Rooted - UNC Research

Rooted is a feature series that recognizes long-standing members of the UNC-Chapel Hill community who have aided in the advancement of research by staying at Carolina. They are crucial to the research enterprise, experts in their fields, and loyal Tar Heels.

Know someone we should feature? Nominate a researcher.

Brian Boyd leans against a desk in a classroom.

Rooted: Brian Boyd

Brian Boyd is the William C. Friday Distinguished Professor in the School of Education and interim director of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. He has been contributing to research at Carolina for 13 years.

Rooted: Samantha Meltzer-Brody

Samantha Meltzer-Brody is the chair of the Department of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine. She has been contributing to research at Carolina for 23 years.

Rooted: Travis Albritton

Travis Albritton is the associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the School of Social Work. He has been contributing to research at Carolina for 15 years.

María DeGuzmán stands outside next to a water feature

Rooted: María DeGuzmán

María DeGuzmán is the founding director of the UNC Latina/o Studies Program. She has been contributing to research at Carolina for 24 years.

Mark Holmes stands in front of the Chatham Hospital.

Rooted: Mark Holmes

Mark Holmes is the director of the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. He has been contributing to research at Carolina for 25 years.

Karla Slocum standing next to an open air memorial for freedom fighters

Rooted: Karla Slocum

Karla Slocum is the senior associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion for the UNC College of Arts and Sciences. She has been contributing to research at Carolina for 27 years.

Mike Piehler kneeling next to a small pond.

Rooted: Mike Piehler

Mike Piehler is the director of the Institute for the Environment and the university’s Chief Sustainability Officer. He has been contributing to research at Carolina for 25 years.

Rooted: Tori Smith Ekstrand

Tori Smith Ekstrand is an associate professor in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media. She has been contributing to research at Carolina for more than 10 years.

Rooted: David Peden

David Peden is the senior associate dean for translational research at the UNC School of Medicine. He has been contributing to research at Carolina for 30 years.