Overview
The Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR) seeks to improve knowledge of the muscular dystrophies and other genetic nerve and muscle disorders; develop novel therapeutics for these disorders; and translate these therapies into practice. The vision of CIMR is to be a premier muscular dystrophy center leading the nation in developing genetic precision therapies through informed clinical trials.
Faculty & Staff
Faculty and Staff within the Center for Inherited Muscle Research

Nicholas E. Johnson, M.D., M.Sci., FAAN
Professor and George Bliley Research Chair in Neurology, Vice-Chair for Research, Director, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)

Nicholas E. Johnson, M.D., M.Sci., FAAN
Professor and George Bliley Research Chair in Neurology, Vice-Chair for Research, Director, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)
Department of Neurology
Phone: (804) 628-1624

Samuel Carrell, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Director for the Center for Inherited Myology Research (CIMR)

Samuel Carrell, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Director for the Center for Inherited Myology Research (CIMR)
Department of Neurology
Phone: 804-828-6938
Email: Samuel.Carrell@vcuhealth.org

Ellie Carrell, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)

Ellie Carrell, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)
Neurology
Email: Ellie.Carrell@vcuhealth.org

Alyson Fiorillo, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)

Alyson Fiorillo, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)
Department of Neurology

Melissa Hale, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)

Melissa Hale, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)
Neurology
Email: Melissa.Hale@vcuhealth.org

Amy Harper, M.D.
Professor, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)

Amy Harper, M.D.
Professor, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)
Department of Neurology
Divisions: Child Neurology, Neuromuscular
Phone: (804) 828-7929
Email: Amy.Harper@vcuhealth.org

Christopher Heier, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)

Christopher Heier, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Center for Inherited Muscle Research (CIMR)
Department of Neurology