CENTER FOR INJURY RESEARCH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chairman, the Center for Family Safety and Healing
Job Titles:
- Member of the Physician Team
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Associate
- Senior Research Associate in Dr. Ginger Yang
Archana is a senior research associate in Dr. Ginger Yang's lab in the Center for Injury Research and Policy. She manages an R01 (ProjectDRIVE) which focuses on improving teen driving behaviors. She received her Master of Public Health from East Carolina University in 2017. Her previous research focused on access to healthy foods in the rural population. Her current research focuses on teen driving behaviors and concussion recovery in children.
Ava Semaan is a research intern for Dr. Yang's team in the Center for Injury Research and Policy. She is in her senior year of undergraduate studies at Kent State University working on a human development and family science degree, with a concentration in child and youth development. Through her work at CIRP and her educational background, child welfare and safety research are important passions that she is grateful to be able to participate in.
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant Professor
Catherine Krawczeski, MD, is physician-in-chief and chief of the Department of Pediatrics at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Dr. Krawczeski also serves as Chair of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
Job Titles:
- Research Scientist
- Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Christopher R.M. Rundus is a postdoctoral research scientist in the Center for Injury Research and Policy working with Dr. Ginger Yang. He earned his MS and PhD in industrial engineering from the University of Iowa, and his BS in mathematics and BS in psychology from Eastern Michigan University. His research focuses on driver behavior, driver monitoring, injury prevention, human-vehicle interaction, and the development of advanced driver assistance systems. Christopher is originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan and enjoys working out, playing guitar, hiking, and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nurse Practitioner Team
Job Titles:
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Nationwide Children 's Hospital
Donna Teach is Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Nationwide Children's Hospital. Her role includes oversight of all marketing, communication and digital functions.
Dr. Armita Kar is a post-doctoral research scientist at the Center for Injury Research and Policy on Dr. Yang's team. She completed her PhD in geography at The Ohio State University in 2023, her MS in geography and GIS at the University of Utah in 2019, and her BS in urban and regional planning from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in 2015. Her research interests include human mobility and urban safety, equity and resilience, and geospatial data science. She has published in several well-reputed peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Dominique M. Rose is a research scientist in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital working with Dr. Ginger Yang. She received her MPH and Ph.D. in Public Health and Health Education from Southern Illinois University in 2019. Her research seeks to understand the intersection of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic disparities, and teen driving safety. Dominique is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and her favorite ways to stay grounded include exercise, traveling, and spending time with her son and loved ones.
Dr. Earl H. Baxter, a practicing pediatrician, became the first chairman of The Ohio State University Department of Pediatrics, which was housed at Children's Hospital.
Dr. Enas Alshaikh is a biostatistician in the Center for Injury Research and Policy and the Center for Perinatal Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital, working with Dr. Ginger Yang and Dr. Sudarshan Jadcherla, respectively. She received her PhD in biostatistics from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Alshaikh specializes in varying coefficient in semiparametric models for longitudinal data, survival analysis, and predictive modeling. She also has extensive experience in analyzing and managing large databases using both SAS and R. In her free time, she enjoys walking in the park with her kids and eating seafood.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Translational Research Team
- Principal Investigator
- Professor of Pediatrics
Dr. Gary A. Smith is a Professor of Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine and Epidemiology at The Ohio State University. He is founder and director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Dr. Smith is board certified in the specialties of pediatrics and general preventive medicine and public health, and in the subspecialty of pediatric emergency medicine. In addition to his clinical training, he holds MPH and DrPH degrees from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Smith's research and advocacy focus on the epidemiology and prevention of pediatric and adolescent injuries, including consumer product-related injuries and motor vehicle-related injuries. Recent studies also include the investigation of parent-voice versus conventional tone residential smoke alarms to awaken children and pediatric poisoning. Dr. Smith has been a contributor to the field of injury, especially through research that informs public policy, for more than 35 years.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Translational Research Team
- Principal Investigator
- Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the Ohio State University
Dr. Henry Xiang is a Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at The Ohio State University. He is the founding Director of the Center for Pediatric Trauma Research as well as the Research Director at Center for Injury Research and Policy. Dr. Xiang directs the Pilot Translational and Clinical Studies Program at the NIH funded Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science. He is the President of the Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR).
