The Department of Internal Medicine celebrated its seventh annual Staff Excellence Awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding staff members whose contributions drive the department's mission forward.
This year's event marked a record-breaking nomination cycle, with 35 total nominations submitted across 9 divisions and programs, representing 20 unique nominees. Faculty submitted 14 nominations — an all-time high — reflecting growing engagement from leadership in championing the staff who support their work.
"I could not do half of what I do without the support of our superb Internal Medicine staff," said Department Chair Dr. John Inadomi, who addressed attendees during the ceremony. "You are thoughtful, intelligent, and essential to everything we accomplish."
The selection committee — composed of Enrique Gonzalez, Holly Coleman, Scott Low, Mike Workman, and Kyle Colbert — reviewed nominations evaluated on achievement, collaboration, initiative, and creative problem-solving.
Congratulations to all five awardees and to all 20 nominees recognized this year.
Awardees
Melissa Kemp, BA, CMI
Melissa Kemp serves as an Administrative Assistant with the General Internal Medicine Group, where she has been a valued team member for nearly five years. She began her career at the University of Utah in Pediatrics before moving to Interpreter Services, where she supported patient communication and developed her skills in medical interpreting. She continues to maintain her Spanish proficiency and holds a State Medical Interpreter Certification.
Melissa is known for her dedication, especially during high-demand periods like hiring and scheduling. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Utah.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys quilting, paddleboarding, running, and spending time with her daughter.
Kristina Stratford, MS, PgMP, PMP
Kristina Stratford is a Research Development Associate IV in the Division of Epidemiology, bringing over a decade of experience in research administration and project management. She currently leads a team of six project managers while overseeing more than 25 projects and multiple funding programs.
Kristina is highly skilled in agile, waterfall, and hybrid project management methodologies and is a passionate mentor who encourages continued professional growth. She holds multiple certifications, including PMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP, and DASM.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and a Master of Science in Project Management from USC. In addition to her research role, she teaches project management courses through the University’s Professional Education program.
Outside of work, Kristina enjoys baking, singing in a quartet, and spending time with her dog.
Megan Woo
Megan Woo has been a dedicated member of the Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Facility for nine years. She began her career as a Quality Control Assistant before transitioning into a Quality Assurance role, where she supports the birth tissue program and a range of regenerative medicine initiatives.
Megan is known for her collaborative approach and her ability to help teams navigate complex processes with ease. Her work has contributed significantly to the success and growth of the program.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her young child, cycling, exploring nature, trying new restaurants, and indulging her love of desserts.
Christian Dalton
Christian Dalton is a Statistician in the Division of Epidemiology, having joined the department in 2022 as a Data Manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from Utah Valley University and is currently completing PhD coursework in Biostatistics.
As part of the BRICCSS research team, Christian integrates his expertise in database systems and biostatistics to support infectious disease and antimicrobial stewardship research. His work includes advanced modeling, forecasting, and machine learning applications.
He successfully balances full-time work with full-time doctoral studies. Above all, Christian values his role as a father to his two daughters.
In his free time, he enjoys tennis, going on outdoor activities, and skiing with his family.
Shambrae Will, BS, CCRC
Shambrae Will graduated from the University of Utah and spent over a decade working in mental health before transitioning into research. She now contributes her expertise as a Clinical Research Coordinator.
Shambrae is a dedicated professional and a devoted mother of three. She brings compassion, resilience, and a strong work ethic to both her career and her family life.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors—kayaking, hiking, traveling, and embracing spontaneous adventures with her children and their two Goldendoodles.
Nominees
Cardiovascular Medicine
- John Kirk — Senior Manager, Research Science
- Sirena Estrada — Academic Program Manager
Cellular Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CTRM)
- Megan Woo — PS Regulatory Coordinator, Sr
Epidemiology
- Kristina Stratford — Research Development Associate IV
- Christian Dalton — Clinical Data Manager
- Nwoka Ajinwo — IT Project Manager
- Lindsay Carpenter — Project Lead
Gastroenterology
- Shambrae Will — Clinical Research Coordinator
- Julie Will — Research Staff
General Medicine
- Melissa Kemp — Administrative Assistant
Infectious Diseases
- Kilee Davis — Lab Manager
- Mark Young — Medical Outreach Case Manager
- Nicholas Snow — Nursing Manager
Internal Medicine Administration
- Janet Hood — Financial Manager
- Joshua Daniels — Information Technology Specialist
- Mary Jane Tinnes — Research Manager
- Stacey Kirkland — Program Administrator
Oncology
- Kathleen Stahl — Huntsman at Home Manager
Rheumatology
- Jackson Hill — Administrative Assistant
- Shelly Turner — Office Administrator