“I think people hear data and math and assume it’s boring,” she laughs. “But to me, it’s like a game. How do you get to the end screen? How do you beat the boss? It’s all strategy.”

From the Lab Bench to Population Health
Danielle grew up in Charlotte, NC, and made her way to Chapel Hill for both undergrad and graduate school. Her early career was hands-on: she worked overnight and weekend shifts as a general hematologist in the McLendon Labs, seeing countless cancer cases up close. Those experiences sparked an interest in understanding patients’ stories before they appeared under a microscope.

“I started Googling public health,” she recalls. “I wanted to know what happens before someone shows up in the lab.”

That curiosity eventually led her back to UNC-Greensboro to study community-based public health and later to research at a healthcare quality improvement organization in RTP. A mentor told her, “You ask questions like an epidemiologist,” and suddenly it all clicked-back to school again. As a PhD candidate at UNC, Danielle began collaborating with Dr. Louise Henderson, who introduced her to the world of large data sources, cancer screening registries, and population-level inquiry. She completed her dissertation with the Epidemiology department, left for a postdoc at NCI, and then—fatefully—ran into Louise at a conference.

“She told me about her vision for a lung cancer screening registry,” Danielle says. “It sounded so interesting. When she posted the job, I applied—and here I am again.”

A Day in the Life: Data, Discovery, and Dialogue

Danielle’s work centers around linking data from medical records, state files, and multiple clinical sites to help answer big-picture questions about lung cancer screening outcomes. She collaborates closely with their data manager, abstractors, clinical partners, and of course, Louise.

On any given day, she might be harmonizing datasets, troubleshooting unexpected findings, running statistical models, or translating data into tables for manuscripts and grant proposals.

“It’s a lot of programming,” she says, “but it’s also a lot of conversation—figuring out what people are seeing in EPIC, understanding what the PI needs, and helping build a shared picture from messy, real-world data.”

The Playful Scientist

Taking a break after a rail bike tour in the NC mountains

Cleaning and replacing ball bearings at the bike co-op

Outside of work, Danielle is decidedly not sitting still. She hikes local and national parks, backpacks, knits (though North Carolina’s warmth has slowed production), cycles on trails, tinkers at the Durham Bike Co-op, rides her Peloton, and—most recently—picked up roller skating.

“I’ve been choosing fun on purpose,” she says. “Everything I’ve ever wanted to try but was afraid to—I’m trying it.”

Her love of games spills over into her free time as well. A lifelong Nintendo fan, she unwinds with platformers, chaotic Mario Kart races, and slower-paced RPGs where she can explore at her own speed.

The Heart Behind the Data

For someone who spends her days with complex datasets, Danielle’s perspective is refreshingly grounded in joy, curiosity, and connection.

Her favorite thing about herself right now? “Being intentional—choosing moments that become good memories.”

Her one-word self-description? Hilarious.

Her superpower of choice? Not mind-reading—polyglot-level communication. “Just the ability to really understand and connect with people.”

The writer she’d love to talk to? The legendary sci-fi visionary Octavia Butler.

Her autobiography title? “Do what you want.”

Her best friend’s three words for her: Adventurous. Funny. Factoidophile.

And yes—she’s a dog person.

Before you leave, grab her podcast recommendation: Hidden Brain by Shankar Vedantam, a deep dive into the unconscious patterns that shape who we are.

At the top of Stone Mountain NC (not the Stone Mountain in GA )

In Her Own Words

If Danielle could talk to her younger self, she’d offer this gentle advice: “It will be fine. It’s okay to pick the fun stuff. The big-girl job will work out.”

For someone who sees the world as a series of puzzles, Danielle has mastered the most important one: how to build a life filled with purpose, curiosity, and joy—one intentional moment at a time.

In addition to our reception, UNC Radiology had the opportunity to connect with partners and supporters at Siemens Healthineers during RSNA. These conversations highlighted our shared commitment to advancing imaging science, strengthening clinical excellence, and fostering innovation that supports patients and providers alike.

