{"id":5306,"date":"2024-02-23T09:52:45","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T14:52:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/radiology\/?page_id=5306"},"modified":"2025-04-17T11:08:12","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T15:08:12","slug":"faces-that-define-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/radiology\/about\/faces-that-define-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Faces That Define Us"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Blaine Mischen: Leading the Future of Molecular Imaging and Radiotheranostics<\/h3>\n Associate Professor and\u00a0Chief of the Division of Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics (MIT)<\/span>\n

When Dr. Blaine Mischen talks about medicine, there\u2019s a spark in his voice \u2014 part curiosity, part passion, and part deep-seated belief in the impact a physician can have on a patient\u2019s life. As the new Associate Professor of Radiology and Chief of the Division of Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics (MIT) at UNC, he brings with him not only years of expertise in nuclear medicine and radiotheranostics but also a heartfelt connection to North Carolina and a clear vision for the field\u2019s future.\n <\/div>\n

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Dr. Danielle Stevens: A Curious Mind<\/h3>\n Assistant Professor, Radiological Sciences<\/span>\n

Dr. Danielle Stevens, the newest Assistant Professor in UNC\u2019s Department of Radiology, didn\u2019t start her journey as the classic \u201cmad scientist\u201d\u2014though she did dress up as one for Halloween as a kid. Instead, her path into research was shaped by a deep-rooted belief in prevention over treatment, a passion for public health, and an unwavering curiosity about how the earliest moments of life shape our long-term well-being.\n <\/div>\n

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Meet Dr. Jeremy Jose<\/h3>\n Assistant Professor, Abdominal Imaging<\/span>\n

We\u2019re 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 from engineering to medicine\u2014and ultimately to radiology.\r\n\n <\/div>\n

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Anna Byars \u2013 The Calm at the Center of It All<\/h3>\n Administrative Support Associate, Neuroradiology and CT Divisions<\/strong><\/span>\n

If you\u2019ve ever had the pleasure of working with Anna Byars, you already know the truth behind her self-description in one word: chill. But don\u2019t let her laid-back, easygoing vibe fool you\u2014As an Administrative Support Associate, Anna is the engine behind the scenes for the Neuroradiology and CT Divisions at UNC Radiology, making sure lectures run smoothly, reimbursements get filed, and schedules stay on track. She\u2019s our go-to administrative guru\u2014organized, dependable, and quietly funny in a way that sneaks up on you.\n <\/div>\n

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Surfing Radiologist: Meet Dr. Bradley Spieler<\/h3>\n Dr. Bradley Spieler<\/strong>, Professor of Radiology, Emergency Imaging Division<\/span>\n

The Department of Radiology is thrilled to welcome\u00a0Dr. 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 heart.\r\n\r\nAlthough his official role is fully remote, Dr. Spieler plans to maintain a hybrid presence\u2014making time to be on-site at UNC throughout the year. \u201cI told them from the beginning\u2014I want to be there. I want to be part of the team,\u201d he shared. \u201cThis position might be virtual, but my commitment to the department is anything but.\u201d\n <\/div>\n

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From the Air Force to Breast Imaging<\/h3>\n Elijah Burton, MD\r\nAssociate Professor of Radiology in the Breast Imaging Division<\/span>\n

When Dr. Elijah Burton interviewed at UNC, he didn\u2019t come with a long list of personal connections to the department\u2014but he left knowing it felt like home.\r\n\r\nNow an Associate Professor of Radiology in the Breast Imaging Division, Dr. Burton is bringing not only a wealth of experience from his time in the Air Force and a passion for academics, but also a deep sense of reliability, empathy, and\u2026 a\u00a0very\u00a0impressive board game collection (120 and counting!).\n <\/div>\n

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Thad Benefield: Data Sleuth<\/h3>\n Thad Benefield, Research Statistician<\/span>\n

Thad Benefield is not your average statistician. By day, he meticulously sifts through decades of cancer screening data, endeavoring to make messy data more accurate to advance medical research. By night (or, more accurately, in the early hours of the morning), he is in the gym, pursuing his passion for powerlifting. Somewhere in between, he\u2019s chasing after his energetic daughter, savoring spicy foods, and devouring horror novels.\n <\/div>\n

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Joanna Newman\u2019s Journey<\/h3>\n Joanna Newman, Program Coordinator<\/span>\n

Joanna Newman\u2019s story is one of evolving dreams, boundless enthusiasm, and a knack for embracing change. From aspiring sports executive to key figure in healthcare administration, her journey reflects her versatility and her commitment to balancing professional growth with personal fulfillment.\n <\/div>\n

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Alexis Evans: HR Maven<\/h3>\n Alexis Evans, HR Consultant<\/span>\n

If you\u2019ve ever wondered who keeps the gears turning behind the scenes in the Department of Radiology at UNC, meet Alexis Evans\u2014HR Consultant, logistics queen, and a self-proclaimed \u201crunner of a tight ship.\u201d With numerous responsibilities stretching across onboarding, hiring, terminations, faculty support, salary changes, promotions, and beyond, Alexis is the master of multitasking. \u201cI like to call this position an octopus role,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019ve got many different arms doing different things.\u201d\n <\/div>\n

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Meet Dr. Rebecca Hansen<\/h3>\n Assistant Professor, Pediatric Radiology division<\/span>\n

Dr. Rebecca Hansen, known to family, friends, and patients alike as \u201cBecca,\u201d recently joined the Pediatric Radiology division at UNC as an Assistant Professor, bringing her passion for patient care and medical education to the department. In a recent interview, Dr. Hansen shared her journey to UNC Radiology, her commitment to the field, and the joy she finds in her work.\n <\/div>\n

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Meet Desma Marie Jones<\/h3>\n Administrative Director for Clinical Research and Radiology Core Service Center<\/span>\n

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\u2019s a powerhouse of organization, research, and leadership. But who is the woman behind the title? Let\u2019s dive into her story, her passions, and the quirks that make her approachable.\n <\/div>\n

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Meet Allison Speagle<\/h3>\n Education Manager and Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program Co-Coordinator<\/strong><\/span>\n

When you meet Allison Speagle, it doesn\u2019t take long to realize she\u2019s a natural organizer with a knack for connection. Whether she\u2019s coordinating major events or fostering relationships with residents, Allison\u2019s ability to juggle responsibilities shines in her role as Education Manager and Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program Co-Coordinator at UNC Radiology.\n <\/div>\n

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