Philip Adeniyi joins African Brain Journal editorial board
Philip A. Adeniyi, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Stephen Back, M.D., Ph.D., was invited to join the pioneer editorial team of the African Brain Journal, or ABJ, established by the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa. This appointment acknowledges his significant contributions to neuroscience in Africa and his dedication to advancing research, collaboration and mentorship throughout the continent.
The ABJ is the first leading neuroscience journal dedicated to Africa, providing an open-access platform for researchers to publish and share their work, highlight region-specific challenges and foster collaboration. Following his talk last year at the SONA webinar, titled “Research Project Writing and Scientific Publication,” Philip was invited to serve as deputy editor, joining the historical initiative to launch this landmark journal. The inaugural editorial meeting has already taken place, and the journal will publish its first edition in 2026.
In addition to his editorial position, Philip founded Africa Young Scientists, or AYS, a non-profit that has mentored over 400 emerging African scientists since 2019. Through AYS, he actively cultivates young talent, promotes innovation and strengthens networks across the continent. His involvement with both ABJ and AYS underscores his dedication to advancing neuroscience research, supporting early career scientists and elevating Africa’s profile in global scientific discourse.
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Alex Cotgreave earns accreditation certificate
Alex Cotgreave, an accreditation specialist in the OHSU School of Medicine, recently completed the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education Certificate, or ACCME, program in Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education.
He is among the first cohort to earn the certification, which qualifies him to review continuing medical education applications and ensure compliance with the ACCME and America Medical Association rules, among other things.
The ACCME certificate program is designed to support the implementation of accreditation standards that protect learners, maintain independence and ensure alignment with accreditation expectations.
“Alex has been a valued member of our CPD team in the School of Medicine for 16 years now and is our local expert on the ACCME’s rules and regulations for accreditation, said Nels Carlson, M.D., associate dean of continuing professional development. “Through this rigorous certification process he is now receiving national recognition for his mastery of this subject matter, and we are very appreciative of his ongoing efforts to provide outstanding continuing medical education at OHSU and in the state and region.”
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Lisa Coussens and David Huang honored at NAM ceremony
Lisa Coussens, Ph.D., and David Huang, M.D., Ph.D., were recently recognized at the 2024 NAM induction ceremony. Both were elected in 2024 for their contributions to cancer research and eye disease diagnosis and care.
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Amy Laird co-author in Science publication
Amy Laird, Ph.D., staff biostatistician and research project manager in the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health and in the OCTRI Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design Program, is a co-author on a new Science publication led by Diana J. Laird, Ph.D., of the University of California San Francisco.
The study shows that declining fertility with age involves not just aging eggs, but also changes in the surrounding ovarian cells, nerves and connective tissue. These changes affect how eggs mature and how quickly fertility fades. Advanced imaging and single-cell sequencing revealed new ovarian cell types, providing insights that could help extend fertility and reduce risks of age-related diseases after menopause.
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Susan Hayflick earns William A. Whitsell Dean’s Leadership Professorship
Susan Hayflick, M.D., Ph.D., chair and professor of molecular and medical genetics in the OHSU School of Medicine, has earned the William A. Whitsell Dean’s Leadership Professorship, an endowment that aims to highlight the importance of healthy aging.
For more than 30 years, Hayflick has led a nationally funded research program dedicated to rare brain disorders associated with defects in a molecule called coenzyme A. These conditions, collectively known as neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, cause iron to build up in the brain, resulting in severe movement and cognitive problems. Her team has identified six genes linked to these disorders, elucidated their mechanisms, improved diagnostic and treatment methods, and developed animal models for further research. In addition to her research, Hayflick provides patient care, directs diagnostic laboratories, and holds multiple board certifications in medical genetics.
