One on One With . . . Dr. Amir Tamiz

Editor’s Note: This is an occasional Reflections series, and this issue features Siena Heights chemistry graduate Dr. Amir Tamiz ’92, who heads the Division of Translational Research for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) in Washington, D.C..

Could you describe your current role and some of the duties and responsibilities you have on a day-to-day basis?

“I work at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), which is focused to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. The NINDS is one of 27 institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Within NINDS, I head the Division of Translational Research, which is tasked with accelerating the preclinical discovery and development of new therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders and stroke. We provide funding and resources (approximately $100 million annually) through grants, cooperative agreements and contracts to academic and industry researchers to advance basic research technologies, devices and therapeutic programs to first in human clinical trials and commercialization, with the hope to get therapies for patients who need them. DTR helps academic and industry researchers create a bridge through which discoveries made in the lab lead to new and improved medical treatments and options for patient care. We offer a variety of programs that support the design, implementation, and management of research activities critical to translational challenges in the treatment of neurological disease and stroke.

SHU Announces 2017 Alumni Award Winners

This Year’s Recipients Were Honored Oct. 14 During Homecoming Weekend

Sister Ann Joachim Award

Margaret Lawler Michael ‘82, ‘85/MA
South Lyon, Mich.

A Licensed Professional Counselor and a board certified Professional Christian Counselor, Michael is currently the director of Restore Ministries at Oak Pointe Church in Novi, Mich. The organization provides counseling support and training as part of its ministry. Recently completing her advanced certificate in Biblical Counseling, she he has worked in high schools, community colleges and universities as a guidance counselor and faculty member. She is also actively involved as a volunteer for several organizations in the metro Detroit area. The Sister Ann Joachim Award recognizes significant contributions to the University and/or community through activities that demonstrate strong leadership and the capacity to confront issues head on while maintaining the image and spirit of Siena Heights University.

From the Heights—Fall 2016 Campus News

SHU and Chinese Institute Collaborate on Business Degree Partnership

Siena Heights University and the Shijiazhuang Vocational Technology Institute of China recently announced a business administration bachelor’s degree articulation agreement in August 2016. SVTI marketing and planning majors will have the opportunity to attend Siena Heights during their final year of study. Under the agreement, SVTI students will complete the first three years of coursework in the marketing and planning major at Shijiazhuang, then can attend SHU and take courses in SHU’s business administration program to complete their major. Students will also take English language courses and live on campus during their time in the U.S.

Environmental Science Students Conduct Research in Florida

In April 2016, Siena Heights Environmental Science majors/minors traveled to Florida’s Ponce Inlet and the Indian River Lagoon, the most bio-diverse estuary in North America covering two climate zones and 156 miles from Ponce Inlet to Jupiter Inlet. Students researched current environmental issues impacting a particular local habitat or species. They then toured or caught these species (live catch and release). Subsequent research involved tours of local conservation/preservation sites developed to protect these same habitats or species.

Reuss-McCann on Panel at BGSU

Professor of Sport Management Dr. Peggy Reuss-McCann was a panelist at the Social Justice through Sport and Exercise Psychology symposium April 1-2 at Bowling Green St. University. She
participated in a discussion on community engagement and social justice.

Siena Heights Hosts Inclusion Event May 20, 2016

Siena Heights hosted the American College Personnel Association’s Equity and Inclusion Summit May 20. SHU Director of Diversity and Inclusion Sharese Mathis co-chaired the event, which had a theme of “Practicing Authenticity, Integrity and Self-Care as Students and Educators.” The objective was to bring graduate students, student affairs practitioners and faculty together to discuss the challenges in student affairs, equity and inclusion and social justice work.