CIGBS Leadership

Director, Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences

Gene Morse also directs the Translational Pharmacology Research Core in UB's New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences. He has been actively involved in drug development research since the introduction of antiretrovirals for HIV in 1986, with more recent emphasis on HCV infection and antiviral drug development.

He is the principal Investigator for the NIH Fogarty International Center, HIV Research Training Program with the University of Zimbabwe, co-chair of the SUNY-University of the West Indies Faculty Task Force for Health Research Development and chair of the Buffalo Jamaica Innovation Enterprise Executive Committee. Morse is the hub steward for the Western New York Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Hub.

Dr. Diaz, director of the UBMC, is the Empire Innovation Professor of Oral Biology and the Sunstar Robert J. Genco Endowed Chair in UB’s School of Dental Medicine. As director of the UB Microbiome Center, Patricia Diaz develops partnerships and guides research projects focused on the effects of the microbiome on human health and disease. Diaz is a leader in the study of the human microbiome and aims to understand inter-species interactions in oral microbial communities that affect oral inflammation. She is committed to creating open research opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to the field and fostering diversity in oral health research. Diaz earned her Doctor of Dental Science (DDS) from CES University in Colombia, her PhD from the University of Adelaide and her Master of Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she also completed her residency in periodontology.  Dr. Diaz’s laboratory studies the ecology of oral microbiome communities and microbiome-host interactions in health and disease. The Diaz Lab employs an integrative methodology that encompasses clinical studies, animal models, high throughput assays and bioinformatics. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of the role of the microbiome in periodontal disease, defining microbial population shifts, and the manner in which interspecies interactions and the environment affect the outgrowth of pathobionts. Defining the role of the oral microbiome as a modifier of oral mucosal responses to chemotoxic injury is another area of interest.

Leonard E. Egede, MD, is a general internist and health services researcher, currently serving as Professor of Medicine, Charles and Mary Bauer Endowed Chair, and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He also leads UBMD Internal Medicine as its President and CEO, overseeing strategic direction and clinical excellence across the practice. Prior to joining UB, I held a transformative leadership role at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), beginning in 2017. As Division Chief of General Internal Medicine, I spearheaded a comprehensive restructuring of a division comprising seven sections, 192 employees, and a budget exceeding $40 million. Dr. Egede’s career is driven by a commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery, transformative research, inclusive education, and community engagement. He strives to build systems that empower faculty, trainees, and staff to lead change, improve lives, and shape the future of medicine.

Creator of the Charlotte’s Web strain of cannabis and a Co-founder of the Stanley Brothers Realm of Caring Foundation. ( http://theroc.us/ ) The Realm of Caring Foundation has earned the reputation as some of Colorado’s finest cultivators and cannabis breeders. The brothers have specialized in breeding high CBD strains of cannabis, including Charlotte’s Web. Josh owns the cultivation facilities which assist in further breeding projects. Josh has also been influential in helping the Colorado legislature in their efforts to regulate the new cannabis industry in Colorado. The Realm of Caring is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has formed to provide a better quality of life for residents of Colorado affected by Cancer, MS, HIV/AIDS, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s, among many other debilitating conditions through the use of their concentrated medicinal cannabis oil. All the Stanley’s were featured on National Geographic’s American Weed television show in 2012.

Fatai Adewale Fehintola is currently Dean, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. He served as Head (Chairman) of Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria between August 2019 and July 2023, and as Head of Clinical Pharmacology, University College Hospital, Ibadan between February 2016 and February 2019. a Physician-Pharmacologist, Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and marked his professorial inauguration with a lecture titled: “Good for Goose; Grave for Gander: Selective Toxicity in the Service of Man”. He is a Visiting Research Scientist to the Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences, State University at Buffalo, NY, USA. He has international research and training experience from Asia, and the United States of America and has published more than four scores of scholarly publications in peer review journals and chapters in textbooks. Fatai Fehintola has attended several significant international courses and conferences in Nigeria, Kenya, South-Africa, China, India, Spain, USA, etc. He has served (and continues to serve) on several academic, technical, and administrative positions/committees, for example, the Technical Expert Group of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC)-Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Project for the Review of Curriculum of Medical, Pharmacy and Nursing Schools on the Rational Use of Controlled Medicines, Consultant/National Trainer, Malaria Action Program for States (MAPS), A USAID-PMI (President Malaria Initiative) funded Malaria Control Program aimed at reducing the burden of malaria in Nigeria. He is involved in the training and administration of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Notable Research/Fellowship awards won include Fogarty International Center In-Country Advanced Research Grant [D43TW007995]; Inter-Science Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) Infectious Disease Fellowship, September 2009. His research focus is antimicrobial chemotherapy and determinants including drug interactions and pharmaco-epidemiology.

