UNMC researcher Todd Wyatt, Ph.D., answers questions about his work, life and interests.
NOTE: This profile is part of a series highlighting the 23 researchers who will be honored at an April 6 ceremony for UNMC’s 2009 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator award recipients.
- Name: Todd Wyatt, Ph.D.
- Title: Associate professor of environmental, agricultural and occupational health in the College of Public Health and in the pulmonary division of internal medicine in the College of Medicine; and a research biochemist at the Omaha area VA medical center.
- Joined UNMC: 1995
- Hometown: Blountville, Tenn.
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Todd Wyatt, Ph.D. |
In my lab, we are interested in the mechanisms of lung injury that result from alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and environmental/occupational exposures.
How does your research contribute to science and/or health care?
Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Lung disease is particularly an important clinical problem in the Veterans population. Our VA-funded research seeks to identify the pathophysiology of innate lung defense so that we might better understand how to prevent chronic lung inflammation and reduce existing lung injury exacerbations in those veterans suffering from chronic lung diseases.
Beyond grant funding, how do you measure success?
I feel that anyone privileged to be associated with the best health care delivery system in the United States (the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System) should feel some measure of success. In addition to that, my colleagues and coworkers are the finest people on the planet.
List three things few people know about you.
- I have actually been at UNMC for almost 15 years.
- I have held extramural federal funding from the VA since 1998.
- I used to be a licensed forklift operator in Tennessee.