CBA News
Cellular Biology & Anatomy's recent news about our department members' awards, funding & other recognition
2026
Olivia Wireman, PhD is Educator of the Year
The Class of 2029 recognized Olivia Wireman, PhD as Educator of the Year and this years Annual Faculty Senate Awards.
Congratulatons Dr. Wireman!
Dr. Xingjun Fan receives notice of grant award
We are excited to announce that Dr. Xingjun Fan from CBA has received a notice of grant award for the competitive renewal of the NIH P30 Center Core Grant for Vision Research. The NIH P30 Center Core Grant supports shared resources and facilities for existing, independently funded research projects.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Fan as the new PI for the P30 grant for his contributions to the success of the renewal, and to the entire vision research community across campus for supporting the success of the P30 program.
Kazi Rafsan Radeen successfully defended his dissertation
Kazi Rafsan Radeen successfully defended his dissertation entitled "Effect of glutathione dysregulation in β-amyloid mediated toxicity and neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease" on April 3, 2026.
The considerable efforts of his mentor, Dr. Xingjun Fan, are gratefully acknowledged along with the contributions of his committee members (Drs. Ferenc Deak, Lin Gan, Graydon Gonsalvez, and Yutao Liu) and his reader, Dr. Ming Zhang.
Congratulations Kazi!
CBA members participate in Graduate Research Day
- Lucas Yearwood (Graduate Student): Virendra B. Mahesh Award for Research Excellence in Endocrinology
- Jaeshia Lindsay (Graduate Student): Award for Excellence in Research – Cell Biology & Anatomy
- Dr. Husam Bensreti (Postdoctoral Fellow): Award for Excellence in Research by a Postdoctoral Fellow (Oral), 3rd place
Dr. Zheng Dong recieves Distinguished Researcher award
Dr. Zheng Dong has been selected to receive the Augusta University Research Institute (AURI) Distinguished Researcher award this year.
The AURI Award Ceremony is at Enterprise Mill on March 11, 2026.
2025
Several CBA faculty members have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to undergraduate medical education. Individuals that have been selected to receive the MCG AY2024-2025 Exemplary Teaching Awards include Dr. Shannon Barwick, Dr. Graydon Gonsalvez, Dr. Mindy Johnson, Dr. Morganne Manuel, Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence, and Dr. Oliva Wireman.
Our CBA colleague at the Southeast campus, Dr. Rachel Koshi was also recognized.
Congratulations to all our outstanding faculty!
Shannon Barwick, PhD
Graydon Gonsalvez, PhD
Mindy Johnson, PhD
Morganne Manuel, PhD
Meghan McGee-Lawrence, PhD
Olivia Wireman, PhD
Great CBA News!
MCG scientists publish new research on improving muscle, bone health in aging
A new study published in JCI Insight offers a promising strategy to combat age-related bone and muscle decline. Supported by a long-standing Program Project Grant now in its third cycle, MCG researchers have shown that blocking the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) – a protein activated by environmental toxins and metabolic byproducts – can significantly improve bone mass and preserve muscle function in aging mice. The team also identified kynurenine, a byproduct of tryptophan metabolism that increases with age, as a key driver of AhR activation and musculoskeletal deterioration.
This work is a true example of the type of team science this medical school is known for. These new findings are the result of nearly 15 years of collaboration among labs led by Drs. Meghan McGee-Lawrence, Sadanand Fulzele, Mark Hamrick, and Carlos Isales, and reveal a novel biological pathway linking metabolic changes to physical decline. By targeting AhR in a mouse model, they were able to reverse frailty indicators and enhance neuromuscular junctions, which are critical for movement and strength, especially in female mice. Given that bone fractures and muscle loss are among the leading causes of disability in older adults, this discovery opens the door to therapies that could help people remain mobile, independent, and healthier as they age. The timing of findings like these could not be better – the population aged 65 and older is projected to grow by 47% between 2022 and 2050. This is not only about improving the lives of people as they age, but also about decreasing the stress on our health care systems.