Dr. Xiang is an internationally recognized authority in pediatric injury prevention and trauma care research. He has published extensively in the area of violence, firearm injuries, child maltreatment, opioid drug poisoning and prescription laws, traumatic brain injuries, suicide, emergency medical care services to injured children, secondary injuries among children with disabilities, social media's role on violence and suicide, virtual reality for pediatric pain management, and causal inference methods based on medical records, which are critical issues facing children, youth, and families in the United States and around the world.
Dr. Xiang has more than 250 peer-reviewed journal articles, 3 books (chapters), and has presented his research findings more than 100 times at conferences around the world. Dr. Xiang's research has been continuously funded by AHRQ, HRSA, CDC, NIH, and the World Health Organization. Dr. Xiang has received numerous awards, including Outstanding Science Award (2011), Outstanding Mentor Award(2011), and Outstanding Team Award (2014) of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; Outstanding Board of Directors Service Award of SAVIR (2009); Excellence in Science Award of the American Public Health Association Injury Control and Emergency Health Services Section (2016); Joseph Tepas Award of the Pediatric Trauma Society (2017); Distinguished International Engagement Award of the Ohio State University (2017), and Kate Granger Compassionate Care Award of the HealthCare Information and Management Systems Society North America (2019).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Translational Research Team
- Principal Investigator
Dr. Jingzhen (Ginger) Yang is a Principal Investigator at the Center for Injury Research and Policy, of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital. She is a Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Epidemiology in The Ohio State University College of Public Health. Dr. Yang's primary research interest is injury prevention, with an emphasis on injuries to children and adolescents. Much of her current research focuses on the trajectory of recovery from sports-related mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) among children as well as parental engagement in teen driving safety. Dr. Yang's research interests address some of the leading causes of death and disability among children in the US and worldwide. Dr. Yang has a national and international reputation as a consummate researcher and is recognized for her leadership in the field of injury prevention. Dr. Yang's research has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also significantly impacted children and their families by preventing and reducing the burden of injuries.
Fangda Zhang is a Research Scientist working with the Yang research team. Fangda obtained his PhD in industrial engineering and operations research with a focus on human factors in transportation safety in 2021 from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he also earned his Certificate in Statistical and Computational Data Science and master's degree. Fangda's research mainly concerns driver distraction and driving behavior, injury prevention, human-vehicle interaction, human factors in automation, and technology adoption.
Job Titles:
- Chairman, the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children 's Hospital
Hannah is a research associate in the Center for Injury Research and Policy on Dr. Ginger Yang's team. She received her MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and a certificate in Injury Science from the University of Michigan in 2023. Her previous research positions focused on prevention of youth firearm violence and promotion of child and family well-being. Hannah is originally from Connecticut and enjoys exercising, cooking, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.
Helen graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022 with a B.A. in psychology. While receiving her B.A. she was a research assistant in anthropology, music cognition, and early childhood. Helen is now a research assistant on Dr. Xiang's team, assisting on research that involves pediatric trauma such as burn injuries and how to improve treatment. She enjoys spending time with her pets and reading.
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Associate
Job Titles:
- at, ATC, Associate Professor
Jill is a Research Assistant on Dr. Smith's team as a National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) coder. Jill graduated from The Ohio State University in 2023 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Medical Humanities. Jill is currently applying to medical school to combine her passions for science, public health, and holistic healing. She is excited to see her work on Dr. Smith's team come to life and improve safety standards for pediatric and adult patients. Outside of work, Jill likes to read, hangout with her cat, and visit local cafes in Columbus.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Translational Research Team
Job Titles:
- Chairman, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Inc. / Nationwide Children 's Hospital
Krista is a research project manager in the Center for Injury Research and Policy on Dr. Ginger Yang's team. She has an MS in preventive medicine from The Ohio State University. She has co-authored over 70 publications covering injury, trauma and burn care. She is originally from Oklahoma and enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
Lee Ann Wallace, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, is Chief Nursing Officer at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Leslie is a Research Assistant on Dr. Smith's team in the Center for Injury Research and Policy. She works closely with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), entering data into the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). She joined the CIRP team in 2015. She received a BS in Psychology and Communication Studies from University of Maryland in 2013, after spending 7 years living in Japan and England with the USAF. She has a passion for childhood safety and discovering current products that could be dangerous to children. Outside of research, she enjoys being a mother, artistic projects, traveling, and trying new experiences.
