New River Valley Times

Alexis Stoner, PhD named VCOM-Carolinas 2022 Researcher of the Year

Alexis Stoner, PhD, MPH, Discipline Chair for Epidemiology, Community and Public Health and Preventive Medicine has been selected as the 2022 Researcher of the Year for the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine(VCOM)-Carolinas. Dr. Stoner’s research focuses on incorporating mindfulness within medical education, designing authentic learning experiences for undergraduate medical students and developing educational public health initiatives to improve health outcomes among underserved populations. She has also spent time exploring hygiene and water accessibility at VCOM’s international outreach sites.The Researcher of the Year awardee is selected by campus administration, using the following criteria:

• Maintain extramurally funded research program
• Proven scholarly output
• Successfully leverage Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) funding into extramural awards
• Actively engage students in research programs

The selection committee met and unanimously selected Dr. Stoner to receive this year’s award.“Dr. Stoner has been an incredible partner to us on a variety of efforts. She is seen as a ‘go to’ person for us when we want to do amazing work in the community. She conveys a dedication to her students, communities, and to public health. This is evidenced by her eagerness to try new endeavors, expose students to cutting edge but useful research, and her teams building approach. The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) certainly values this researcher and all she does to promote public health with the next generation of practitioners!” Dr. said Kandi C. Fredere, DHEC Upstate Region Public Health Director.Dr. Alexis Stoner was the Principal Investigator on three external research grants awarded in 2022:

• $27,376 from the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare (in conjunction with: South Carolina DHEC) - MOSAIC: Mobile STD Assessment and Information Center – Rural Intervention
• Undetermined amount award from National Association of County & City Health Officials (Submitted in conjunction with: South Carolina DHEC) - I85COPE: I-85 Corridor Opioid Prevention and Education Program
• Dr. Stoner and Tammy Whaley are co-PIs on a $419,716 from S.C. Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare for project “Addressing Health Inequity In South Carolina By Increasing Access To Primary Care”

Original source can be found here