Lynda Christel joined DBMI as Chief Business Officer on Jan. 13, 2025. Previously, Lynda worked as an Operations Administrator within the Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology and was an Assistant Professor in Healthcare Administration at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. As a healthcare executive, Lynda enhanced revenue through practice optimization, operationalized innovative ideas and service efficiency, led teams of physicians and executive leaders, and developed staff. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the American College of Healthcare Executive (ACHE).​

Tanner Thurman is an Associate Application Developer at the Vanderbilt Clinical Informatics Center (VCLIC). He earned his B.S. in Computer Science from Western Kentucky University in 2024, focusing on Machine Learning, AI, and Data Structures. At VCLIC, Tanner develops web applications to enhance clinical information accessibility and efficiency. He is passionate about exploring machine learning and AI through various side projects. Tanner's technical expertise spans multiple programming languages and frameworks, with a particular interest in AI technologies and full-stack development. In his role, he aims to contribute to advancing healthcare technology through innovative software solutions.

Research Portfolio: https://www.thurmanportfolio.com/

Dr. Shirts's research has included on statistical and bioinformatic methods to improve genetics sequencing analysis. To an increasing degree my research focuses on translational work related to communication of genetic test results between laboratories, providers, patients and their families. One recent successful project on new strategies to help hereditary cancer patients communicate about their genetic risk with relatives led to the development of a non-profit organization, ConnectMyVariant. ConnectMyVariant helps patients across the world find and connect with others who have the same pathogenic variants so that they can share stories, find common ancestors, and encourage each other to reach out to relatives.

Dr. Shirts is Service Medical Director of the Molecular Genetics Laboratories, including Cytogenetics, Molecular Diagnostics and Clinical Genomics. 

PubMed

Brandon Buxton, MS, received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University (December 2019) and a Master of Science degree (August 2023) from the University of Texas Health Science Center. Brandon is funded by the National Library of Medicine's training grant and is pursuing a PhD in biomedical informatics. 

Matthew Murrow completed his PhD defense in physics in July 2024 and received his degree from Vanderbilt University in August 2024. He is a postdoctoral fellow funded by the National Library of Medicine's training grant and is pursuing a master's degree in biomedical informatics. 

Rachael Miller received her PharmD degree from Belmont University (May 2024). She was a Vanderbilt Biomedical Informatics Summer Program (VBISP) intern in 2022. She is also a VA postdoctoral fellow and pursuing a master's degree in biomedical informatics. 

Dagmawi Negesse transferred from Vanderbilt University to VUMC's Department of Biomedical Informatics in the position of Project Manager under Alvin Jeffery effective September 2024.