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Home › About AAA › Governance › 2012 AAA Election

AAA 2012 Board of Director Candidates

Voting has now closed and election results will be announced during the AAA Business Meeting at EB 2012.

Participating in the election of AAA officers & Board members is a significant privilege of membership in the American Association of Anatomists. Your individual vote is very important. As with last year’s election process, this year we are conducting the election ONLINE. As AAA is incorporated in New York State, we must comply with New York State law which uses the "proxy" vote system. Proxy votes are essentially the same as casting your vote directly but, with the proxy vote, you give permission to another person to physically cast your vote on your behalf. In this case, your online proxy vote will be cast for you by AAA President Jeffrey Laitman during the AAA Annual Meeting at EB 2012 in San Diego, CA.

Thank you very much for participating in the AAA election and making your voice heard!


Below are the brief bios and candidate statements from the 2012 nominees. If you have any questions, please contact AAA at exec@anatomy.org or call AAA Membership Coordinator Liz Phares at 301-634-7910.

Director Candidates

Christine Eckel ~ Rebecca Hartley ~ Scott Miller ~ Betty Smoot


Candidates Running Unopposed for Additional Terms

Secretary-Treasurer Richard Drake ~ Program-Co Chair Judith Venuti


Student/Postdoc Candidates

Victoria Roach ~ Derek Wainwright


Rick Drake

RICHARD L. DRAKE, Director of Anatomy and Professor of Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve Univ.;  Ph.D. Indiana Univ., Dept. of Anatomy, 1975.  Postdoctoral Fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1975-1977; Assistant Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin, 1977-1981;  Assistant Professor to Professor, University of Cincinnati, 1981-2003; Director of Anatomy and Professor of Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of CWRU, 2003-present; Teaching:  Director of Anatomy 2004-present, Course Director Human Gross Anatomy 1984-2003, Lecturer and Laboratory Instructor Brain and Behavior I Course 1995-2003:  AAA Committees and Offices:  Educational Affairs Committee, 1995-1996; Nominating Committee, 1996; Board of Directors, 1993-1997; Chair of Educational Affairs Committee, 1997-2003; Outreach Grants Committee, 2003-2005; Secretary/Treasurer, 2005-present;  Chair of Finance Committee, 2005-present; Board of Directors, 2005-present; Journal Trust Fund and Investment Committee-Ex Officio, 2005-present.  Co-Editor, Anatomical Sciences Education, 2007-present.  Member of USMLE Step I Development Committee for Anatomy, 1997-2001.  One of the Authors of “Gray’s Anatomy for Students”, “Gray’s Atlas of Anatomy” and “Gray’s Anatomy for Students Flash Cards”.  Research interest:  Anatomy education.

Candidate Statement:

It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the AAA and I look forward to continuing in this role for another term.  The AAA continues to be financially strong thanks to everyone’s hard work and responsible fiscal management.  With this foundation, the AAA must strive to develop and provide programs that support and benefit our members and promote the anatomical sciences in research and education.  It will be my responsibility to assist the AAA officers and Board to make sure that these goals are accomplished and the AAA moves forward in a fiscally responsible way.

  • Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained:

    AACA

  • Other Professional Offices Currently Held:

    Treasurer of International Federation of Associations of Anatomists

  • Currently Held Editorial Board Positions:

