Duke University School of Medicine is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Dean’s Staff Awards.
These awards recognize staff members who have gone above and beyond in their roles, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, dedication, and passion for their work. Each honoree has made a profound impact on their teams and the broader Duke community.
Dean's Excellence Staff Award
Laurianne Torres
Associate Dean for Research Administration
Laurianne Torres, the most senior staff member for research administration in the School of Medicine, played a central role in helping to reorganize the school’s research enterprise to operate under a single coordinated administrative structure. Her contributions have improved the processes, procedures, and strategies that support the School of Medicine’s essential research activities.
“She not only invests her energy in these transformative changes, she invests her energy in educating, mentoring, and providing growth opportunities for the staff working in this area,” said one nominator. “Laurianne lives our SOM and Duke University values, and we are extremely fortunate to count her as one of our own and part of our leadership team.”
Professionalism and Integrity Staff Award
Joanne Farley
Senior Curriculum Coordinator for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
For more than 14 years, Joanne Farley has played an essential role in organizing, implementing, and continuously improving the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. She oversees all aspects of curriculum operations, and she has been a pivotal contributor to major improvements and advances, including the innovative individualized 2019 DPT curriculum and the successful 10-year CAPTE reaccreditation process.
“While it is an honor to nominate Joanne Farley for this award, it is an even greater honor to work alongside a colleague whose professionalism, integrity, and dedication set a standard for others,” wrote one nominator. “Her organizational skills, collaborative leadership, and unwavering ethical compass have been instrumental in advancing physical therapist education and make her exceptionally deserving of this recognition.”
Community and Culture Impact Staff Award
Tawana Reed
Administrative Manager for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Tawana Reed provides comprehensive administrative and operational leadership to support the academic, financial, and personnel functions of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Division, as well as both the administrative and operational human resources support within the entire department. She consistently exceeds these core responsibilities through her sustained focus on building trust, strengthening staff culture, and modeling inclusive leadership.
“She embodies the spirit of belonging, collaboration, and inclusive leadership in her everyday actions,” wrote one nominator. “She does not simply manage processes; she actively invests in people. Her leadership is defined by exceptional emotional intelligence, fairness, and authenticity.
Valued Service Individual Staff Award
Ashwini Joshi
Research Program Leader in Population Health Sciences
Ashwini Joshi is responsible for overseeing the operational, regulatory, and administrative structure for the Research to Eliminate Global Cancer Disparities (REGAL) team, and she regularly exceeds the expectations of her role, taking on highly complex duties that extend far beyond routine program management. Her leadership and attention to detail ensure that the group’s research operations run smoothly without delays or other complications.
“Her impact is felt daily by faculty, staff, and trainees who rely on her steady leadership, institutional knowledge, and problem-solving skills,” wrote one nominator. “Ashwini does not seek recognition, but her work enhances the lives and effectiveness of those around her in ways that are both tangible and indispensable.”