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Comparative Medicine Institute

Jorge Piedrahita Stepping Down as Co-Director

November 15, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

After almost ten years of serving as the Director or co-Director of the Comparative Medicine Institute, I have made the decision to step down from this position effective June 30, 2025. It has been an incredible journey filled with meaningful accomplishments, and I am fully confident that I leave the CMI well-positioned for continued growth and success.

Leading this institute has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I am deeply grateful for the support I have received from the entire CMI leadership through the years and from each of you. You have inspired me every single day. 

I am also immensely proud of what we as a team have been able to accomplish. Because of your efforts, the CMI of today bears little resemblance to what it was a decade ago. In the past ten years, we have:

  • Created an interdisciplinary network of over 150 faculty members and 160 graduate students and postdocs distributed in over 26 departments, 6 colleges and 3 universities.
  • Developed innovative and impactful training programs for postdoctoral scholars, graduate, and undergraduate students. Created new courses, established new minors, and secured over $9 million in extramural funding through NIH and other training grants to support these programs.
  •  Provided over $3 million in pilot project funding to more than 300 faculty members and 400 graduate students and postdocs, resulting in a greater than 10x return on investment.
  • Launched initiatives like the CATALYZE program, which introduces students and junior faculty to commercialization and entrepreneurship, leading to the creation of both faculty and student startups.
  • Supported junior faculty in developing their leadership skills, with many now in leadership positions and/or spearheading significant initiatives both at NC State and beyond.

In essence, the CMI today is a vibrant and thriving community that profoundly benefits both faculty and students at NC State in countless ways. As I step down, I do so with immense pride in all that we have achieved together. Your dedication and passion have been truly inspiring, and I am genuinely excited to see all that you will accomplish under new leadership.

Thank you all for your unwavering support, encouragement, and shared commitment to excellence. It has been an honor to serve as your Director and co-Director, and I look forward to witnessing the next chapter of the CMI’s journey from a new perspective as an active member of my department and college.

With deep appreciation,

Jorge A. Piedrahita