engagement with substantive discussions at the intersection of research, innovation and lived experience. Programming included interactive nowledge-sharing activities as well as conversations about funding, commerciali ation and civic-tech opportunities led by I-Corps Commerciali ation Counselor Evelina Naish. Each gathering also created opportunities for students, fellows and researchers to connect across roles and disciplines. Ideas emerged organically and new possibilities too shape in an environment designed to encourage curiosity and imaginative thin ing. The enthusiasm surrounding C3
reflects a broader interest across Meharry in spaces that support collaboration and creativity.
ve ina ai h en a e ith artici ant durin the Innovation a our C3 is strengthening cross-disciplinary dialogue and showing that innovation grows not only in laboratories, but also through conversation, connection, and shared experience. By bringing Meharry’s research community together, C3 is creating space for new ideas to ta e root. Creativity has found a home at Meharry.
Meharry s
ay o Action on the Hill: Mission Meets Mo entu
(From Left to Right) President Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Jeannette E. South-Paul, Senator Charlene Oliver, (D-TN) District 19, Student Doctor and MSEAP Program Student Maria Hite, Director of HBCU Wellness Project Lisa McDonald-McGee
Meharry’s Day of Action on February 11, 2026, demonstrated what is possible when mission meets preparation. Program directors, students, faculty, leadership, and legislative champions came together with a unified vision of service, innovation, research, and impact. Throughout the day, program directors shared data, accomplishments, and stories highlighting wor across the institution and the communities Meharry serves. The legislative team coordinated focused and meaningful meetings, giving legislators a firsthand loo at the reach of Meharry’s programs, the strength of its partnerships, and its growing research and institutional presence. Across every conversation, one message remained clear: Meharry is building a stronger future for Tennessee. egislators expressed respect for Meharry’s historic legacy, confidence in its leadership, and enthusiasm for its continued contributions to health, education, research, and opportunity. The Day of Action was also a reflection of the professionalism, energy, and teamwor of everyone involved. The momentum created that day now carries forward as Meharry continues to broaden its research acumen, expand its institutional footprint, and strengthen its influence across Tennessee and beyond. It was more than a day of advocacy it was a statement of purpose and a glimpse of the future Meharry is building.
eharr
e earch
Innovartion a e at the e i ator o ice
Meharry s
(From Left to Right) Senator Harlond Love, District
ay o Action on the Hill
Student Doctor and MSEAP Program
student Maria Hite, Provost Dr. Jeannette E. South-Paul
Dr. La rence Hall Jr., Senior Vice President for Government Relations (left) Sen. Jesse Chism, District
(center) and Lisa McDonald-McGee, Director of the HBCU Wellness Project (right)
(Left to Right) Dr. La rence Hall, Jr., SVP, Government Relations Lisa McDonald-McGee, Director of the HBCU Wellness Project Maria Hite, Student Doctor and MSEAP Program Student Senator Bill Po ers, District
Dr. Jeannette E. South-Paul, Executive Vice President and Provost and President Dr. James E.K. Hildreth.
ising
ea ers: Meharry s n er Honorees
Meharry Medical College’s 2026 10 Under 10 Young Alumni Awards celebrate graduates who are already ma ing a strong impact in healthcare, research, education and community service. This year’s honorees are A et la A eniyi, Allis n Barker, Marleesa Bastian, Ale an ra Bilunas, a en ria Br Mia Burney, te hen Drum
LaKendria Brown, Ph.D. ’24
le, Ale ys er us n, aneisha
illyar
Taneisha Gillyard Cheairs, Ph.D. ‘20
n,
heairs an Deneshia Mc nt sh.