The William A. Whitsell Endowed Professorship in Geriatric Medicine was established in 2020 by Bill and Helen Jo Whitsell, prominent philanthropists and resolute supporters of OHSU. Drawing on their experiences as patients and volunteers, the Whitsells are deeply familiar with OHSU’s geriatrics program and are committed to advancing the field. Their gift aims to help foster leadership and attract new talent, helping propel OHSU’s geriatrics program to national prominence in improving older adults’ health.
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Marie Chisholm-Burns earns excellence award
Marie Chisholm-Burns, Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., FCCP, FASHP, FAST, FNAP, FACHE, executive vice president and provost, has been awarded the 2025 Excellence in Advancement of Diversity, Health Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility award by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.
The award recognizes ACCP members who have made significant contributions to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in pharmacy through advocacy, education, practice, research or leadership.
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Zachary Working lead author of publication on long bone fracture healing
Zachary Working, M.D., associate professor of orthopaedics and rehabilitation and the John and Susan Hayhurst Distinguished Scholar in Orthopaedic Research and Innovation at OHSU, is the lead author on a new study published in PLOS Medicine that has identified a potential early biomarker for long bone fracture healing, offering a powerful new avenue to track recovery and personalize care.
The study tested a new blood marker called CXM, which may show earlier signs of healing than can be detected from X-ray pictures. In the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 150 patients with acute tibia or femur fractures, comparing their CXM levels over time to a control group without fractures, as well as investigating the dynamics. CXM comes from a protein involved in the early stages of bone repair.
Researchers found that people without fractures had low CXM levels, while those with healing fractures had higher levels, especially around six weeks. The test works using both regular blood draws and simple finger-prick samples. This suggests CXM could be a useful and easier way to track how well a broken bone is healing.
The study represents the first large-scale clinical assessment of a blood-based biomarker specific to cartilage-to-bone transition in fracture healing.
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Documentary selected for 2026 film festival
The RELATE Lab is excited to announce that its short documentary film about the HEAL community organizing program at OHSU Family Medicine’s Richmond Clinic was selected for the 2026 Oregon Documentary Film Festival.
The film, titled “HEAL: Returning to the Roots of the Community Health Center,” was produced by RELATE Lab team member, Elaine Uchison. It will be screened at the Clinton Street Theater on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 (times will be announced closer to date). The film explores the links between the first community health centers in the Civil Rights Era South and the present-day work of the HEAL program in Portland.
For more information, follow the Film Festival’s Instagram account.
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Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities earns $775,000 award
OHSU’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, or UCEDD, has been awarded $775,000 in supplemental funding from the Administration on Disabilities to advance a national peer support system for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication, known as AAC.
The funding builds on the UCEDD’s previous work on the AAC Peer Support Project, conducted in partnership with CommunicationFIRST and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities. The project, which concluded its first phase in March 2025, conducted a scoping review and surveyed 135 AAC users nationwide, identifying a desire for improved peer support, especially to bolster self-advocacy and communication skills.
The new grant will support the transition from research to implementation by helping to establish a sustainable national network. The initiative will launch a Leadership Coalition led by AAC users, develop resources, and pilot outreach and training efforts. These steps help lay the groundwork for a three-year action plan to make peer support accessible to all who use or could benefit from AAC.
This award also honors the contributions of Melanie Fried-Oken, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, the recently retired OHSU researcher and former principal investigator for the project, whose 45-year career was dedicated to assistive technology research. Under the leadership of Rhonda Eppelsheimer, M.S.W., and Emily Quinn, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, the project will move forward with a renewed focus on impact and inclusion.
Further details, including the final report and executive summary from the project’s initial phase, are available on the AAC Peer Support Project webpage.
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Recognize team or individual achievements with OHSU Accolades
Every day, OHSU members do amazing things. We want to celebrate the significant achievements of OHSU members, units, and programs, such as awards, grants, appointments, publications, and public recognitions. We publish these announcements regularly on OHSU Now and OHSU News: Awards and Accomplishments to celebrate with all 27,000 of our members and our community. Nominate yourself, a colleague or any OHSU member using this Accolades intake form. Submissions edited for length and clarity.