UAB Synopsis, Vol. 27, No. 22, June 9, 2008
Pam Bounelis, PhD, School of Medicine (SOM) assistant dean for biomedical research, was recognized recently as a UAB Outstanding Woman and presented with the Susan D. Marchase Outstanding Woman Administrator award.
Bounelis, who joined UAB in 1985 as a postdoctoral fellow studying intracellular calcium regulation, was cited for her work in research and facilities planning and obtaining extramural funding to support the initiatives. Also noted was the assistance and support she provides women in their careers.
She joined the Department of Cell Biology in 1990 as research associate and in 1995 was appointed assistant to its chair. “An effective administration is important, and it is essential to the efficient operation of the organization. To be successful, administrators should work in partnership with faculty, trainees, and each other,” she says.
Dr. Bounelis finds satisfaction in working with SOM colleagues to promote a collaborative environment in which scientists can succeed. “One goal of our office is to serve as a networking hub where investigators, many new to the university, can be connected to shared resources,” she says.
The SOM occupies space in 53 buildings and oversees 1.7 million square feet of space, but Dr. Bounelis often walks through office suites and laboratories to understand the needs that scientists have to complete their projects.
Dr. Bounelis believes many young women beginning their careers find the scientific workplace challenging. “They are trying to balance their personal and professional lives, and achieving this balance can be especially challenging if they are planing to have a family,” she says. “The work world continues to evolve and will hopefully become even more flexible so that women can maximize their potential to contribute. UAB is supportive of career enhancement activities, including several funded initiatives.”
Her award’s namesake, who died in 2004 at the age of 54, was a highly respected fiscal and administrative director in the Department of Medicine chair’s office.
“Dr. Bounelis’s contributions have been remarkable for developing a culture of collaboration at the School of Medicine,” says Edward N. Abraham, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine. “She is an advocate for all faculty and has provided an exemplary role model of leadership for women at UAB.”
Other honorees were Valerie Gribben, Outstanding Woman UAB Student; Beth Hosmer, RN, OCN, Outstanding Woman UAB Staff Member; and Sandra Schrohenloher, Outstanding Woman in the Community.
The UAB Women’s Center and the UAB Women’s Studies Program sponsor the event annually.