Whiddon COM welcomes Nunez as accountant

Jonathan Nunez

Jonathan Nunez recently joined the Whiddon College of Medicine as an accountant in the Office of Student Affairs. 

In his new position, he is responsible for ordering supplies and equipment, assisting in preparing budgets, reconciling monthly reports, helping coordinate travel arrangements for COM students and faculty, and assisting in conducting various cost studies and analyses. 

Nunez graduated from Troy University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, followed by a Master of Business Administration. Prior to joining USA, he worked for two years at Troy University as a staff accountant in the business office of the athletics department. 

“The Whiddon COM provided a great opportunity for me to take the next step in my career as an accountant,” he said. “I will be taking on more responsibility on the financial side of things, and I am excited to grow not only as an individual but also within the college community.”

Nunez added, “Everyone has been very nice and welcoming, and I am excited for my role as a member of the Student Affairs team.” 

“We are thrilled about Jonathan bringing his skill set to the Whiddon COM and the Office of Student Affairs team,” said Laventrice Ridgeway, Ed.D., associate dean for student affairs. “We look forward to all his significant contributions.” 

Nunez grew up in Los Angeles. As a child, he worked as a background actor on Nickelodeon’s “iCarly” and “Victorious” and the Disney Channel’s “Kickin’ It.” 

“I was able to meet many different people in the industry,” he said, “and it was a unique experience not many people get to have.”

Cancer researcher awarded $946,000 to study cadmium, DNA repair

Aishwarya Prakash, Ph.D., is principal investigator of the research project.

By Carol McPhail

A researcher at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama has been awarded a four-year $946,000 grant from the American Cancer Society to study cadmium’s effects on DNA repair. 

Aishwarya Prakash, Ph.D., associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine and a cancer researcher at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, is leading the research, which will focus on understanding how cadmium interferes with the body’s natural defenses against cancer. Cadmium is an environmental carcinogen found in soil, cigarette smoke, and foods such as shellfish and organ meats. 

The study revolves around a specific DNA repair complex formed by the proteins PMS2 and MLH1, also known as Mutl_Alpha, which is crucial for correcting DNA errors – in essence, typos in our genetic code. “We aim to uncover the detailed mechanisms by which cadmium interferes with this process,” Prakash said. “Our team will use advanced biophysical and structural methods to examine changes in key enzyme regions when cadmium binds, causing loss of function.” 

The researchers will investigate specific amino acids within the zinc/cadmium binding region of Mutl_Alpha. Prakash said mutations at these sites can increase the risk of cancer, particularly when there is exposure to cadmium. The findings could be especially relevant for people with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that increases the lifetime risk of cancer by up to 80%. Those with Lynch syndrome are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of cadmium because they have only one functional copy of the DNA-correcting complex Mutl_Alpha, she said. 

In addition, the team will explore the broader interactions between DNA repair errors and environmental factors that lead to cancer development. They plan to use sophisticated spatial technology to analyze endometrial tumor samples to study how changes in gene expression initiate and drive cancer. 

“Our equipped lab, together with strategic collaborations, positions us to achieve significant insights into the relationship between cadmium exposure and cancer susceptibility,” Prakash said. “If successful, our research can inform environmental lifestyle choices where toxicants like cadmium might be present, such as smoking and diet.” 

Collaborators on the project are John Wise, Ph.D., and Jamie Wise, Ph.D., of the University of Louisville; Andrej Wierzbicki, Ph.D., Alan Salter, Ph.D., Kevin Lee, Ph.D., and Justin Roberts, Ph.D., of the University of South Alabama; and Jennifer Scalici, M.D., of Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta. 

USA Health welcomes new neonatologist and physician-scientist

Ting Wei, M.D., Ph.D.

By Milena Mata 

USA Health is expanding its neonatology division with the addition of Ting Wei, M.D., Ph.D., a physician who specializes in the care of premature infants. She will also serve as an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

Before moving to the United States, Wei earned her medical and doctorate degree at the West China School of Medicine. She then served as chief resident and attending at Guangxi Medical University in China and specialized in pediatric surgery for five years.  

“While at times it is stressful and exhausting to be a neonatologist, it is more rewarding to see a baby grow bigger and stronger,” Wei said. “Taking care of children, especially tiny human beings, is always my motivation.” 

Wei moved to the U.S. in 2012 to conduct research on pediatric anomalies at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute. She later completed her pediatric residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2022 and fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

Wei deeply enjoys patient work and research equally. She said working at USA Health will give her the resources to combine both her interests working with patients and continuing research as a faculty physician-scientist.  