John Lindo also is a consultant parasitologist to the University Hospital of West Indies. Professor Lindo is co-chair of the SUNY-University of the West Indies Faculty Task Force for Health Research Development. His research has focused on the epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminths and emerging infectious diseases. This includes the epidemiology of strongyloides stercoralis infections and toxocariasis, the emergence of malaria and angiostrongylus cantonensis infections in Jamaica, epidemiology of free-living amoebae in Jamaica and opportunistic parasitic infections in persons living with HIV/AIDS.  

Charles Chiedza Maponga also holds a visiting faculty position with the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. He travels frequently between UB and the University of Zimbabwe while coordinating the activities of an international collaborative program, the International Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Initiative. Professor Maponga is the University of Zimbabwe's principal investigator for the NIH Fogarty International Center HIV Research Training program. He works to implement a postgraduate and postdoctoral training initiative between the two universities with an emphasis on HIV clinical pharmacology. Professor Maponga is the CEO of Health Galaxy Park, a planned health care innovation and biomedical research center in Zimbabwe.

James Mohler earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed residency training in Surgery and Urology at the University of Kentucky Medical Center and a research fellowship in Urologic Oncology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.  Dr. Mohler is licensed by New York and North Carolina, a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Urology, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was Chair of the Roswell Park Department of Urology for 14 years.  Dr. Mohler is Chair of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines Panel for Prostate Cancer and Past-President of the Society for Basic Urologic Research (SBUR). He has received the Producers Award and the Rodger J. Winn Award from NCCN and a career achievement award from SBUR.

Paras Prasad also holds the Samuel P. Capen Chair at UB and is the executive director of the multidisciplinary Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics. He has published more than 700 scientific papers, co-edited six books and co-authored a monograph (with D.J. Williams) "Introduction to Nonlinear Optical Effects in Molecules and Polymers." Professor Prasad published "Introduction to Biophotonics," the first monograph in this field, which authoritatively defines the field, details its scope and identifies emerging opportunities. He also has published the monograph, "Nanophotonics" and "Introduction to Nanomedicine and Nanobioengineering."

Stanley Schwartz is working to develop unique therapies for treatment of metastatic prostate cancer and chronic viral infections involving the brain. The processes include  nanotechnology, as well as allergy and immunology, proteins, metalloenzymes and RNA.

Andrew Talal conducts clinical and translational research in viral hepatitis. He studies viral decay and the concentrations of drugs in the liver. He directs the Center for Clinical Care and Research in Liver Disease at UB’s Clinical and Translational Research Center. His lab has received multi-year funding for its research programs. It has developed techniques for animal and human liver sampling that enable sorting of liver cells in order to understand drug distribution in the liver during treatment. 

Professor Admire Dube is an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics School of Pharmacy, and University of the Western Cape (UWC) Deputy Dean of Learning and Teaching in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at in South Africa. His core focus spans nanoscience, nanomedicine, and targeted drug delivery systems to treat infectious diseases like tuberculosis. His research and academic is on Tuberculosis Nanotherapies, He leads an NIH-funded laboratory designing nanoparticles that deliver immunotherapy directly to the lungs to activate immune cells and eradicate TB bacteria UWC research group develops new way to treat TB. He teaches undergraduate Pharmaceutics and postgraduate Nanoscience Global Health. He was appointed to a four-year term on the World Health Organisation (WHO) Expert Advisory Panel on International Pharmacopoeia and Pharmaceutical Preparations.

