The department of neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has announced the promotion of three women faculty members. “Achieving promotion and tenure at UAB requires demonstrating excellence in our core missions — research, service, and teaching — as well as national or international recognition for scholarly achievements,” said David Standaert, professor and chair of the department.
Briana De Miranda was promoted to associate profesor and granted tenure. She joined the department of neurology in August 2020. Her research focuses on environmental risks for neurodegenerative diseases, integrating expertise in toxicology, pharmacology, and neuroscience. Dr. De Miranda earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Ph.D. in toxicology from Colorado State University. She continued with postdoctoral training in neurology at the University of Pittsburgh.
Michelle Gray was promoted to full professor. She joined the department of neurology in September 2008 as an instructor and was promoted to assistant professor in 2010. Her research spans Huntington’s Disease and glial biology, with active roles in UAB’s Comprehensive Neuroscience Center and the Killion Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics. Dr. Gray is a graduate of Alabama State University, where she majored in biology. She holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Ohio State University and completed postdoctoral training at University of California Los Angeles’ Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
Angela Hays Shapshak was promoted to full professor. She joined the department in July 2014. Her clinical and research interests span neurocritical care, stroke, and emergency neurology, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Shapshak’s research focuses on improving outcomes in neurocritical care and acute stroke management. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she majored in biology and chemistry. Professor Shapshak earned her medical degree from Tulane University in New Orleans and completed residency training at Washington University in St. Louis.