03/22/2021

Reflections from the President - March 2021

Each year in April, SAVIR welcomes new leadership and acknowledges the service of injury and violence prevention researchers that have contributed to the success of the organization. This year, please join me in congratulating our incoming leadership: President Elect, Dr. Henry Xiang, Treasurer, Dr. Kathleen Carlson, and Board Members, Dr. Cassandra Crifasi, Dr. Sara Jacoby, Ms. Jennifer Tran (Member-at-Large), Dr. Avanti Adhia (Transitional Member), and Ms. Kelsey Conrick (Student Member). We are excited to have their expertise and guidance as the organization moves forward and encourage you to introduce yourselves to them.

We are also indebted to several individuals who will be completing their terms on the Board after serving with distinction. These include Dr. Linda Degutis (Immediate Past President), Dr. Shankar Viswanathan (Treasurer), and Board Members Dr. Renee Johnson, Dr. Christen Rexing, Dr. Shannon Frattaroli (Member-at-Large), Dr. Katelyn Jetelina (Transitional Member), and Ms. Jeanie Santaularia (Student Member). I hope you will take the time to thank your colleagues for their service to the organization and the field.

We would also like to thank Dr. Abdulgafoor Bachani, Director of the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, and Dr. Shannon Frattaroli, Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, for co-chairing the SAVIR 2021 Virtual Conference Planning Committee. They worked tirelessly with a cadre of other SAVIR members to plan this year’s conference  - Injury and Violence Prevention for a Changing World: From Local to Global. This is a great opportunity to see the latest research in the field, to network with colleagues, and to get more involved in SAVIR.

In addition to the conference, I encourage you to take part in the many planned SAVIR activities this year, including SAVIR Grand Rounds, SAVIR Webinar Series, and an upcoming SAVIR Journal Club. And I hope it won’t be too long before we can gather together again in person.

Stay safe and healthy,

Theresa H Cruz, PhD
President, SAVIR