    Co-Editor-in-Chief of Anatomical Sciences Education

    • Christine Eckel

    CHRISTINE ECKEL, Associate Professor of Anatomy, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine; Education: Ph.D. University of Utah School of Medicine (Salt Lake City) Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, 2009; M.A., University of California (Berkeley) Department of Human Biodynamics, 1997; Positions: Course Director, Medical Gross Anatomy and Medical Microanatomy, WVSOM, 2010-11; Director, Human Gift Registry, WVSOM, 2009-10; Associate Professor of Biology, Salt Lake Community College, 1998-2009; Visiting Associate Professor of Anatomy, University of California (Berkeley), 2008; Teaching: Medical Gross Anatomy 2003-present, Medical Microanatomy 2009-present. Undergraduate Human Anatomy 1995-2009, Undergraduate Human Physiology 1998-2009; Activities: Member since 1998; Advisory Committee of Young Anatomists, 2007-2009; Educational Affairs Committee, 2009-2012; STURP Task Force, 2011; Course Directors Subcommittee (EAC), 2011; Anatomy Training Program Selection Subcommittee (EAC), 2010; Symposium Chair, 2008 & 2011; Symposium Co-chair, 2005. Other Professional Activities:ad hoc reviewer: Anatomical Sciences Education, Medical Education, The Anatomical Record; Textbook author: “Human Anatomy Laboratory Manual, 1e, 2e,” McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2008, 2011; “Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Manual,” McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2012. Biomedical photographer: dissections and photos published in several textbooks and web-based instructional materials. Research Interests: Teaching innovation: development of a “cadaver autopsy project” to integrate course curricula; educational outcomes research investigating qualitative and quantitative factors related to the efficacy of educational materials. 

    Candidate Statement:

    The AAA has been a wonderful resource to me. I am thrilled at the current direction the AAA is heading. I would be honored to be in a position to help guide the organization as it takes on new endeavors to provide career services to anatomists and create programs that open our doors to undergraduates and undergraduate instructors of anatomy. If we continue to foster these programs and utilize the vast experience of our current membership to encourage and motivate new members – we will not only increase membership, we will also affirm our unique position as the home for anatomists.

  • Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained:

    American Association of Clinical Anatomists,  Human Anatomy & Physiology Society – Cadaver Use Committee, Textbook and Academic Authors Association

  • Other Professional Offices Currently Held:

    None

  • Currently Held Editorial Board Positions:

    None

    • Rebecca Hartley

    REBECCA S. HARTLEY, Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine; Ph.D. University of Washington Department of Biological Structure, 1992; Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 1992-1996 and University of Rennes I (Rennes, France), 1996-1997; Assistant Professor, University of Iowa, 1998-2002; Assistant to Associate Professor, University of New Mexico SOM, 2002-present. Teaching: Medical Gross Anatomy, and Graduate Cell Biology 1998-2002; Human Structure, Function, and Development  2002-present; Advanced Cell Biology 2002-present; Genetics and Neoplasia 2006-present. AAA Committees: Platform Session Organizer, EB 2002; Advisory Committee for Young Anatomists, 2002-2005; Public Affairs Committee, 2008-2011; Archive Reviewer, 2011-present; Regulatory RNA Mini Meeting Organizer, EB 2012. Other Professional Activities: Ad-Hoc Member of NIH CDP Study Section, 2011;NIH NCI-F Study Section, 2010-present; NIH NIAID Special Emphasis Panel, 2009; AHA South Central Research Committee, 2007-2011; Ad-Hoc Member of NIH MONC Study Section, 2007; AHA Pacific Mountain Research Committee, 2006-2008; Alternate Councilor and Councilor ASM Division X, 2005-2009; AHA Molecular Signaling II Study Section, 2003-2006; Research Interests: Post-transcriptional control of the embryonic and cancer cell cycle by RNA binding proteins and microRNAs.

    Candidate Statement:

    Balancing excellence in research and education (and in educational research) is the greatest strength and challenge facing anatomists. My developmental biology and cancer research is kept in perspective and enriched by teaching anatomy, histology, and embryology. As a board member, I would work collaboratively to advance the goals of achieving and maintaining this balance for individuals and the society. As a member of the ACYA and PAC, a mentor for young anatomists, reviewer for the AAA Archive, and organizer of a Regulatory RNA mini-meeting for EB 2012, I have learned that a society is as strong and diverse as its individual members.

  • Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained:

    RNA Society, American Association for Cancer Research

  • Other Professional Offices Currently Held:

    None

  • Currently Held Editorial Board Positions:

    None

    • Scott Miller

    SCOTT C. MILLER, Professor of Radiology, University of Utah School of Medicine; Ph.D. University of Utah Department of Anatomy, 1974; Research Fellow, Department of Anatomy, Harvard Medical School, 1974-1977; Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Pharmacology, University of Utah, 1977-1984; Associate Professor to Professor, Department of Radiology, University of Utah, 1986-present; Adjunct Professor of Nuclear Engineering, University of Utah, 1996-present.  Teaching: Human Gross Anatomy, 1972-1975, Histology 1972-1984, Skeletal Anatomy and Physiology (1984-present), Radiation Biology (1996-present).  AAA Committees: Associate Editor, The Anatomical Record, 2006–present; Publications Committee, 2010-present.  Other Professional Activities: Member of NIH OBM Study Section, 1981-1985; Editorial Board Member, Bone, 1989-2007; Associate Editor, Radiation Research, 1993-1997; Editorial Board Member, Cells and Materials, 1992-2000; Editorial Board Member, Breast Cancer Digests, 1992-1995; Associate Editor, Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, 2002-2008; National Judge, Siemens-Westinghouse Science Scholarships, 2004. Research: Skeletal biology, morphology, physiology, and structure-function relationships. Development of novel anatomical imaging agents and nanotherapeutic delivery systems for musculoskeletal diseases.

    Candidate Statement:

    This is an exciting period in the anatomical sciences, in part due to new anatomical imaging technologies that have changed the way anatomy is taught and practiced.  This is also a challenging period for research funding, shifts in anatomy education, professional development, science communication and publishing, and political and public perceptions of science.  If permitted to serve, I will be a strong advocate for promoting anatomy education, professional development and recruitment, research opportunities and scholarship, expanding the membership of the society, continuing to improve the quality of our journals, and help navigate the changing paradigm in science publishing and communication.

  • Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained:

    American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Radiation Research Society, International Bone and Mineral Research Society.

  • Other Professional Offices Currently Held:

    None

  • Currently Held Editorial Board Positions:

    Associate Editor for The Anatomical Record.

    • Victoria Roach

    VICTORIA ROACH, Doctoral Student in Clinical Anatomy, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario). Master’s Degree in Clinical Anatomy, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, 2011; Honours Bachelor of Science, Specialization in Biomedical Biology, Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 2009. Teaching: Lab Demonstration – Gross Anatomy 2009-present. Research Interests: The impact of 3-D on learning, skill acquisition and cognitive processes in the learner. [For details, please see http://www.anatatorium.com/CRIPT/Home.html.]

    Candidate Statement:

    As a doctoral student and young anatomist, I see the way that the field of anatomy is evolving to meet the technological standards of today and AAA’s role in that evolution. As a student representative, I would use this opportunity to promote standards of innovation in the field of anatomy, and help lead AAA along the cutting edge without abandoning tried, tested, and true methods. Further, I also hope to serve as an ambassador to the young anatomists across North America, making their voices heard and relaying back to them the events and topics that will shape their futures in anatomy.

  • Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained:

    Society for Neuroscience

  • Other Professional Offices Currently Held:

    None

  • Currently Held Editorial Board Positions:

    None

    •  

    Betty Smoot

    BETTY SMOOT, Assistant Adjunct Professor, Department of Anatomy and Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California San Francisco.  Doctorate in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California San Francisco, 2009.  BA in Biology, San Francisco State University.  Teaching: Human gross anatomy medical, pharmacy, and physical therapy students (2007-present) AAA Activities:  Membership committee (2011 - present); participant in Anatomy Training Program. Research Interests: Functional anatomy of the lymphatic system; diagnosis and management of the sequelue of breast cancer treatment.

     

    Candidate Statement:

    Membership in AAA has been tremendously rewarding for me, particularly the mentorship and opportunity to participate in the Anatomy Training Program.  I hope to pay forward my good fortune by serving the organization and membership.  There are three areas about which I am passionate: (1) expanding interprofessional teaching and learning in anatomy; (2) encouraging students, young investigators, and other junior faculty to pursue anatomy scholarship and teaching;and (3) integrating technology, problem-based learning, and self-directed learning, without sacrificing laboratory experience, over the course of a curriculum.  Best practices require that we identify, and provide evidence for, teaching strategies for optimal learning.

  • Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained:

    American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

  • Other Professional Offices Currently Held:

    Representative: California Chapter of the APTA Research Special Interest Group

  • Currently Held Editorial Board Positions:

    None

    • Judith Venuti

    JUDITH M. VENUTI, Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine; Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, 1986; Postdoctoral Researcher, Center for Developmental Biology, Department of Zoology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 1986-1990; Research Associate, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX, 1990-1994; Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 1994-2000; Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 2001-2011. Teaching: Human Gross Anatomy 1994-present; Human Prenatal Development 1994-present; Cell and Molecular Biology, 2001-present; Developmental Biology 1994-present; AAA Committees: Advisory Committee for Young Anatomists, 2000-2004; AAA Board of Directors, 2004-2007; Nominating Committee, 2005-2006; AAA Representative to FASEB Excellence in Science Committee, 2007-present; Program Committee, 2005-present; Program Committee Co-chair, 2008-present. Other activities: Program Director, Developmental Systems, National Science Foundation 2006-2007; Coordinator, New Orleans Developmental Biology Consortium, 2007-present; Editorial Board, Developmental Dynamics, 2004-present. Research interests: The role of Wnt and Nodal signaling in axial patterning of the early embryo; signaling during myogenic determination and differentiation.

    Candidate Statement:

    As an anatomy educator and basic science researcher, I value how the AAA serves both segments of our community. I would like to encourage more integrative programs and continue to raise awareness of other disciplines to the importance of the anatomical sciences by highlighting how they are an essential component of biomedical research (e.g. in bioengineering, phenotypic analyses, and the development of imaging techniques).  My role on this committee will be to create exciting and innovative sessions that focus on these types of analyses and appeal not only to all AAA members but also to other EB attendees.

  • Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained:

    ASCB, SICB, AACA, Marine Biological Laboratory Corporation

  • Other Professional Offices Currently Held:

    Co-Chair Developmental Biology Program - Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)

  • Currently Held Editorial Board Positions:

    Developmental Dynamics

    • Derek Wainwright

    DEREK A. WAINWRIGHT, Post-Doctoral Fellow of Dept. of Surgery, The University of Chicago; B.S., Bradley University, Dept. of Biology, 1998‐2002; M.S. to Ph.D., Loyola University Chicago, Dept. of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, 2002‐2009; Post‐Doctoral Fellow, The University of Chicago, 2009‐present. Teaching: Teaching Assistant, Medical Histology 2006‐2007; Guest Lecturer, Advanced Neurobiology 2007‐2008; Cells, Molecules and Genes 2009‐present. AAA Committees: Membership Committee, 2010‐2013; Public Affairs Committee, 2011-2014; Strategic Thinking for Undergraduate Recruitment Task Force, 2011. Other Professional Activities: Commencement Address Speaker, Riverdale High School, 2011; Chair, Public Affairs Committee of the University of Chicago Post-Doctoral Association, 2011-2012. Research Interests: Utilizing anatomical techniques combined with immunotherapy to identify components of the immune system critical to the successful clearance of brain tumors [for details, please see http://www.lesniaklab.com/derek-a-wainwright-phd.html].

    Candidate Statement:

    The AAA is an outstanding organization that is filled with opportunities for students and post-docs. The AAA not only serves as a centralized anatomy department, but also showcases the latest educational styles, research and mentorship in all areas of anatomy. I would use this opportunity to advocate for ways to increase the levels of- and retention of-student/post-doc. members. This will be based, in part, on increasing the awareness and participation of the outstanding leadership-, teaching- and competitive-awards that the AAA offers to students/post-docs. Someday, AAA students and post-docs will become the educators/leaders of tomorrow. That core value will be emphasized.

  • Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained:

    AAAS, 2004 -present; SFN, 2006 - present; NABR, 2008-present; AACR, 2009-present; PNIRS, 2010-present; NPA, 2011-present.

  • Other Professional Offices Currently Held:

    None

  • Currently Held Editorial Board Positions:

    None

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