Melanie Graham, MPH, PhD, Appointed Executive Vice Chair for Research Strategy and Operations

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Melanie Graham, MPH, PhD, as the new Executive Vice Chair for Research Strategy and Operations in the Department of Surgery. Dr. Graham will provide leadership and strategic direction to enhance our department’s research efforts, with a focus on growing a robust NIH portfolio and fostering innovation. Her role promotes and supports the Department’s mission of discovery and collaborative science, aids in training the next generation of researchers, serves as the primary liaison to align research goals with university-wide initiatives, and guides the professional development of our scientist faculty and trainees. 

Dr. Graham’s research, recognized both nationally and internationally, explores how behavioral and environmental factors shape, buffer, and constrain physiological processes, ultimately influencing outcomes and the overall care experience. Her research spans a broad range of fields, including diabetes and obesity, gene therapy, stem cell biology, cell and tissue engineering, solid organ and cellular transplantation, and medical devices. Embracing the One Health concept, which connects human, animal, and environmental health, her work integrates these elements to accelerate the development and clinical translation of innovative therapies. Distinguished by its collaborative nature, her diverse portfolio includes NIH-, foundation-, and industry-sponsored research.

We look forward to the advancements Dr. Graham will help drive in our research mission.

Sincerely,

Sayeed Ikramuddin, MD, MHA
Jay Phillips Professor and Chair