The designation honors sustained contributions to clinical and translational science and highlights leaders whose work has advanced research, collaboration, education and innovation across the field. Dr. Messinger was honored during the FACTS Dinner held on April 22 as part of the 2026 conference.
Through her leadership, Dr. Messinger has supported the design and implementation of translational studies across a wide range of clinical and public health disciplines. Her work has contributed to NIH- and foundation-funded research in areas including type 1 diabetes, COVID-19 and chronic kidney disease, as well as multiple FDA-approved and investigational clinical trials.
She currently serves as director of the Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design Program for the Miami Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), a role she has held since 2012.
“Dr. Messinger's recognition as a Fellow of ACTS is a testament to the caliber of scholarship and service that defines her work in our department. For over two decades, she has been a cornerstone of biostatistical excellence at the University of Miami, not only advancing the rigor of translational research through the Miami CTSI but also investing deeply in the next generation of biostatisticians and data scientists,” said Kathryn McCollister, Ph.D., professor and chair of the department.
“We are incredibly proud to have her as a colleague and leader in the department, and this honor by ACTS reflects what those of us who work alongside her have known for years,” she added.
Dr. Messinger's scholarship has focused on advancing statistical practice, workforce development and inclusivity in clinical research. Her work has appeared in journals such as the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science and Academic Medicine.
In addition to her research leadership, Dr. Messinger has played an active role in mentorship and training. She is co-principal investigator of the NIH-funded Florida Summer Institute for Research Education in Biostatistics & Data Science and has mentored more than 40 M.S. and Ph.D. students throughout her career.
“This recognition reflects many years of collaborative work,” Dr. Messinger said. “I’m grateful to have contributed to strengthening research infrastructure at the University of Miami and the Miami CTSI while working alongside outstanding colleagues, investigators and trainees. Clinical and translational science depends on strong collaboration across disciplines, and I’m honored to be recognized for work that has focused on research, mentorship and team science.”
Nationally, Dr. Messinger has held several leadership positions within ACTS and the broader biostatistics community, including service on the ACTS Board of Directors, chair of the Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design Special Interest Group and chair of the American Statistical Association Committee on Women in Statistics.
“My heartfelt congratulations on this wonderful honor,” said Margie Jimenez, M.A., CRA, assistant chair. “It’s truly inspiring to see your hard work and dedication being recognized in such a prominent way.”
The distinction highlights Dr. Messinger’s longstanding contributions to translational science, collaborative research and mentorship within the field of biostatistics.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published May 8, 2026.