Dima Alhamad successfully defends dissertation on skeletal system aging
Dima Alhamad successfully defended her dissertation entitled “Tryptophan metabolites and Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling as regulators of the skeletal system with aging” on November 11, 2025. The considerable efforts of her mentor, Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence are gratefully acknowledged along with the contributions of her committee members (Drs. Wendy Bollag ,Graydon Gonsalvez, Jessica Hoffman, Eric Belin de Chantemele) and her reader, Dr. Mizuho Kittaka.
Congratulations Dr. Alhamad on this wonderful accomplishment!
Dr. Jian-Kang Chen secures NIH NIDDK grant for diabetes research
Dr. Jian-Kang Chen (Co-PI, Zheng Dong) has received the notice of grant award for his NIH NIDDK grant entitled “Tubular Hypertrophy and AKI Susceptibility in Diabetes.” The innovation of this project is focused on understanding the relationship between tubular changes in the kidney and the development of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in individuals with diabetes.
Congratulations Dr. Chen!
Dr. Ellen LeMosy honored with TGS Outstanding Faculty Award
At the TGS Scientific Integrity Ceremony on June 6, Associate Professor Dr. Ellen LeMosy, was honored with a TGS Outstanding Faculty Award.
Congratulations!!
Dr. Patricia Schoenlein awarded Paceline grant for breast cancer research
Professor, Dr. Patricia Schoenlein, was awarded a Paceline grant titled: "JNK1/2 / cJUN signaling, pyroptosis, and anti-tumor immunity to eradicate breast cancer" at the Paceline awards ceremony on June 6.
Congratulations on this wonderful news!
Cellular Biology and Anatomy earns Outstanding Basic Science Teaching Award
The Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy was awarded The Outstanding Basic Science Teaching award at the Medical College of Georgia Faculty Senate Awards Ceremony, by the Class of 2027 on May 22, 2025, in the Natalie and Lansing B. Lee, Jr. Auditorium.
Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence named Regents' Professor at Augusta University
The Regents’ Professorship at Augusta University is a prestigious award bestowed on outstanding faculty members who have achieved national and international recognition for their innovative scholarship or creative activities. It is a title signifying the highest academic merit within the University System of Georgia.
Dr. Graydon Gonsalvez secures Intramural Grants Program funding
Please join us in congratulating the awardee of the Intramural Grants Program. The Program assists and encourages faculty to develop research programs that can successfully compete for extramural funding, encourage clinical and translational research between colleagues, and to provide bridge funds when applicable.
Cellular Biology and Anatomy secures second place in BMS food drive
CBA placed 2nd in the "Win the Feud, Give Some Food" challenge. Contributions to the Open Paws Pantry beat the best-ever record of 1,130 lbs. Thank you again to everyone who gave. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated.
Graduate student Jaeshia Lindsay recognized with TGS AU Values for Compassion Award
At the TGS Scientific Integrity Ceremony on June 6, 1st year CBA PhD student Jaeshia Lindsay was recognized with the TGS AU Values for Compassion Award.
Graduate student Dariana N. Rodríguez recognized with TGS AU Values for Leadership Award
At the TGS Scientific Integrity Ceremony on June 6, 1st year CBA PhD student Dariana Rodriguez was recognized with the TGS AU Values for Leadership Award.
Jennifer Dorn successfully defends thesis on skeletal health and homeostasis
Jennifer Dorn successfully defended her thesis entitled “Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (Ahr) As A Mediator Of Skeletal Health And Homeostasis” on April 15, 2025. The considerable efforts of her mentor, Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence are gratefully acknowledged along with the contributions of her committee members (Drs. Graydon Gonsalvez, Jennifer Sullivan, Wendy Bollag, Jessica Hoffman, previously Mark Hamrick) and her reader Ellen LeMosy.
This is a wonderful accomplishment!
Congratulations Dr. Dorn!