Mara Huber‘s research and professional interests include experiential learning and community-based partnerships for sustainable development. 

At UB, Huber has served in several leadership roles focused on fostering student and faculty engagement and building capacity for high-impact experiential learning. She is interested in how diverse professionals and students can collaborate to tackle complex challenges, especially through international collaborations.

Dr. Siaw-Asamoah is the UB School of Management's Founding Faculty Director of Global Programs, a newly-formed department that designs both in-person and virtual action learning projects for students to engage in both domestically and abroad. She also holds Board positions within the School of Managemnt Alumni Assocation's (SOMAA) Faculty Relations Committee and Hope for Sisi's Kids (HOSIKIDS) Foundation.

Robin DiFrancesco, MT ASCP, MBA has over 30 years of experience in pharmacology research (20+ in HIV research) and has a variety of knowledge, practical and theoretical, to offer our global students. She is appointed at the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences as a research assistant professor and as a voluntary adjunct faculty member for the UB Department of Biotechnology and Clinical Sciences within the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She holds an ACSP certification as a medical technologist and a NYS license as a clinical laboratory technologist.

Karl Donn is currently Vice President, Respiratory R&D. He led the drug discovery program that resulted in the selection of P-1037 as a potent and durable epithelial sodium channel blocker for inhaled delivery to patients with cystic fibrosis, COPD and other respiratory diseases. He continues to lead the development of P-1037 through clinical trials. He also leads tPAD clinical development and led a variety of discovery and early development programs for at Parion. Karl has over 30 years of drug development experience in both small and large pharmaceutical companies. 

Former director of Innovation and Enterprise Solutions for Digicel Business, Ative Ennis, will lead product development and will drive an improved customer experience in his new role as commercial director (B2B) for Digicel Business. Morin stated, “Ative will add his significant experience in business technology modernisation to help companies leverage their data assets for profitability. Delroy has been instrumental to developing a truly unbeatable fibre-to-the-home service for our customers to experience the speed and benefits of a new phase of Internet connectivity. Together, they will strengthen our leadership team as we work to deepen our relationship with our customers.”

Current President and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc, Matt Enstice leads this pioneering organization that has become a powerful engine of revitalization in Buffalo. He is focused on the intersection of energy, entrepreneurship and technology, and how it will drive the new economy in Buffalo and beyond.

Gibson serves as the comptroller for Spectrum Radiology Associates. Members of the board of trustees are principally charged with the strategic, long-term protection and strengthening of the financial, physical and programmatic assets of the school, while manifesting the mission of the school. Board members have a three-year term, and serve on at least one standing committee of the board.

John Mead Hatcher, President of JMH Advisement, LLC, has over 35 years of experience in business development and brings his vast network of contacts within the specific fields of finance, research, politics and business associations together to enable startups, early-stage, as well as, full-fledged operating companies for the purpose of achieving their business goals and objectives.

Dr. Khan is a Cardiologist and CEO & Founder of Circuit Clinical. Founded in 2015, Circuit Clinical is headquartered in Buffalo, New York, and partners with nationally recognized pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to research a range of new treatments that could improve patient health and wellbeing. Under Dr. Khan's leadership, Circuit Clinical is leading a mission to transform the way people find, choose, and participate in clinical research by building one of the largest integrated research organizations in the U.S and by creating its award winning technology TrialJourney™, the first ever patient rating and review platform for clinical trials.

Professor Lindo John is a Full Professor of Parasite Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus and Deputy Dean (Research). His extensive experience with Vector borne diseases comes in part from a sabbatical year spent with the Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Washington DC. During his time at PAHO he worked on the elimination of schistosomiasis in the Americas which included a visit to inspect transmission sites in Suriname and facilitating a workshop in Grenada with experts from academia, WHO, CARPHA and CDC.

