Our mission
A marine scientist flies drones off the coast of North Carolina to gather data on native bonnethead sharks. A psychologist offers treatment to women and children addicted to opium in Afghanistan. A historian leads the nation in biographies on Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
These are UNC-Chapel Hill’s researchers, and we are UNC Research Stories — the publication that introduces you to them. Committed to showcasing Carolina’s best science, we use well-crafted stories and vibrant visuals to immerse you in our inspiring research.
Why is requiring police officers to wear body cameras more complicated than it sounds? What happens when a marine scientist teams up with a local fisherman? Why does a nuclear laboratory have a collection of empty champagne bottles? Can virtual reality change the way we communicate?
Browse through our stories and you’ll see why UNC-Chapel Hill is one of the leading research institutions in the nation. You’ll get a glimpse of the people who make Carolina research so special, and a new perspective on the way the world works. Thanks for reading.
-the UNC Research Stories team
Meet the Team
Layla Dowdy
Layla Dowdy develops and executes communication strategy for the Office of Research Communications, which publishes UNC Research Stories. In her role as director, she oversees content production that aims to increase awareness of the value and impact of Carolina’s research accomplishments.
When she’s not promoting Carolina research, she’s dutifully fulfilling her unpaid role as a Little League/musical theater/soccer/(reluctant) dance mom.
Alyssa LaFaro
Alyssa LaFaro oversees content creation for both the digital and print editions of UNC Research Stories. She produces multimedia stories on a variety of topics, but especially enjoys writing about environmental science, culture, and passionate scientists.
She loves reading, cooking, vintage fashion and home décor, lifting weights, and making stained glass.
Darren Abrecht
Darren Abrecht is the webmaster of endeavors.unc.edu, contributing to everything from backend administration to content editing.
He knows a little about lots of things and a lot about nothing. A fan of cool old junk, science fiction, the visual arts, and the outdoors, he lives in Durham with his son.
Carleigh Gabryel
Carleigh Gabryel helps manage communications from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and contributes content ideas for the digital and print editions of UNC Research Stories.
She loves being outdoors, traveling as often as possible and collecting new recipes to enjoy with her husband.
Ben Kaminsky
Ben Kaminsky assists with web projects within the Office of Research Communications. Ben also is the lead developer for the One UNC Clinical Research website, bringing together both UNC main campus and the UNC hospital system.
As a avid record collector, he’s known for cheerfully coaxing his loving wife into every record store he passes. He can be found spending time with his two dogs, Mac and Hank, and cat, Ted
Megan Mendenhall
Megan is the lead photographer/videographer for the Office of Research Communications. She’s spent the past two decades in higher education, photographing everything from student life to athletics to research.
In her free time, she enjoys sketching, roller skating, exploring North Carolina’s beaches, and spending time with her family.
Corina Prassos
Corina Prassos has been designing since she was 14, after receiving her first design software. From illustrations to web design, layouts to infographics, Corina is in charge of branding for UNC Research and UNC Research Stories.
She enjoys thrifting, making things with her hands, going on adventures with her wife, and snuggling her cats.
Maggie McIntyre
Maggie is a fourth-year journalism student minoring in environmental science. Her love for the outdoors has led her to telling science stories that spark a similar sense of wonder. While she's not writing or behind a camera, Maggie loves climbing, hiking, and playing pickleball.