“Practicing in an academic health system can provide advantages to see patients with different levels of acuity as well as provide solid support for clinical and basic research,” she said. 

Wei has published several articles about her area of study and has contributed to multiple research projects. Her main interest lies in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a chronic condition affecting the lungs in premature infants.  

“Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is the most common morbidity related to extreme preterm birth,” Wei said. “I hope doing research can help me better understand this disease and potentially develop new therapeutic intervention for these fragile and precious babies.” 

Wei also has years of teaching experience. As a resident, she instructed medical students at Guangxi Medical University. Then, she served as an instructor for medical students and residents during her fellowship at UAB. 

Wei will care for premature infants in the region’s only level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the newborn nursery at Children’s & Women's Hospital.  

Youssef joins pathology faculty at Whiddon College of Medicine

Bahaaeldin Youssef, M.D.

A board-certified and fellowship-trained pathologist, Bahaaeldin Youssef, M.D., brings a passion for teaching and research to USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

His journey to pathology began with a deep fascination for disease mechanisms and a desire to contribute to patient care through diagnostic precision. 

“During medical school, I was captivated by the way pathology bridges clinical medicine and basic science,” he said. “Over time, I developed a strong interest in cytopathology, gynecologic, and breast pathology, which has guided my subspecialty training and research focus.”

Youssef earned his medical degree from Suez Canal University College of Medicine in Ismailia, Egypt, and went on to complete a research fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He received his residency training at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. 

He then pursued a fellowship in surgical pathology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, followed by a cytopathology fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles. Most recently, he completed a fellowship in gynecologic pathology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Youssef is actively involved in clinical and translational research, particularly in gynecologic pathology. His recent work includes studies on diagnostic markers in ovarian tumors and the role of cytologic-histologic correlation in improving diagnostic accuracy. He has also contributed to research in breast cancer immunology and cytopathology, with several publications and presentations at national conferences.

Youssef, who is certified in anatomic and clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology, said he is honored to join USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine as an assistant professor of pathology.

“USA Health’s commitment to academic excellence, patient-centered care, and collaborative learning deeply resonated with me,” he said. “I was particularly drawn to the collegial environment, the emphasis on education, and the opportunity to contribute to a growing academic pathology department.”

Understanding the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, Youssef said he hopes to contribute to tumor boards and quality improvement initiatives.

“I’m passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians,” he added. “Throughout my training, I’ve been involved in medical student and resident education, and I look forward to continuing this at USA Health.”

Faculty, fellows and students present at American Thoracic Society International Conference

Natalie Bauer, Ph.D., presents a symposium

lecture on pulmonary hypertension.

The Whiddon College of Medicine was well represented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference in San Francisco, which drew nearly 14,000 physicians and scientists from around the world. 

Natalie Bauer, Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmacology and a member of the USA Center for Lung Biology, was invited to give a symposium lecture. The symposium, “Pulmonary Hypertension: Unraveling cellular phenotype shifts across the timeline of disease progression,” was organized by a group of internationally recognized investigators in pulmonary hypertension.

Bauer’s talk, titled “Signaling Symphony: Extracellular Vesicles and the Molecular Ballet of Pulmonary Hypertension,” focused on her work using extracellular vesicles to repair lung blood vessels in the disease pulmonary arterial hypertension. 

“Our innovative approach, using extracellular vesicles derived from pulmonary endothelial cells, to target potentially healing signaling to the pulmonary circulation is an emerging field,” she said. “Extracellular vesicles were identified in blood in the ’60s but only with the advent of modern technologies have we been able to isolate, identify and harness the power of these tiny circulating vesicles.” 

Bauer has had a longstanding interest in the endothelial function in both health and disease. “This is coupled with the unique aspects of the pulmonary circulation and its responses to stimuli such as hypoxia that set it apart physiologically from every other circulation,” she said. “This driving biological interest ultimately led me to the study of pulmonary arterial hypertension.” 

This deadly disease currently has no cure and minimal treatment. “Fundamentally, what drives our lab is the desire to improve the lives and outcomes for pulmonary hypertension patients,” she added. 

Reece Stevens, Ph.D.

Jamie Meegan, Ph.D., an assistant professor of physiology and cell biology and a member of the USA Center for Lung Biology, presented a poster at the conference. The poster detailed her lab’s recent work measuring circulating levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and its scavenger receptor soluble lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 (sLOX-1) in patients with sepsis. 

