If you spend any time around the Clinical Research team in Radiology, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Markeela Lipscomb. As Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations, she is a leader, problem-solver, mentor, and advocate whose work helps keep research moving forward every day. While her title reflects a significant leadership role, Markeela remains deeply connected to the people at the heart of clinical research: both her team and the patients they serve.
No Two Days Are the Same
Ask Markeela what a typical day looks like, and she’ll tell you that’s the beauty of the job: there isn’t one.
“Every day is different,” she says. “That’s the fun part.”
On any given day, she may review study budgets, develop protocols, submit Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications, coordinate upcoming study visits, or answer questions from team members. Much of her work revolves around keeping research operations running smoothly while helping her staff navigate challenges along the way.
“It’s a lot of problem-solving,” she says.
Although her current role is more administrative than her previous positions, Markeela still values opportunities to interact with patients. Whether she’s helping resolve billing concerns or ensuring research-related expenses are handled correctly, she enjoys finding solutions that make the research experience better for participants.
And when needed, she still jumps into the front lines of research.
“I still do some enrollments sometimes, just because we’re short-staffed,” she says with a smile.
A Journey Built on Opportunity
Markeela’s career path wasn’t exactly what she imagined after graduating college.
With degrees in psychology and sociology, she joined UNC in 2015 as a research professional in the Department of Psychiatry. Her plan then was simple: work for six months, then head straight to graduate school.
Life, however, had other plans.
What began as a temporary stop turned into a fulfilling career in research. After several years in Psychiatry, shifting funding opportunities led her to explore other positions. In 2018, she moved into Radiology as a research assistant, where she was introduced to a completely new side of research.
“My background was social and behavioral research,” she explains. “Moving into clinical research was a very different experience.”
She quickly embraced the challenge. Over the years, she progressed from research assistant to team lead, coordinator, lead coordinator, and eventually Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations.
Along the way, she gained experience not only in research management but also in leadership.
“Now that I’m supervising people, I’m doing performance reviews and overseeing their work. That’s very different from being the subject matter expert who just answers questions,” she says. “I’ve seen a lot of growth over the last year for me personally in this role.”
Reflecting on her journey, Markeela describes it as both challenging and rewarding.
“It’s been a journey, but it’s been fun. I’ve learned a lot and grown a lot.”
Family First
While her professional accomplishments are impressive, family remains at the center of Markeela’s life.
She speaks warmly about her mother, siblings, niece, and nephew, and the close-knit support system that has influenced many of her decisions. At one point, her desire to support family played a significant role in postponing her plans for graduate school.
Her passion for earning a PhD, particularly in mental health, has never disappeared. Instead, she’s waiting for the right moment.
“I still want to go,” she says. “I’m just waiting for that sweet spot where I feel like I have a healthy work-life balance.”
Her commitment to family extends beyond the present. If given the opportunity to spend time with anyone, alive or deceased, she’d choose her maternal grandmother, who passed away when Markeela was just six years old.
“I’d love to sit down with her, learn more about our family history, ask about recipes, and hear stories from her perspective,” she says. “When you’re a child, you see things differently. I feel like I missed so much.”
A Lifelong Love of Learning
Outside of work, Markeela’s curiosity never slows down.
An avid reader, she enjoys everything from autobiographies and adventure novels to fantasy fiction and poetry. She is equally fascinated by documentaries, whether they’re focused on history, science, or true crime.
“I think it’s part of my desire for learning,” she says.
Her musical tastes are just as diverse. Rather than carefully curated playlists, she lets her music shuffle freely, creating an eclectic soundtrack that might jump from Queen to classical music in a few minutes.
She also enjoys poetry, a passion that traces back to her school days and a deep appreciation for Shakespeare.
“I like reading and seeing things from people’s perspectives,” she says. “That’s probably one of the reasons I like poetry. It gives me something to analyze.”
Growing Through Trust
When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Markeela doesn’t hesitate.
“Trust yourself.”
The message comes from years of personal and professional growth.
“A lot of times I hesitate on big moves or big changes,” she says. “But usually, I end up following through and realizing, ‘This isn’t that bad. I’ve got this.'”
That confidence has helped guide her through career shifts, new leadership responsibilities, and unexpected life detours. It also reflects the mindset that continues to propel her forward.
Three Words That Say It All
If her best friend had to describe her in three words?
Supportive. Dependable. Funny.
And if Markeela had to choose just one word to describe herself?
Bubbly.
It’s a fitting description for someone known for her positive energy, approachable leadership style, and willingness to help others navigate challenges.
The Next Chapter
Asked what the title of her autobiography would be, Markeela answers with a smile:
A Journey to Me.
It feels like the perfect title for someone whose path has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, service, and growth. From her beginnings in psychology research to leading clinical research operations in Radiology, she’s built a career rooted in helping others while continuously discovering new opportunities for herself.
As Radiology continues to grow, Markeela looks forward to what comes next.
“Hopefully it’s all good things,” she says. “Hopefully it’s more employees and less stress.”
Given her track record, there’s little doubt she’ll continue leading the way with the same enthusiasm, compassion, and determination that have defined her journey so far.