2010 Outstanding Woman Faculty Nominees:
1. 1. Mary Aitken, MD, MPH
It is with enthusiasm that I recommend Mary Aitken, MD for the Outstanding Woman Faculty Award-2010. Dr. Aitken’s passion for her injury prevention research, her child safety legislative advocacy, and
her mentoring of other faculty is contagious, inspiring others toward having as strong an impact on
patients and society as she has had. Further, her leadership style is a model for other women faculty to
follow—careful contemplation of issues, keen insight and therefore good judgment, and a demeanor of
decisiveness once a decision is made. She is truly a worthy candidate for this award.
Dr. Aitken is a strong leader in the field of academic medicine and in particular is internationally known
for her work in pediatric injury prevention. She has testified to Congress on the issue of ATV safety, and
plays a strong role in child health advocacy on a national level as well as having a direct impact on recent
state laws (ATV safety). She serves as Director of the Center for Applied Research and Evaluation, taking
on a powerful leadership role within the UAMS COM system and directing the research efforts of many
faculty members in diverse research areas. She also has had a leadership role in the Executive
committee of the WFDC (Secretary-Treasurer 2003-2004, Vice President 2004-2006, President 20062008) as well as serving on multiple influential committees nationally and in UAMS COM. She is a
shining example of a leader.
As Professor with tenure in the Department of Pediatrics and Adjunct Professor in the departments of
Maternal and Child Health and Health Policy and Management (COPH), Dr. Aitken has shown significant
achievement in her career. In 2009 alone she was awarded the Buchanan Excellence in Child Advocacy
and Community Service Award, Community Champion Award, and the Paul Harris Fellow Award, She is
repeatedly recognized for excellence in her work.
Dr. Aitken is a gifted mentor, receiving the DOP Mentor of the Year Award in 2006. She has formally
mentored 9 junior faculty, along with informally mentoring countless others. She has developed
curricula for the COM and mentors students of all levels regularly. As Chair of my mentorship
committee, she reviewed my grant proposals, papers, and IRB submissions. Most of these efforts were
with projects in which she did not personally benefit. I have also met several of her other mentees who
also praise her for the depth and breadth of assistance she has provided in their careers. One spoke on
her mentorship skills at the 2006 Annual WFDC meeting, citing Dr. Aitken as one of the finest examples
of mentors in the COM.
Dr. Aitken has published over 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts in international and national journals. Her
research is currently funded by no less than 8 grants, and she has received an additional 31 NIH, CDC,
and other federal and private grants over the years. She is a frequent speaker in international and
national forums. Her scholarly work in the area of childhood injury prevention is well-known.
It is with sincere appreciation of her numerous talents and her passion for her work that I request the
committee consider her for the Outstanding Woman Faculty Award—2010. Wendy L. Ward-Begnoche,
Ph.D., Associate Professor, Pediatrics
2. Kathleen Gilbert, Ph.D.
I am extremely proud to nominate Kathleen Gilbert, Ph.D., for the 2010 Outstanding Woman Faculty
Award. A California native, Dr. Gilbert graduated with a BS in Biology from Occidental College in Los
Angeles before receiving her Ph.D. in Immunology from Tulane University in New Orleans. She
completed postdoctoral fellowships at Sloan-Kettering Institute in New York City and at the National
Institute for Medical Research in London before accepting a faculty position at The Scripps Research
Institute in La Jolla, California. In 1995, she was recruited to UAMS in the Department of Microbiology
and Immunology where she is now Associate Professor.
An Immunologist by training, Dr. Gilbert’s research interests include autoimmune disease and regulation
of the immune system cell types that mediate autoimmune disease. Her work has shown that exposure
to the ubiquitous organic solvent and environmental chemical, trichloroethylene, at levels similar to
those encountered in the workplace accelerated the development of lupus as well as liver-specific
autoimmune disease (autoimmune hepatitis). Dr. Gilbert is a leading researcher in her field. Due to her
expertise in the immunotoxicology of trichloroethylene, she was recently selected to serve on the
prestigious Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board to review trichloroethylene
health assessment.
Throughout her career, Dr. Gilbert has authored 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and 9 book chapters.
