Top researchers recognized for impactful discoveries

By Michael R. Malone [email protected] 11-05-2024

University of Miami faculty were part of the cohort of 20 new inductees and "rising stars" from Florida universities who were honored in a ceremony Nov. 1 at the annual meeting of the Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL) in Orlando, Florida.

The honorees' contributions have served to inform the Florida community of major challenges specifically affecting the state and global society at large and to advance discussions of how these challenges can be addressed, according to the ASEMFL. With the addition of the new inductees, the total membership of ASEMFL nears 250.

Recognized as top scholars, experts, and entrepreneurs in the fields of science, engineering, and medicine who live and/or work in the state, the new members are considered for their potential to be inducted into the National Academy of Science, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine.

The researchers were recognized for their innovative studies ranging from the biogeochemical impact of African dust on climate and air quality in the Caribbean and the Americas to the identification of multiple mitochondrial mutations that lead to disease and the development of novel therapies to treat them.

The following are the University inductees:

Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Endowed Professor in Ophthalmology, Miller School of Medicine. Citation: For clinical and research expertise in eye diseases and surgery, ocular microbiology, and administrative skills in health care.

Sylvia Daunert, Pharm.D., M.S., Ph.D., director of the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute and director of the Frost Institutes and University STEM Centers and Institutes. Citation: For using chemistry and understanding of biological processes to develop biosensors and nanotechnology delivery systems to address diverse clinical problems.

Carlos T. Moraes, Ph.D., Esther Lichtenstein Professor in Neurology, Miller School of Medicine. Citation: For identifying multiple mitochondrial mutations leading to disease and developing novel therapies to treat them.

Dipen Parekh, M.D., chief operating officer of the University of Miami Health System and professor and chair of Desai Sethi Urology Department. Citation: For leadership in advancing genitourinary surgery excellence, establishing that robotic cystectomy was not inferior to open abdomen cystectomy surgery and bringing more women into a male-dominated field.

In addition to the inductees, the ASEMFL planning committee selected 19 "2024 Rising Stars." These honorees-potential future ASEMFL inductees-included the following University faculty:

Cassandra Gaston, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. Citation: For climate, air quality, and biogeochemical impacts of African dust on the Caribbean and the Americas.

Azizi Seixas, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine. Citation: For pioneering AI-driven personalized health care, advancing digital health equity, and creating novel technologies through inclusive decentralized trials addressing global health disparities.

Sara St. George, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine. Citation: For contributions to addressing obesity prevention and treatment among Hispanic families.