Events like these underscore the strength of the UNC Radiology network—spanning generations of graduates, current trainees, dedicated faculty, and industry collaborators. We’re grateful for everyone who joined us in Chicago and helped make this year’s RSNA such a meaningful experience.

We look forward to continuing these connections throughout the year and seeing our community grow even stronger. Until next time, Go Heels!

Published in Nature Communications, the study introduces Anatomy-to-Tract Mapping (ATM), a deep learning framework capable of reconstructing full white matter bundles using only standard T1-weighted structural MRI. This innovation could greatly expand access to high-quality brain connectivity mapping in both research and clinical settings, where diffusion imaging is often limited or unavailable.

Traditionally, dMRI tractography relies on the propagation of streamlines guided by local fiber orientation estimates—an approach that struggles in regions where multiple fiber populations cross, bend, or converge. High-quality diffusion data is also difficult to acquire, making robust tractography inaccessible for many clinical environments.

ATM bypasses these challenges by learning the relationship between anatomical MRI features and known white matter pathways, generating anatomically plausible, subject-specific streamlines conditioned directly on a patient’s structural MRI. The result: accurate reconstructions of 30 major white matter bundles—without using any diffusion data.

Notably, ATM performed well even on low-field and low-resolution clinical MRI scans, highlighting potential for real-world deployment in settings with limited imaging resources.

The authors note that ATM marks a significant conceptual shift: the possibility that large-scale brain anatomy may contain more information about underlying white matter architecture than previously recognized. By leveraging structural MRI—a fast, widely available, and distortion-free modality—ATM opens the door to more accessible, individualized brain mapping.

Future developments aim to integrate additional imaging contrasts, refine streamline quality, and adapt the method for atypical or pathological brain anatomies. As a flexible generative framework, ATM may ultimately support hybrid models that blend structural and diffusion data for even more powerful tractography.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

For more information, please contact:
Pew-Thian Yap, PhD
Department of Radiology, UNC Chapel Hill

SAN DIEGO — Researchers are shedding light on neural mechanisms underlying the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. These findings were presented at Neuroscience 2025, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health. 

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to symptoms including cognitive decline, memory loss, and the inability to perform daily functions. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s estimated that 6.9 million Americans were living with AD in 2024; that number is expected to increase. Scientists are working to understand the signs of early disease in the brain before more severe pathologies, including amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, emerge. 

At the Press Conference, our own Guoshi Li, Research Assistant Professor, presented to the media how the differences in neuronal excitation-inhibition (E-I) balance can differentiate human subjects with stable mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from those whose MCI progresses to AD, potentially enabling MCI-to-AD prediction. Out of over 10,000 abstracts submitted to the meeting, fewer than 50 were offered the prestigious opportunity of speaking directly to the media.

“As exciting as it is to see new disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s becoming available, it’s equally important that we empower people with knowledge and tools to protect their own brain health. Evidence-based lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and support long-term cognitive health,” said Sharyn Rossi, PhD, senior director of neuroscience programs at BrightFocus Foundation and moderator of the press conference. “Our role is not only to advance treatments, but also to ensure the public understands the steps they can take today to safeguard their brain health.” 

We’re proud to share that Dr. Sahar Ahmed, Research Instructor in the Department of Radiology and a member of the BRIC Human Imaging Core, is featured in the Radiological Society of North America’s (RSNA) recent article, Art as Medicine: Radiologists’ Creative Outlet.

Dr. Ahmed’s contribution, “MindMap: The Intricate Connections of the Human Brain,” showcases how the beauty of scientific data can be transformed into art. Using structural and diffusion MRI data, she reconstructed brain surfaces, deep gray matter structures, and white matter tracts—applying color and visual design to highlight the brain’s complexity and elegance.

In the feature, Dr. Ahmed reflects on how creativity and science share the same foundation: curiosity, critical thinking, and exploration. Her work illustrates the deep connection between imaging and art, showing how visualization not only advances research but also provides a meaningful creative outlet.

