Leadership

Director

Scott Soleimanpour, MD is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Director of the Michigan Diabetes Research Center (as of 12/1/2023), and Director for T1D Basic Research and Islet Biology Programs in the University of Michigan Caswell Diabetes Institute. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 1986, Dr. Soleimanpour is deeply invested in basic research focused on the genetic causes of T1D while also directing a thriving clinical program that empowers diabetic young adults during their transition to self-care. Among Dr. Soleimanpour’s key research contributions include studies focused on islet cell transplantation, beta cell failure after islet cell transplantation, and include recent seminal studies in understanding the genetic causes of pancreatic beta cell failure in T1D. The Soleimanpour Lab has pioneered the study of mitochondrial health and quality control in pancreatic beta cells and T1D pathophysiology, and he continues to focus on how defects in T1D genes lead patients to develop diabetes.

Associate Director and Co-Director of Enrichment Program

Christin Carter-Su, PhD, Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and the Henry Sewall Collegiate Professor in Physiology is the Associate Director and Co-Director of the Enrichment Program for the MDRC. Dr. Carter-Su is internationally recognized for her contributions to the understanding of how growth hormone regulates cell function.

As Associate Director, she serves in the director’s absence. She facilitates interdisciplinary research collaborations and assists the Director in the review and development of Center Core services. She is a member of the Center’s Internal Advisory Committee and serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee and Grants Program Advisory Council. She acts as a liaison to the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Michigan Medical School to represent interdisciplinary programmatic issues of interest to the Center.

As Co-Director of the MDRC Enrichment Program, she identifies resources and plans programs. She coordinates the annual Diabetes Symposium; the Medical Student Summer Training Program in Diabetes; the Cellular Aspects of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Research Club; the Integrative Aspects of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Research Club; and MDRC-sponsored research seminars.

Director of Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program

Martin G. Myers, Jr, MD, PhD is the Marilyn H. Vincent Professor of Diabetes Research, Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Principal Investigator and Director of the Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program for the MDRC. 

Dr. Myers served as co-Director of the MDRC since December 2010 and served as Director from September 2011 to November 2023. As Center Director and Director of the Administration Core, Dr. Myers was responsible for the overall direction of the Center and for providing leadership, scientific direction, and administrative guidance to ensure that the Center achieves its goals. He was responsible for decisions about membership, Core organization and services, and finances. He communicated the goals, activities and accomplishments of the Center to the NIH, the University community, the region, the nation and the world.

Previously, Dr. Myers served as Director of the MDRTC Animal Phenotyping Core (2008-2010), Director of the MDRTC Pilot and Feasibility Study Grant Program (2008-2011), and as Director of the Joslin Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center’s Nucleotide Sequencing and Analysis Core (2002-2004).

Dr. Myers is internationally recognized for his work on the biology of leptin, a hormone that regulates physiological processes relevant to diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. By studying the molecular, cellular, neural and developmental functions of leptin and by understanding the contribution of each of these processes to leptin action, Dr. Myers seeks to define the mechanisms by which leptin regulates metabolism and how their alteration may contribute to diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Director of MDRC Enrichment Programs

Brigid Gregg, MD is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology. She took over the MDRC Enrichment Program in December 2021.  She will plan and oversee all MDRC enrichment activities, including symposia, seminars, and research clubs.  She will serve on the Executive Committee and will advise the Director regarding enrichment programs. She will oversee the Enrichment Program-focused efforts of Ms. Aboutawila.  Dr. Gregg also serves as the Director of Enrichment programs for the Caswell Diabetes Institute (CDI). Thus, she leads the CDI Enrichment Coordinating Committee to ensure appropriate coordination of Enrichment activities among diabetes- and metabolism-focused entities on campus (Endocrine divisions, the MCDTR, the MNORC, etc.). 

Associate Director

William H. Herman, MD, MPH is a Professor of Internal Medicine and Epidemiology, the Stefan S. Fajans/GlaxoSmithKline Professor of Diabetes, and Director of the Michigan Center for Diabetes Translational Research (MCDTR). He was Director of the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center (MDRTC) from 2000 to 2011. In September 2011, he stepped down as Director of the MDRTC to become Director of the Michigan Center for Diabetes Translational Research. Dr. Herman advises the Director of the MDRC regarding clinical and translational research and assists in policy, planning, and development of services. Dr. Herman assists Dr. Carter-Su in the administration of the P/F Grants Program providing scientific oversight for the identification of external reviewers for T1 and T2 translational research applications. Dr. Herman also directs the Clinical Core of the MDRC which provides expertise and services to support basic biomedical research and research focused on the translation of basic science findings into early phase clinical trials and the testing of potential therapeutics related to diabetes.

Director of Administration

Brenda Phillips provides administrative leadership and continuity for the MDRC. Ms. Phillips represents programmatic issues to Health System faculty and administrative personnel and to external organizations. She provides for strategic planning and development of resources to diversify the Centers’ funding base and insures continuation of programs. Specific responsibilities include fiscal planning and analysis, oversight of grant management in compliance with National Institutes of Health requirements, personnel management, space planning and utilization, public relations and marketing, and website and resource development. Ms. Phillips is a member of the Internal Advisory Committee and the Core Operating Committee of the MDRC.