This Week at USU - January 12 2025

[Uniformed Services University - News]

12 January 2025

Protecting the Force: USU Studies Blast Overpressure Risk in Special Operations Forces and Female and Male Bomb Disposal Technicians

USU is launching pivotal research into how blast waves affect female EOD technicians and Special Warfare boat crews—populations historically overlooked in brain health studies. Discover how Dr. Michael Roy and his team are utilizing innovative, field-ready technology to measure "dual-threat" exposures and develop gender-specific safety protocols that ensure long-term warfighter health. Read More

Global Chikungunya Outbreak Highlights Importance of Military Health Readiness

With global cases of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus on the rise, USU infectious disease experts are emphasizing the urgent need for advanced surveillance and clinician training. Learn why this virus—capable of causing debilitating, chronic joint pain—is a top force protection priority and how military providers are working to identify and prevent threats in austere environments. Read More

USU Professor Applies Military Medical Expertise in Global Volunteer Role at the Vatican

Retired Navy Captain Dr. Barbara Ritschel recently led a medical volunteer team at St. Peter’s Square, providing frontline care to international pilgrims during a humanitarian mission. Read how she leveraged the adaptability and generalist skills honed during her military service to navigate language barriers and high-pressure situations, demonstrating the enduring global value of military medical training. Read More

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IN REMEMBRANCE

Karen Lynn Williams December 16, 1955 – January 5, 2026

Karen Lynn Williams, a cornerstone of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), passed away on January 5, 2026. A woman of extraordinary dedication, Karen’s career at USU spanned over 43 years, leaving behind an indelible legacy of service, expertise, and friendship. A Distinguished Career Karen was born on December 16, 1955, and grew up in Bethesda, Maryland. A proud alumna of American University, she earned her BS in Biology in 1977 and joined USU in 1982. She began her tenure at USU as a research technician in the laboratory of Dr. Lucy Chang. This foundational experience in bench research uniquely prepared her for her subsequent exemplary career as a grant manager. To the faculty and staff, Karen was more than a grant manager; she was a fierce advocate and a problem-solver. Known for her "dogged determination," she had a unique talent for navigating the most complex challenges. Her colleagues at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) fondly remember her as a savvy buyer who would "gently beat up" sales reps to ensure her department got the best discounts, always keeping the success of the labs as her top priority. The BIO faculty benefitted tremendously from her expertise, with even the most recently recruited members of the faculty being amazed by her ability to understand their science, advise on funding opportunities, update biosketches, draft budgets and correspond with collaborators in the preparation, submission, and administration of grants. Once a task was in Karen’s hands, its successful and timely completion was guaranteed; she was extraordinarily thorough, reliable, and precise. Spirit and Resilience Karen was defined by her keen intellect, quick humor, and a spirited approach to life’s obstacles. In her youth, she was an enthusiastic gymnast. Throughout her life, she was a lover of music, dance, and an avid reader. Though Rheumatoid Arthritis eventually limited her mobility, it never slowed her down. Many will fondly remember Karen "zooming" down the halls of USU on her scooter, or in earlier years, expertly maneuvering her office chair through the corridors of Building B to get the job done. Her office, B4060, served as the department’s hub. Despite her busy schedule and health challenges, Karen had a "heart of gold." She cherished connecting with people and was always interested in the well-being of her colleagues and their families. Her dedication and commitment to the faculty and staff of the department, even after she could no longer come into the office and had to telework full-time, was unwavering. Family and Legacy Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her brother. She leaves behind a community of colleagues and friends including many coworkers throughout HJF and the University. Her absence will be deeply felt by all those who relied on her wisdom and cherished her friendship, but especially by her coworkers in BIO who viewed her not only as a beloved friend but as part of their family. Service Information A service to honor Karen's life and legacy will be held in Rice Hall on Wednesday, January 27th at 2:00 PM. Colleagues and friends are encouraged to attend and share their favorite memories of Karen.

USU Events

Department of Microbiology and Immunology (MIC) Seminar Series 12 JAN 1130 - 1230 EDT "Generative AI for biomolecular design"

Public Defense with Col (Ret) Tamara Averett-Brauer 13 JAN 1200 - 1300 EDT "US Air Force Flight Nursing Expertise: A Qualitative Exploratory Descriptive Study"

President's Strategic Leadership Series Lecture with Dr. Leon Moores  13 JAN 1300 - 1400 EDT Lecture featuring Dr. Leon Moores as part of the President's Strategic Leadership Series.

Molecular & Cell Biology Seminar 15 JAN 1100 - 1200 EDT "Checks and Balances: Coordinated Control of Translation and RNA Levels by Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factors"

LRC Workshop: PubMed - Basic to Advanced 15 JAN 1300 - 1400 EDT Session covers basic search strategies, clinical queries, and how to use My NCBI to save search searches and customize PubMed.

USU in the News Science & Medicine: Sleep disorders in the military are complex, common, and treatable According to USU class of 1996 alumnus Dr. Vincent Mysliwiec, sleep disorders are common, complex, and treatable in military populations, emphasizing the need for thorough diagnosis and care to support short- and long-term health and readiness among service members.  Texas Public Radio

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