Congratulations to Dr. Ahmed for this recognition and for inspiring us all to see radiology as both a science and an art form.

If you ask Michele Clark what a typical day looks like, she’ll laugh before answering. “Oh, I don’t have a typical day,” she says. “My day changes from one day to the next.”

David’s story begins just down the road. Growing up in Durham and Morrisville, then attending UNC as an undergraduate, he never imagined that his career would circle back to Chapel Hill. “Medical training takes you all over the country,” he says, reflecting on his years of school and residency. “But when I heard there was an opening at UNC, I had to jump on the opportunity to come back and be part of a great program where I grew up.”

The road to medicine wasn’t a straight line. As a college student, David thought he might be an engineer. Later, he considered surgery. But it was a roommate in medical school who first opened his eyes to radiology. “He walked me through the day-to-day workflow, and it wasn’t what I expected at all. There was problem-solving, diagnostic reasoning, and even procedures. That combination drew me in.”

Within radiology, musculoskeletal imaging caught his attention during residency rotations. The chance to delve into sports injuries and explore the mechanical questions of how the body moves appealed to his love of science and logic. “MSK gives you a little more breathing room than some subspecialties,” he explains. “You can take the time to work through diagnoses and treatment options—it’s intellectually rewarding.”

Academic medicine, for David, was an easy choice. Teaching has always been part of who he is. Before medical school, he taught MCAT prep courses and loved helping students discover their strengths. “If I left teaching behind, I’d lose a big part of why I enjoy medicine,” he says. “There’s also a camaraderie in academic medicine that really resonates with me.”

Ask him how he spends his free time, and the answer comes easily: running and hiking. Whether pounding local trails or heading west to the mountains for longer hikes and trail runs, the outdoors is his way of recharging. He also has a lifelong love of music, having played violin from childhood through college, as well as trumpet in marching band. “Classical music was always around in my house—thanks to my mom,” he adds with a smile.

When asked to describe himself in one word, David doesn’t hesitate: dedicated. Friends might also add loyal and disciplined. He’s quick to point out that he tries to live by advice he’d give his younger self: “Don’t talk yourself out of opportunities—let other people tell you no.”

Welcome home, David. UNC Radiology is lucky to have you.

This prestigious national recognition honors investigators who have made outstanding contributions to medical imaging through sustained scientific innovation, impactful research, and leadership in the field. Each year, only a select group of investigators are inducted into the Academy’s Council of Distinguished Investigators, joining a network of more than 500 imaging scientists committed to advancing the future of radiology and biomedical imaging.

Dr. Wang’s induction reflects his remarkable accomplishments as a physician-scientist and his dedication to advancing imaging science to improve patient care.

The 2025 Distinguished Investigator class will be officially inducted during the Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Li Wang on this well-deserved national honor and in celebrating his continued impact on radiology research and innovation.

Learn more about the Academy’s Distinguished Investigator Award and Council of Distinguished Investigators here.

Adriana’s path to UNC Radiology began while she was still a student at Durham Tech, working toward her associate’s degree in clinical research. As part of her program, she completed an internship with the department. “Terry, our manager at the time, interviewed me and was already talking about offering me a position after graduation because I was bilingual. He really wanted to promote diversity in clinical research,” Adriana recalls. “I finished my internship on a Friday, and by Monday, I was here working full-time.”

“When Adriana joined our team as an intern, it was clear from the start that she had tremendous potential,” says Terry Hartman, MPH, MS, CCRC, Director of Research Operations at NC TraCS Institute and former Director of Research at UNC Radiology, Adriana’s former supervisor. “She approached every task with curiosity, dedication, and a strong desire to learn. As her internship came to a close, I recognized not only the value she brought to our team but also an opportunity to grow our group. I asked about her post-graduation plans and was thrilled to learn she was interested in continuing with us. We were fortunate to have her apply—and even more fortunate when she officially joined our team.”

