The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing is pleased to announce the appointment of Lathika Mohanraj, Ph.D., RN, BMTCN, PNAP as co-director of the Biobehavioral Research Lab (BRL), effective July 1. This role highlights the school’s commitment to fostering emerging leadership in biobehavioral research.

In this new position, Mohanraj will work closely with current BRL director, Theresa Swift-Scanlan, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, to oversee the lab’s day-to-day operations. As co-director, she will engage in administrative oversight, support strategic planning, coordinate with research stakeholders, and provide consultation on biomarker services. The role also involves supervision of lab personnel, management of service center contracts and budgets, and ensuring regulatory compliance for lab safety and equipment.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Mohanraj into this new role,” said Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., dean of the VCU School of Nursing. “Her combination of scientific expertise and clinical insight makes her an outstanding fit for this position. I’m grateful for her willingness to join Dr. Swift-Scanlan, whose leadership has been instrumental to the lab’s success, and look forward to seeing how their collaboration will help shape the lab’s future.”

I am passionate about creating a space where researchers, students and trainees feel empowered to explore, innovate and thrive in their scientific pursuits.

Mohanraj brings a unique combination of expertise to the position. With a doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology and a clinical background in nursing, her interdisciplinary research focuses on the biological and clinical outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Her program of research is focused on identifying epigenetic markers and molecular mechanisms that can support early detection and long-term monitoring of patients undergoing cell therapy.

“Dr. Mohanraj has been collaborating with Dr. Swift-Scanlan for several years. It is very gratifying to see their combined and complementary skills working together to prepare the BRL for the next generation of biobehavioral research,” said Amy Salisbury, Ph.D., professor and associate dean of research. “Continuous assessment and incorporation of new technologies and techniques are vital to keeping pace with scientific advancements. Dr. Swift-Scanlan has been exceptional in providing this leadership to the BRL and will now be able to expand these efforts working with Dr. Mohanraj.”

In addition to her new leadership role with the BRL, Mohanraj maintains clinical practice as a certified registered nurse in the Cellular Immunotherapies and Transplant Program at VCU Health and is a member of the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. She also serves as an educator in the School of Nursing, teaching across undergraduate and graduate levels in areas including pathophysiology, pharmacology, and research methods, with a commitment to bridging academic concepts with real-world clinical applications.

“Throughout my tenure at the School of Nursing, the BRL has been instrumental to my research. I have had the privilege of collaborating extensively with the BRL director, Dr. Theresa Swift-Scanlan, whose expertise and partnership have greatly enriched my work,” said Mohanraj. "As I step into the role of co-director, I am committed to advancing the accessibility of molecular and biomarker discovery for researchers both within and beyond VCU. I believe that science thrives through collaboration, and I look forward to building meaningful partnerships that drive innovation and discovery. I am passionate about creating a space where researchers, students and trainees feel empowered to explore, innovate and thrive in their scientific pursuits.”