Staff
Shannon Adams, BA -- Ms. Adams joined the center in January 2007 as Dr. Drossman’s IBS Social Research Administrator. She is involved with the coordination of Dr. Drossman’s clinical and research activities in addition to serving as administrative coordinator for the Biometry Core. She assists with publications, drug study budgets, and external contracts. Her undergraduate studies were in Psychology and Economics, and she is currently working on an MBA, with plans to graduate in December 2008. She has been working in health care for the past ten years, but this is her first position in a research setting.
Jennifer Boos, BS -- Ms. Boos is a Study Coordinator for Dr. Ringel. She graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill in May 2006 with a BS in Biology and a minor in Social and Economic Justice. Her research background is in toxicology and oncology with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. She plans to return to school and obtain a PA degree.
Ian Carroll, PhD -- Dr. Carroll is a molecular microbiologist and his research investigates the role of the gut flora in intestinal disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). He obtained a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Dublin City University in Ireland and continued his research career in molecular microbiology at Trinity College Dublin where he obtained his PhD. He then moved to the United States, where he carried out his postdoctoral research in the genetics department at UNC-CH studying anti-inflammatory effects of probiotic microorganisms in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Dr. Carroll is now working with Dr. Ringel on several projects investigating the role of probiotics in functional bowel disorders.
Gae Caudill -- Ms. Caudill is a part-time administrative assistant. Her primary responsibilities include maintaining the Center’s computerized database, responding to requests for information, mailing the Center’s newsletter and annual report, and assisting with a variety of duties associated with Center meetings and events.
Sarah Van Heusen-Causey, MSHA -- Ms. Causey is Dr. Ringel’s research project director focusing on studies in IBS, probiotic bacteria and intestinal microflora. She comes from the Carolina Population Center, where she was a project coordinator on the Pregnancy, Infection and Nutrition Study for over four years. Ms. Causey has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Health Services Administration, and has experience as a project coordinator in biomedical research, epidemiology and social research.
Sheila Crawford, RN -- Mrs. Crawford is the charge nurse for UNC Hospitals GI Motility Lab. She is responsible for performing diagnostic motility tests for pediatric and adult patients. Esophageal manometry, anorectal manometry, pH probes, pH/Impedance probes, and hydrogen breath tests are some of the procedures performed in this lab. She also provides in lab training for the GI and surgery fellows.
Lynn Eckert, PA -- Ms. Eckert is a Physician Assistant working with Dr. Drossman as well as seeing patients on her own in the Functional GI & Motility Disorders Clinic. She evaluates patients in the clinic, performs a history and physical examination, formulates a differential diagnosis, and creates a diagnostic and treatment plan appropriate for the patient. Ms. Eckert has worked in all areas of gastroenterology and received her PA training at Duke University School of Medicine. She has a BA in Clinical Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has some experience and interest in research.
Jane Hankins, MAT -- Jane Hankins is the study coordinator for Dr. Drossman’s clinical trials group working on the Atkins and the ElectroGastrogram (EGG) studies. She also assists Kim Meyer with clinical trials.
Yuming J.B. Hu, MA, PhD -- Dr. Hu is Assistant Director of the Biometry Core and is involved with data management and analysis of Dr. Drossman’s NIH treatment trial of functional bowel disorders (FBD). His data management responsibilities also includes the UNC pilot study of functional MRI of FBD, the Center’s master database of FBD patients, the IBS patient education (PEQ) study with Boston University, the Celiac study with Columbia University, and the new 5-year combined drug and CBT treatment trial of FBD at the University of Toronto.
Lenore Keck, RN -- Ms. Keck is a Research Nurse with Dr. Whitehead’s group. She participates in all stages of clinical research studies, including study subject recruitment and screening, administering psychological and physiological tests, and data management.
Jiwan Kim, BS -- Ms. Kim is a Lab Technician working on Dr. Ringel’s research projects. She has a BS in Biology from UNC at Chapel Hill and she is currently enrolled as a full-time student working on her MS in Biology.
Sarah McGee, BA -- Ms. McGee is Administrative Assistant to Drs. Whitehead, Ringel and Morgan. She has a BA in Public Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Kim Meyer, CCRC -- Ms. Meyer is Dr. Drossman’s Project Director for clinical trials. Her primary research interests include the use of pharmaceuticals to treat constipation-predominant IBS, diarrhea-predominant IBS, and chronic constipation.
Linda Miller, AD Computer Information Systems -- Ms. Miller is the IBS/Functional Bowel Clinic Scheduling Coordinator. She has an AD in Computer Information Systems, a diploma in Software Applications, and has completed the Medical Coding Certification Program (ICD-9, CPT-4) at Durham Tech. She will be attending NC Central University in fall 2006 to complete the Health Education Program.
