FRI recently held its Awards Reception at the Residence of FRI’s Vice Chair, Mr. Curtis Decker, J.D. in Baltimore. During the reception several awards were presented to successful nominees.

A new Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to honor distinguished recipients for their significant achievements in research, contributions to science, and service to the community throughout the course of their FRI career. Eligible nominees must have at least 25 years of service, worked at the level of Senior Research Scientist or equivalent, made a lasting impact on the field, and be highly respected by their peers.

Dr. Cathy Reback, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, was selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award by FRI’s Executive Management Committee in recognition of more than 40 years of research examining the intersection of substance use disorders and HIV risk behaviors among sexual and gender minority individuals in community settings. Dr. Carswell highlighted several of Dr. Reback’s many contributions, including her pioneering work linking the rise in HIV infection among sexual minority men to sexual risk behaviors while using methamphetamine, her role as a Co-Investigator on the first epidemiological study of health risks among trans women in Los Angeles County (The Los Angeles Transgender Health Study), and her development of the evidence-based TransAction intervention in 1995—the longest-running service program for trans women in Los Angeles County. Since 1995, her programs have provided interventions to more than 1,000 moderate- and high-risk sexual and gender minority individuals annually, resulting in a database of approximately 25,000 unique and unduplicated cases. Dr. Carswell stated that “she recognizes the vital importance of creating a safe haven where people can come together, connect with others who share similar challenges, and openly share their experiences and struggles. Her unwavering support for those in need is nothing short of inspiring.” It was with great pleasure that FRI awarded Dr. Reback with the first FRI Lifetime Achievement Award.

The FRI Daniel Mendelsohn New Investigator Award was also awarded. Nominees for this award are new investigators whose work advances the mission of FRI to promote health and well-being through research, evidenced by an emerging record of obtaining independent research funding and showing future potential as an independent researcher. 

Courtney Nordeck, Ph.D., Research Scientist, who began working at FRI in 2013 was nominated for this award by Dr. Jan Gryczynski, Vice President and Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Gryczynski stated that “one of the qualities that sets Courtney apart is her mastery of operational details, without losing sight of the big picture. This is an ideal to which many scientists aspire to, but few are able to consistently achieve.” He added that “working with Courtney as a mentor and colleague has been among the most rewarding experiences of my life.” It was with great enthusiasm that FRI awarded Dr. Nordeck with the 2025 FRI Daniel Mendelsohn New Investigator Award.

Eligible nominees for the FRI Mentoring Award are Principal Investigators (PIs) associated with FRI who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, guidance, and encouragement in mentoring scientists who are relatively new to the field of research. The mentor assumes the role of a trusted friend and advisor to their mentee.

Steven Carswell, Ph.D., President and Senior Research Scientist, was nominated for this award by Dr. Karen Alexander, Senior Research Scientist, Dr. Ginnie Sawyer-Morris, Assistant Research Scientist, and Ms. Rachel Woolworth, Project Manager at COG Analytics. Dr. Alexander stated that “what distinguishes Steve as a mentor is his sustained investment in the success of others.” Dr. Sawyer-Morris added that “his mentorship reflects a fundamental belief that everyone deserves the support and resources needed to thrive,” while Ms. Woolworth added that “his humility, servant leadership, and unwavering support have created a workplace culture that is not only productive but also deeply fulfilling.” It was with great pleasure that FRI awarded Dr. Carswell with the 2025 Mentoring Award.

Michael Gordon, D.P.A., Senior Research Scientist, was nominated for this award by Dr. Thomas Blue, Senior Research Scientist, and Dr. Ginnie Sawyer-Morris, Assistant Research Scientist. Dr. Blue stated that Dr. Gordon is “always available, always willing to lend a helping hand or word of encouragement, and always willing to teach others how things are done” and described him as “the model PI.” Dr. Sawyer-Morris added that “he has an ability to balance critical feedback with genuine encouragement, creating an environment where mentees are challenged, supported, and celebrated.” It was with great pleasure that FRI awarded Dr. Gordon with the 2025 Mentoring Award.

Mishka Terplan, M.D., M.P.H., FACOG, DFASAM, Medical Director and Senior Research Scientist, was nominated for this award by Dr. Ginnie Sawyer-Morris, Assistant Research Scientist, and Dr. Karen Alexander, Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Sawyer-Morris stated that “Dr. Terplan has an exceptional ability to see both the transformative potential of an idea and the methodological pathway to achieve it, helping mentees translate big-picture thinking into feasible research aims.” Dr. Alexander added that “it is quite common to be approached at a conference by an early career investigator who not only knows Mishka’s work but has met with or been mentored by Mishka in some way. He is genuinely curious about others and meets his mentees where they are.” It was with great pleasure that FRI awarded Dr. Terplan with the 2025 Mentoring Award.

Eligible nominees for the FRI Employee Service Award are FRI employees who have had at least 10 years of service with FRI, exhibit outstanding work performance as well as dedication and loyalty to FRI, and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

Ms. Kristi Dusek, M.Div., Project Manager, who began her career at FRI in 2010, was nominated for the FRI Employee Service Award by Dr. Jan Gryczynski, Vice President and Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Gryczynski described Ms. Dusek as “widely well-liked” adding that she is “always willing to help others. She is dependable, especially when it matters. She has been known to literally work around the clock to ensure that we meet an important deadline.” Dr. Gryczynski stated that “the organization as a whole has been enriched by her dedication and spirit.” It was with great pleasure that FRI awarded Ms. Dusek with the 2025 FRI Employee Service Award.