Chobanian & Avedisian SOM March 2026 Faculty Appointments & Promotions
Congratulations to the following Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine faculty on their March 2026 appointment or promotion.
Nikolaos Daskalakis, MD, PhD, Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, focuses on the neurobiology, genomics and systems biology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Using a combination of large-scale genetics, deep genomic analyses in human tissues and innovative in vitro, in vivo, and computational models, his work addresses the molecular mechanisms underlying susceptibility to early- and later-life stress in mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has generated the largest brain multiomic datasets for PTSD in the context of various international consortia and developed robust platforms for testing and validating novel biomarkers and therapeutic approaches using iPSC-derived and primary neuronal culture models. Dr. Daskalakis’s expertise in genetics and genomics, spanning experimental data generation and advanced single cell and machine learning analyses, will strengthen the university’s translational bioinformatics ecosystem. Supported by multiple federal and foundation grants, his research program is expanding to encompass additional brain disorders influenced by the gene-by-environment interplay, including substance use disorders, pain–stress comorbidities and neurodegenerative diseases. He joined Boston University from Harvard Medical School, where he served as an associate professor of psychiatry.
George J. Murphy, PhD, Medicine/Hematology & Medical Oncology, specializes in stem cell biology at the nexus of regenerative medicine and aging biology. Along with his colleagues Darrell Kotton, MD, and Gustavo Mostoslavsky, MD, PhD, Dr. Murphy co-founded the Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM), which has emerged as a leader in the development and application of induced pluripotent stem cell technology. His work, initially on blood cell development and more recently on exceptional longevity, has been continuously funded by the NIH for more than a decade. Dr. Murphy serves as co-chair, research & scholarly activities on the Boston University Faculty Council. He is an American Society of Hematology Scholar Award recipient, a National Blood Foundation Fellow and a National Academy of Medicine Healthy Aging Catalyst Awardee.
Clinical Associate Professor
Linda Afifi, PhD, Anatomy & Neurobiology, is an innovative educator who spans the disciplines of clinical gross anatomy, histology and neuroscience. As an alumna of the department, she is honored to contribute to and uphold the education that shaped her academic foundation. She is deeply committed to course development and is the director of various anatomy courses in the MD program and graduate medical sciences. Her teaching and commitment to her students has led to several honors and awards, her most recent being the Distinguished Faculty of the Month for March 2026. Her research interests include anatomy education, with a focus on active learning strategies, cadaver-based instruction and the integration of clinical concepts into graduate-level curricula.
Yachana Kataria, PhD, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, is a clinician-scientist with a research focus on population health and public health. She serves as medical director of clinical chemistry for the Boston Medical Center Health System (BMCHS), leading efforts to enhance laboratory services and improve patient care across the continuum of hospitals and affiliated health centers. From 2018-25, she held a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) license as laboratory director for Codman Square Health Center and DotHouse Health, community health centers within the BMCHS Accountable Care Organization. Dr. Kataria is a leader in laboratory medicine through her work with the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine, where she serves as chair of the Society of Young Clinical Laboratorians. She also plays a key leadership role in Clinical Lab 2.0, advancing data-driven, value-based care models that highlight the clinical and financial impact of laboratory medicine. Dr. Kataria has a sustained record of externally funded research leadership, serving as both PI and collaborative investigator across multi institutional and translational research initiatives.
Susannah Rowe, MD, MPH, Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, is a clinician-educator whose areas of interest include complex and high-risk cataract surgery, eye care for the underserved, and occupational well-being. Dr. Rowe developed the Exceptional Vision Service, a pioneering program that improves access to cataract surgery for people with autism, intellectual disability and mental illness. She serves as vice chair for safety and quality in the department of ophthalmology & vision sciences. In her role as associate chief medical officer for wellness and professional vitality at Boston Medical Center, she leads institutional efforts to improve occupational equity and well-being, focusing on local and national drivers and on the particular experience of highly mission-driven clinicians. Throughout her academic and clinical career, Dr. Rowe has been driven by a deep commitment to fostering environments – both individual and institutional – that enable people to thrive.
Steven Ness, MD, Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, is a clinician-educator who specializes in vitreoretinal surgery, retina education and disparities research. He serves as chief of the retina service, director of clinical research in the department and director of the Vitreoretinal Surgery and Disease Fellowship. Dr. Ness also is site PI on four NIH/NEI-funded multicenter Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR Retina Network), protocols. He is the recipient of the 2024 American Society of Retinal Specialists’ Honor Award for his sustained educational and scholarly contributions.