Carolyn Morris, MPH -- Ms. Morris is the Biostatistician for for Dr. Drossman’s research group and the Biometry Core. She has been primarily involved with performing statistical analyses on data from the seven-year multi-center NIH study of treatment in FBD, but she also assists with analyses of data sets for other Center studies.
Kirsten Nyrop, MACT -- Ms. Nyrop is the Center Coordinator. Her responsibilities include editor/writer for the Center’s website and publications, fundraising, marketing/press relations, and organizational development. She is also Administrator of the Center’s NIH Mind-Body Infrastructure Grant. Ms. Nyrop is enrolled part-time in the PhD program at the UNC School of Social Work, and her research interest is medical care of the elderly.
Moneika Owens, BA -- Ms. Owens has joined the Center as Dr. Drossman’s research assistant for clinical trials. She is a recent graduate of UNC (BA in Sociology) and has been a work study student at the Center for several years. She plans to apply for medical school in the near future.
Jennifer Peterson, MA -- Ms. Peterson is the Media Coordinator for the Center. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a master’s degree in Communications and Training Technology.
Lynn Rogers, MA -- Ms. Rogers is a Research Assistant for Dr. Ringel on the Genetics in IBS Study. Ms. Rogers previously worked as a Research Associate in the OB/GYN department for several years.
Ann Selph -- Ms. Selph is research administrator to Dr. Drossman. She has 25 years of UNC experience in various capacities that include grants management, accounting, and administrative support. She has completed her associate in arts degree from Central Carolina Community College and continues to take classes through Continuing Studies at UNC Chapel Hill.
Jane Tucker, RN -- Ms. Tucker is a Research Nurse with Dr. Whitehead’s group. For the Center’s biofeedback study, she performs anorectal motility testing and administers questionnaires to the study participants. Her other responsibilities include barostat procedures, lab procedures, recruiting/screening as well as scheduling participants for the studies. She works closely with the research pharmacy if studies require medication and monitors the participant’s response to the medication. And, she works closely with the Principal Investigators of each study and keeps them abreast of any concerns.
Marsha Turner, MS -- Ms. Turner is the Research Coordinator for Dr. Whitehead’s research program. She is involved with the planning and preparation of new projects in the program, including NIH grant submissions and industry-sponsored outcomes research. She assists with all aspects of current studies and is responsible for correspondence with the Biomedical IRB and General Clinical Research Center, both at UNC. Ms. Turner also coordinates activities within the research network of the Gastrointestinal Biopsychosocial Research Center, a network of national and international collaborating institutions.
Work-Study Students
Shannon Adams, BA -- Ms. Adams joined the center in January 2007 as Dr. Drossman’s IBS Social Research Administrator. She is involved with the coordination of Dr. Drossman’s clinical and research activities in addition to serving as administrative coordinator for the Biometry Core. She assists with publications, drug study budgets, and external contracts. Her undergraduate studies were in Psychology and Economics, and she is currently working on an MBA, with plans to graduate in December 2008. She has been working in health care for the past ten years, but this is her first position in a research setting.
Jennifer Boos, BS -- Ms. Boos is a Study Coordinator for Dr. Ringel. She graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill in May 2006 with a BS in Biology and a minor in Social and Economic Justice. Her research background is in toxicology and oncology with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. She plans to return to school and obtain a PA degree.
Ian Carroll, PhD -- Dr. Carroll is a molecular microbiologist and his research investigates the role of the gut flora in intestinal disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). He obtained a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Dublin City University in Ireland and continued his research career in molecular microbiology at Trinity College Dublin where he obtained his PhD. He then moved to the United States, where he carried out his postdoctoral research in the genetics department at UNC-CH studying anti-inflammatory effects of probiotic microorganisms in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Dr. Carroll is now working with Dr. Ringel on several projects investigating the role of probiotics in functional bowel disorders.
Gae Caudill -- Ms. Caudill is a part-time administrative assistant. Her primary responsibilities include maintaining the Center’s computerized database, responding to requests for information, mailing the Center’s newsletter and annual report, and assisting with a variety of duties associated with Center meetings and events.
Sarah Van Heusen-Causey, MSHA -- Ms. Causey is Dr. Ringel’s research project director focusing on studies in IBS, probiotic bacteria and intestinal microflora. She comes from the Carolina Population Center, where she was a project coordinator on the Pregnancy, Infection and Nutrition Study for over four years. Ms. Causey has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Health Services Administration, and has experience as a project coordinator in biomedical research, epidemiology and social research.
Sheila Crawford, RN -- Mrs. Crawford is the charge nurse for UNC Hospitals GI Motility Lab. She is responsible for performing diagnostic motility tests for pediatric and adult patients. Esophageal manometry, anorectal manometry, pH probes, pH/Impedance probes, and hydrogen breath tests are some of the procedures performed in this lab. She also provides in lab training for the GI and surgery fellows.
