If you’ve ever wondered what happens after a research grant is awarded—how the dollars are tracked, the teams are supported, and the details stay aligned, Josephine Muiruri is the person making it all work behind the scenes. As an Accountant in Radiology, Josephine manages post-award operations for funded research grants. In simple terms, once the celebration of receiving a grant ends, her work begins. Turning Awards into Action When a principal investigator (PI) receives funding—often from organizations like the National Institutes of Health—Josephine steps in to ensure everything runs smoothly from a financial and operational perspective. “If a researcher is awarded $500,000, whether it’s for one year or spread over two, I manage that through the post-award system,” she explains. Her responsibilities include: Review grant proposals and amendments for financial accuracy and alignment with guidelines. Track budgets, reconcile grant accounts, and identify discrepancies or areas of concern. Prepare monthly financial statements and assist with required sponsor reports. Support purchasing, invoices, travel reimbursements, and personnel transactions. Work directly with Principal Investigators on budget reviews and funding projections. Partner with other departments to support multi‑unit grant activities. Interpret grant terms, federal regulations, and sponsor policies to ensure compliance. From tracking expenses to adjusting budgets,

The UNC Cardiothoracic Imaging division marked a historic milestone this year, significantly expanding its educational footprint at the Society of Thoracic Radiology (STR) 2026 Annual Meeting held in beautiful Puerto Rico. Our team delivered a robust presence with four oral presentations, one scientific poster, and four educational posters. This achievement represents a major leap forward in our department’s national visibility. Highlights of the Conference: We are incredibly proud of our diverse group of presenters who showcased the high caliber of research and clinical expertise at UNC: Dr. Vivek Somasundaram (Resident) Dr. Poonam Yadav (Fellow) Dr. Ajay Muthukumar (Medical Student) Dr. Behrooz Masoudi (Faculty) Dr. Clark Hollins (Faculty) Dr. Muthu Sakthivel (Faculty)A Decade in the Making This year was particularly significant as it marked the first time in a decade that both UNC Radiology residents and UNC School of Medicine students presented at the STR conference. Our evolution from a modest presence to a major contributor at national meetings is a testament to the dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our leadership. We extend our sincere gratitude to: Dr. Kohi, Department Chairman Our dedicated Radiology Program Directors Dr. Hazelton, Cardiothoracic Imaging Division Chief The entire Cardiothoracic Imaging Faculty

We are pleased to share several important leadership updates within the Department of Radiology. Lauren Burke, MD, FSAR Lauren Burke, MD, FSAR, has been appointed as our inaugural Vice Chair of Enterprise Imaging Integration. The creation of this role represents a significant milestone as our Department continues to expand its presence across the health system and throughout North Carolina. This position will ensure that imaging strategy, operations, and workflows remain coordinated and aligned across all partner sites. By strengthening system-wide integration and consistency, this role will support sustainable growth, improve access to care, and enhance the patient experience across our expanding enterprise. Genevieve Woodard, MD, PhD As Dr. Burke transitions into this new position, Genevieve Woodard, MD, PhD, will assume the role of Executive Vice Chair, while continuing to serve as Division Chief of Breast Imaging. In this expanded capacity, Dr. Woodard will play a central role in advancing Departmental strategy, communication, and alignment across our clinical, research, and educational missions. She will help ensure strong coordination across initiatives, foster collaboration, and drive forward key Departmental priorities. Carolina Guimaraes, MD, FAAP Carlos Zamora, MD, PhD Carlos Zamora, MD, PhD, is stepping into the role of Vice Chair of Operations and