Collaboratively developing and implementing the strategies for training future translational thinkers was a labor of love for Becky Reamey, PhD, who helped shepherd CCTS Training Academy efforts with Dr. Michael Mugavero, CCTS Co-Director. Dr. Reamey worked across all domains of the CCTS, creating synergies and enthusiasm in every corner of the Center. Most recently she exhibited an impressive pivot to the virtual world, continuing to build vibrant and engaging training and career development offerings amidst a pandemic. Dr. Reamey is embarking on new endeavors with the Alabama Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Network, continuing to make great use of her ability to educate and communicate broadly to make a more lasting health impact. The CCTS team will miss Dr. Reamey and sends her off with many thanks and all the best wishes for continued success.

The CCTS is delighted to welcome Jessica Bumpus, PhD, as the new Program Director for the Training Academy. Dr. Bumpus worked most recently as academic advisor for the UAB School of Nursing in the office of student success, where she provided counsel to students and taught career development courses. Dr. Bumpus has also worked as a consultant for the Advising Success Network, and in a variety of roles leading programs and coordinating training. She received her PhD in Philosophy in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama where she also earned her Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration. Her undergraduate studies were in speech-language pathology at the University of Montevallo.

The CCTS is also pleased to acknowledge the recruitment of Nita Limdi, PharmD, MPH, PhD who joins the Center as Co-Director of the Training Academy.  Dr. Limdi is a professor of neurology and epidemiology, director for the program in Translational Pharmacogenomics, associate director at the UAB Hugh Kaul Personalized Medicine Institute, and principal investigator for eMERGE at UAB. While Dr. Limdi is not new to the Center, she is new to this role and is excited to stand at the forefront of our training efforts.

Dr. Bumpus, Dr. Limdi and Dr. Mugavero will work together with CCTS program leaders and the Training Steering Committee to further elevate the standard of excellence in clinical & translational workforce development and translational endeavors for our region.