That was four years ago, and since then, Adriana has become an essential member of the clinical research team. Her days are a mix of patient screenings, regulatory work, data entry, specimen collection, IRB applications, and scheduling. “My favorite part of the job is that it’s always different,” she says. “I never get bored—different studies, different tasks. Every day brings something new.”

“Adriana brings a rare blend of quiet determination, unwavering work ethic, and genuine warmth to everything she does,” says Markeela Lipscomb, CCRC, UNC Radiology Associate Director, Clinical Research Operations. “I have been fortunate enough to witness Adriana’s growth over the years and from day one, it was clear she is not only incredibly capable but also deeply committed to our patients, our team, and the mission of clinical research. Always ready to lend a hand, she approaches each day with positivity and purpose, making her not only an essential part of our team, but also a joy to work with.”

A Career Sparked by Chance

Interestingly, clinical research wasn’t always on Adriana’s radar. She originally pursued a career in business management to support her husband’s remodeling business, which she still helps manage on the side. However, her interest in clinical research was sparked years earlier while she was working as a nanny. “The woman I worked for was in clinical research, and I started hearing about it through her. I didn’t even know it existed before,” she says. That small introduction set her on a completely different—and fulfilling—career path.

“Adriana is an invaluable member of our team,” says Demsa Jones, BS, CCRC, Administrative Director, Clinical Research. “She is consistently one of our top enrollers which speaks volumes about her dedication and efficiency. She is always ahead of the game when it comes to getting tasks completed, setting a high standard for others. On top of that, she has a great sense of humor—always ready with a joke and a smile.  We are very lucky to have her!”

Life Beyond Work

Outside of work, Adriana’s world revolves around her family. She and her husband have been together for 13 years and are raising four kids, ages 18, 17, 10, and 7. Soccer is practically a way of life in their household. “We’re usually at a game or out on the field,” she says with a smile. “If not, I’m probably cooking or cleaning—typical mom life.”

Though she describes herself as shy, Adriana admits that once she feels comfortable with people, her personality shines. “At first, I’m quiet, but once you get to know me, I can’t stop talking. I’ll joke and be really outgoing.” Her best friends would call her funny, strong, and dependable—traits that her colleagues would no doubt agree with.

A Determined Spirit

When asked what she likes most about herself, Adriana doesn’t hesitate: determination. That drive has carried her through a winding journey—from growing up in Los Angeles and Mexico before settling in Durham, to navigating an early career shift, to balancing work, family, and school. “If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to focus more. I lost track early on, but once I got older, I started doing things the right way.”

And if she could choose a superpower? Time manipulation tops the list. “I could have enough time to do everything and not be rushing all the time,” she says, laughing. Until then, she’s more than content balancing her busy days in research and her family’s full calendar.

For Adriana, life has indeed shown how quickly it can change. Or, as she imagines the title of her autobiography: How Life Can Change.

Inside, you’ll find stories of groundbreaking research, clinical innovation, and education, as well as the community and collaborative spirit that drive our mission, from nationally recognized grants and publications to our fully staffed Emergency Radiology division, our new staff spotlight series, and the introduction of our new batch of residents and fellows. This report highlights the remarkable work being done across our department every day.

 https://www.med.unc.edu/radiology/about/annual–reports/

We invite you to explore the report and celebrate the progress we’ve made together. As always, we welcome your feedback and look forward to continuing to advance imaging science, education, and patient care.

If you had told Caroline Carswell a few years ago that she would be working in medical education — specifically in the highly specialized world of Interventional Radiology — she might have raised an eyebrow. After all, she spent nine years in an elementary classroom, teaching second graders who often didn’t speak a word of English when they first arrived.

“I was not a typical second-grade teacher,” Caroline recalls. “Any student who came directly from another country would be placed in my classroom. In a class of 20 English language learners, I often had six or seven different languages represented at once. They’d arrive not speaking English, and my job was to find creative ways to communicate and start their educational journey here.”