Charles Chiedza Maponga also holds a visiting faculty position with the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. He travels frequently between UB and the University of Zimbabwe while coordinating the activities of an international collaborative program, the International Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Initiative. Professor Maponga is the University of Zimbabwe's principal investigator for the NIH Fogarty International Center HIV Research Training program. He works to implement a postgraduate and postdoctoral training initiative between the two universities with an emphasis on HIV clinical pharmacology.

Beverly Joy Morrison has worked with nonprofit organizations for 40 years.  She worked with the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts at a local church level as well as serving on the Diocesan Council and the Bishop’s Executive Committee.  Her current nonprofit service is in the role of President of Jamaican and American Association of Buffalo and Recording Secretary for National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations.  Morrison is a Board Member of Buffalo Jamaica Innovation Enterprise.  Beverly is President and CEO of a medical practice management company and is passionate in coordinating the care of patients.  She is a graduate of Boston College.  Above all, Beverly is the proud mother of Noelle and Vanessa; grandmother of Marc.

In his role as the Chief Sustainability Officer, Ryan connects people across the university with information, innovation and tools to reduce UB’s carbon footprint and enhance quality of life by improving environmental stewardship, increasing economic efficiency and augmenting cultural values and awareness. He specifically works closely with university partners and employs an integrated campus-wide strategy that leverages the university’s operations, curriculum, external engagement and research to further UB’s sustainability efforts. Previously, Ryan has held positions at UB as Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations and as Chief of Staff for external affairs. Prior to joining UB, Ryan worked in Washington, D.C. and New Hampshire, advocating for greater environmental protection and democratic participation.

Previously President & CEO of Pearce & Pearce Co., Inc., a real estate management and investment firm. Prior to moving to Buffalo in 2000, was Senior Vice President and practice manager at Stern Stewart & Co., a corporate finance advisory firm based in New York City. Current and previous board service includes: 716 Squash (Treasurer); U.B. School of Social Work – Dean’s Advisory Council; Forest Lawn Heritage Foundation; Buffalo Jamaica Innovation Enterprise; Medaille College (Chairman, Advancement Committee; Executive Committee); Buffalo Seminary; Kaleida Health Foundation (Chairman); Buffalo Zoological Gardens capital campaign steering committee; Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fontana Boathouse;. Graduate of Lawrence University with a BA in Government.

Dr. Satish Sharma, MD, FACS is the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of You First Services Group of companies. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of You First Services Group. Dr. Sharma is a clinical, technology and Innovation leader and provides leadership to various programs to enhance productivity, agility and affordability of company operations while expanding national and international operations. Dr. Sharma is also a Research Associate Professor with Department of Urology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the Clinical Director of Prostate cancer research program, Department of Medicine, Univeristy at Buffalo.

Suzanne Siminski has been working in clinical trials data management and related research activities for more than 30 years. Sue has taken a leadership role in the development of Frontier Science’s laboratory data expertise and software. While Director of the New York office, Sue oversaw leadership groups involved in data management, software development, regulatory oversight and key projects. She currently serves as the Frontier Science Principal Investigator for PHACS and CPQA projects, and as co-Principal Investigator of the coordinating center for the C3PNO project, all programs funded by the NIH. As Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Science Foundation, Sue is strategically increasing the repertoire of clinical research services provided by the organization, and actively building global collaborative partnerships with investigators around the world. Sue’s entire CV is available here.

John D. Atkinson is an environmental engineering professor at the University at Buffalo, where he created the University’s most popular study abroad course and has been recognized as an Early Career Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Director, Experiential Learning Faculty Fellow, and Best Undergraduate Mentor. 

His work is driven by an overarching desire to more sustainably produce and consume, resulting in a diverse portfolio of publications and seminars. With on-going funding from New York State and the U.S. National Science Foundation, as well as local industry, he is currently researching within the broad field of waste management, using life cycle analysis tools to investigate plastics and tire recycling, waste disposal options, and energy recovery. His work targets real-world problems that impact everyday life, aiming to make engineering more thoughtful and accessible.

Atkinson emboldens lifestyle changes that promote sustainability. He encourages his students to expand their comfort zones, holistically problem solve, and embrace their creativity through engineering design.​