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.

Nick Eakes standing in a planetarium theater with constellations projected on the screen above him.

Rooted: Nick Eakes

Nick Eakes is a science education specialist at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. He has been contributing to research at Carolina for 15 years.

Rooted: Leisha DeHart-Davis

Leisha DeHart-Davis is the director of the Local Government Workplaces Initiative within the UNC School of Government. She has been contributing to research at Carolina for 11 years.

Bob Pleasants standing in front of a doorway with columns on UNC's campus.

Rooted: Bob Pleasants

Bob Pleasants is the director of the Office for Undergraduate Research. He has been contributing to research at Carolina for 14 years.

Rooted: Ilona Jaspers

Ilona Jaspers is the director of the Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology. She has been contributing to research at Carolina for 26 years.

Rooted: György “Hínár” Schrader Polczer

György “Hínár” Schrader Polczer is a technology support analyst for the Department of Biology within the UNC College of Arts and Sciences. He has been contributing to research at Carolina for 22 years.

Rooted: Laura Hanson

Laura Hanson is the medical director of the Department of Medicine’s Palliative Care and Hospice Program. She has been contributing to research at Carolina for 31 years.

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.