Deneshia McIntosh, M.D. ’20, Ph.D. ‘20
Among the group are three distinguished Ph.D. graduates whose careers reflect Meharry’s commitment to research and health e uity. Dr. a en ria Br n is advancing prostate cancer research, with a focus on improving prevention and treatment for African American men. Dr. aneisha illyar heairs combines research, teaching and community engagement in maternal health, reproductive science and genetics education. Dr. Deneshia Mc nt sh, an M.D./Ph.D. graduate, has built a career in breast surgical oncology, bringing scientific nowledge directly into patient care. Together, the 2026 honorees represent a new generation of Meharry leaders. Through service, innovation and professional excellence, they are carrying the institution’s legacy forward and creating healthier futures for the communities they serve.
INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
Meharry and CZI Biohub Co-organize Metagenomics Workshop Since June 26, 2025, the Chan
uc erberg Initiative (C I) Biohub Train-the-Trainer program has
convened monthly on the fourth Thursday to connect leading Biohub experts Tha
u, Juliana Gil, and Maira Phelps
Drs. Gowtham
with investigators and sta scientists at Meharry Medical
College (MMC). These high-impact sessions provide hands-on guidance to researchers see ing support in high-throughput se uencing technologies, experimental design, and genomics-driven studies, addressing both technical challenges and strategic uestions at the forefront of modern biomedical research. The program, led by Dr.
ingguo
ang, has supported a broad and growing community of MMC
researchers, including Drs. Dana Marshall, Atanu
hatua, ineeta Sharma, Olga
orol ova, Smita
Misra, Siddharth Pratap, and Broc A. Arivett, enabling them to strengthen their genomics wor flows, optimi e study design, and accelerate discovery across diverse biomedical disciplines. The initiative has also extended its impact globally. The wor shop participants extended the s ill sets to visiting faculty, including Dr. uciana B. de Arruda, a visiting professor from Bra il, and her PhD student, Bruno B. Be erra, fostering cross-continental scientific exchange and collaborative learning. These ongoing Train-the-Trainer meetings continue to serve as a cornerstone for advanced genomics research and capacity building at MMC, ensuring that Meharry investigators remain e uipped with the tools, expertise, and global connections needed to lead in data-driven biomedical science.
2026 Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) Biohub – Meharry Investigators and Staff Scientists
han uc er erg Initiative Accelerate Precision Health rantee Meeting at Meharry Me ical ollege Meharry Medical College hosted the Accelerate Precision Health 2026 Grantee Meeting from June 10–12 at the Cal Turner Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The meeting brought together grantees, researchers, spea ers, and collaborators for discussion, networ ing, and shared learning around precision health. A particularly meaningful aspect of the gathering was the opportunity for four historically Blac medical colleges Meharry Medical College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science to come together at Meharry in partnership with Biohub. Participants discussed shared research interests, identified common priorities, and strengthened collaboration around ma or challenges in disease and precision health. These e orts aligned with Biohub’s broader scientific priorities, including AI-powered biology, predictive models of human cells, advanced technologies for observing biology, inflammation research, and immune-based approaches to earlier disease detection, prevention, and treatment.
Dr. a e . . i dreth Pre ident and o eharr edica o e e addre in the han ucker er Initiative cce erate Preci ion ea th con erence artici ant
The meeting included spea er sessions, grantee discussions, poster presentations, and networ ing opportunities that encouraged the exchange of ideas and emerging research. Throughout the convening, participants demonstrated a strong shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and cross-institutional partnership.
Student artici ant ro Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science harin and di cu in their innovation idea
o iu reunion ro e t ni Shanker Ph.D. eharr edica o e e n e rd .D. Ph.D. and ernard a i ddo Ph.D. o ard niver it .
