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Neurosurgery October 17, 2025

Gaskin Dean's Award 2025 Regan Gaskin, MPA, clinical research coordinator in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, was selected as a recipient of the Heersink School of Medicine 2025 Dean’s Excellence Awards.

Now in its third year, the Dean’s Excellence Awards for Staff recognize individuals who have made significant and meaningful contributions to the school’s mission through their work in education, service, and research.

“I am truly honored to receive the 2025 Dean’s Excellence Award for Staff. Working alongside so many talented and dedicated colleagues makes this recognition especially meaningful. This award reflects not only my own efforts but also the support and collaboration that define the Department of Neurosurgery and the university. I look forward to continuing to serve, contribute and grow in ways that advance our shared mission.”

In her current role, Gaskin supports clinical trials for children with complex neurological conditions. In addition to coordinating study logistics, she works directly with families, mentors junior staff, improves protocol efficiency and helps shape how research is conducted and experienced at UAB.

Her attention to regulatory compliance, data integrity, and patient-centered care helps elevate the quality and inclusivity of our research efforts. Her commitment to inclusive research practices is grounded in lived experience and public health training, and her leadership is consistently proactive and collaborative.

Outside her role in the department, she has co-founded the Alabama Food Fortification Initiative, which successfully led to the passage of a state law requiring folic acid fortification of corn masa flour, a significant public health milestone benefiting Hispanic and Latino communities. She mentors early career professionals in research, leads policy strategy efforts, and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Health Services Administration while working full time.

“Regan’s contributions are unmatched in their scope and significance,” said Brandy Nix, MBA, clinical research administrator in the Department of Neurosurgery. “She leads with humility and effectiveness, mentors generously, and brings visibility to communities often overlooked in clinical research. She is not only dependable and driven but also a catalyst for positive change across systems. Her excellence, both within and beyond her department, makes her an outstanding candidate for this award.”

Award recipients were presented with their awards and honored at a reception held in the Barbara and Edward Partridge Atrium of the Wallace Tumor Institute Lobby on Tuesday, September 30.

This article is made up of experts from the original story, found here.


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