Dear faculty, resident physicians, and students,

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Jun Lu, Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Research in the Department of Dermatology, has agreed to be the SOM’s Director of Clinical Trials and Research in non-CRC (Clinical Research Center) space. Such spaces include UMG, JDH, and other areas. Jun will be Dean’s designee on signing off on a clinical study after approval by JDH, UMG, other leaders, department chairs, and center directors on use of the spaces and associated resources. Jun will also review the Office of Clinical and Translational Research industry-sponsored trials that are to be conducted in the non-CRC space.

I am also pleased to inform you that Dr. Sheila Alessi is now Program Director, following years of leadership as Associate Program Director of the SOM’s Clinical Research Center. Sheila will work collaboratively with Dr. Emily Germain-Lee who has agreed to be the Medical Director of the CRC as an equal partner. Sheila and Emily will work closely with the nursing director of the CRC Elizabeth Laska and her team. Together, they will lead and advance the SOM’s CRC.

I want to express my deep gratitude to Dr. Victor Hesselbrock for many years of leadership and service as Director of the CRC, and to Jonathan Covault as Medical Director for his years of support and service. We thank both also for being willing to advise in this transition.

Please join me in supporting Dr. Sheila Alessi, Dr. Emily Germain-Lee, and Dr. Jun Lu in their new roles.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bruce T. Liang
Dean, UConn School of Medicine