The annual Dean’s Performance Awards recognize employees whose individual or team efforts make significant contributions to the UNC School of Medicine’s tripartite mission and support its vision of becoming the nation’s leading public school of medicine.
The eight awards span four categories that are aligned with the School of Medicine’s SOM: Accelerate Forward Together strategic plan: research, education, people and clinical.
In 2026, more than 50 nominees were considered for their extraordinary efforts and the winners were announced at the 2026 School of Medicine Annual Staff Summit.
Research Winners
Clara Lenger, Biochemistry and Biophysics
Behind many of the breakthrough images captured through UNC School of Medicine’s Cryo-EM Core is Clara Lenger’s expertise and dedication. As lab manager, Clara helps make one of today’s most advanced structural biology technologies accessible to researchers across the School by training users, maintaining critical equipment and providing the support scientists need to move their work forward.
Her commitment often extends beyond the typical workday, with early mornings, late nights and weekends devoted to helping others succeed. Clara’s humility, kindness and exceptional service make her a valued colleague and a deserving recipient of this recognition.
Sherry Whitaker, Sponsored Programs
For two decades, Sherry Whitaker has been a steady force behind the School of Medicine’s growing research enterprise. As director of the Sponsored Programs Office, she leads a team that processes more than half of the campus’ grant proposals, guiding faculty and staff through increasingly complex and time-sensitive submissions.
Sherry’s deep expertise, collaborative spirit and commitment to service help researchers navigate evolving requirements while strengthening research administration across the School. Her leadership, problem-solving and dedication to continuous improvement make her an invaluable partner to the research community.
Education Winners
Kayla Bonnell, Family Medicine
Kayla Bonnell is known in Family Medicine for pairing strong program leadership with a generous, solutions-focused approach. As associate director of educational programs, she supports Medical Student Education, the Faculty Development Fellowship and the Family Medicine Interest Group with organization, creativity and a ready willingness to help. Colleagues value her ability to anticipate challenges, mentor teammates and keep programs moving forward. Through her positivity, initiative and dedication to learners, Kayla has strengthened Family Medicine’s educational mission and made a lasting impact on those around her.
Chanelle Arsenault, Orthopaedics
Future orthopaedic surgeons at UNC benefit from the thoughtful leadership and dedication of Chanelle Arsenault. As residency coordinator for the UNC Orthopaedics Residency Program, Chanelle manages a complex training program while helping residents feel supported, prepared and positioned for success. She has strengthened the program through innovative initiatives, including an intern bootcamp and expanded subspecialty preparation that help residents transition into advanced clinical responsibilities with confidence.
Her attention to detail, commitment to learners and passion for education have made an exceptional impact on residents, medical students and the UNC Orthopaedics community.
People Winners
Lauren Westervelt, Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development
Lauren Westervelt has helped reimagine how the School of Medicine supports faculty and staff throughout their careers. During a period of significant staffing challenges, she kept the Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development office moving forward while rebuilding the team, strengthening infrastructure and creating a clear roadmap for the future. Her five-pillar strategic plan, focused on Advancement, Growth, Belonging, Culture and Impact, reflects a thoughtful vision for professional development and community building.
Through her leadership in expanding the UNC Coaching Program and advocating for faculty and staff, Lauren has strengthened the School’s culture and kept people at the center of its mission.
Dani Burns, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
In the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dani Burns is a trusted partner whose leadership keeps complex operations moving with clarity and care. As associate chair for administration, she brings deep financial insight, organizational skill and operational expertise to help the department navigate a challenging funding landscape.
Colleagues rely on her ability to translate complex information into practical tools that support sound decision-making. Just as importantly, Dani creates a welcoming environment for new faculty and teammates, bringing warmth, professionalism and tireless dedication to every part of her work.
Clinical Winners
Jordan Thorndyke-Smith, Pediatrics
Jordan Thorndyke-Smith’s work in Pediatrics is helping connect patients with innovative care through stronger, more efficient clinical trials. As associate research director focused on clinical trials, she keeps complex studies moving while strengthening the systems that support compliant, patient-centered research. Her leadership in OnCore implementation and optimization has improved organization, accountability and transparency across trials, creating a stronger foundation for the teams she supports. By mentoring colleagues, elevating standards and keeping patients at the center of the work, Jordan is helping build a more resilient clinical research program.
Karen Peoples, Family Medicine
As Family Medicine’s clinical services have grown and evolved, Karen Peoples has provided the scheduling expertise and steady coordination needed to keep care accessible and operations on track. She manages complex schedules, calendars and Epic template builds across inpatient and outpatient services, bringing together input from program directors, chief residents, clinic managers and access teams. Karen’s work has supported major clinical expansion while helping maintain staffing, productivity and patient access. Grounded in a deeply patient-centered perspective, she approaches each decision with diligence, adaptability and a commitment to making care easier to access.