Danielle Tatum (she/her)

I hold a PhD in molecular genetics and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Tulane before making a wide left turn in my career to leading clinical research for a trauma surgery program at a large hospital for 7 years. I returned to Tulane 3 years ago to assume the position of Director of Research for the Department of Surgery. Here, I am tasked with the oversight and growth of all aspects of research within the department from grants and clinical trials to investigator-initiated studies, multicenter collaborations, and student/resident mentorship. Our research portfolio has increased significantly in these last 3 years, leading to concurrent growth of the research team. In addition to seeking to improve my leadership skills for personal development reasons, I want to be better equipped to successfully and effectively lead an increasingly large team and to build a strong(er), sustainable research program within the Department. In some of my spare time outside of work, I enjoy running, with most of the enjoyment coming at the end of the run. I am 5 continents into a quest to run a marathon on all 7 continents and aim to complete them within the next 2 years. I regularly question my choice of hobbies but more frequently during June through September.