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Center member Lynae Darbes Awarded for Exceptional Mentorship in Clinical and Translational Research

Center for Global Health Equity at the University of Michigan

(Read the original article) The Center for Global Health Equity at the University of Michigan is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Lynae A. Darbes, PhD who has been honored with the 2024 MICHR Distinguished Clinical and Translational Research Mentor Award. This accolade recognizes  Darbes' exceptional dedication to fostering the intellectual, creative, scholarly, and professional growth of her students, fellows, and trainees, particularly in the domain of global health equity.

Darbes, an Associate Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences at the School of Nursing, plays a pivotal role in the Center’s mission to advance equitable health outcomes worldwide. As a dedicated member of the Center and an active participant in the Empowering Women and Communities Challenge Group—co-led by U-M faculty Cheryl Moyer, PhD and Gary Harper, PhD—Darbes has made significant contributions to improving health and well-being across diverse communities.

The 2024 Mentoring Forum, co-sponsored by the Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR) and the Medical School Office of Faculty Development, will be held on September 27, 2024. This event, open to all, will not only honor Darbes and other distinguished mentors but also feature a keynote address by Elizabeth Harry, MD, Chief Wellness Officer at the U-M Medical School. Harry will speak on the critical importance of well-being in the academic and research environment.

Following Harry’s presentation, Emily Somers, PhD, ScM, Faculty Lead for Mentoring Programs at MICHR, will present the awards to the honorees, including Darbes. Her recognition is a testament to her impactful mentorship and her unwavering commitment to global health equity. 

"Mentorship is the cornerstone of progress in research and clinical practice," says Cheryl Moyer, faculty co-lead of the Empowering Women and Communities Challenge Group. "The impact of great mentors like Dr. Lynae Darbes cannot be overstated; they shape the future of healthcare by nurturing the next generation of leaders."

Darbes' research focuses on promoting health behavior change and improving health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. She has been instrumental in numerous projects aimed at empowering women and communities to achieve better health, embodying the values of the Center for Global Health Equity. Her mentorship ensures that these critical efforts will continue through the work of those she has guided and inspired.

In addition to Darbes, the following individuals will also be recognized:

Recipients of the 2024 MICHR Distinguished Clinical and Translational Research Mentor Award:

  • Chad M. Brummett, MD, Bert N LaDu Professor of Anesthesiology, Senior Associate Chair for Research, Co-Director of the Opioid Research Institute, and Co-Director of the Overdose Prevention Engagement Network, Medical School
  • Marc Peters-Golden, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine, Medical School
  • Matthew J. Smith, PhD, MSW, MPE, LCSW, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Social Work, and Director, Level Up: Employment Skills Simulation Lab, School of Social Work
  • Michael Uhler, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Biological Chemistry, and Research Professor Emeritus, Michigan Neuroscience Institute, Medical School

Recipients of the 2024 MICHR Distinguished Clinical and Translational Research Faculty Peer Mentor Award:

  • Allison Ruff, MD, MHPE, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Medical School

Recipients of the 2024 MICHR Distinguished Clinical and Translational Research Staff Peer Mentor Award:

  • Catherine L. Martin, MS, RN, Clinical Nurse IV and Research Coordinator, Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Medical School, and Adjunct Clinical Instructor, School of Nursing

Join us in celebrating these outstanding mentors who embody the spirit of mentorship and dedication to advancing clinical and translational research at the University of Michigan.