Author Archives: Sheerah Coe

Chapel Hill, NC — In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have mapped how a small but mighty part of the brain—the cerebellum—develops in babies and young children. Their recently published study in Nature Communications reveals that this “little brain”, once thought to mainly control...

When Dr. Elijah Burton interviewed at UNC, he didn’t come with a long list of personal connections to the department—but he left knowing it felt like home. Now an Associate Professor of Radiology in the Breast Imaging Division, Dr. Burton is bringing not only a wealth of experience from his...

The Department of Radiology is thrilled to welcome Dr. Bradley Spieler, Professor of Radiology, to the Emergency Imaging Division. With roots in New Orleans and footprints in Honolulu, New York, and beyond, Dr. Spieler brings with him not only deep clinical expertise, but a vibrant spirit that embodies generosity, adventure, and...

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Jeremy Jose to the Department of Radiology as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Abdominal Imaging. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply grounded in his values, Jeremy brings not only clinical expertise and a passion for teaching but also a compelling personal journey that led him...

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with Anna Byars, you already know the truth behind her self-description in one word: chill. But don’t let her laid-back, easygoing vibe fool you—As an Administrative Support Associate, Anna is the engine behind the scenes for the Neuroradiology and CT Divisions at UNC Radiology,...

On Saturday June 14th UNC Radiology hosted the 2025 Residency and Fellow Graduation at the Governors Club. It was an unforgettable evening filled with pride, emotion, and inspiration as graduates, their loved ones, and faculty gathered for the Department of Radiology’s annual Graduation Celebration. Held in a festive atmosphere complete with...

Three researchers from Virginie Papadopoulou’s ENHANCE Lab—which focuses on human performance in austere environments—were honored with UHMS President’s Awards at the recent joint Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) conference. Their achievements highlight the lab’s innovative approach to gas physiology modulation and its commitment to...

Dr. Muthu Kumar Sakthivel, MD, Assistant Professor, Cardiothoracic Imaging and Director of the Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship Program, has been elected as a Fellow of the Society for Cardiovascular MR (FSCMR)! This is a truly prestigious honor, recognizing pioneers in the field of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dr. Sakthivel is...

The Department of Radiology proudly hosted the kickoff reception for the 2025 Castillo Scholars Program on May 28 at the Carolina Club, welcoming the newest cohort of medical students embarking on an intensive summer of learning, mentorship, and exploration in medical specialties. Now in its fifth year, the Castillo Scholars...

If you ask Fen Annarino how he ended up as a research specialist for Dr. Muir at UNC Radiology, his answer is refreshingly honest: he wasn’t exactly aiming for it—but we’re glad he landed here. “I wasn’t specifically looking for something in Radiology,” he admits, “but this job popped out at me.”...

Congratulations, Dr. John Nazarian, Chief and Associate Professor of Emergency Radiology! He won the UNC Department of Emergency Medicine Ectopic Attending Award for 2025, awarded to an educator outside of EM for outstanding dedication to teaching residents. He will receive his award at the UNC Emergency Medicine Education Banquet and Graduation on...

When you first meet Emily Werder, new assistant professor in the Department of Radiology’s Research Division, you might assume she’s laser-focused on decoding the brain’s secrets—and you’d be right. But give it a beat, and you’ll also find someone who once aspired to be Erin Brockovich, enjoys a good walk-up song,...