Job Titles:
- Chairman, Nationwide Children 's Hospital Foundation
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- CHES, Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
Lorina W. Wise, JD is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Coordinator Team Lead
Megan earned a B.S. in Human Nutrition and Community Health in 2012 and a Master of Public Health in 2015 from The Ohio State University. After receiving her MPH, Megan worked as a contractor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assisting with the Ebola response and the Division of Global Health Protection. Since joining Dr. Xiang's team in 2018, her research interests include improving treatment and outcomes following pediatric traumatic injuries, including burns and traumatic brain injuries. In her free time, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs and cheering for the Buckeyes!
Job Titles:
- Member of the Translational Research Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Translational Research Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- Chief Financial Officer at Nationwide Children 's Hospital
Nelson Weichold serves as Chief Financial Officer at Nationwide Children's Hospital where he oversees treasury operations, budgeting and cost accounting, financial reporting, revenue cycle and payer relations.
Nichole joined CIRP in October 2023 as the Administrative Lead. She attended Ohio School of Phlebotomy and became a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. Outside of work, Nichole loves spending time with family and friends.
O.N. Ray Bignall II, MD, FAAP, FASN, is Chief Diversity and Health Equity Officer at Nationwide Children's Hospital. He also serves as Director of Kidney Health Advocacy and Community Engagement for the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
In his role as Chief of Surgical Services, Oluyinka Olutoye, MD, leads one of the largest children's hospital surgery departments in the world.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- Senior Vice President of Strategic and Facilities Planning for Nationwide Children 's Hospital
Patricia J. "Patty" McClimon is the Senior Vice President of Strategic and Facilities Planning for Nationwide Children's Hospital. She is responsible for the development and tracking of Nationwide Children's long range strategic plan and its related master facilities plan.
Job Titles:
- Research Associate
- Research Associate in Dr. Ginger Yang
Priyanka is a research associate in Dr. Ginger Yang's lab in the Center for Injury Research and Policy. She received her MPH from George Washington University in 2023 and moved to Columbus right after. She is originally from India and enjoys cooking Indian cuisine, being physically active, reading books, and spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- Senior Vice President of Legal Services for Nationwide Children 's Hospital
Rhonda Comer serves as Senior Vice President of Legal Services for Nationwide Children's Hospital. Rhonda's background includes both law and health care -she started her career as a nurse before becoming a lawyer.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- President and Chief Operating Officer at Nationwide Children 's Hospital
Rick Miller is President and Chief Operating Officer at Nationwide Children's Hospital, a position he has held since 2006. Rick has been employed by the hospital since 1985, and previously held several different administrative positions prior to being appointed COO.
Rustin Morse, MD, serves as chief medical officer at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Dr. Morse is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric quality and safety.
Sandhya joined Dr. Smith's team in 2018 as a Biostatistician II. She earned her bachelor's degree in Dental Surgery (BDS) from India and Master of Public Health with a focus on biostatistics from Kent State University. She is responsible for data analysis, manuscript writing, and mentoring summer interns. Her research interests include suicide prevention, sports injury, drug overdose, and substance abuse. She likes to travel, watch movies, and spend time with family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- President of the Nationwide Children 's Hospital Foundation
- Testa
Steve Testa was appointed President of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation in January 2018. He joined the Nationwide Children's team in 2014 and served as Senior Vice President and Executive Director.
Sydney joined the Center for Injury Research and Policy in July 2022 providing administrative assistance as the Administrative Support III. She is currently pursuing a degree in Health Services Administration through Ohio University. Outside of work Sydney loves to spend time with her family and many fur-children.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- an Experienced Leader for Nationwide Children 's Hospital
- Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide Children 's Hospital
Timothy Robinson is Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide Children's Hospital, which includes The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation and The Center for Family Safety and Healing at Nationwide Children's Hospital.