About The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dr. Carrie Donley has served as Director of the Chapel Hill Analytical and Nanofabrication Laboratory (CHANL) at UNC-Chapel Hill for over 12 years before transitioning to focus more on laboratory work as a Spectroscopist. After earning her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Arizona, she completed postdoctoral work at the University of Cambridge's Optoelectronics group and Hewlett Packard's Quantum Science Research Lab. Her expertise spans multiple advanced characterization techniques, including x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In her role, she oversees various spectroscopy tools including XPS, XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis microspectrophotometer, AFM, and nanoindenter. Her work involves training and supporting a diverse range of researchers, from undergraduate students to postdoctoral fellows, across multiple disciplines. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she maintains diverse interests including beekeeping, gardening, soap making, yarn recycling, yoga, and cycling. Through her leadership and technical expertise, she has contributed significantly to advancing nanoscale research and characterization capabilities at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Dr. James Cahoon serves as Professor of Chemistry at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he leads groundbreaking research in semiconductor nanomaterials synthesis. After earning his B.S. in Chemistry from William & Mary in 2003 and Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from UC Berkeley in 2008, he completed postdoctoral work at Harvard University under Charles Lieber before joining UNC in 2011. His research program combines nanomaterials synthesis with physical characterization and computational modeling, following the principle that "morphology encodes function." His work has significant implications for technologies ranging from solar cells to solid-state memory. His scientific excellence has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering (2014), Sloan Research Fellowship (2015), Cottrell Scholar Award (2015), and NSF CAREER Award (2016). Earlier accolades include the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (2002), NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2004), and ACS Physical Chemistry Division Post-doctoral Research Award (2010). His research has been highly influential, with his publications receiving over 3,900 citations, particularly for his work on nanowire synthesis and solar energy applications

Anne Gilliland serves as the Scholarly Communications Officer at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries, where she brings her expertise in both law (JD) and library science (MLS) to guide the university's scholarly publishing initiatives. Her work focuses on developing and implementing programs that advance scholarly communication practices while providing essential guidance on copyright law, fair use, authors' rights, and open access. She has gained recognition for creating innovative copyright education resources, including co-developing two significant Coursera MOOCs: "Copyright for Educators & Librarians" and "Copyright for Multimedia"

Dr. Donald Hornstein serves as the Aubrey L. Brooks Professor at the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he has established himself as one of the nation's leading environmental law scholars. His excellence in teaching is evidenced by winning the Law School's McCall Award for Teaching Excellence a record eight times and three additional university-wide teaching awards. His academic impact was recognized in Harvard University Press's "What the Best Law Teachers Do," which featured him among 26 of the nation's finest law instructors. As a Fulbright scholar with research experience in East Africa, his environmental law scholarship has twice been recognized in the annual Top 10 national articles, with publications in prestigious journals including the Columbia Law Review and Yale Journal on Regulation. His expertise extends to catastrophic risk insurance, serving on the Board of Directors of North Carolina's Wind Pool. Through his Coursera course "Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy," he shares his expertise in environmental regulation and policy with a global audience. Before academia, he worked at the Department of Justice's Environmental Law Division and represented environmental organizations before the U.S. Supreme Court while at Arnold & Porter.

Dr. Lorraine Alexander serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Director of Interprofessional Education and Practice at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. With over 20 years of experience in distance education, she has pioneered innovative approaches to public health education and workforce development. Her academic credentials include a DrPH and MPH in Biohazard Science from UNC-Chapel Hill and a BS in Microbiology/Public Health from Michigan State University. As Faculty Director of the Online Certificate in Field Epidemiology Graduate Program, she has been instrumental in developing competency-based curriculum and distance learning programs. Her expertise is recognized through memberships in prestigious organizations including Delta Omega Society and Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society. Through her work with the North Carolina Partnership for Excellence in Applied Epidemiology, she bridges academic research with practical public health applications. Her contributions to interprofessional education since 2014 include developing courses and advising the Gillings Interprofessional Student Group

Dr. Evan Feldman serves as Director of Wind Studies and Professor of Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in conducting and music education. His academic credentials include a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied under Donald Hunsberger and Mendi Rodan. His influential textbook "Instrumental Music Education," now in its third edition, has been widely adopted by university music programs nationwide. As an accomplished conductor and educator, he has led performances internationally and serves as Principal Guest Conductor of the Greensboro Symphony. His musical arrangements of works by composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, George Enescu, and Sergei Prokofiev are published by Tierolff Muziekcentrale. His expertise extends to digital education, having created the first MOOC dedicated to conducting and rehearsal technique, which has reached over 30,000 students globally through Coursera. His contributions to music education and conducting have earned him recognition both nationally and internationally, with guest conducting engagements across Europe, Africa, and the United States.

