Leadership
Director, Vanderbilt-Meharry Sickle Cell Disease Center of Excellence
Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
J.C. Peterson Chair in Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics
Vice Chair for Clinical and Translational Research, Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Michael R. DeBaun is an internationally recognized physician-scientist focused on neurological complications in sickle cell disease. His leadership in the Silent Cerebral Infarct Transfusion (SIT) Trial established new protocols for stroke prevention in children with SCD. He has directed major research collaborations in Nigeria, home to the largest pediatric population with SCD. Dr. DeBaun also maintains a strong focus on improving care delivery and health outcomes for historically underserved groups,
including youth involved in the justice system.
View Dr. DeBaun's list of publications on PubMed.
Director, Adult Sickle Cell Program
Professor of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology
Dr. Adetola Kassim is a leading expert in bone marrow transplantation and novel therapies for adults with Sickle Cell Disease. He is internationally recognized for his work on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, one of the few curative treatments for SCD. Dr. Kassim's research also focuses on understanding the long-term outcomes of transplantation and developing new strategies to make this life-changing therapy available to a wider range of patients. He leads multiple clinical trials investigating innovative approaches to curing SCD and improving the quality of life for adult patients.
View Dr. Kassim's list of publications on PubMed.
Physician, Vanderbilt-Meharry Sickle Cell Disease Center of Excellence
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Dr. Emmanuel Volanakis is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist who cares for children and young adults with sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies. He has served as the site investigator for multicenter clinical trials focused on sickle cell disease.
View Dr. Volanakis' list of publications on PubMed.
Director, Pediatric Stroke Program
Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, Pediatric Neurology
Dr. Lori Jordan is a globally-recognized neurologist who focuses on pediatric stroke and novel imaging strategies of the brain that may allow providers to identify children and adults adults with SCD at high risk for strokes or stroke recurrence. Her research explores the mechanisms behind overt and silent strokes in SCD and their impact on cognition. Through her work, Dr. Jordan aims to develop early detection and intervention strategies to prevent acute and chronic-term neurological complications in children with SCD. She is also involved in several clinical trials aimed at reducing the risk of stroke and improving neurological outcomes for pediatric patients.
View Dr. Jordan's list of publications on PubMed.
Additional Faculty & Staff
With the three distinct and overlapping research teams, these distinguished professors of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Neurology are driving research to transform the care and outcomes for individuals with sickle cell disease. Their combined expertise in hematology, neurology, pediatrics, and medicine ensures that our center remains at the forefront of SCD research and treatment.
In addition to the research leaders, the team is committed to outstanding clinical care from dedicated clinical and research faculty and staff, including:
Clinical Faculty & Staff
- Michael DeBaun, MD, MPH
- Emmanuel Volanakis, MD
- Adetola Kassim, MD
- Lori Jordan, MD, PhD
- Jeannie Byrd, RN, MSN - Pediatric Sickle Cell/Benign Hematology Case Manager
- Karina Wilkerson, FNP - Assistant in Medicine, Hematology/Oncology
Research Staff
- Jennifer Beck - Sr. Project Manager
- Tiffany Bess, MA - Research Programs Manager
- LeShana Saint-Jean, PhD - Sr. Clinical Trials Specialist
- Kristin Wuichet, PhD - Research Programs Manager