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Graduate Biomedical Sciences

Staff Directory

Laurie E. Harrington, Ph.D.

Laurie E. Harrington, Ph.D.

Interim Associate Dean, Graduate Biomedical Sciences

Professor, Cell, Developmental & Integrative Biology


Phone: (205) 996-9795
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Olivia Barnes

Olivia Barnes

GBS Program Manager II

Phone: (205) 934-7034
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  • Manages and update GBS program policies, procedures, and regulations
  • Serves as office manager and supervise staff to optimize tasks and facilitate daily operations
  • Manages student progress across GBS themes
  • Administers comprehensive database of students
  • Serves as GBS curriculum manager
  • Collaborates with UAB Alumni Affairs to track outcomes and career paths for GBS graduates
Jacob Nance

Jacob Nance

Program Director I - Graduate School Dean's Office

Phone: (205) 934-3857
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  • HR and Finance
  • Processes and approves payments, reconcile accounts and Pcard transactions
  • Manages trainee tuition and stipend payments
  • Manages operations for the UAB PREP Scholars Program
  • Maintains GBS and PREP Scholars Program website content
  • Data management of student records
  • Student onboarding and offboarding
  • All other HR and Finance duties for the program
Sarah Freeman

Sarah Freeman

Communications and Events Specialist

Phone: (205) 934-1372
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Oversees GBS student admissions and recruitment processes
  • Manages marketing and communication for the program
  • Writes, edits, and maintains content for GBS communication outlets
  • Oversees all GBS events with the support of GBS Staff
  • Manages GBS social media accounts
  • Manages GBS website
Sam Dillon

Sam Dillon

Program Administrator II

Phone: (205) 934-7810
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Manages student progress through lab rotations, committee formation and meetings, and mentor selection
  • Theme meeting support
  • Oversees the dissertation and defense process for graduating students
  • Serves as GBSO support liaison
Brittany Russell

Brittany Russell

GBS Program Manager I - Finance and HR

Phone: (205) 996-4152
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Manages HR and financial operations for the GBS program
  • Organizes and enters trainee tuition payments
  • Monitors GBS theme accounts and approves expenditures
  • Reconciles P-card transactions