It was challenging, creative, and deeply rewarding work — but after nearly a decade, she felt ready for something new. “Teachers usually ‘change things up’ by switching schools or grade levels. But my work with English language learners was so unique and fulfilling that nothing in traditional teaching felt like it could measure up,” she explains.

Caroline began thinking beyond the classroom. “I wanted to find an educational role where I wasn’t directly teaching but could still support people who were learning. Obviously, I’m not a doctor, but I could still help in meaningful ways.” Her search led her to UNC — a place she describes as “very prestigious” — and soon she stepped into the role of Program Coordinator for the Interventional Radiology Residency and Fellowship programs.

A Role That’s Anything But Routine

Caroline’s work now is a blend of organization, logistics, problem-solving, and people skills. She focuses on residents rather than faculty — scheduling conferences, supporting onboarding, coordinating orientation, managing interviews, assisting with graduation, and keeping the year’s big events running smoothly.

Her day-to-day is never exactly the same. “We work in cycles,” she explains. “At different times of the year, the big priorities shift — one month it’s interviews, another month it’s graduation prep. In between, I’m handling schedules, evaluations, verifications, and all the little details that make the residency run.”

One of Caroline’s favorite aspects of the job is spotting ways to make things better. “When I started, I learned the residents’ projector wasn’t producing the sharp resolution they needed for Radiology images. I went down a rabbit hole researching projectors — it took a year of coordinating, but it was installed just in time for orientation! That’s the part I love — seeing a solution come together and making a difference.”

“Caroline’s attention to detail and organization is second to none, which makes her perfect for a role where compliance and regulations are so key,” says Blair Allen, Business Operations Manager.  “My favorite thing about Caroline is that she is always willing to stop and help anyone with any task. No task is too big or too small for her to lend a hand. Caroline embodies the positive culture we want to achieve as a full staff team in our department and it’s hard for me to believe she’s only been in Radiology for one year.”

From Second Graders to Second-Year Residents

Caroline is quick to point out that her teaching experience still serves her every day. “In teaching, I spent a lot of time figuring out where understanding broke down for a student and addressing it. Now, if a resident asks about a policy, I think about whether the confusion is from the wording, from how it was presented, or from something we missed in orientation. It’s the same skill — just a different audience.”

Her communication style reflects that teacher’s mindset, too. “If I notice the same questions keep coming up, I know it’s time to rework whatever’s causing the confusion. That’s just how my brain works — always trying to make things clearer and more efficient.”

“Caroline has been a wonderful addition to the education team,” says Allison Speagle, Education Manager. She is always willing to learn new things and help others. She does a great job keeping up with the hectic and ever-changing schedules and duties related to her job. We are lucky to have her on our team!”

Outside the Office: Strategy and Scenery

Though she describes herself as introverted, Caroline enjoys connecting with colleagues — sometimes through unexpected channels. She helps with Snack Day as a way to see people beyond her office, and she’s always ready to lend a hand, whether it’s setting up for Grand Rounds or jumping in on a project.

Outside of work, she and her husband play Magic: The Gathering — often at a local gameboard brewery’s Thursday night casual play event. “I enjoy playing because it sharpens my strategic thinking. You have to plan several moves ahead but also think on your feet to adapt and solve problems as they come,” she explains. They also love hiking at spots like Umstead and the Eno River, where she’s known to stop mid-trail to marvel at something in nature.

A Reflective Problem-Solver

If Caroline had to sum herself up in one word, it would be reflective. “I’m always analyzing — thinking about what happened, how people felt, and how we can do it better next time.” Her friends would describe her as creative, organized, and motivated — a fitting trio for someone who’s made a career out of building bridges between people, processes, and possibilities.

Her autobiography title? The Wandering Learner: A Journey Through Curiosity
Her dream casting for a movie version of her life? Annie Murphy.
And her go-to playlist? Kelly Clarkson, “the old school version of Taylor Swift.”

Whether she’s fine-tuning a policy, tracking down the perfect projector, or making sure residents feel supported from orientation to graduation, Caroline’s heart is in the same place it’s always been — helping people succeed. “I just really like helping people,” she says simply. “That’s the constant.”