As an active member of The Society of Toxicology and The American Association of Immunologists, she
has chaired symposia, and has been an invited speaker at national and international meetings. She is an
ad hoc peer reviewer for 10 national/international journals, is a grant reviewer for the National Science
Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has received grants from the
National Arthritis Foundation, EPA, NSF, and American Cancer Society. She recently received an NIH R01
to study the immunotoxicological effects of the trichloroethylene on CD4+ T lymphocyte function. She
has been the recipient of competitive Arkansas Biosciences Institute funds annually since 2001 to
develop an Immunotoxicology Center in Arkansas.
Dr. Gilbert serves on several committees including UAMS Research Council, ACHRI Scientific Advisory
Board, and the College of Medicine Academic Standards Committee, and is the faculty representative to
the Postdoctoral Fellow Society. Dr. Gilbert has directed the UAMS and ACHRI Flow Cytometry Core
Facilities since 1999. She developed a booklet titled, “Trained Operators Know the FACS” for
investigators who wish to familiarize themselves with the concepts and techniques of flow cytometry,
which is an important technique used commonly in immunology to examine the characteristics of cells.
Dr. Gilbert’s teaching accomplishments are exemplary. She lectures in nine courses for both medical
and graduate students. She was course director for the graduate Immunology course for seven years
where she worked with other lecturers to emphasize conceptual understanding, and to stress the
relationship between immunology and other disciplines. She developed the curriculum on
immunotoxicology that has been integrated in the Toxicology for Graduate Students course. She
consistently receives “excellent” rating scores from her students. She was major advisor of 4 Ph.D.
students (3 women) and 1 M.S. student. She has served as dissertation/thesis committee member for 9
Ph.D. students, 2 M.S. students, and has mentored 10 junior faculty in the Department of Pediatrics as a
part of their Faculty Development Program. She has also mentored several summer students and
multiple postdoctoral fellows as part of the mentoring program with the Women’s Faculty Development
Caucus.
Dr. Gilbert is dedicated to encouraging the professional growth of women faculty. She is an active,
contributing member in the Woman’s Faculty Development Caucus, serving as Vice President and
President from 2003-2007. She was nominated for the Outstanding Woman Faculty Award in 2006. Dr.
Gilbert has demonstrated her dedication to the challenges women in science face in being an excellent
scientist and finding the time for a balanced life. She has actively encouraged the professional
development of women students, postdocs, and faculty through advocacy and mentorship. I feel
uniquely qualified to attest to these skills. I met Dr. Gilbert in 1995 when I was a graduate student. I
consider myself fortunate that she was my dissertation advisor, because women who choose careers in
basic science often have limited access to strong female role models. She was friendly and
approachable, but also tough with high expectations. She placed a strong emphasis on laboratory work,
but also stressed the importance of writing and encouraged me to present my work at meetings. She
was my role model and I knew that in choosing a profession in the basic sciences, I would also have the
time not only to dedicate myself to work, but also have a family and time to do the things that I enjoy.
Today, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue working with Kathleen who is a source of
encouragement and inspiration as my mentor, colleague, and friend. I cannot think of a person who is
more deserving of this honor. Sincerely, Sarah J. Blossom, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
3. Stacie Jones, MD
When I think of a woman who encompasses all aspects of an outstanding woman faculty member,
Stacie Jones is the first person to come to mind. Dr. Jones is a leader in the Department of Pediatrics, in
our region, and at the national level in her area of expertise. She has been the chief of Allergy and
Immunology since 2003 and recently was promoted to professor by the promotion and tenure
committee. Her current research involving peanut oral immunotherapy is primarily funded by an NIH
grant, has already produced multiple publications, and has generated hope and excitement in both the
scientific world and general public.
While she may be best known for her scholarly accomplishments, it is her leadership in other areas that
make her stand out from the crowd. Stacie is an exemplary teacher who makes time to teach students,
residents, and even other faculty both formally and informally. She is a mentor who promotes interest
in research and academic medicine. Over the years she has mentored over 12 female residents, some of
whom now work in her department as academic scholars.
