Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) Dean Jean R. Sumner, M.D., FACP, announced that Christy Chancy Bridges, Ph.D., has been appointed associate dean of graduate programs, effective July 1.

This new role reflects MUSM’s recent expansion of its graduate program offerings with Ph.D. programs in rural health sciences and biomedical sciences. In addition to these doctoral programs, Dr. Bridges will oversee the Master of Science in preclinical sciences and Master of Family Therapy programs.

“Dr. Bridges has done an outstanding job as interim dean of biomedical sciences,” said Dr. Sumner. “I am certain she will be a superb dean for the graduate programs across the School of Medicine.”

Dr. Bridges, a professor of histology, also serves as director of MUSM’s Ph.D. in biomedical sciences program and has been serving as interim chair of the biomedical sciences department since 2022. She served as director of the Master of Science in preclinical sciences program from 2018-25. She joined the MUSM faculty in 2006.

Dr. Bridges earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Berry College and her Ph.D. in cellular biology from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. She completed postdoctoral training at the Medical College of Georgia in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and at MUSM in the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Bridges’ laboratory studies environmental toxicants, with a particular emphasis on the effects of mercury exposure. Her research has been widely published and supported by grants from numerous organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and Navicent Health Foundation.

“I am excited to take on this new role where I can work with each program to provide a strong, supportive academic environment for our graduate students and faculty,” said Dr. Bridges. “I look forward to watching our students become leaders and advocates for the residents of rural Georgia.”