September makes me think of two things: faculty and football.

As the new academic year begins, we're excited to welcome around 40 new faculty members to the DOM. As the largest faculty group at the university, I'm proud to see the diversity of backgrounds and interests represented by our people. We'll introduce you to our new team members in the next edition of the Levy Letter.

Tomorrow is the season-opener for Wisconsin Badgers football. I'm hoping that this is the year they can be victorious over the Buckeyes, though I know Paul Levy thinks differently. Steve Hammes and myself are already in the thick of it, as the Green Bay Packers have split their pre-season games. Excited for the Packers first-ever game out of the US and for the December match-up against the Bills. (Go Bills—apart from that game!)

If you are a super fan (of any sports team,) we want to see your team spirit. Send us photos of your game day celebrations or wearing your team colors.

Be well,
Ruth O'Regan, M.D.

Awards: Olga Astapova, M.D., Ph.D., from the division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, has earned a K08 Award for her project "Paxillin and Androgens in the Regulation of Ovarian Follicle Development." She will study how androgens, such as testosterone, affect the expression of various micro-RNAs in the ovary, and how those changes may influence the development of androgen-related disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

Honors: Angela Branche, M.D., from the division of Infectious Diseases, was named a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Fellows are nominated by their peers and meet criteria, including national/regional recognition, and publication of scholarly work.

Research: Aram Hezel, M.D., division chief of Hematology/Oncology, led a study that explores how cancer arises in bile ducts, published in Cell Reports.

In the News: Ghinwa Dumyati, M.D., from the division of Infectious Diseases, was a guest speaker on the Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (ICHE) Podcast, discussing COVID-19 in long-term care settings. Listen in on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Research: Division chief Jennifer Anolik, M.D., Ph.D., and Javier Rangel-Moreno, Ph.D., both from the division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, are co-authors of the research "Small Molecule Inhibitors of Nuclear Export and the Amelioration of Lupus by Modulation of Plasma Cell Generation and Survival," published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

In the News: Brian McGarry, Ph.D., from the division of Geriatrics & Aging, published a study that finds COVID-19 vaccine mandates for nursing home staff were effective, published in JAMA Health Forum.

'Tis the Season for Funding Applications

Opportunities abound at the UR CTSI for funding (and fellowship) opportunities. Follow the links for full descriptions and application instructions.

Population Health Postdoctoral Fellowship — Apply by September 15

KL2 Career Development Award — Submit letters of intent by September 28

Pilot Studies Program — Submit abstracts by October 3

Novel Biostatistical and Epidemiologic Methods Awards — Submit abstracts by October 17

Need Study Coordinator Support?

The UR CTSI will have one human subject research coordinator trainee who will be available to work in two departments starting September 6. If your department needs temporary part-time (0.5 FTE) coordinator support, please complete the coordinator services application on the Clinical Research Center website as soon as possible.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of John Condemi, M.D. John was a Professor Emeritus of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology who retired in 2020.