Innovate Carolina announces its first cohort of members to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s National Academy of Inventors (NAI) chapter, which supports and celebrates the achievements of inventors within the UNC-Chapel Hill community. Since its founding in 2010, NAI has championed inventors with U.S. patents by recognizing their contributions, advancing academic innovation, promoting intellectual property disclosure, mentoring student innovators, and raising public awareness about the societal benefits of its members’ work. Yueh Z. Lee, MD, PhD, Professor of Radiology and Vice Chair of Translational Research, is one of 11 Inaugural 2024 Inductees. For more information about Innovate Carolina and the additional members read the Innovate Carolina article. 

This past weekend, artists Earle Kluttz Thompson and Raines Thompson Kuppin brought their creative vision to life with a stunning transformation of our pediatric fluoroscopy suite. Their incredible work has turned the space into a vibrant and welcoming environment inspired by North Carolina’s breathtaking mountain-to-sea landscapes. The room is now a vivid tapestry of natural beauty, blending calming greens of the mountains, serene blues of the coast, and playful details that celebrate the region’s diverse wildlife and scenery. The artistry and attention to detail are truly remarkable, creating an atmosphere that is both soothing and engaging for our young patients. Photos simply cannot capture the depth and texture of their work—the colors, textures, and whimsical touches radiate warmth and joy in person. We are excited to see how our pediatric population responds to this reimagined space, which is sure to make their experience more comfortable and less intimidating. Thank you to Earle and Raines for their extraordinary dedication and talent in making this vision a reality! More about the artists work here.

Desma Marie Jones has been a cornerstone of the UNC Radiology family since January 2019. With her dual roles as Administrative Director for Clinical Research and Radiology Core Service Center, she’s a powerhouse of organization, research, and leadership. But who is the woman behind the title? Let’s dive into her story, her passions, and the quirks that make her approachable. A Journey Through UNC  Desma’s connection with UNC runs deep. She’s been at the university since 2012, starting her career in dental research with the Adams School of Dentistry. From there, she moved into anesthesiology before finding her home in radiology. Her love of research is no accident. While she initially envisioned a career in the medical field, a detour into dental research revealed a fulfilling intersection of science, patient interaction, and meaningful impact. “Research seemed interesting—the perfect combination of science, helping people and interacting with people,” she shares. And the rest is history. From South Boston to the Triangle  Originally from South Boston—not the one in Massachusetts but a small town in Halifax County, Virginia—Desma grew up splitting her time between there and Roxboro, North Carolina. Her journey to UNC began with a campus visit prompted by her stepmother’s