Dr. William R. Ferris serves as the Joel R. Williamson Eminent Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and senior associate director of UNC's Center for the Study of the American South. His distinguished career spans over five decades of documenting and preserving Southern culture, particularly African American music and folklore. After earning his Ph.D. in folklore from the University of Pennsylvania in 1969, he established himself as a pioneering force in Southern studies, founding the Center for Southern Folklore in Memphis and the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi. His contributions include conducting thousands of interviews with musicians, creating 15 documentary films, and co-editing the Pulitzer Prize-nominated "Encyclopedia of Southern Culture." As chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (1997-2001), he expanded the organization's reach and impact. His work has earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Historical Album for "Voices of Mississippi" (2019) and recognition in the Blues Hall of Fame. Through his courses "Southern Music" and "Southern Literature and the Oral Tradition," he continues to share his vast knowledge of Southern culture with new generations of scholars

Dr. Barbara L. Fredrickson serves as Kenan Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she directs both the Social Psychology Doctoral Program and the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Laboratory (PEP Lab). After earning her Ph.D. from Stanford University and completing postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley, she has dedicated over 25 years to advancing the science of positive emotions. Her groundbreaking "broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions" has become foundational in positive psychology, demonstrating how positive emotions contribute to resilience, wellbeing, and health

Dr. Ram Neta serves as Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he has established himself as a leading expert in epistemology. His research explores fundamental questions about the nature of knowledge, rationality, and evidence, with particular focus on how species-specific properties determine epistemic constraints. He has published extensively in prestigious journals, with dozens of articles examining topics ranging from the nature and extent of knowledge to the rationality of belief formation and the compelling nature of skeptical arguments. His scholarly contributions include editing several influential volumes in epistemology and developing new perspectives on how arguments for skepticism become compelling. Through his popular Coursera series "Think Again," co-taught with Walter Sinnott-Armstrong of Duke University, he has brought philosophical reasoning to hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. His current research investigates how an animal's species membership influences its representational capabilities and epistemic constraints. As Director of Placement in the Philosophy Department, he also plays a crucial role in mentoring the next generation of philosophers while continuing to advance our understanding of knowledge and rational belief.

Dr. Holden Thorp currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Science family of journals and Professor of Chemistry at George Washington University, following a distinguished career in academic leadership and entrepreneurship. A North Carolina native, he earned his B.S. in Chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill with highest honors, completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Caltech at age 24, and conducted postdoctoral work at Yale University. His career spans multiple leadership roles, including Chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill (2008-2013) and Provost at Washington University in St. Louis (2013-2019), where he significantly increased student diversity and academic excellence. As an entrepreneur, he co-founded several biotechnology companies, including Viamet Pharmaceuticals and Xanthon, demonstrating his commitment to translating research into practical applications. His academic contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a charter fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and selection for the Presidential Young Investigator Award. Beyond his scientific work, he has shaped higher education policy through service on the National Commission on Higher Education Attainment and the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council, while maintaining his passion for music as an accomplished jazz bassist and keyboard player.

Dr. Mitch Prinstein serves as the Chief Science Officer at the American Psychological Association and formerly held the position of John Van Seters Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC Chapel Hill. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Miami, followed by training at Brown University's Clinical Psychology Consortium. With over 20 years of research experience, he has published more than 200 scientific works focusing on adolescent peer relationships, depression, self-injury, and suicide. His groundbreaking research on popularity, funded by the National Institutes of Health and various foundations, has transformed our understanding of social relationships and mental health. He is board certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and has served as president of multiple professional organizations, including the Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. His book "Popular: Finding Happiness and Success in a World That Cares Too Much About the Wrong Kinds of Relationships" has brought his research to mainstream audiences, and his work has been featured in over 200 media outlets. Through his research and leadership roles, including serving on the APA Board of Directors, he continues to shape the field of clinical psychology while making psychological science accessible to the public.

