My work is primarily focused on research in the areas of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and literacy development for individuals with complex learning and communication challenges. This interest grew out of my experience as a public school speech-language pathologist and assistive technology provider, where I frequently observed dedicated teachers, hard-working students and concerned parents express the need for more research, resources, and support to improve communication, literacy, and academic outcomes for the students. My research is typically done as part of a team and has involved creating professional development resources for teachers, academic coaches and paraprofessionals, entry level communication systems for students, progress monitoring systems to support data-based instructional decisions, and additional supports for both teachers and students related to literacy instruction. The last 5 grants I have worked on have used an implementation science model, allowing the materials we have researched and developed to be used by increasing numbers of teacher and student study participants. Through observation and input of those participants, we are have been able to refine our materials to achieve a better final product.

In addition to research, I have the honor of working with Masters and doctoral students. I teach the AAC course for the UNC SLP Masters students each fall and serve on doctoral student planning, comprehensive exam, and dissertation committees. I truly enjoy the teaching and learning exchange with these bright, dedicated and passionate students.

I am an educator who teaches Bacteriology, Special Pathogens, Laboratory Math, Basic Lab Skills and Laboratory Management. My goal is to coach students to engage fully in their learning process within the space and context that I provide, and then to apply what they have learned thereafter. I know that applicational recall only occurs when students actively participate in the process. My role is to support students in the early stage of the CLS program as they navigate their transition from academic learner to professional laboratory practitioner. By building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect from the beginning, I work to build each student’s confidence in their ability to learn, foster their desire to accept responsibility for their own learning, and encourage willingness to be accountable for their actions. With these skills, I believe they will be well prepared to thrive in our program, successfully pass their board of certification examination, and provide high-quality, high-complexity laboratory services to improve outcomes for the citizens of North Carolina.

As the Administrative Director of Student Affairs I oversee the employees and office environment for the Department of Health Sciences Office of Student Services. The Office of Student Services supports the members of the student body throughout their Health careers. All student-related issues funnel through this office, and most activities that involve students, including Orientation, Semester Welcome-Back Events, and Graduation are organized here. The Office of Student Services manages student data, supports clinical education, assists with course evaluations, and offers financial aid counseling. In addition to my supervisory duties, I help conduct student services for the Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Science and other new programs when needed including admissions, registration, enrollment verification, and graduation.

My research initiative focuses on community-level testing and health approach to support equitable health outcomes in resource-limited communities. The start-up fund will support the generation of preliminary data from two approaches. The first assesses community health through microbiome profiling, aiming to identify microbial markers linked to health disparities and aging. The second investigates environmental exposure to heavy metals—an ongoing health disparity particularly affecting children in rural agricultural communities. This project seeks to understand the mechanisms by which co-exposure to heavy metals and parasitic infections contributes to chronic disease.

Dr. McAuliffe is a clinically focused faculty member who provides care to patients across the lifespan with complex orthopedic conditions at University Physical Therapy Durham. She specializes in the management of individuals on the hypermobility spectrum, using a pain mechanisms-based approach to treatment. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. McAuliffe serves as the course director for PHYT 734 – Musculoskeletal Interventions II and contributes to post-professional education through teaching and mentorship in the UNC Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program.

I teach in the diagnostic medical sonography track of the Radiologic Science degree. I also oversee the curriculum both didactic and clinical, adhering to accreditation standards.

Dr. Moon is a faculty member and Director of the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, where she has taught and mentored students since 2002. She teaches and directs courses in Immunohematology and Research Methods and oversees the Immunohematology rotation, Education Practicum, and Capstone I and II. Her research interests include diagnostic testing for cystic fibrosis, immunohematology and transfusion medicine with a focus on ABO blood groups, lifespan studies, and massive transfusion protocols, as well as issues related to the CLS workforce and education. Dr. Moon actively contributes to faculty governance at the University and serves on several committees that support academic and institutional initiatives. In addition, she is an Associate Editor for the Clinical Laboratory Science journal, Secretary for the North Carolina Association of Blood Bankers, and Faculty Advisor and Intellectual Development Chair for the Epsilon Chi chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at UNC Chapel Hill.