RCMI Newsletter June 2026

Celebrating Excellence in Teaching


Congratulations to Dr. Taheera Blount on receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award in recognition of her dedication to impactful learning experiences and student achievement in the North Carolina Central University Department of Counseling and Higher Education. Through her commitment and leadership, Dr. Blount continues to inspire students and strengthen our academic community. We are grateful for your hard work and excellence here at NCCU!

 

Poster Presentation Highlights


Sierra Dunn, a graduate student in Dr. Qing Cheng’s lab, investigates how the APOE4 gene variant, the largest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, impacts specific brain cells. Her recent poster presentation at the SLAM DUNC Symposium highlighted distinct, cell-type-specific cellular and molecular changes within the hippocampal formations of APOE4 mice.


Understanding how APOE4 drives cellular changes in critical memory centers like the hippocampus could be vital for developing targeted therapies against neurodegeneration in the future.


We also congratulate her on receiving the Graduate Students Learning through Immersion, Application, and Leadership (GLIAL) research scholarship and the Graduate Student Association Travel scholarship to present her work at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies biannual forum in Barcelona, Spain.


We celebrate her accomplishments and continued commitment to advancing research that improves our understanding of brain health and disease. Way to go EAGLE!

NCCU Expands Community Health Impact with Addition of Third Mobile Health Unit


North Carolina Central University's Mobile Health Unit is expanding preventive healthcare and research engagement across North Carolina by bringing health screenings, wellness education, primary care support, and telebehavioral health services directly into communities. Through partnerships with churches, community organizations, schools, barbershops, and local events, the unit helps residents access preventive care, learn about health research opportunities, and connect with resources that support healthier lives.


By combining outreach, health education, and research engagement, NCCU is advancing health equity while strengthening relationships between researchers and the communities they serve.

Spotlight of the Month

 

Dr. Claudia Alberico


This month's spotlight is on Dr. Claudia Alberico, Program Manager, BBRI.


This month’s spotlight features Dr. Claudia Alberico, a compassionate and resilient leader whose journey may not have followed a straight line but has always been guided by a deep commitment to helping others.


Click "Read more" to learn about her life's journey.

 
 

Upcoming Community Events

June 26th | PFIZER | Community Outreach Event: Clinical Trials Education | 9:30 am to 3:00 pm | Henderson, NC

June 27th | Bridging the Community | 9:00 am to 2:00 pm | Enfield, NC

June 30th | CEC Tabling at CenterWell's Summer Block Party and Resource Fair | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm | Durham, NC

Click Here to Register Today for Together at the Table!


 

Are you interested in engaging with the community to support your research, project development, connect with community partners, and frame a proposal grounded in Community Engaged Research practices?


If yes, connect with the Community Engagement Core for a consultation.


We invite you to connect with us and share your updates, ideas, faculty publications and ongoing research endeavors.


Reach out to us today and let's collaborate!

📧 www.nccu.edu/rcmi

📧 rcmi@nccu.edu


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