Dr. Karin Yeatts serves as Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the UNC School of Public Health, where she combines expertise in environmental health and epidemiology. Her academic journey includes a BA in chemistry from Bowdoin College, an MS in environmental science and engineering from Virginia Tech, an MS in epidemiology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and a PhD in epidemiology from UNC School of Public Health. Her research focuses on two main areas: the health effects of air pollution and asthma epidemiology, collaborating with major organizations including the CDC, EPA, and Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. As lead faculty instructor for several key courses including "Introduction to Epidemiology" and "Methods in Field Epidemiology," she has developed innovative teaching approaches and online training modules for the graduate certificate program in field epidemiology. Her work bridges multiple disciplines through affiliations with the UNC Public Health Leadership program, the Institute of Public Health, and the Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology. Through her teaching and research, she continues to advance our understanding of environmental health impacts while training the next generation of epidemiologists.

Evelyn Cook serves as the Associate Director of the North Carolina Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology (SPICE), bringing extensive experience in infection prevention across various healthcare settings. Her distinguished career includes working as a Nurse Clinician and Nurse Liaison with the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network (DICON), along with serving as a faculty member for SPICE courses and infection control consultant. As a Registered Nurse with National Board Certification in Infection Control, she has developed expertise in both acute care and outpatient settings, specializing in creating infection prevention risk assessments, plans, and policies particularly for long-term care facilities. Her leadership in the field is evidenced by her active involvement in professional organizations, including serving as President (2005-06) of the North Carolina Association for Professionals in Infection Control, and membership in the National Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Her contributions to the field were recognized when she was named Practitioner of the Year in 2002 by the North Carolina Association of Professionals in Infection Control. Through her Coursera course "Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes," she continues to share her expertise with healthcare professionals worldwide.

Dr. Helen R. Tibbo serves as Alumni Distinguished Professor at the School of Information and Library Science at UNC-Chapel Hill, where she has revolutionized digital preservation and archival education. After earning degrees from Bridgewater State College (BA), Indiana University (MLS), and the University of Maryland (MA and PhD in Library and Information Science), she has dedicated her career to advancing digital curation and archives management. Her leadership is evidenced through numerous groundbreaking projects, including the DigCCurr initiatives that developed international digital curation curricula for both master's and doctoral levels. As President of the Society of American Archivists (2010-2011) and a SAA Fellow, she has shaped the field's direction nationally. Her innovative work includes developing the Archives and Records Management Program and the Master's in Professional Science in Digital Curation degree at UNC. Through multiple IMLS-funded projects like ESOPI-21 and CRADLE, she has bridged the gap between traditional archival practices and digital preservation needs. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a Digital Pioneer by the Library of Congress (2011) and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University (2018)

Buck Goldstein serves as University Entrepreneur in Residence and Professor of the Practice in the Department of Economics at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he has been instrumental in transforming entrepreneurship education since 2004. After earning his B.A. (Phi Beta Kappa) from UNC-Chapel Hill, M.Ed. from the University of Massachusetts, and J.D. with honors from UNC Law School, he built an impressive career as a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded Information America, which grew from a startup to a NASDAQ-listed company before being acquired by Thomson Corporation, and later founded NetWorth Partners, a venture capital fund, before becoming a partner at Mellon Ventures. His entrepreneurial success earned him recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year from the Information Industry Association. At UNC, he helped establish The Carolina Entrepreneurial Initiative and remains closely involved with the Minor in Entrepreneurship program. He co-authored "Engines of Innovation—The Entrepreneurial University in the 21st Century" with Holden Thorp, advocating for research universities' role in addressing global challenges. His business leadership extends to serving as Chairman of Medfusion (acquired by Intuit), Board Observer for iContact (acquired by Vocus), and advisor to various technology companies and non-profits. Through his teaching and mentorship, he continues to champion entrepreneurship as a vital force for societal change.