As my personal mentor, Stacie has been fantastic at providing constructive feedback and
encouragement. She treats everyone with a level of respect and kindness that is difficult to explain fully,
but easy to recognize. At monthly section meetings she certainly commands the room but asks for input
from everyone about how we can do things better-- from providing better patient care to how to move
forward with current research projects.
One of the most important things to realize about this extraordinary woman is the example she sets to
all young female faculty who strive to “have it all”. I think she says it best by placing her three children
and spouse at the top of her CV as if to say that these accomplishments trump the 40+ publications or
20+ honors and awards she has won. Her children are always included in her scheduling, and yet she
somehow manages to be published on a yearly basis, maintain a busy clinic schedule, run an entire
department, and play an active role in mentoring up and coming clinicians and scientists.
Stacie has been a finalist on at least two separate occasions for this particular award. I hope she can be
recognized her for many accomplishments, and the multitude of ways she contributes to our UAMS
community, and for her ability to inspire us to have complete and balanced lives.
Amber Morgan, MD, Instructor, Pediatrics
4. Nancy Rusch, Ph.D.
It is great pleasure nominate Nancy J. Rusch, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Dept. of Pharmacology
and Toxicology at UAMS, for the 2010 Outstanding Faculty Award. She truly embodies all that this
award signifies. Dr. Rusch is a leading national expert in vascular ion channel remodeling in
hypertension, a hard-working national advocate for the advancement of science, and an outstanding
leader and mentor of scientists at in all career phases. Her leadership and mentoring efforts at the
departmental and university levels and her tremendous service to the research community at both
the university and national levels make her an excellent candidate for this award.
When Dr. Rusch arrived at UAMS in January 2005, she already had earned a stellar reputation as a
researcher and faculty member at the Medical College of Wisconsin and through her service in many
national leadership roles. Nancy has served on numerous Study Sections and Special Review Groups
at the NIH and the American Heart Association, as well as on the editorial board of four leading
cardiovascular journals. Past leadership positions include Chair of the NIH Pharmacology Study
Section and of various review committees at the American Heart Association. Among recent national
FASEB posts, she held the position of Secretary-Treasurer and President-Elect of the Cardiovascular
Division of the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), and then
President of the same division from 2006-2008.
We would especially like to describe the tremendous impact that Dr. Rusch has been making on the
research and teaching in the UAMS College of Medicine. When Dr. Rusch joined our faculty, the
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology was 52nd among peer departments, and is now ranked
33rd in the nation. Despite the stagnant federal research funding climate, the department’s yearly
funding has doubled during her short tenure. Furthermore, most of the department’s full-time
faculty serves on national study sections. This growth in funding and stature is the direct result of
Dr. Rusch’s hands-on leadership and dedication to collaborative peer review. In her department,
virtually all grants and projects are reviewed by teams of faculty members before submission.
Dr. Rusch also has made many contributions to the College of Medicine as a whole, having served as
Chair of the Basic Science Chairs, Chair of the Council of Department Chairs and as a member of the
Dean’s Executive Committee. She is so highly respected that, within her short tenure at UAMS, she
has already served as a member or chair of seven search committees for UAMS/College of Medicine
leadership positions, including the committee charged with nominating a successor to the retiring
UAMS chancellor. One particular example of her strong leadership skills is the Cardiovascular
Interest Group meeting that she initiated in 2005, which brings together cardiovascular scientists –
both basic science and clinical – from across campus on a weekly basis. These many positions of
leadership reflect the strong trust and confidence that other UAMS leaders hold in Dr. Rusch.
She has demonstrated exemplary teaching skills, teaching cell physiology, molecular pharmacology,
molecular biology and neuroscience graduate courses at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and
teaching the Antihypertensive Drugs and Calcium Channel Blockers section of Medical
Pharmacology.
Dr. Rusch leads a very productive cardiovascular research team that has been funded since its
inception in 1987 by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the NIH. Her long-term
research activities have encompassed vascular and endothelial cell biology with a particular
emphasis on identifying the molecular basis of K+ channels in the cerebral circulation, and also on
defining the dilator and protective role of K+ channels in the systemic vasculature during
hypertension. Dr. Rusch has a very strong record of scholarly endeavors, as she has made several
key discoveries and has over 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts in high-impact journals such as
Circulation Research and Hypertension.