Anatomy student Pierce Bagby wins Best Clinical Poster at MCG Research Day
Adrian Bozocea and Amogh Gadekar present poster at MCG Research Day
Anatomy student Jenna Harrington presents at MCG Research Day
Phylicia Allen wins TGS Excellence in Research Award
2025 TGS Graduate Research Day awards ceremony
Excellence in Research Award in Cellular Biology and Anatomy
Ola Elsayed receives Virendra B. Mahesh Award for Research Excellence
2025 TGS Graduate Research Day awards ceremony
Virendra B. Mahesh Award for Research Excellence in Endocrinology
Husam Bensreti wins MCG Dean's Travel Award for Outstanding Postdoctoral Research
2025 TGS Graduate Research Day awards ceremony
MCG Dean's Travel Award for Outstanding Postdoctoral Research
1st place in the postdoctoral poster competition
The following CBA faculty were recognized for their excellence in teaching MCG medical students and residents and received MCG’s Exemplary Teaching Awards: Drs. Shannon Barwick, Graydon Gonsalvez, Meghan McGee-Lawrence, Morganne Manuel, Patricia Schoenlein, and Ming Zhang.
Dr. Shannon Barwick
Dr. Graydon Gonsalvez
Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence
Dr. Morganne Manuel
Dr. Patricia Schoenlein
Dr. Ming Zhang
Congratulations to all for your hard work and dedication to teaching!
2024
Dr. Ming Zhang approves Retina Research Foundation pilot study grant
The Retina Research Foundation has approved the RRF Pilot Study Grant for Dr. Ming Zhang for his project, “The roles of RIP kinase 3 in the development of AMD-like pathologies during cytomegalovirus ocular latency.”
Congratulations Dr. Zhang on this great accomplishment!
Graduate student Phylicia Allen receives NIH F31 pre-doctoral fellowship
Phylicia Allen (graduate student in Graydon Gonsalvez’s lab) received a NOGA (Notice of Grant Award) for her NIH F31 pre-doctoral fellowship titled “Investigating the in vivo regulation of Dynein activity.”
Congratulations to Phylicia on a job well done!
Dr. Yutao Liu honored with 2024 AURI Distinguished Researcher Award
The Augusta University Research Institute honored Dr. Yutao Liu with the 2024 AURI Distinguished Researcher Award at the 2024 AURI Research Awards Ceremony at Fat Man's Cafe, Enterprise Mill on Friday, January 24, 2025.
Congratulations, Dr. Yutao Liu, on this well-deserved award!
MCG electron microscopy and histology core lab featured in Jagwire
The MCG Electron Microscopy and Histology Core lab is featured in the Jagwire for being known nationwide. We are so proud the Core lab staff that is managed by Donna Kumiski and several experts in their field including Brendan Marshall PhD, an expert in electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry; Libby Perry, an expert in electron microscopy; Tania Greene, an expert in electron microscopy and histology; and Jing Zhao, an expert in immunohistochemistry and cryosectioning.
Well-deserved recognition for the Core and the outstanding staff!
Dr. Patricia Schoenlein named an AU/MCG Woman Who Inspires
The Office for Faculty Success selected Dr. Patricia Schoenlein as an “AU/MCG Woman Who Inspires" for the 2024 Women in Medicine Month Campaign!
Congratulations Dr. Schoenlein, well deserved!
Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence and student Laney Willis receive STAR program honors
Susan (Laney) Willis (undergraduate student Dr. McGee-Lawrence lab) was selected as the 2024 recipient of the Muhammad Ebadullah (Ebad) Hasan Memorial Award from the STAR Program. The Muhammad Ebadullah Hasen Memorial Award was established by the Summer 2005 STAR participants in loving memory of their fellow STAR participant Ebad Hasan who lost his life in a tragic accident in July 2005.
Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Mentorship Award from the STAR program.
Congratulations on these wonderful honors!
Dr. Zheng Dong successfully renews NIDDK R01 grant for kidney injury research
Dr. Zheng Dong successfully renewed his NIDDK R01 grant titled “Kidney Injury by Cisplatin and Renoprotective Strategies”. This grant will investigate the chronic or long-term effects of cisplatin chemotherapy in kidneys. This grant has been funded for five years.
Congratulations Dr. Dong on this wonderful news!
Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence secures NIH S10 equipment grant for micro-CT instrument
Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence received the Notice of Award for an NIH S10 equipment grant, supporting the purchase of a ~$400K in vivo micro-computed tomography instrument that will be utilized by faculty and staff in CBA, DNRM, VBC, Medicine, and Oral Biology.
Cellular Biology and Anatomy receives Outstanding Basic Science Teaching Award
The MCG Faculty awards ceremony was held Thursday, May 23, 2024 in the Lee Auditorium. CBA received the Outstanding Basic Science Teaching Award from the class of 2026 (left);
Dr. Brett Szymik awarded Educator of the Year by class of 2027
Dr. Brett Szymik, Associate Professor, AU/UGA Medical Partnership, Athens received the Educator of the Year Award from the class of 2027.
Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence receives National Institute on Aging grant for tissue crosstalk research
From the MCG Dean's Diary June 14, 2024: Dr. Meghan McGee Lawrence receives National Institute on Aging grant to study crosstalk between tissues and how that changes with age
Here’s another example of the great teamwork that is an MCG hallmark. Bone biologist and interim chair of our Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy Dr. Meghan McGee Lawrence has received $2.4 million from the National Institute on Aging to study the crosstalk between bone, the adrenal glands, the muscle and fat in our bodies and how that changes as we age. As we all know, tissues don't function in isolation – everything in the body “talks” to everything else to keep people healthy across the lifespan. So, perhaps the best approach to understanding how that talk first happens, and then changes, as we age, would be by assembling a team with a wide variety of expertise? Lucky for us, when the NIA was looking for grant proposals that included such teams, we were at the ready…because of how well we collaborate here at MCG. I am beginning to sense a theme.
Dr. Ming Zhang receives new NEI R01 grant for macular degeneration research
Dr. Ming Zhang has received his new NEI R01 grant titled “Ocular MCMV Latency and AMD-like Pathology”. The innovative of this project is to determine the contribution of CMV latency to AMD-relevant ocular pathology and to identify potential therapeutic targets to treat age-related macular degeneration and its symptoms and is funded for four years.
Congratulations Dr. Zhang on this wonderful news.
Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence secures NIA U01 grant for musculoskeletal research
Dr. Meghan McGee-Lawrence has received a Notice of Grant Award from NIH that her NIA U01 grant ($2.36M) will be funded (award total: $2,365,732).
The title of the grant is “Endogenous steroid hormones as mediators of interorgan communication with the musculoskeletal system.” Co-investigators on this award, brought together by the AU Adrenal Center, include Drs. Wendy Bollag, Carlos Isales, Eric Belin de Chantemele, and Kate Kosmac.
Congratulations on this fantastic news!
Dr. Menaka Thounaojam selected for 2024 CURS Mentor Excellence Award
Dr. Menaka Thounaojam has been selected as the recipient of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship’s 2024 Mentor Excellence Award!
As an undergraduate research mentor Dr. Thounaojam has spent many hours advising and guiding students and these students have clearly noticed her efforts and are grateful for her mentorship.
Congratulations Dr. Thounaojam and thank you for all you do for our students!
Husam Eldin Bensreti successfully defends dissertation on skeletal aging
We want to congratulate Husam Eldin Bensreti on his successful defense of his dissertation entitled “Endogenous Glucocorticoid Signaling During Skeletal Aging” on April 15, 2024.
Congratulations on a job well done!
Dr. Mark Hamrick receives Distinguished Leadership and Outstanding Service Award
Mark Hamrick, PhD, senior associate dean for research, received the Distinguished Leadership and Outstanding Service Award at the MCG State of the College Address from Dean Hess.
Anik Tuladhar successfully defends dissertation on osteocyte membrane repair
We want to congratulate Anik Tuladhar on his successful defense of his dissertation entitled “PRKD1 (PKC-MU) Regulates the Formation and Repair of Plasma Membrane Disruptions (PMD) in Osteocytes” on January 25, 2024.
Dr. Tuladhar will be starting as a postdoctoral fellow at AbbVie Inc. in Chicago, IL starting in March.
Congratulations on a job well done!