Research Award Winners Celebrated at the Department of Medicine’s Third Annual Research Day

Emily Hecker
Senior Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator

Emily Hecker was recognized for her exceptional leadership across the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care and the Duke Aging Center. Colleagues praised her as a unifying force whose calm, solutions-oriented approach strengthens multi-site clinical trials and ensures scientific rigor through complex challenges. Her mentorship of research staff and early-career faculty, along with her expertise in regulatory affairs and clinical research coordination, continues to elevate the department’s research enterprise.

Scott Crown
Senior Research Associate

Scott Crown was honored for his rare scientific expertise and his pivotal role in advancing metabolic research at Duke. His leadership in developing the Metabolic Flux Core at the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute has enabled state-of-the-art technologies and supported high-impact research across campus. Nominators described him as rigorous, generous, and deeply collaborative, emphasizing his mentorship of students, postdocs, and faculty, as well as his lasting contributions to Duke’s metabolism research community.

Julia Rasmussen
Research Practice Manager

Julia Rasmussen was celebrated for her leadership and ingenuity in transforming complex research systems into efficient, well-coordinated programs. She played a central role in launching a pilot project to expand representation in clinical trials—an initiative that required significant regulatory and logistical navigation and now serves as a model for inclusive study design. Her colleagues also noted her ability to sustain research momentum through staffing transitions and funding shifts, crediting her mentorship and steady guidance within the Thoracic Oncology Research Program.

Edna Scarlett
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator

With four decades of contributions to the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Edna Scarlett was recognized as a cornerstone of the division’s research success. Colleagues emphasized her deep knowledge of research ethics, patient care, and clinical trial operations, as well as her profound influence on trainees and faculty. Her integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped breakthrough therapies and strengthened the culture of research across the division.

Dev Anderson, MD
Professor of Medicine

Dr. Dev Anderson was honored for his exceptional commitment to training and supporting the next generation of investigators in clinical and epidemiologic research. He has mentored more than 40 scientists, including medical students, fellows, junior faculty, and international scholars, many of whom have secured K-level awards or established independent research careers. Through his leadership of the Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, DICON, and DASON, he has built an environment defined by rigor, inclusivity, and collaboration that continues to shape the field of infection prevention.

Nicholas Turner, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine

Dr. Nick Turner was recognized for his transformative research in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. His work includes a landmark first-author JAMA publication from the NIH-funded DOTS Trial evaluating dalbavancin for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia—research poised to influence clinical practice worldwide. Nominators described his scholarship as rigorous, collaborative, and clinically impactful, noting more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, a growing citation record, and the recent receipt of an NIH K23 Career Development Award.

Thomas L. Holland, MD
Professor of Medicine

Dr. Tom Holland received this year’s Distinguished Research Publication Award for his JAMA article, “Dalbavancin for Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: The DOTS Randomized Clinical Trial.” As principal investigator of this international, NIH-funded study—described by JAMA editors as “the best data available to date” on long-acting lipoglycopeptides—Dr. Holland demonstrated the efficacy of a simplified treatment approach for a severe and common infection. His leadership and collaborative mentorship throughout the trial exemplify the scientific rigor and impact this award honors.

Gastroenterology

The inaugural Research Day Cup was awarded to the Division of Gastroenterology for submitting the highest number of posters for this year’s event. The award highlights division-wide engagement and reflects the department's collective commitment to fostering inquiry, collaboration, and innovation. Division Chief Andrew Muir, MD, MHS, accepted the award on behalf of the division.