While Dr. Rusch’s laboratory discoveries are helping to shape tomorrow’s treatments for the deadly
disease of hypertension, she also is advancing science through her positive influence on aspiring
scientists and academicians. She has trained numerous undergraduate and graduate students and
post-doc fellows, many of whom have gone on to hold prominent faculty positions in North
America, Europe and Asia. At UAMS, Dr. Rusch has been active in the Women’s Faculty
Development Caucus mentoring program for postdoctoral fellows and new faculty. Aside from
formal teaching and mentoring roles, Dr. Rusch is currently co-leading an initiative in Arkansas to
conduct a statewide conference for University of Arkansas System women faculty in the STEM areas
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). This is an initial step toward a National Science
Foundation ADVANCE grant to promote the recruitment, retention and status of women faculty in
the state universities throughout Arkansas.
While this letter just skims the surface of Dr. Rusch’s many accomplishments, we hope that this
letter demonstrates that she possesses all the qualities of a recipient of the Outstanding Woman
Faculty Award at UAMS. She is a highly successful and greatly appreciated mentor and role model,
has a track record of scholarly endeavors, has demonstrated outstanding teaching expertise, and is
an exceptionally strong leader who is looked up to and held in high esteem by people in her
department, at her university and in national and international societies.
Nomination offered by:
Laura Hutchins, M.D. Professor and Director of Division of Hematology & Oncology
Gwen Childs, Ph.D. Professor and Chair of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences
W. Sue T. Griffin, Ph.D. Dillard Professor and Vice Chairman, Donald W. Reynolds Dept of Geriatrics
Ginell Post, MD/Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology
Kristen Sterba, Ph.D. Assistant Dean, Graduate Student Recruiting and Retention Graduate School
Rosalia C.M. Simmen, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Physiology & Biophysics
Mildred M. Randolph, DVM, DACLAM Professor and Director of DLAM
Patricia Wight, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Helen Benes, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences
Gouri Ranganathan, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
LeeAnn MacMillan-Crow, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Ludwika Zimniak, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Uma Nagarajan, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Marjan Boerma, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Sabine Telemaque, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
Keshari Thakali, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Li Pang, M.D. Research Instructor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Fusun Kilic, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
5. Debra Simmons, MD
I am writing this letter to nominate Debra L. Simmons MD for Outstanding Woman Faculty award. In her
career she has inspired and influenced the success of many others as an exemplary and compassionate
clinician, scientist, educator and leader, as well as through formal mentoring roles.
Dr. Simmons delights in the achievements of her protégés, students and colleagues and works hard to
approach the challenges that they face. I would describe her as an active listener with captivating
enthusiasm who instills a sense of independence and accomplishment.
In addition to mentoring junior faculty, Dr. Simmons has helped many residents and fellows during
specific research projects that have led to publications. I particularly admire her commitment to
mentoring for the positive influence it can have on the physician-patient relationship and best outcomes
in chronic diseases such as diabetes. Her innovative research into the role of faculty mentoring of firstyear medical students to foster patient-centeredness earned her the College of Medicine’s Education
Research Award in 2006. She is a highly respected educator and has won numerous teaching awards
including the UAMS Chancellor’s Education Award in 2007.
She has been instrumental in the development of the endocrinology fellowship program at UAMS. She
has exceptionally high standards for the fellowship program and under her tutelage graduating fellows
have populated various institutions nationally and internationally and continued the legacy to strive for
those standards in education and patient care. She is a gifted teacher with impeccable character. She
emphasizes on the social and ethical aspect of medicine in addition to medical knowledge. She is an
exceptional communicator who loves to share her extensive knowledge. She has a sensitive and caring
attitude towards patients and their families.
Her dedication to personal, scientific and professional excellence and to academic rigor prepares her
trainees to flourish in whatever aspect of medicine they are engaged. She has taught women the talent
of balancing grace of womanhood simultaneously with the role of being a leader at workplace and in the
community.
It is my belief that she is eminently qualified to be recipient of this award. She is highly dedicated
medical professional who motivate everyone to strive for excellence. Monica Agarwal MD