Andrew Balas MD, PhD
Andrew Balas MD, PhD is a Professor of Public Health at Augusta University, Vice President of the Friends of the NIH National Library of Medicine, member of the American College of Medical Informatics and elected member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. His studies about delay and waste in the transfer of research results to health care are frequent reference points in translational research initiatives. The results have been cited by many researchers, policy-makers, and the President of the United States. Currently, he leads the Biomedical Research Innovation Laboratory, a team of researchers conducting ‘science of science’ studies.
Elaine Martin MSLS, DA
Director & Chief Administrative Officer, Countway Library (retired)
Harvard Medical School
Dr. Elaine R. Martin joined Countway Library in 2016 as Director and Chief Administrative Officer. For over 8 years she provided leadership in strategic planning, development and the promotion of library resources and services. In January 2025, Elaine retired after more than 40 years of service within the medical/health sciences library profession. Prior to Countway, Elaine served as Director of the Lamar Soutter Library at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester for 18 years. She also served as the Director of Library Services of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, New England Region, for more than 15 years. Elaine worked closely with the University to embrace best practices and ultimately design the flagship medical library of the 21st century, which culminated in a major renovation to Countway Library from 2019-2023. Elaine will continue participate on the “Research Data Management Librarian Academy” (RDMLA) and “Data Services Continuing Professional Education” (DSCPE) and serve as Project Manager for these online training opportunities.
Janette Blackburn FAIA
Principal
Shepley Bulfinch
I grew up in a family of educators. My mother was a violinist and music teacher, and my father, a leader in the advancement of campus life programs. Their example instilled in me a deep respect for scholarship and an affinity for environments where learning happens. The most interesting aspect of architecture, for me, is crafting spaces that respond to the activity patterns of their occupants. My innate appreciation for the way people interact, learn, and create is what’s steered my focus in higher education work. The dual challenge in designing learning environments is to create memorable spaces that are tailored to their communities, while still flexible enough to evolve as institutional programs and priorities change. Whether it’s big-picture planning, detailed programming, complex problem solving, or creating a bold design gesture, my goal is to build environments that reflect community culture, and respond to the way people live, work, and learn.
Kalyn Pavlinić NCIDQ, LEED AP
Senior Interior Designer, Associate
Shepley Bulfinch
With over 20 years of experience in higher education, science, and healthcare design, I believe spaces hold the power to shape behavior and tell new stories. Partnering closely with my clients, I design environments that not only meet functional needs but also inspire and authentically reflect my clients’ vision, culture, and values.
