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 encouragement, and it was love at first sight. After completing her undergraduate degree in biology, Desma decided to plant roots in the area, and she now calls Durham home.
Although she claims no allegiance to a specific Durham eatery, Desma is partial to Stoney River in Chapel Hill—a testament to her love of good food in good company.
The Traveler at Heart

Desma’s passport is well-loved, with stamps from favorites like Panama and St. Lucia. Travel appeals to her because it allows her to unwind, soak in natural beauty, and reset from her bustling professional life. She dreams of future adventures to Greece and Thailand but admits, “I just want to go everywhere.”
One highlight of her travels? She goes on annual trips with her mom and sister, where memories and laughter are as essential as the destination itself.
A Day in the Life of a Research Dynamo
Desma wears many hats in her role, overseeing everything from IRB applications to managing regulatory aspects and budgets for human research studies. Whether helping radiologists navigate patient recruitment and study consent or getting new clinical research studies up and running, her meticulous attention to detail ensures that every project runs smoothly.
Her leadership extends to the Radiology Core Service Center, where her team supports the UNC community with imaging services. Desma’s oversight enables groundbreaking research to move forward, from anonymizing images to facilitating specialized research interpretations.
“Desma is a true asset to our Radiology Research team,” says Shanah Kirk, Radiology Core Service Center Manager. “She brings an abundance of knowledge to her role as director and exemplifies professional leadership.”
Behind the Scenes
When she’s not coordinating research or traveling, Desma values time with family and friends. She’s particularly close with her sister, who’s nine years younger, and treasures the stories she’s inherited from her grandparents. If given a chance, she’d love to ask her late grandfather about his experiences during the Korean War—a window into history she wishes she could explore further.
A Piece of Advice
If she could offer her younger self a nugget of wisdom, it would be this: “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re going to be okay. Show yourself some grace.” It’s advice we could all take to heart.
One Word to Rule Them All
How does Desma describe herself in one word? Dependable. And it’s clear from her dedication to her work and the relationships she nurtures that this word couldn’t be more fitting.
Superpowers and Hallway Chats
If given a superpower, Desma would choose teleportation—a logical pick for someone who loves to travel and has a busy schedule. And if you see her in the halls of UNC Radiology, don’t hesitate to say hello. “I am approachable and happy to stop and chat,” she assures with a smile.
Desma Marie Jones is not just a leader in her field; she’s a traveler, a family woman, and the kind of colleague who makes UNC Radiology a better place every day.