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Office of Research Support Welcomes Three New Team Members

From left to right: Madeline "Maddy" Mikes, Dr. Sima Namin, and Manasa Tulasi Ganesuni

The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine (UTGSM) Office of Research Support is pleased to welcome three new professionals who bring unique expertise and fresh perspectives to our growing research team. Manasa Tulasi Ganesuni, MS, joins as our new Quality Assurance and Regulatory Specialist, Sima Namin, PhD, joins as our new Health Disparities Research Specialist, and Madeline “Maddy” Mikes, MPH, joins as our new Oncology Research Coordinator.

Manasa Tulasi Ganesuni holds a Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University. Her background blends pharmaceutical training with regulatory strategy, giving her a strong foundation in FDA submissions and global compliance standards. Prior to UTGSM, she contributed to regulatory research for medical devices, helped draft FDA pre-submission materials, and completed policy research focused on telehealth innovation. She also supports research teams in reviewing study data to ensure it meets ClinicalTrials.gov submission requirements. Manasa’s understanding of both clinical research and regulatory compliance will be key to supporting UTGSM’s research oversight and quality initiatives.

Dr. Sima Namin has over seven years of experience in health disparities research, public health, and geospatial data analysis. She holds a Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Public Policy and has completed research fellowships at both the Medical College of Wisconsin and Toronto Metropolitan University. Her work has focused on community-based health interventions, spatial health surveillance, and social determinants of health, with multiple peer-reviewed publications and successful grant contributions. Dr. Namin’s expertise will support UTGSM’s efforts to expand research that addresses health equity and underserved populations across East Tennessee.

Madeline “Maddy” Mikes comes to UTGSM from the University of South Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, along with a certificate in Maternal and Child Health. Her previous research included school-based health interventions and pediatric sleep studies. She also brings clinical and administrative experience from roles at Prisma Health and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Maddy’s combined research and patient care background will enhance coordination and support for oncology studies across the department.

"Each of these talented professionals brings valuable skills, diverse research experience, and a shared commitment to advancing high-quality impactful research. Their contributions will strengthen our mission to grow the Office of Research Support as a vital resource for conducting and supporting research across our campus," said Jennifer Ferris, Director of Research.

Please join us in welcoming them to the UTGSM research community.

Posted July 14, 2025