Desma Marie Jones has been a cornerstone of the 黑料网 Radiology family since January 2019. With her dual roles as Administrative Director for Clinical Research and Radiology Core Service Center, she鈥檚 a powerhouse of organization, research, and leadership. But who is the woman behind the title? Let鈥檚 dive into her story, her passions, and the quirks that make her approachable.
A Journey Through 黑料网聽
Desma鈥檚 connection with 黑料网 runs deep. She鈥檚 been at the university since 2012, starting her career in dental research with the Adams School of Dentistry. From there, she moved into anesthesiology before finding her home in radiology. Her love of research is no accident. While she initially envisioned a career in the medical field, a detour into dental research revealed a fulfilling intersection of science, patient interaction, and meaningful impact.
鈥淩esearch seemed interesting鈥攖he perfect combination of science, helping people and interacting with people,鈥� she shares. And the rest is history.
From South Boston to the Triangle聽
Originally from South Boston鈥攏ot the one in Massachusetts but a small town in Halifax County, Virginia鈥擠esma grew up splitting her time between there and Roxboro, North Carolina. Her journey to 黑料网 began with a campus visit prompted by her stepmother鈥檚 encouragement, and it was love at first sight. After completing her undergraduate degree in biology, Desma decided to plant roots in the area, and she now calls Durham home.
Although she claims no allegiance to a specific Durham eatery, Desma is partial to Stoney River in Chapel Hill鈥攁 testament to her love of good food in good company.
The Traveler at Heart聽
Desma鈥檚 passport is well-loved, with stamps from favorites like Panama and St. Lucia. Travel appeals to her because it allows her to unwind, soak in natural beauty, and reset from her bustling professional life. She dreams of future adventures to Greece and Thailand but admits, 鈥淚 just want to go everywhere.鈥�
One highlight of her travels? She goes on annual trips with her mom and sister, where memories and laughter are as essential as the destination itself.
A Day in the Life of a Research Dynamo聽
Desma wears many hats in her role, overseeing everything from IRB applications to managing regulatory aspects and budgets for human research studies. Whether helping radiologists navigate patient recruitment and study consent or getting new clinical research studies up and running, her meticulous attention to detail ensures that every project runs smoothly.
Her leadership extends to the Radiology Core Service Center, where her team supports the 黑料网 community with imaging services. Desma鈥檚 oversight enables groundbreaking research to move forward, from anonymizing images to facilitating specialized research interpretations.
鈥淒esma is a true asset to our Radiology Research team,鈥� says Shanah Kirk, Radiology Core Service Center Manager. 鈥淪he brings an abundance of knowledge to her role as director and exemplifies professional leadership.鈥�
Behind the Scenes聽
When she鈥檚 not coordinating research or traveling, Desma values time with family and friends. She鈥檚 particularly close with her sister, who鈥檚 nine years younger, and treasures the stories she鈥檚 inherited from her grandparents. If given a chance, she鈥檇 love to ask her late grandfather about his experiences during the Korean War鈥攁 window into history she wishes she could explore further.
A Piece of Advice聽
If she could offer her younger self a nugget of wisdom, it would be this: 鈥淒on鈥檛 be so hard on yourself. You鈥檙e going to be okay. Show yourself some grace.鈥� It鈥檚 advice we could all take to heart.
One Word to Rule Them All聽
How does Desma describe herself in one word? Dependable. And it鈥檚 clear from her dedication to her work and the relationships she nurtures that this word couldn鈥檛 be more fitting.
Superpowers and Hallway Chats聽
If given a superpower, Desma would choose teleportation鈥攁 logical pick for someone who loves to travel and has a busy schedule. And if you see her in the halls of 黑料网 Radiology, don鈥檛 hesitate to say hello. 鈥淚 am approachable and happy to stop and chat,鈥� she assures with a smile.
Desma Marie Jones is not just a leader in her field; she鈥檚 a traveler, a family woman, and the kind of colleague who makes 黑料网 Radiology a better place every day.