Department of Pediatrics honors, October 2024
Many members of the Department of Pediatrics have received notable honors this month. Please congratulate these colleagues for exceptional accomplishments!
From the Lab of Jun Wang, PhD:
L to R: Principal Investigator Jun Wang, PhD, and Grad Student Shannon Erhardt
Genetics and Epigenetics Graduate Student Shannon Erhardt received an NIH F31 Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award. The purpose of this Kirschstein-NRSA program is to enable promising predoctoral students with potential to develop into productive, independent research scientists, to obtain mentored research training while conducting dissertation research. The F31 is also used to enhance workforce diversity though a separate program.
Additionally, Ms. Erhardt was a Gary Lopaschuk Graduate Student Award Finalist at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences-North American Section (IACS-NAS) held at The Texas Heart Institute from September 19 – 21. Her presentation was one of the top graduate student presentations given throughout the three-day conference. Congratulations to Shannon!
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Mingjie Zheng, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Mingjie Zheng, PhD, received the Morris Karmazyn Poster Award at the 2024 IACS-NAS Annual Meeting. His poster was one of the top four posters presented throughout the three-day conference. Congratulations to Mingjie!
Ami Dharia, MD, named a Harris Health Physician Champion
Dr. Ami Dharia is a Community & General Pediatrics staff physician.
Staff at El Franco Lee Health Center say Ami Dharia, MD, has made a remarkable impact with her dedication and attentiveness. “Even on weekends, she goes above and beyond to ensure her patients receive the care they need,” says her nominator. “Despite relocating over an hour away, one family chose to remain with Dr. Dharia because of her exceptional commitment and the strong bond she has formed with them. Her warmth and expertise make her beloved by her patients, especially the children, who eagerly request her care when they are unwell. Dr. Dharia’s dedication and kindness truly sets her apart.”