“We evaluated the levels of these markers and their associations with vascular injury and inflammatory markers as well as diagnoses of vascular disease,” Meegan said. “While we didn't find any significant associations with vascular injury markers, higher levels of sLOX-1 were associated with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, and levels of oxLDL and sLOX-1 were associated with changes in inflammatory markers.”

Tyese Pritchett

Meegan also participated in a panel discussion, “'I Got Lost on the Way to Orientation’ and Other Tales of Starting a Lab.” The panel answered questions from the audience about transitioning to a faculty position in academic medicine. 

Ji Young Lee, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of physiology and cell biology, associate professor of internal medicine, and a member of the USA Center for Lung Biology; Reece Stevens, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow; and Sagar Kumar, M.D., a pulmonary/critical care fellow, presented posters on the mechanisms of pH regulation and metabolism of the pulmonary circulation. 

Tyese Pritchett, a Ph.D. student in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, presented a poster about the effects of repeated airway exposure to monoethanolamine, a CO2 scrubbing agent. 

Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world's leading medical society dedicated to accelerating the advancement of global respiratory health through multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and advocacy. The ATS and its more than 16,000 members are committed to improving global health by advancing research, patient care, and public health in pulmonary disease, critical illness, and sleep disorders. 

Primary Care Pathway student hosts statewide podcast about shortage of maternity care providers

Kaitlyn Riggins, a second-year medical student in the Primary Care Pathway, hosted an insightful episode of Amplify Family Medicine, the official podcast of the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Riggins is a student member of the AAFP. 

In the episode, Riggins interviews Cathy Lavender, M.D., director of the Family Medicine Obstetrics Division at the University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, and John Waits, M.D., CEO of Cahaba Medical Care, to discuss the vital role of family medicine obstetricians. Together, they explore topics like combating the maternity care crisis in rural Alabama, balancing malpractice insurance costs, advice for medical students, and the future of family medicine. 

Listen to the inspiring conversation about advancing healthcare in underserved communities. 

Wagner honored with ATS Pulmonary Circulation Assembly’s Lifetime Leadership Award

Wiltz W. Wagner Jr., Ph.D.

Wiltz W. Wagner Jr., Ph.D., professor emeritus in the Whiddon College of Medicine Department of Pharmacology and the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, was recently recognized by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Pulmonary Circulation Assembly. He received the Lifetime Leadership Award — a unique, prestigious honor — during the ATS International Conference in San Francisco.

Wagner began his career in the early 1960s studying the pulmonary circulation under Robert F. Grover, M.D., Ph.D., in Denver, Colorado. He earned his Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics from Colorado State University in 1974, and went on to complete a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Colorado. 

Much of Wagner’s work has focused on the lung’s microscopic gas exchange vessels and how blood flow is regulated in the capillaries. He developed a pioneering method to study capillary blood flow directly in the living lung. His lab’s innovations in fluorescence microscopy, laser lighting, and computer image enhancement produced unique data still being analyzed with state-of-the-art mathematical techniques.

After decades of studying the healthy lung, Wagner’s research expanded to conditions such as sickle cell disease, liver cirrhosis, low-oxygen environments, and white blood cell abnormalities — each of which affects pulmonary gas exchange. In a related breakthrough, he developed the only existing theory that explains why some species develop pulmonary hypertension at high altitudes. His interest in exercise physiology also led to early research on athletic amenorrhea. A prolific scholar, Wagner has published more than 130 scientific papers and 160 abstracts.

Wagner joined the University of South Alabama in 2005 as a faculty member in the USA Center for Lung Biology and the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program. He also holds the titles of V.K. Stoelting Chair in Anesthesiology Emeritus and professor emeritus of physiology and biophysics at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Mark Gillespie, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, introduced Wagner before the award presentation. Gillespie completed his postdoctoral fellowship in the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory at the University of Colorado under Wagner’s mentorship. In his remarks, Gillespie highlighted key moments from Wagner’s long career as a researcher, educator, mentor and historian. 

Among his many leadership roles within the ATS, Wagner served two terms as chair of the Pulmonary Circulation Assembly (1999–2003). Since 1990, he has also served on the steering committee of The Grover Conference, the only international meeting in North America repeatedly focusing on subjects relevant to lung vascular biology and medicine.

Learn more about the ATS Pulmonary Circulation Assembly.