a
aign o
: A Ses uicentennial ele ration an it ent to Meharry s uture
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell (left) reaffirms the city's partnership with Meharry Medical College and celebrates the renewed collaboration with Nashville General Hospital, calling the institution "a cornerstone of our city and a beacon of hope." President Dr. James E.K. Hildreth (right) opens the event with a reflection on Meharry's founding mission. Photo: April Hill-Jackson
In October 2025, Meharry Medical College o cially launched Campaign 150, its largest fundraising initiative to date a bold $500 million commitment to prepare the institution for the next 150 years of leadership in health advancement, research, and innovation. Campaign 150 will direct strategic investments across four core mission areas: tu ent ch larshi s an Debt e ucti n Expanding access for future physicians, dentists, scientists, and public health leaders, enabling graduates to serve communities that need them most. e esearch Buil in : Establishing state-of-the-art facilities and technology platforms to advance genomics, artificial intelligence, and big data analysis, supporting research that benefits all. aculty an Pr ram u rt Recruiting and retaining world-class educators while expanding programs in computational sciences, precision medicine, and community health. mmunity an l bal utreach Strengthening initiatives that deliver care to all communities through clinical partnerships and mobile health units. For 150 years, Meharry Medical College has been a national leader in training Blac healthcare professionals and advancing global health. Campaign 150 will extend that mission through transformative research, human-centered technology, and deep community engagement. The Campaign is a movement to build a future where science serves everyone. President Dr. James E. . Hildreth reminded attendees that Meharry was built for this moment: e are not a new institution chasing trends. e are an old institution carrying a timeless truth. Dr. Anil Shan er and Dr. Juan McGruder outlined ey campaign priorities and milestones, with Dr. McGruder emphasi ing that resources follow relevancy and leadership and Meharry has both. The Power of Representation: Dr. Charles Summers shared how a $50,000 alumni scholarship changed his path and showed how representation can inspire future generations. Community Impact in Action : Through GOA S, more than 100 Meharry students mentor local middle schoolers in science, while Meharry’s mobile health programs bring vaccines, testing, and dental care directly to all communities.
A vancing
ar io eta olic Health esearch: ohn ewis En ow ent
Meharry Medical College is strengthening its cardiometabolic health research through the John ewis Endowment, a five-year, $10 million award led by Dr. James E. . Hildreth and Dr. Anil Shan er. The initiative is organi ed around four strategic priorities: Priority 1: or force Pathway and Training Building a BS-to-MS-to-PhD pipeline with partner HBCUs and expanding cardiometabolic research training. Since 2023, 10 of 23 doctoral students have selected cardiometabolic-focused laboratories. Priority 2: Faculty Recruitment and Scientific Growth Recruiting faculty in cardiovascular biology, genomics, epidemiology, vascular disease, and biomedical sciences to strengthen Meharry’s research capacity. Priority 3: President’s Seminar Series Bringing leading scientists to Meharry to promote collaboration, mentorship, and new research directions. Priority 4: Research Infrastructure Investing in advanced technologies, including the MESO 120MM platform, to expand biomar er and translational research capabilities.
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Together, these priorities strengthen Meharry’s talent pipeline, scientific leadership, collaboration, and research infrastructure in cardiometabolic health.
CI
uide ines or Meharry Cancer
esearchers
The Meharry Medical College O ce for Research and Innovation (OfRI) is sharing important new National Cancer Institute (NCI) guidance for investigators preparing grant applications involving animal models. Beginning with applications submitted for the October 5, 2026 deadline, researchers should include a brief and explicit ustification in the abstract explaining why animal models are necessary and why alternative approaches cannot ade uately address the scientific uestion. Investigators should also describe a clear strategy for validating animal-model findings in human-relevant systems, such as organoids, human tissues, patient-derived models or other appropriate platforms. This guidance does not end NCI support for animal research. Rather, it emphasi es scientific ustification, responsible model selection, and stronger connections between laboratory findings and their potential relevance to human cancer. Meharry investigators planning future NCI submissions are encouraged to review the guidance early and consider its implications during study design and proposal development. Through its grants, regulatory, research-support and technology-transfer functions, OfRI supports Meharry researchers throughout the research lifecycle from scientific concept to meaningful impact. Read the NCI guidance: https://www.cancer.gov/grants-training/nci-bottom-line-blog/2026/guidance-animal-models cid eb govdel
pcoming
pportunities
ents