Lynn Eckert, PA -- Ms. Eckert is a Physician Assistant working with Dr. Drossman as well as seeing patients on her own in the Functional GI & Motility Disorders Clinic. She evaluates patients in the clinic, performs a history and physical examination, formulates a differential diagnosis, and creates a diagnostic and treatment plan appropriate for the patient. Ms. Eckert has worked in all areas of gastroenterology and received her PA training at Duke University School of Medicine. She has a BA in Clinical Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has some experience and interest in research.
Jane Hankins, MAT -- Jane Hankins is the study coordinator for Dr. Drossman’s clinical trials group working on the Atkins and the ElectroGastrogram (EGG) studies. She also assists Kim Meyer with clinical trials.
Yuming J.B. Hu, MA, PhD -- Dr. Hu is Assistant Director of the Biometry Core and is involved with data management and analysis of Dr. Drossman’s NIH treatment trial of functional bowel disorders (FBD). His data management responsibilities also includes the UNC pilot study of functional MRI of FBD, the Center’s master database of FBD patients, the IBS patient education (PEQ) study with Boston University, the Celiac study with Columbia University, and the new 5-year combined drug and CBT treatment trial of FBD at the University of Toronto.
Lenore Keck, RN -- Ms. Keck is a Research Nurse with Dr. Whitehead’s group. She participates in all stages of clinical research studies, including study subject recruitment and screening, administering psychological and physiological tests, and data management.
Jiwan Kim, BS -- Ms. Kim is a Lab Technician working on Dr. Ringel’s research projects. She has a BS in Biology from UNC at Chapel Hill and she is currently enrolled as a full-time student working on her MS in Biology.
Sarah McGee, BA -- Ms. McGee is Administrative Assistant to Drs. Whitehead, Ringel and Morgan. She has a BA in Public Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Kim Meyer, CCRC -- Ms. Meyer is Dr. Drossman’s Project Director for clinical trials. Her primary research interests include the use of pharmaceuticals to treat constipation-predominant IBS, diarrhea-predominant IBS, and chronic constipation.
Linda Miller, AD Computer Information Systems -- Ms. Miller is the IBS/Functional Bowel Clinic Scheduling Coordinator. She has an AD in Computer Information Systems, a diploma in Software Applications, and has completed the Medical Coding Certification Program (ICD-9, CPT-4) at Durham Tech. She will be attending NC Central University in fall 2006 to complete the Health Education Program.
Carolyn Morris, MPH -- Ms. Morris is the Biostatistician for for Dr. Drossman’s research group and the Biometry Core. She has been primarily involved with performing statistical analyses on data from the seven-year multi-center NIH study of treatment in FBD, but she also assists with analyses of data sets for other Center studies.
Kirsten Nyrop, MACT -- Ms. Nyrop is the Center Coordinator. Her responsibilities include editor/writer for the Center’s website and publications, fundraising, marketing/press relations, and organizational development. She is also Administrator of the Center’s NIH Mind-Body Infrastructure Grant. Ms. Nyrop is enrolled part-time in the PhD program at the UNC School of Social Work, and her research interest is medical care of the elderly.
Moneika Owens, BA -- Ms. Owens has joined the Center as Dr. Drossman’s research assistant for clinical trials. She is a recent graduate of UNC (BA in Sociology) and has been a work study student at the Center for several years. She plans to apply for medical school in the near future.
Jennifer Peterson, MA -- Ms. Peterson is the Media Coordinator for the Center. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a master’s degree in Communications and Training Technology.
Lynn Rogers, MA -- Ms. Rogers is a Research Assistant for Dr. Ringel on the Genetics in IBS Study. Ms. Rogers previously worked as a Research Associate in the OB/GYN department for several years.
Ann Selph -- Ms. Selph is research administrator to Dr. Drossman. She has 25 years of UNC experience in various capacities that include grants management, accounting, and administrative support. She has completed her associate in arts degree from Central Carolina Community College and continues to take classes through Continuing Studies at UNC Chapel Hill.
Jane Tucker, RN -- Ms. Tucker is a Research Nurse with Dr. Whitehead’s group. For the Center’s biofeedback study, she performs anorectal motility testing and administers questionnaires to the study participants. Her other responsibilities include barostat procedures, lab procedures, recruiting/screening as well as scheduling participants for the studies. She works closely with the research pharmacy if studies require medication and monitors the participant’s response to the medication. And, she works closely with the Principal Investigators of each study and keeps them abreast of any concerns.
Marsha Turner, MS -- Ms. Turner is the Research Coordinator for Dr. Whitehead’s research program. She is involved with the planning and preparation of new projects in the program, including NIH grant submissions and industry-sponsored outcomes research. She assists with all aspects of current studies and is responsible for correspondence with the Biomedical IRB and General Clinical Research Center, both at UNC. Ms. Turner also coordinates activities within the research network of the Gastrointestinal Biopsychosocial Research Center, a network of national and international collaborating institutions.
Work-Study Students