Finding His Place in the Triangle

Though originally from Ghana in West Africa, Dr. Asiedu has made the Triangle home over the past five years. After completing his residency and a fellowship in neuroradiology at Duke, he knew he wanted to remain in the area he had come to love. What ultimately drew him to UNC was the spirit of community.

“What really sealed it for me was that I felt there was just a great sense of community among the people I met in the department and the division. It extended beyond radiology into the broader hospital environment—everyone I encountered was collaborative and welcoming.”

Encouragement from a former colleague also made the choice easy. “I reached out to Dr. Mariana DeFreitas, who trained at Duke as well and is now at UNC. She spoke so highly of her life here, and her enthusiasm was contagious.”

The Appeal of Academics

For Dr. Asiedu, teaching has always been central to the practice of medicine. He thrives on the exchange of ideas, whether it’s with a patient, a fellow physician, or a trainee.

“Teaching is one of the core components of being a physician that often doesn’t get enough emphasis. There’s always dialogue, and in every conversation, you’re learning from each other. Mentoring residents and students adds so much richness to the clinical work I do—it keeps me engaged and inspired.”

This passion for teaching is one of the reasons he chose an academic career, where he can pair his broad clinical expertise with mentorship and education.

From Ghana to Medicine

Dr. Asiedu’s journey into medicine began with early personal experiences of healthcare. Growing up in Ghana, he saw how limited access could affect families, and after moving to the U.S. at age seven, he noticed the stark difference.

Still, becoming a physician wasn’t a straight path. Initially a pre-pharmacy major, he worked as a pharmacy technician during college. But after shadowing physicians at the University of Cincinnati and diving deeper into biology and health sciences, his calling became clear.

“I loved science, but what fascinated me most was how knowledge of atoms and molecules could translate into improving someone’s health. That intersection of science and human connection pushed me toward medicine.”

Why Radiology?

The breadth and depth of radiology’s scope drew him in.

“Radiologists need to know something about every disease from an imaging perspective. That’s incredibly challenging, but it’s also rewarding. I love being the ultimate consultant—whether I’m discussing a case with an OBGYN, neurosurgeon, neurologist, or general surgeon, I get to play a role in helping a broad spectrum of patients.”

This ability to connect across specialties was exactly the kind of variety and intellectual challenge he was seeking.

Advice for Future Radiologists

Dr. Asiedu remembers his first radiology rotation as a medical student well.

“I was completely overwhelmed when I saw my first cases. But a senior resident took the time to walk me through them, and that hands-on experience was transformative.”

He encourages students to engage actively during their rotations—joining tumor boards, observing radiologists in different clinical settings, and reflecting on whether they enjoy the breadth of pathology the specialty requires.

“If you’re someone who loves learning about many different diseases and pathologies, radiology may be a great fit.”

Beyond the Reading Room

Colleagues will quickly discover that Dr. Asiedu values connection and humor in his work.

“I’ve always prided myself on creating a warm, fun environment where people can be themselves. In the ER, where things are stressful and busy, fostering openness and laughter makes everything better.”

Outside of medicine, he enjoys hiking, jogging, and listening to podcasts like Freakonomics. He describes himself as a “hard-working” person who also values balance—and lately, that balance has included exploring new restaurants with friends. A self-professed foodie, his favorite comfort dish is Amala and Ewedu, a rich Nigerian soup he recently had at a wedding.

If given a superpower? He’d choose teleportation. “Flying takes too long, and there are too many risks,” he laughs.

Looking Ahead at UNC

As he begins this next chapter, Dr. Asiedu is eager to dive into both his clinical and teaching roles.

“I’m excited to be an attending and to work with the residents here at UNC. This is a new phase of my journey, and I’m looking forward to it.”

With his passion for teaching, dedication to patients, and ability to bring joy to even the busiest ER setting, Dr. Kingsley Asiedu is a welcome and inspiring addition to the UNC Radiology community.