Kirstie Cummings, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurobiology, has been named Associate Director for Trainee Engagement and Education in the UAB Comprehensive Neuroscience Center (CNC).
In this new leadership role, Cummings will help advance the center's mission by strengthening engagement with trainees and training programs across UAB's neuroscience community. She will work closely with students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and training program leaders to foster professional development, mentorship opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The position connects several initiatives supported by the CNC that are designed to enrich the trainee experience and strengthen connections across campus. Cummings will serve as the center's liaison for neuroscience-related training programs, support the nationally recognized Neuroscience Seminar Series, advise the student-led Neuro and Behavioral Collaborative, and help coordinate trainee-focused activities at the center's annual retreat.
She will also contribute to professional development programming through the CNC Assistant Professor School, which prepares senior postdoctoral fellows and early-career faculty for independent academic research careers. In addition, Cummings will help support recruitment efforts that introduce prospective students to neuroscience training opportunities at UAB.
For Cummings, the role represents an opportunity to build upon the collaborative environment that distinguishes UAB's neuroscience community.
“Our UAB neuroscience community is already incredibly collaborative, vibrant, and welcoming, and our trainees are the driving force behind that culture.” Cummings says, “My vision is to build on this strong foundation by enhancing opportunities for cross-school interaction, ensuring our trainees have the structured support and professional development they need to thrive.”
A major focus of the position will be creating opportunities for trainees to connect across disciplines, develop leadership skills, and engage with researchers at every career stage.
“Working with our trainees is one of the absolute best parts of my job. I am incredibly excited to champion their growth on a larger scale across UAB, equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and experiences they need to ensure that they emerge as some of the most competitive and sought-after candidates in the biomedical workforce.” Cummings said.
Through Cummings' leadership in trainee engagement and education, the center aims to further strengthen the support network and professional development opportunities available to emerging neuroscientists.